NURSING HOME ABUSE / NEGLECT / INJURIES
Virginia Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys Fight for Your Rights

When you help place a loved one in a nursing home, you undoubtedly look for a nursing home that shows promise. You may interview staff, take a tour, read brochures, conduct independent research, and compare and contrast various homes. The nursing home you eventually decide upon may be one that is affordable or close to your home or filled with high end services. Regardless of the type of nursing home you choose, you want to trust that the nursing home aides will take care of your loved one with the same attention and concern that you would utilize.

Unfortunately, each year, there are thousands of reports of nursing home neglect and abuse in the state of Virginia alone. Experts predict that a vast majority of instances of abuse and neglect go unreported either due to fear of retaliation or because the family members are unaware. Nursing home abuse and neglect are criminal offenses. Virginia requires nursing home workers to exercise care, respond diligently to medical emergencies, and treat residents gently. However, criminal prosecution is rare. When family members suspect elder abuse, the best path to justice is through a personal injury claim.

When your family member is elderly and vulnerable, The Stellute Law Firm can assist them with pursuing an abuse or neglect claim that can compensate them for physical injuries, medical expenses, pain, suffering, and loss of quality of life. Our attorneys are passionate about nursing home abuse and want to assist your family with finding justice amidst this monstrosity.

To schedule a free consultation, call The Stellute Law Firm at 757-722-2815 today.

Nursing Home Abuse
Almost 2 million elderly patients are currently residing in long-term nursing home care facilities, and this figure is expected to multiply in the future. Many elderly patients rely on government-funded programs such as Medicare and Medicaid to help them afford exorbitant nursing home costs. The average Virginia nursing home costs hundreds of dollars a day, and without the assistance of welfare programs, many Virginians would be unable to afford nursing home care. As part of its services, Medicare offers a comprehensive ranking and rating program of nursing homes nationwide that accept coverage. Many elderly patients and their family members rely on these ratings to choose facilities.

Unfortunately, the cleanliness or price of a nursing home is often not an indicator of the quality of its employees, and many nursing homes are able to disguise issues with violent or aggressive aides during interviews and tours. However, each year, countless reports of nursing home abuse are filed in Virginia. Because of the fragile and vulnerable nature of the elderly victims, many of these victims experience extreme trauma, exacerbated medical conditions, and oftentimes, death.

Nursing home abuse can involve:

  • Physical assault

  • Psychological or emotional abuse

  • Verbal abuse

  • Theft or misappropriation of funds

  • Intentionally withholding medications or treatment

  • Forgery and fraud

Nursing Home Neglect
Nursing home neglect is often done unintentionally yet is the result of carelessness or negligence. When an elderly patient is placed in a nursing home facility, the nursing home has a legal duty of care to see to it that the elderly patient is monitored, kept clean, administered doctor-prescribed medications, and treated in a timely manner. Most instances of nursing home neglect occur when a nursing home is understaffed, does not have nurses or doctors available for large portions of the day or is underfunded.

Nursing home neglect is often hard to spot because you are not with your loved one every minute of the day. In addition, many vulnerable elderly patients are unable to communicate when they are in pain or feel ill. Common signs of neglect include:

  • Change in appearance

  • Worsening of condition

  • Bedsores

  • Bed pans have not been changed

  • Loved one appears depressed or anxious

Experienced Nursing Home Injury Litigators Prepared to Review Your Case
When a loved one has been abused or neglected by nursing home workers, you need a law firm that you can trust and rely on. The Stellute Law Firm is eager to tackle your case by investigating potential neglect or abuse, explaining your options, and pursuing aggressive legal action against the nursing home. Our law firm serves clients throughout Virginia with an office location convenient to the communities of Hampton Roads, Hampton, Newport News, York County, and Williamsburg.

To schedule a free appointment, contact The Stellute Law Firm today at (757) 722-2815.