A national survey conducted by the Department of Health and Human Services revealed a widespread nursing home abuse issue along with significant underreporting by nursing homes. This abuse affects homes across the United States.
About Elder Physical Abuse
Unfortunately, physical abuse of an elder is more common than most people would think as well. Physical abuse is any force that causes personal injury or pain. This includes striking, hitting, beating, shoving, among other actions. Physical abuse also can mean tying down an elder with unnecessary or brutal restraints that limit movement. This can lead to muscle atrophy and further degeneration of the muscles.
Physical abuse against the elderly may be perpetrated by an acquaintance, doctor, nurse, caregiver, family member or another individual in the life of an elderly person. According to the US National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (NCPEA), most perpetrators of elder physical abuse are unemployed, single and live with the elder in his or her own home.
Shining Light on Widespread Nursing Home Abuse
The government agency analyzed nearly 40,000 ER claims to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and discovered that an estimated that 1 in 5 ER visits from nursing homes happened due to abuse. Plus, the hospital nor the nursing homes reported the abuse incidents to CMS or local law enforcement. This is a requirement by federal regulators. CMS needs to be able to track incidents of abuse and/or neglect or potential cases.
Get Justice for a Loved One
If you suspect abuse or neglect, do not accept denials. Instead, contact a knowledgeable lawyer experienced with representing victims. When an abuser injures a resident at a care facility, it is not always obvious what happened and legal liability. The evidence available is often incomplete and may be self-serving for the defendant – the nursing home. This is why a free consultation with us is so important. We have been assisting the injured for 20 years. We help clients from all over the country. Our consultations are completely free. Call today.