Indianapolis Lawyers for Bruising and Cuts in Nursing Homes
Deciding to put a loved one in a nursing home is difficult. Once you’ve committed to the decision, you expect that your loved one will not be abused or mistreated.
Incidences of abuse can be shocking and devastating for the victim and their family. Unfortunately, nursing home abuse often goes unreported and uncorrected because people are afraid to report it. If, however, you do suspect abuse, specifically physical (for example, bruises or cuts), do not stand idly by, allowing the abuse to continue. Instead, contact the experienced, compassionate Indianapolis nursing home abuse attorneys at Hankey Marks & Crider by calling (317) 634-8565.
It’s important to understand that you do not need to face the challenges of confronting abusers and the nursing home administration alone. Our nursing home abuse-focused attorneys at Hankey Marks & Crider are here to help ensure that your loved one’s abuse ceases, that your loved one is compensated for injuries, that abusers are identified and punished for their wrongdoing, and that justice is rendered.
Why Do I Need an Attorney?
Dealing with the nursing home administration and staff can be difficult, especially when you are accusing them of wrongdoing. They may be hesitant to speak with you and may behave rudely. Or maybe you fear speaking up about your loved one’s abuse because of threats of retaliation for complaining. An attorney can help you deal with such threats or fears of retaliation.
It’s important also to be aware that nursing homes often have teams of lawyers who are hired to maintain the nursing home’s best interest. In such situations, finding an experienced attorney to represent you can help the outcome of your case by balancing the power dynamic. Your attorney will:
- Know and understand the law and can identify the types of legal claims you may have;
- Determine who may be held liable for your loved one’s injuries;
- Gather relevant information and evidence to strengthen your case; and
- Speak with the opposing side’s attorney and representatives.
We offer free and confidential initial consultations. To schedule an appointment with one of our dedicated attorneys call us today at (317) 634-8565.
Why Choose Us?
At Hankey Marks & Crider, our team of dedicated attorneys has over 75 years of combined legal experience. We believe that those responsible for injuring others need to be held accountable. Over the years, we have helped clients get compensated for their injuries, giving them the satisfaction that justice was rendered.
In addition to our passion for law, at Hankey Marks & Crider, we pride ourselves in being an active part of the Indianapolis community. We sponsor a range of events including those that benefit youth sports, shelter animals, and various causes for individuals suffering from illnesses. Our community involvement better connects us with the clients we serve, enabling us to see them in a setting where they are valued in their respective community.
Bruising and Cuts Claims
Over the years, we have helped clients in a range of nursing home abuse situations, including when a loved one exhibits physical signs of abuse, such as bruising and cuts while living in a nursing home. Although bruising and cuts can happen by accident, they can also occur as a result of an individual’s intentional actions or negligence. Some alarming statistics from the National Institute of Justice that pertain to elder abuse in nursing home settings include the following:
- 60% of examined bruises were inflicted by another person.
- Abused elders were more likely than nonabused elders to have bruising on their head, neck, and torso.
- 56% of abused elders had large bruises while only 7% of nonabused elders had bruises.
Cuts and bruising can be harmful to anyone but can be particularly troubling for the elderly as such injuries can lead to infections, may fail to heal, and can cause bleeding. Although it’s important to recognize that not all cuts and bruises are from abuse, the data mentioned above indicate that if your elderly loved one in a nursing home displays cuts and bruising they are likely being abused. Some other signs of abuse to look for include the following:
- Social withdrawal from family and friends
- Unnatural weight gain or loss
- Discomfort around the nursing home staff, administration, and or other residents
- Anxiety
- Depression
If you suspect your loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse, don’t be afraid to take immediate action. By contacting an experienced nursing home abuse attorney, you can protect your loved one and others from this unacceptable treatment.
Contact Us
Though unfortunate, nursing home abuse occurs more frequently than people realize. Compounding this issue is that all too often nursing home abuse is unreported. In a nursing home situation, anyone who is intentionally bruising and cutting another person needs to be stopped and held liable for their actions. To learn more about your legal rights as well as those of your loved one, and to seek help to stop the abuse, contact our attorneys at Hankey Marks & Crider today by calling (317) 634-8565.