Nursing Home Abuse Attorney in Seattle
Abuse can come in many forms, all of which can lead to monumental damages to those that are victimized by the wrongful actions. It is not only a person at home that can face abuse. Even those in professional nursing home facilities can find themselves dealing with any number of issues. When a claim of abuse arises, it should be handled by a capable Seattle personal injury lawyer with the knowledge and commitment to deal with it effectively.
Abuse is an illegal action that should never be tolerated. Elders are placed into a home to receive a high level of care that they are unable to maintain on their own. Those that are left in charge of them are given a high responsibility that should be done with the greatest level of compassion and service. While many workers do provide exceptional care for patients, around 30 percent of all nursing homes face an incident of abuse among them. It has also been reported that a high number of homes employ at least one convicted criminal. It does not need to be a criminal that commits the abuse though. Sometimes those responsible are the last ones you would expect. There are many types of abuse so it is important to keep your eye out for both the physical signs, as well as other indicators which may require further inspection.
Nursing Home Abuse in Seattle, WA
One of the most evident types of abuse is physical. When a worker becomes angry, agitated or careless they can leave an elderly person with any number of injuries. They may be frustrated with the elderly person for being slower or could simply be taking their anger out on them from another situation all together. Abuse may include hitting, slapping, pushing and even physical restraint. Signs of bruising, broken bones and any number of catastrophic injuries can ensue. Do not always believe that an injury was an accident. Emotional and psychological abuse is also a severely damaging occurrence that causes more than outside harm. A worker may threaten, embarrass, yell at, insult or harass a patient, leaving them feeling upset, violated and in fear. Its affects can be noted in the behavior of a person and may leave them feeling uneasy and on guard even long after the instance has ended.
Sexual abuse is an appalling action in any case, and the elderly are not excluded from rape, touching, sexual assault and other actions that are unwanted. They may not always have the ability to contest it, even though if they could they would. Neglect is a highly common form and can be done out of the error of a worker or more intentionally. They can willingly choose to forgo caring for a patient, leaving them to fend for themselves when they are unable to. It can also occur from a worker having too much to do and simply forgetting to adhere to a certain standard for every patient. Neglect may include forgetting to bath them, feed them, dress their wounds or get them out of bed. It can lead to all sorts of repercussions both physically and psychologically.
Seattle Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
There is not telling the impact it can have on a person when they are left alone and unable to take care of themselves. When a patient is put in a home, they will often have medical needs that need to be addressed. Without someone to do this for them, their condition will continue to deteriorate and leave them in a worse off position than before. In these types of cases, the victims deserve justice and an attorney from the firm will seek to provide just that. With a thorough understanding of personal injury law, as well as a background working as a registered nurse, Attorney Joanne R. Werner understands what a strong case is composed of.
Contact a Seattle injury lawyer from the firm if your loved one has faced abuse from nursing home staff.