Virginia Nursing Home Assault and Battery Lawyer

Physical abuse, such as hitting, slapping, and choking is a major problem in nursing homes across the country. Nursing home patients are at a higher risk of experiencing physical abuse because many of them are older and infirm. Predatory and abusive individuals often choose to work in nursing homes because they have their pick of victims.

Violence is often used to discourage patients from speaking out about abuse and neglect, and often, it is used to keep patients in line and prevent behavioral problems. Violence against the elderly is particularly dangerous since many are already in frail health.

If you or someone you care about was assaulted in a nursing home, it may be beneficial to contact a Virginia nursing home assault and battery lawyer. A dedicated attorney could fight for justice on your behalf.

Why Do Patients Refuse to Report Abuse?

Physical abuse can be hard to detect, especially in medical facilities such as nursing homes. Administrators and staff members often attempt to pass off such injuries as falls or accidental self-harm, and when family members visit, they are unaware of what really happened to their loved one. Patients may even be intimidated into remaining silent, and many refuse to report their injuries out of fear of retaliation.

Workers who engage in assault and battery often attempt to instill fear in their victims. They may threaten the victim with additional violence or refuse to provide them with the care they need to survive. These individuals may even encourage other nursing home employees to get involved.

Nursing home employees are not the only ones who commit assault. Often, nursing homes house patients suffering from dementia and other cognitive disorders. These patients may become violent and assault other patients. Nursing home staff and administrators should take great measures to ensure these patients do not harm others. They should also provide patients with cognitive disorders with adequate supervision.

Signs of Physical Abuse

Fortunately, there are often signs of physical abuse. If a person notices a nursing home patient exhibiting the following signs, they may be experiencing abuse:

  • Signs of anger or fear toward a specific caretaker
  • Depressed, anxious, or withdrawn behavior
  • Unexplained scratches, bruises, or welts
  • Infections, bed sores, and unexplained weight loss
  • Disheveled or neglected physical appearance and hygiene

Patients may be embarrassed to report physical abuse to law enforcement, their families, or nursing home administrators. They may even feel responsible for the abuse they endure at the hands of predatory nursing home workers. This is not true, and no patient should ever be assaulted while in a skilled nursing facility.

Holding Abusers Accountable

With the help of a Virginia nursing home assault and battery lawyer, abused patients may be able to obtain the justice they deserve. Nursing home workers who commit assault should be held legally and financially liable for their actions, and even if they are found not guilty in a criminal court, patients may still be able to hold them accountable in civil court.

Unfortunately, patients have a limited amount of time to file personal injury claims against reckless nursing home employees. This window of time is known as the statute of limitations, and if you file a claim outside it, the court may refuse to hear your case.

Contact a Virginia Nursing Home Assault and Battery Attorney Today

As stated above, you have a limited amount of time to file a legal claim against negligent nursing home employees and their employers. After a patient is assaulted, they may feel angry or guilty, but they should take comfort in knowing the entire ordeal is not fault.

Nursing home abuse is a horrible trend that must be stopped. Contact a Virginia nursing home assault and battery lawyer for additional information.