Southern California Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Blog
Nursing home abuse and neglect injuries in San Bernardino nursing homes can take many different forms, and they can have varying causes. It is important for families with elderly loved ones in nursing homes and assisted-living facilities to be on the lookout for common injury signs, and to know when those injuries may have resulted from abuse or neglect. In many cases, nursing homes may not intend to cause any harm, but as a result of passive neglect, seniors can suffer debilitating and life-threatening harm. In those cases, the nursing home may be liable for damages. The following are among the common types of injuries at nursing homes and assisted-living facilities in Southern California.
Broken Bones or Fractures
A senior at a nursing home can sustain broken bone or fracture injuries in many different ways, and a bone fracture may be a sign of abuse or neglect. In some instances, broken bones can result from a slip and fall, or a fall out of bed. Yet fractures can also be signs of intentional physical abuse. Even if a senior slips and breaks a bone, the facility may be responsible.
Infections
While elderly residents of nursing homes may develop infections absent of neglect or abuse, some infections do result from passive neglect. For example, if bed sores are left unattended, or infection-control measures are not followed, a resident may develop a debilitating or life-threatening infection.
Anxiety and Depression
In some cases, anxiety or depression may be indicators of psychological or emotional abuse. While a senior in a nursing home can experience anxiety or depression without abuse or neglect, it is important to have an experienced lawyer assess the circumstances and to report any concerns.
Burns, Lacerations, and Restraint Marks
Burns, lacerations, and restraint marks are almost always signs of physical abuse if there are no other obvious explanations for a nursing home resident’s injuries. If you notice any signs of physical abuse, you should report them immediately and should seek help from a nursing home abuse lawyer about the case.
Bed Sores
While stage 1 bed sores can occur relatively quickly when a patient is confined to a bed or a chair due to physical incapacity or injury, it is critical to know that more severe stages of bed sores often result from nursing home neglect. Stage 3 and stage 4 bed sores in particular develop when a patient is not receiving adequate care and low-level bed sores are left untreated. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, even minor bed sores are preventable, and severe bed sores may result in permanent harm and even death.
Contact a San Bernardino Nursing Home Neglect Attorney
If your elderly loved one suffered an injury at a nursing home, you should ask a San Bernardino nursing home abuse lawyer to assess the case. In many circumstances, the nursing home is responsible for injuries that occur, and you may be able to move forward with a claim against the facility. It is critical to hold nursing homes accountable for the harm they cause. Contact the Walton Law Firm today for more information.
See Related Blog Posts:
Steps You Should Take After a Nursing Home Abuse Injury in San Diego County
Why Nursing Home Offenses in Los Angeles County May Not be Reported to the Public
