Our Personal Injury Lawyers Advocate for Your Loved One’s Dignity
Benoit Law Firm, PLLC, offers personalized and compassionate legal representation if your loved one suffers from negligence or abuse at their nursing home in Murfreesboro or its surrounding areas. Our team is committed to finding an effective legal solution to protect your loved one’s rights and help your family move through these challenging times.
If you suspect that your loved one is the victim of neglect or abuse and speaking to them does not provide you with an acceptable explanation, we recommend that you contact us so we can evaluate your situation. Our Tennessee personal injury lawyers can help you reach out to the appropriate agencies and build a strong case to support your family member.
Has your loved one been the victim of nursing home negligence or abuse in Murfreesboro or its surrounding areas? Contact Benoit Law Firm, PLLC, today at (877) 600-7212 to schedule a free consultation,
How to Recognize Nursing Home Negligence and Abuse
Learning to recognize signs of potential elderly abuse and neglect can help you watch out for your loved ones at their nursing home. Keep in mind that establishments may want to cover up what happened or even blame your relative.
The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) defines this type of abuse as a caregiver’s intentional acts or negligence “that may lead to or actually harm a vulnerable elder person.” Although you may have done your due diligence and thoroughly researched the nursing home for your loved one, certain establishments prioritize profits over their residents’ well-being.
Common types of nursing home mistreatment are:
- Neglect
- Emotional abuse
- Physical abuse
- Chemical restraint
- Sexual abuse
- Financial abuse
Although more than one type of abuse may occur and some warning signs may overlap across categories, seeking answers when you discover any can make a positive difference for your loved one if their caregivers are abusing or neglecting them.
Physical warning signs of abuse or negligence include:
- Malnutrition and dehydration
- Poor hygiene
- Unexplained bruises, bleeding, sprains, and/or fractures
- Regular falls
- Bedsores
If your loved one explains an injury in a way that lacks credibility, or refuses to see a doctor for any physical injury, mistreatment may have occurred.
You also want to watch out for psychological or emotional behaviors such as:
- Withdrawing from others
- Giving up on hobbies
- Depression or anxiety symptoms
- Agitation
- Confusion
- Sleep issues
Your loved one may also exhibit other unexplained behavioral changes or refuse to answer your questions.
Missing money or legal documents may be a sign of financial abuse. Similarly, if you see signatures that look forged or find unpaid bills, you should seek an explanation to check whether your loved one may be dealing with financial abuse.
Your Legal Options Against Nursing Home Negligence in Tennessee
Nursing home staff members have the legal obligation to provide their residents with reasonable care to support their physical and mental health. If you suspect that your loved one is experiencing mistreatment, you should reach out to us and the appropriate authorities. Reporting an incident as soon as possible is important because you only have one year to do so under the state’s statute of limitations.
Tennessee laws grant nursing home residents several rights, including:
- Privacy for their personal care and medical treatment
- Privacy when receiving visitors
- Freedom from chemical and physical restraints
- Suing the facility through the civil court system in cases of negligence, abuse, or exploitation
The Adult Protection Act allows a nursing home negligence or abuse victim to receive compensatory damages for financial loss, medical bills, or emotional trauma.
When we review your loved one’s situation, our attorneys not only check for the information you provided, but also work with the authorities, expert witnesses, and medical professionals. This helps us find an effective course of action to help your family member and estimate how much you may obtain in financial compensation.
At Benoit Law Firm, PLLC, our Tennessee nursing home negligence attorneys accompany you at every step of the legal process. Whether we can resolve the case through negotiation or trial, our goal is to get your loved one the justice they deserve.
Contact Benoit Law Firm, PLLC, today at (877) 600-7212 to schedule your complimentary consultation with our Tennessee nursing home negligence lawyers.