Physical Abuse in Nursing Homes

Physical abuse is rampant in California nursing homes. Physical abuse is the intentional use of physical force that may result in bodily injury or pain.  The injuries that a nursing home resident may suffer as a result of physical abuse can be very serious because most older people are fragile.

Physical abuse in nursing home occurs for a variety of reasons.  One reason that happens very often is under staffing at nursing homes, which allows abuse to go unnoticed.  Other reasons include, failure to conduct background investigations on employees, failure to properly train staff, failure to properly supervise staff members, and the failure to provide the proper ratio of staff to patients.  These reasons are no excuse and nursing homes have a duty to provide residents with a safe place to live.  Nursing home abuse is a crime, and the owners of nursing homes are responsible if a resident in their care becomes the victim of nursing home abuse.  

Physical abuse in nursing homes is sometimes hidden.  Often nursing home staff will claim a resident has fallen in order to cover up the abuse.  Any injury requiring emergency treatment or hospitalization is a sign of abuse.  Other signs of abuse include broken bones and unreported injuries.  Any injury that does not make sense on how it occurred could be a sign of physical abuse. Anytime a resident is kept from seeing his family members or guests, physical abuse may have taken place and it is important to investigate further.  If you believe your loved one is experiencing physical abuse in their nursing home contact Attorney Joel Bryant today for a free legal consultation.  

Some common signs of physical abuse in nursing homes include:

• Assault
• Battery
• Sexual Assault
• Sexual Battery
• Excessive use of physical restraints
• Denial of food or water
• Force feeding
• Overly medicated
• Withholding medical care
• Unexplained injuries
• Wounds
• Elder reporting of being mistreated
• Striking or beating
• Shaking or slapping

If your loved one exhibits any signs of physical abuse in a nursing home immediately report the incident and contact California Attorney Joel Bryant at (619) 239-7900.  Mr. Bryant will help you get the compensation your entitled to.