West Virginia Nursing Home Injury Lawyers
Nursing homes are entrusted with the important task of caring for loved ones. But far too often, the level of care provided is inadequate or abusive. If someone you love suffers nursing home injury or abuse, the Charleston, West Virginia personal injury attorneys at DiTrapano, Barrett & DiPiero, PLLC can help.
Examples of nursing home injuries
Nursing home injuries involve any form of neglect, physical, psychological, sexual, or financial harm, including the following:
Physical abuse—Caregivers may intentionally harm elderly residents using physical force such as slapping, hitting, beating, shaking, or kicking, and cause serious injuries including broken bones, fractures, and internal bleeding.
Neglect—Whether intentional or not, neglect has devastating consequences. Staff members may fail to meet the basic needs of residents, including failure to address medical problems, failing to prevent bedsores or dehydration, or ignoring unsanitary conditions that cause infection.
Sexual abuse—Nursing home staff may be held liable for sexual activities elderly residents do not consent to, or have the ability to give consent to, including inappropriate touching, intercourse, or taking explicit photos or videos.
Emotional abuse—When staff verbally attack, threaten, or insult patients, or intentionally isolate them from family and friends, this is considered psychological abuse.
Financial abuse—Staff may prey on and exploit elderly residents for material or financial gain, through the mishandling or misappropriation of funds, possessions, or assets.
Recognizing the signs of nursing home abuse
If you suspect a loved one suffered abuse or injury at the hands of nursing home staff, it is crucial to monitor the situation, look for warning signs, and get in touch with an experienced personal injury law firm to discuss legal action.
Some of the more common warning signs of nursing home abuse include:
- Frequent illnesses
- Bedsores
- Overmedication
- Medical problems that continue to be ignored
- Unexplained injuries, rashes, cuts, or burns
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Messy and unhygienic living conditions
- Rapid weight loss or weight gain
- Sudden or unusual changes in behavior
- Lost personal items or money, including unexplained bank withdrawals or charges
Get the right Charleston, WV nursing home attorney. Right now.
Nursing home injury and abuse lawsuits can be challenging and complex. The skilled West Virginia personal injury attorneys at DiTrapano, Barrett & DiPiero, PLLC thoroughly investigate all claims, obtain necessary medical charts and evidence, access witnesses, and utilize key resources and experts to see that justice is served.
If you or a loved one is suffering from a nursing home injury, it is vital to contact a West Virginia nursing home injury attorney as soon as possible. At Charleston's DiTrapano, Barrett & DiPiero, PLLC, we operate on a contingency fee arrangement. Contact the firm online or call 304-342-0133 today.
