Nursing Home Negligence and Abuse in El Paso: What Can Be Done?

A nursing home should be a place that provides tranquility and care for the elderly after a long and fruitful life. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Studies have found that nearly 25% of nursing home residents have experienced physical abuse in an elderly care facility. If you or a loved one has experienced abuse or neglect in a nursing home in El Paso, you need justice. An El Paso nursing home negligence attorney can help. Our team at Carabin Shaw wholeheartedly believes the elderly should be treated fairly, especially in the trusted hands of caretakers in a nursing home. We proudly stand up for victims of nursing home negligence and abuse in El Paso.

A branch of the Department of Health called the Administration of Aging defines elderly abuse as the intentional, knowing, or negligent act(s) by a caregiver that harms a vulnerable adult or puts them at serious risk. Knowing what elderly abuse and neglect looks like is vital for the well-being of your loved one:

1. Emotional or Psychological Abuse - Although hard to define, actions that can cause emotional or psychological abuse include criticizing, yelling, name-calling, shaming, or any form of humiliation of the elderly patient. If your loved one begins to exhibit anxiety, fearful behavior, refusal of visitors, or withdrawal from friends, these may be signs of emotional abuse.
2. Physical Abuse - Physical abuse occurs through direct action such as hitting or neglect that leads to sickness and poor health. Some signs of physical abuse and neglect include unexplained bruising, bedsores, dehydration, broken bones, infections, concussions, weight loss or gain, and wounds. If you notice any signs of physical abuse, contact a lawyer.
3. Financial Exploitation - Sometimes, caretakers take advantage of the elderly by stealing their money. This could include cashing a check without their permission, stealing a resident’s possessions or money, manipulating a resident into signing a will or contract, or improperly using the power of attorney. Any unexplained changes in assets should be taken as a red flag.
4. Sexual Abuse - Sexual abuse is when any unwanted sexual attention or activity occurs. Elderly with dementia or who are otherwise unable to express themselves are especially at risk. If you notice any warning signs such as the contraction of STDs or genital pain or bleeding, consult an attorney immediately.
5. Abandonment - Abandonment is when a nursing home is unable to provide adequate care to the elderly. Oftentimes, this is due to being understaffed. Abandonment takes many forms, including leaving a patient who has fallen, failure to give prescribed medication, and failure to respond to a patient’s call-bell, among others. Elder abuse lawyers in El Paso can further help you understand abandonment and how to fight it.

Nursing home neglect and abuse are pervasive in El Paso. It’s important to know what it looks like, then contact El Paso elder abuse lawyers as soon as possible. The nursing home negligence statute of limitations in Texas is two years, so it’s imperative to file a lawsuit within that window to get justice for your loved one.

Nursing home negligence Texas is wrong. Case after case, Carabin Shaw has fought for victims abused in nursing homes. If you or a loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse, you need an attorney that can fight for you. No one can do that like we can.

If you’re thinking, “who’s the best nursing home lawyer near me,” you’ve found them. Carabin Shaw has won hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients, which is why we are who you want for your nursing home abuse lawyers in Texas. Get in touch with the lawyer who is right for you today. Call Carabin Shaw at 915-779-2301.