Types of Nursing Home Abuse and What to Do
The different types of nursing home abuse range from physical to financial abuse and can cause serious harm to the people affected. Physical harm and psychological trauma can occur and much of these are enacted by the health care professionals caring for your loved ones. In many cases, finding out about the abuse can be challenging because signs are often hidden to avoid conflicts or lawsuits. If you suspect or have witnessed nursing home abuse to your loved one, consider contacting a New York Nursing Home Negligence Lawyer today.
Common Types of Nursing Home Abuse
Physical abuse is probably one of the most well-known types of nursing home abuse. This can involve being hit, slapped, cut, or restrained for long periods of time. This can result in bruises and scars. Emotional abuse is 
another common form. Humiliation, threats, intimidation, or leaving them alone for most of the day for months are common examples. Both of these types of abuse can make their lives stressful and painful.
Less known types of abuse are neglect and financial abuse. Neglect involves failing to supply adequate services to elderly residents with the result of harm to their overall health. Many nursing home residents require assistance for daily activities like eating and drinking. Without this assistance, many of them run the risk of declining health and death.
Financial abuse happens when someone takes actions to exploit the elderly resident in a way that benefits them financially. This could mean changing legal documents, theft, embezzlement, or using their checking accounts in a way that takes advantage of their declining health.
What Can I Do About the Abuse?
In New York, nursing home residents have certain rights that include a right to complain about procedures with staff, private communication with others, and the right to make decisions about their own medical care. A complaint can be filed if any of these rights are infringed upon or if abuse is occurring. However, some people may want to go further, especially if the abuse continues.
A nursing home negligence lawsuit can be filed when there is evidence of damages and the cause of those damages. Damages can include financial losses, physical injuries, and psychological trauma. Finding evidence can be difficult in some cases, but there may be a chance with the help of an experienced attorney.
Nursing Home Negligence Attorney in New York
No one should have to suffer abuse in a nursing home and no one should have to go without compensation for the damages. Nursing homes are expected to uphold the standards of care, but when staff repeatedly break these standards, this is considered malpractice. Consider hiring a Watertown Personal Injury Lawyer if you have witnessed or suspect nursing home abuse. You could be eligible to earn compensation for the victim that may cover personal injuries, emotional distress, or any related financial losses.
At Gattuso & Ciotoli, we have over 50 years of experience with personal injury cases. Call us today at (315) 314-8000 for a free consultation. You can find us in Central New York, Syracuse, Watertown, Binghamton, Syracuse, North Syracuse, Camillus, Liverpool, Cortland, and Auburn. We are here to defend your rights.