Elder Abuse - Physical

The experienced attorneys at Needham, Kepner, Fish & Jones have a proven record of success in obtaining successful verdicts for elder abuse victims and their relatives throughout the Bay Area, including cases where the abuse led to a wrongful death. 

Physical and financial abuse of elders is unfortunately common, and many seniors living in nursing homes and other care facilities are unable to communicate to their loved ones that abuse is occurring.  Moreover, since many do not have friends or relatives to visit them regularly, countless incidents of abuse go unreported.  If a friend or loved one is living in a nursing home or other facility, it is important to visit them frequently and pay attention to any aspects of their physical or mental condition that appear different. 

Physical or Sexual Abuse

Physical abuse is the most common type of elder abuse, and encompasses more than physical beating.  Sexual abuse and providing too much or too little medication are additional forms of physical abuse.  When you visit your loved one, it is important to look out for any signs of physical abuse, such as bruising; scratches; torn, stained, or bloody clothing; unnecessary restraints; drowsiness; drooling; and cracked lips.

Neglect

Neglect occurs when a caregiver fails to provide your loved one with basic care or services, and is especially prevalent in facilities that have high staff turnover.  Basic care includes necessities such as food, clothing, supervision, health care, or shelter.  Signs to look for include poor hygiene, foul odors, dirty or missing clothing, unexplained or rapid weight loss, bedsores, damaged or improperly fitting dentures, nonfunctioning hearing aids, or unnecessary isolation.

Mental Abuse

Mental abuse does not cause noticeable physical symptoms and may therefore be harder to notice than physical abuse, but they often go hand-in-hand.  Mental abuse encompasses many abusive actions, such as emotional and verbal abuse, name-calling and insulting, swearing, intimidating or harassing, ignoring, treating the resident like an infant, destroying the person's belongings or valuables, or threatening them or their loved ones.  If your relative appears nervous, depressed, or anxious, shows signs of sudden and/or extreme mood changes, these may be signs of mental abuse.  Other warning signs include facility employees insisting on being present when you visit, or employees speaking for your relative or restricting his or her movement and activities. 

Seek Experienced Legal Counsel

Abuse and neglect can have a significant impact on your loved one's mental and physical health.  If you believe a loved one is being abused or neglected in a nursing home, assisted living facility, or other elder care institution, contact an experienced elder abuse attorney as soon as possible.  To schedule a free initial consultation, contact Needham, Kepner, Fish & Jones today.