Physical Abuse in a Kentucky Nursing Home

As horrific as it is to imagine, the sad-and frustrating-reality is that physical abuse in a nursing home is not an uncommon occurrence. When you entrust your loved one to the care of another and you discover that they have been the victim of nursing home abuse, it is completely natural to feel devastated, angry and even helpless.

It may help to know that there is something you can do. A Kentucky nursing home abuse claim may help bring compensation for the injuries your loved one has sustained. By consulting with a Kentucky nursing home abuse lawyer, you will discover if you have a valid claim worth pursuing. In addition to providing much-needed compensation for the injured victim, these types of claims help to send a message that elder abuse is not to be tolerated in the state of Kentucky.

Understanding the Types of Physical Abuse in a Nursing Home

There are different types of physical abuse that can occur in a nursing home, which may include:

• hitting;
• pushing;
• shoving;
• slapping;
• kicking;
• shaking;
• striking with an object;
• subjecting to malnutrition/dehydration;
• inappropriately using physical restraints;
• overmedicating; and
• undermedicating.

Knowing the Signs of Nursing Home Abuse

In order to recognize when a loved one is suffering abuse in a nursing home in Kentucky, it helps to be aware of the signs that indicate abuse has occurred.

Some of the signs of nursing home abuse can include:

• bruises;
• welts;
• lacerations;
• rope marks;
• fractures;
• bite marks;
• open wounds;
• punctures;
• patches of hair loss;
• cuts;
• burns; and
• weight loss.

Unfortunately, not all signs of physical abuse are obvious. A caregiver may attempt to hide bruises or cover up signs of abuse in other ways. Sometimes the signs of physical abuse in a nursing home include isolation, withdrawal and sudden changes in behavior. All of these warning signs should be investigated.

Helping a Victim of Nursing Home Abuse and Violence

Sadly, not all victims of nursing home abuse will admit what is happening to them because of embarrassment or shame. They may have also been threatened by a caregiver. In some cases, for mental or physical reasons, victims are unable to articulate to others what they are experiencing.

Your loved one shouldn't have to suffer at the hands of the one who is supposed to take care of them. You may be eligible to file a Kentucky nursing home abuse claim and recover damages for the emotional and physical injuries your loved one has suffered. Talking to a Kentucky nursing home abuse lawyer when you suspect that your loved one is the victim of physical abuse in a nursing home is an important first step in rectifying a terrible injustice.

A Kentucky nursing home abuse lawyer knows the laws and regulations for nursing homes and their caregivers. They will investigate your case and evaluate your loved one's injuries, compiling all of the necessary evidence to build a strong Kentucky nursing home claim.

Contacting a Kentucky Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

A Kentucky nursing home abuse lawyer at Gray and White Law can help you handle every aspect of your nursing home abuse claim. If you've been injured in Kentucky, contact us today for a no-cost evaluation of your case - 1-800-634-8767 or 502-210-8942.