Victim of Nursing Home Abuse in Norwalk, CT? Injury? We Can Help

There are around 1.4 million people living in nursing homes across the U.S, according to the Nursing Home Abuse Center. People live in nursing homes for a variety of reasons; some require medical care and others may have cognitive disorders that also require assisted living. But there are also many nursing home residents that don’t have significant health issues; almost 20% of nursing home residents have no activities of daily living (ADL) impairment.

The National Council of Aging reported that approximately 1 in 10 Americans aged 60+ have experienced some form of elder abuse; some estimates range as high as 5 million elders who are abused each year.

Nursing abuse complaints also increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Social isolation is one of the factors that make older populations more vulnerable, according to the NCOA.

Duke Han, a professor of family medicine at the University of Southern California who researches elder abuse, wrote in a paper released in April that the “negative health effects of isolation and loneliness in old age will undoubtedly intensify during this pandemic, and social isolation has been established as one of the strong predictors of elder abuse.”

In September, a grand jury in Massachusetts indicted two former nursing home leaders for criminal neglect charges, following an investigation that revealed “substantial errors and failures” that likely contributed to a worsened COVID-19 outbreak: the same outbreak that killed at least 76 veterans earlier this year. The alleged neglect occurred at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home in Massachusetts, pictured below.

“Wash and Clinton were responsible for the decision to combine 42 veterans – some COVID-19 positive, and others not even showing any symptoms of COVID – into a single unit that usually accommodates 25 beds,” said Massachusetts State Attorney General Maura Healy.

If you or a loved one is a nursing home abuse victim in Norwalk, CT, our experienced personal injury attorneys at Lemberg Law are equipped to get you the compensation you deserve. We understand that being a victim of abuse can result in serious impacts on your health and finances; which is why you may need help as soon as possible.

Navigating nursing homes or assistant-living facilities that may be at fault for you or your loved one’s injury can be a scary and frustrating experience, but it doesn’t have to be. For 13 years, Lemberg Law has made legal representation a pain-free and easily accessible process. We have successfully recovered more than $50 million in damages for more than 25,000 clients across the nation. Our track record speaks for itself.

You may be compensated for damages or losses associated with nursing home abuse, which can include but are not limited to:

• Medical expense reimbursements
• Payment of lost wages
• Compensation for future medical costs
• Payment for future earnings
• Damages for pain and suffering

Health Effects of Elder Abuse

Nursing home neglect and abuse can have significant impact on the health of victims. Heath effects from nursing home abuse can range from emotional changes to physical injuries. Common injuries of nursing home abuse include:

• Bruises, lacerations, skin tears, broken bones, etc.
• Bedsores/ pressure ulcers
• Excessive use of restraints
• Dehydration
• Malnutrition
• Hygiene issues
• Insomnia/ sleep loss
• Personality changes
• Incorrect medication dosages given or received; other medication complications such as ineffective medications or excessive side effects
• Death

Findings from a study conducted by the Chicago Health and Aging Project (CHAP) discovered that elder self-neglect and abuse reported to social services agencies were associated with increased risk of mortality.

How can nursing abuse be prevented?

The Nursing Home Abuse Center’s website shared a number ways to prevent elder abuse. If you are loved one or bystander, help prevent nursing abuse by:

• “Being aware of the different types and signs of elder abuse
• Calling their loved one regularly
• Immediately bringing concerns about an elder’s care to staff or other authorities
• Thoroughly researching a potential nursing home and checking for red flags
• Visiting regularly”

Nursing homes can prevent nursing abuse by:

• “Creating solid patient care policies and procedures
• Fostering frequent visits from volunteers and social workers
• Installing quality monitoring systems
• Regularly training employees on elder abuse and neglect issues”

FAQs about Nursing Home Abuse

What should you do if your loved one has experienced nursing home abuse?

First and foremost, you should remove your loved one from the abusive situation. If you are concerned about the physical condition of a loved one or if they are in life-threatening, immediate danger, call 911 for help.

Where do you report nursing home abuse?

To report the abuse, contact a local Adult Protective services office, your local nursing home ombudsman, or the police.

What is the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program designed to do?

In every state, including Connecticut, there is a long term care ombudsman program that works to improve the quality of life and care that residents receive in nursing homes, residential care facilities, and assisted living communities. The program receives and looks into complaints, educates residents and families about their rights, provides information regarding long-term care programs and serves, and more.

How much compensation am I entitled to?

No two claims are the same. How much you may receive in damages depends on a variety of factors, such as who is at fault and the sum cost of your injuries. The effects of an injury also vary from person to person. Once our lawyers get all of the necessary information from you, we will evaluate your case tailored to your needs. We provide personalized representation to our clients and make sure to keep them informed about any updates in their case.