Nursing Home Abuse Attorney in Fort Collins
Is your loved one suffering from nursing home neglect in Fort Collins, Colorado? Nursing home neglect and abuse can cause serious harm, so it’s crucial to act quickly to protect your loved one’s rights and well-being. At The Wilhite Law Firm, we understand the devastating impact of institutional neglect and can help you demand accountability. Our Fort Collins nursing home abuse lawyer can help.
Contact us today for a free initial consultation so we can help you pursue the justice and financial compensation your loved one deserves.
What Are the Types of Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse?
It’s important to understand the different types of nursing home neglect and abuse so you can recognize the signs and take appropriate action.
The main types of neglect and abuse in nursing homes include:
- Physical abuse – This involves intentionally inflicting physical harm on a resident. Physical abuse can also involve improper use of restraints or force-feeding.
- Emotional abuse – Emotional abuse includes verbal assaults, threats, humiliation, isolation, and intimidation.
- Sexual abuse – Any non-consensual sexual contact or activity with a nursing home resident is sexual abuse.
- Neglect – This includes any failure on the caregiver’s part to provide necessary care, leading to harm or distress. Neglect can include inadequate medical care, poor hygiene, and lack of assistance with daily activities.
- Financial exploitation – This includes unauthorized use of a resident’s funds, assets, or healthcare coverage.
What Signs of Nursing Home Neglect Should I Watch For?
Protecting your elderly loved ones requires recognizing the signs of nursing home abuse or neglect.
Physical nursing home abuse signs to watch for include:
- Unexplained fractures, bruises, cuts, or burns
- Sudden weight loss or gain
- Dehydration or malnutrition
- Poor personal hygiene
- Bedsores
- Untreated medical conditions
- Frequent infections
- Signs of restraint, such as marks on wrists or ankles
Common psychological signs of elder abuse include:
- Unusual changes in behavior
- Withdrawal from social activities
- Fearfulness around certain staff members
- Anxiety, depression, or mood swings
- Changes in sleep patterns
Signs of possible elder sexual abuse include:
- Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
- Genital injuries or infections
- Troubles walking or sitting
More general signs of nursing home abuse can include:
- Sudden changes in financial status
- Inaccurate medical records or billing
- Unauthorized withdrawals from bank accounts
- Overmedication or lack of necessary medication
- Dirty or unsanitary living conditions
- Lack of necessities, such as food, water, or clothing
- Isolation from family, friends, or social activities
How Does Nursing Home Neglect Happen in Fort Collins?
Nursing home neglect happens when caregivers fail to provide the necessary care and attention elderly residents need. This neglect can stem from various issues within the facility. Staffing shortages are a common cause since overworked staff might not have the time or energy to meet every resident’s needs. Inadequate staff training can also result in neglect, as poorly trained caregivers might not know how to care for residents properly or recognize signs of distress.
Poor management and oversight can contribute to neglect, as well. If facility administrators don’t enforce standards and monitor the quality of their staff’s care, nursing home residents can suffer from a lack of proper nutrition, hygiene, and medical attention. Additionally, residents can suffer if nursing homes lack essential resources, such as medical supplies and clean facilities.
Neglect can lead to severe consequences, such as malnutrition, dehydration, infections, and a decline in overall health. Even when nursing home staff do not intend to cause harm, the results of their neglect can be devastating for residents. Our Fort Collins nursing home abuse lawyer can help.
What Should I Do If I Believe My Loved One Is a Victim of Neglect?
If you believe your loved one is experiencing nursing home neglect or abuse in Fort Collins, immediate action is essential to protecting their well-being. Here’s what you should do:
- Ensure immediate safety – If the situation is urgent and your loved one’s safety is at risk, remove them from the facility immediately and seek medical attention if necessary.
- Document everything – Take detailed notes on signs of abuse or neglect, including dates, times, and descriptions of the incidents. Photographs and videos can provide strong evidence.
- Talk to other residents and families – Ask other residents and their families whether they have noticed similar issues or suspect abuse. Their testimonies could strengthen your case.
- Contact a lawyer – Talk to a skilled nursing home neglect attorney. They can offer dependable advice throughout the legal process and help you protect your loved one’s rights.
- File a complaint with authorities – Report the abuse or neglect to the appropriate state regulatory agency, such as Colorado Adult Protective Services (APS). They can investigate the facility and take necessary actions.
What Types of Damages Can I Recover with a Nursing Home Abuse Claim?
If your loved one experiences nursing home neglect or abuse in Colorado, you have the right to seek compensation for their suffering.
The types of financial damages you can claim in a nursing home abuse case include:
- Medical bills – The costs of any medical care to treat the effects of neglect or abuse should be covered.
- Pain and suffering – Compensation may include money for any physical pain and emotional distress caused by neglect or abuse.
- Loss of enjoyment of life – Your loved one can be compensated for the loss of their overall quality of life and an inability to engage in favorite activities.
- Wrongful death – Compensation may be available if your loved one died due to the neglect or abuse.
Is There a Time Limit in Colorado for Filing a Nursing Home Neglect Lawsuit?
You have two years to file a nursing home abuse lawsuit in Colorado. If you wait too long, you could lose your right to seek justice and compensation. This two-year deadline is strict, so you should contact a nursing home abuse lawyer immediately. Your nursing home abuse attorney needs to start investigating your case and gathering evidence quickly so they can file your claim on time.
Contact a Fort Collins Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer
If someone close to you has suffered from nursing home neglect in Fort Collins, take action now. Contact The Wilhite Law Firm for a free consultation. Our dedicated nursing home abuse attorneys will listen to your concerns, provide clear guidance, and fight for your family’s rights.