Virginia Elder/Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

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In the state of Virginia , there are roughly 30,000 people living in approximately 277 nursing homes across the state. In places like Virginia and across the United States, nursing home abuse is on the rise. The National Center On Elder Abuse reports that more than 50% of America's 18,000+ nursing homes are understaffed, leads to stress and frustration among staff members who are already involved in delicate and stressful situations as caregivers. This, combined with numerous other factors, can lead to elder/nursing home abuse, which occurs in roughly 30% of all nursing homes across America. In the span of 24 months alone, early in the new millennium, there were more than 9,000 instances of abuse reported across America.

Elder abuse is a term used to describe the mistreatment and/or neglect of older adults. According to the World Health Organization, elder abuse is a single, or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to an older person.

Elder/nursing home abuse presents itself in many different forms, and can range from physical, sexual, and psychological abuse to malnutrition, financial exploitation and pure neglect. If you have made the difficult decision to place a family member in a nursing home, you and your family member shouldn't have to suffer through any type of neglect or abuse at the hands of a caregiver or even other residents.

There are some signs and symptoms that provide proof of elderly abuse or neglect. Signs of abuse are frequently obvious or visible one, so that you will be able to notice them right away. Broken bones, bruises, cuts, scars and bed sores are strong signs that abuse is taking place. The signs of neglect may be a bit harder to notice because the injuries aren't as visual. Neglect includes providing insufficient food and water, infrequent bathing or other hygiene-related activities, failure to change the resident's undergarments in a timely fashion, and failure to provide the proper assistance to residents who are not self-sufficient.

A loved one may be hesitant or unwilling to speak about these abuses, for fear of retaliation or embarrassment. You should closely monitor not only your loved one's physical well-being, but also their emotional state as well, as this can be a telling reflection of the standard of care they are receiving.

Elder abuse can also occur outside of a nursing home setting, whether the care is being provided by a relative, an associate or a paid companion. In the home, abuse can include the desertion of an elderly person, who is not self-sufficient, for such a length of time that they are likely to endanger their own well-being.

An act of negligence, abuse or neglect of an elderly person may result in one of or all of the following courses of action:
an investigation by an adult protective services agency
a civil suit for damages
criminal prosecution

If you suspect that someone you love has been abused or mistreated in a Virginia nursing home, you should contact a Virginia elder/nursing home abuse lawyer or attorney. If you or someone you love has suffered any kind of abuse in a Virginia nursing home, you should contact a Virginia elder/nursing home abuse lawyer or attorney immediately.

A Virginia elder/nursing home abuse lawyer or attorney will offer a free nursing home abuse consultation where they will evaluate your case, explain your legal rights, and assess any damages they feel you are entitled to as a result of any abuse or neglect caused by a Virginia nursing home. A Virginia elder/nursing home abuse lawyer or attorney will also be well-versed in Virginia nursing home abuse laws, so they will be well-equipped to argue your case.

If you are ready to contact a Virginia elder/nursing home abuse lawyer or attorney, visit the American Bar Association ( ABA ) website. The site features a lawyer locator search function that can help you locate a Virginia elder/nursing home abuse lawyer.

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