Boston Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys

Protecting the Elderly from Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

Increased life expectancies in today's society have led to higher numbers of nursing home residents in Boston, Massachusetts and throughout the country. Unfortunately, some Massachusetts nursing homes and assisted living facilities fail to provide a healthy, safe, and nurturing environment for the elderly individuals in their care. When nursing homes are understaffed or fail to perform background checks on their employees, or when employees are insufficiently trained, Boston nursing home residents may suffer the damaging effects of nursing home abuse, neglect, and negligence.

If you suspect your loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, fill out our free case review form. A Massachusetts nursing home abuse attorney will evaluate your claim, at no cost to you.

Boston nursing home neglect and elder abuse are significant problems in Massachusetts that can result in serious personal injury, physical suffering, and emotional suffering for the elderly. Painful bed sores, broken hips, dehydration, malnutrition, overmedication, unnecessary physical restraint, and even death are among the types of elder abuse that nursing home residents face at the hands of negligent, abusive caregivers. Massachusetts nursing home abuse can also take the form of verbal, emotional, or sexual abuse, with equally devastating effects on the victim.

Signs of Boston Nursing Home Neglect

The victims of nursing home negligence are often unable or afraid to report the elder abuse they are experiencing. Physically vulnerable and robbed of their dignity, they may suffer in silence. The nursing home staff may also try to cover up the abuse. An unexplained personal injury suffered by a nursing home resident may be a sign of Massachusetts nursing home abuse. Listed below are some additional signs of nursing home abuse and neglect:

• Poor grooming and hygiene
• Unexplained bruises, lacerations, or fractures
• Unsanitary conditions
• Frequent falls
• Persisting infections
• Rapid, unexplained weight loss
• Non-communicative, withdrawn demeanor
• Low self-esteem or depression
• Anxiety and/or agitation
• Wrongful death

Types of Nursing Home Abuse

Generally, instances of nursing home abuse in Boston will fall under one of the following categories:

Physical Abuse: Nursing home physical abuse can take the form of hitting, shoving, kicking or another physical action that causes harm to a patient or leaves them with pain, scarring or disfigurement. Boston nursing home residents who have suffered physical abuse may show signs of abuse, including broken bones, bruises or scratches.

Sexual Abuse: Any type of sexual activity performed without the consent of the patient and performed for the sexual satisfaction of the abuser is considered sexual abuse. Inappropriate touching and "accidental" brush ups are examples of nursing home sexual abuse.

Mental Abuse: Actions that cause emotional anguish or psychological disturbances are considered forms of emotional nursing home abuse. These actions can be physical or verbal in nature and include insulting, threatening or intimidating the victim. Mental abuse in Massachusetts nursing homes can cause severe emotional stress to the victim and is often difficult to detect.

Other forms of nursing home abuse include nursing home neglect, financial abuse and harsh punishments.

If you suspect that a loved one is the victim of Boston nursing home abuse or Massachusetts nursing home neglect, you should report your concerns to the nursing home administrator and a Boston personal injury lawyer who handles nursing home cases as soon as possible. A Massachusetts personal injury attorney can investigate the situation, determine if nursing home abuse has occurred and, if so, pursue justice and compensation for the victim through a nursing home abuse lawsuit.

Massachusetts Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers

The Boston personal injury lawyers at the Shepard Law Firm have the legal knowledge and experience required to successfully handle Massachusetts nursing home abuse, neglect, and negligence cases. They know the legal rights of nursing home residents in Massachusetts and can ensure that these rights are upheld, protected, and properly represented in a nursing home lawsuit. If your loved one is being abused or neglected in a Massachusetts nursing home, contact our Boston nursing home abuse attorneys today by completing the form below.