Why Hire Callahan & Blaine for Your Nursing Home Abuse Case?
- The attorneys at Callahan & Blaine have a history of success helping clients that dates back more than 35 years.
- We focus on providing individualized service for every client that we take, which means that nursing home abuse victims and their families will receive one-on-one assistance from our attorneys.
- We take Irvine nursing home abuse cases on a contingency fee basis, which means that our clients will not have to pay any legal fees until after we obtain the compensation they deserve.
How Can an Irvine Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Help?
Nursing home abuse cases can become incredibly challenging, particularly when families are left going up against well-funded nursing home operators and their legal teams. However, when victims work with a skilled Irvine personal injury attorney experienced in nursing home abuse cases, they are gaining an advocate with the resources necessary to fully investigate the case. A nursing home abuse lawyer in Irvine can:
- Obtain any evidence needed to prove liability, including video or photo surveillance, nursing home employment records, statements from eyewitnesses, medical records, and more.
- Work with law enforcement officials and state regulators to ensure that the situation is handled appropriately at all levels.
- Handle all communication and negotiation with other parties involved in an effort to reach a fair settlement for the abuse victim.
- Fully prepare to take the case to trial have necessary to ensure the client is treated fairly.
Types of Abuse in Nursing Homes
There are various types of abuses that can occur inside of a nursing home. This can include the following:
- Physical abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Emotional and psychological abuse
- Financial abuse
- Neglect
- Abandonment
The National Institute on Aging goes in-depth on the types of abuse that can occur inside of a nursing home setting. Additionally, elder abuse is not relegated to nursing homes. This type of abuse can also occur in an in-home setting. If you believe your elderly loved one has experienced any of the aforementioned types of abuse, speak with an Irvine nursing home abuse attorney at Callahan & Blaine as soon as possible to learn your legal rights.
Causes of Nursing Home Abuse
There are various factors that contribute to elderly abuse, particularly abuse that occurs in nursing homes. While there is no excuse for any person to harm any individual under their care, the following factors can contribute to this type of abuse:
- Lack of training or supervision at a nursing home facility
- Understaffing at the nursing home
- Nursing home worker burnout
- Corporate decisions to maximize profit at the expense of resident care
- Greed of nursing home staff members or residents (particularly for financial abuse)
Warning Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
There are various signs that family members and friends need to be aware of that could indicate their loved one has been abused inside of a nursing home.
PHYSICAL SIGNS OF NURSING HOME ABUSE
Some of the most common indicators of physical abuse inside of a nursing home include:
- Falls that repeatedly go unexplained
- Strange marks or sores around the genitals, buttocks, or breasts areas
- Unexplained bruises, broken bones, or cuts
- Bedsores that do not heal or reoccur frequently
- Frequent illnesses or infections
- Signs of dehydration or malnourishment
EMOTIONAL SIGNS OF NURSING HOME ABUSE
Some are the most common indicators of abuse will not be physical, but will be present in the emotional and psychological state of a nursing home resident. Some of the most common signs of abuse that loved ones need to be aware of include:
- The resident showing fear or anxiety around particular staff members
- Sudden or unexplained changes in mood
- Unexplained signs of anxiety or fear
- New or sudden onset of depression
How Do You Report Abuse in a Nursing Home?
Any person who notices signs of abuse must report them to the proper authorities immediately to ensure that the behavior ceases and does not happen again. For emergency medical or criminal incidents, family members or victims should call 911 right away and request assistance. EMS and law enforcement personnel will be able to assist with dangerous situations and provide health care as needed.
Additionally, any person who knows of or suspects that an elderly person is being abused in Irvine needs to contact the Orange County Adult Protective Services office. This office can be reached by calling 714-241-4444.
Finally, as you seek to understand your rights as you are dealing with nursing home abuse, you should contact the Orange County Ombudsman. This office can help you gain extra assistance in these situations, and they can be reached by calling 714-241-4444.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Nursing Home Abuse in California?
Family members and victims of nursing home abuse in California need to be aware that there is a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit in these cases. The California personal injury statute of limitations is two years from the date an injury occurs. For any abuse that involves an injury, the claim must be filed within two years, or the victim will lose the ability to recover the compensation they are entitled to. Don’t miss your deadline to file. Speak with a nursing home abuse lawyer in Irvine, CA today.
Compensation for Nursing Home Abuse Victims
There may be various types of compensation available to victims of nursing home abuse. This can include, but is not limited to, the following:
- Complete coverage of any medical bills caused by the abuse
- Compensation to relocate to a new facility if necessary
- Coverage of care at the current facility
- Loss of quality of life damages
- Pain and suffering damages
- Possible punitive damages against a grossly negligent nursing home operator or owner
Free Consultation With a Nursing Home Abuse Attorney in Irvine, CA
If you have discovered that your loved one has been the victim of abuse at a nursing home in Irvine, seek legal assistance as soon as possible. At Callahan & Blaine, our nursing home abuse attorneys have extensive experience handling complex elder abuse cases, and we have the resources necessary to conduct a complete investigation into the situation. We understand how difficult these situations can be, both financially and emotionally. You do not have to go through this alone, and we want to help your loved one as well. When you need a legal help, you can contact us online for a free consultation of your case or calling our local law office at 888-284-0809.
