Maryville Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
One of the least talked about acts of violence and disrespect concerns elder abuse and elder neglect. Thousands of seniors living in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and independent living homes are subjected to abuse and neglect every day here in Tennessee. Most do not have the ability to defend themselves by reporting the abuse, as many of these victims suffer from dementia, cognitive decline, and poor physical conditions. In fact, up to 55 percent of nursing home abuse victims suffer from dementia, according to the National Center on Elder Abuse. It is up to their loved ones to report the abuse and to file a lawsuit against the at-fault nursing home or living facility. Here at Fox, Farley, Willis & Burnette, our Maryville nursing home abuse lawyers can help make this possible.
Why Any Form of Elder Abuse is a Life-Threatening Crime
According to the National Council on Aging, elders who are abused have a 300 percent increased chance of early death compared to elderly people who are not abused. A few reasons why abuse can lead to death include:
- Higher risk of falling. Falls are the single leading cause of unintentional injury death, with fractured hips being a serious concern for anyone over the age of 65.
- Emotional harm. No matter the type of abuse or neglect, it almost always results in some form of psychological harm, which has a serious impact on seniors’ physical well being.
- Inability to pay for care. Financial abuse can lead to crippling debt or a drained bank account, both of which will result in reduced quality of care as the elder finds it difficult or impossible to afford quality treatment.
- Increased chance of illness and injury. Neglect and abuse lead to a higher chance of injury and illness due to: mistakes made with their medication, lack of early intervention to combat various medical conditions that later become fatal, and improper nutrition and hydration, which can lead to a weakened immune system.
Five Types Nursing Home Abuse
- Physical Abuse—Any unnecessary physical contact such as pushing, grabbing, hitting, spanking, or slapping.
- Emotional or Psychological Abuse—Teasing, taunting, yelling at, punishing, or any form of belittling.
- Sexual Abuse—Any sexual act against the victim.
- Financial Abuse—Theft of the resident’s assets or property, or overcharging the resident.
- Nursing Home Negligence—Negligence is the most common type of nursing home abuse, and includes failure to perform essential duties such as helping the resident out of bed to use the bathroom, providing proper food and hydration, and tending to injuries and illnesses in a timely manner.
A Maryville Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Can Help
Nursing home abuse and neglect is not only a major threat to your loved one’s safety and health, but may lead to a loss in joy in life during a time in their golden years that should be enjoyed, or at least lived out in peace. Unfortunately, many nursing homes cut corners, hire unscrupulous employees, and put their profits ahead of the people they are charged with caring for. To ensure that justice is served, to stop the abuse, and to ensure financial compensation for your loved one, call our Maryville nursing home abuse lawyers at Fox, Farley, Willis & Burnette today at 865-457-6440 to schedule a free case evaluation.
