Should I Contact a Lawyer if I Suspect Nursing Home Negligence?

Did you know that approximately 1in 10 American adults over the age of 60 have experienced some form of elder abuse? If that statistic sounds shocking to you, it’s probably because most cases of elder abuse are never formally reported—meaning it’s no surprise that most people do not know the true extent of this epidemic. Nursing home negligence is a form of elder abuse that occurs when a caregiver fails to provide an elderly person in their care with life’s basic necessities. It’s estimated that 14% of elder abuse cases involve some form of neglect, which is all too common in nursing homes. If your loved one is currently living in a nursing home in McAllen and you suspect they are not being well cared for, you may be wondering, “Should I contact a lawyer if I suspect nursing home negligence?” You may also be wondering how to choose a lawyer.

Fortunately, our team is here to give you the information you need to decide your next steps if you suspect McAllen nursing home negligence.

• Dehydration

The most common form of nursing home neglect is dehydration. Dehydration can worsen existing illnesses and can cause new health complications among nursing home residents, so it should be taken very seriously. Signs of acute dehydration include thirst, dry or pale skin, dry mouth, and canker sores. Overhydration can lead to disorientation, irritability, low blood pressure, ragged breathing, and confusion.

• Malnutrition

If your loved one is not getting their nutritional needs met, they may become malnourished. Keep an eye out for sudden or severe weight loss, glassy or red eyes, muscular problems, cognitive difficulties, and dull or yellowed skin.

• Behavioral Changes

If your loved one is suddenly becoming withdrawn or non-communicative, you should know that this is common among abuse victims. McAllen elder abuse lawyers can help if you are suspicious of abuse and / or negligence.

• Bedsores

Pressure ulcers, or bedsores, are the result of prolonged pressure on a particular area of the body and are frequently considered to be indicators of McAllen nursing home negligence. Bedsores are preventable, and they are most often caused by long periods of immobility. Bedsores may be a signal that caregivers are not repositioning patients or changing bedding as often as they should.

• Poor hygiene

It is the responsibility of the caregiver to ensure that residents have access to proper hygiene. Poor hygiene can be the result of inadequate staffing or resources at the nursing home facility, and should be reported to prevent the spread of disease.

• Unexplained injuries

If your loved one develops bruises, skin abrasions, or lacerations that are not adequately explained—or if they are frequently getting hurt—this could be a sign of mistreatment or inadequate supervision.

Absolutely. A qualified nursing home negligence lawyer in McAllen can help you determine whether or not you have sufficient evidence to pursue a nursing home negligence claim. And a good lawyer will offer you a free initial consultation, so you have nothing to lose by making a call.

At Carabin Shaw, our attorneys have a combined 200 years of legal experience and have been handling nursing home negligence claims for more than two decades. We can help you determine your best course of action, and we can help you build a strong nursing home negligence claim if you decide to pursue legal action.

To schedule your free initial consultation with one of our McAllen nursing home negligence lawyers, call our office serving McAllen at 956-664-7255 to speak with an attorney. Don’t wait—find out what our McAllen elder abuse lawyers at Carabin Shaw can do for you today.