DeKalb County Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers
In the US, it is estimated that up to 5 million elders suffer from abuse in nursing homes each year. Nursing home abuse in DeKalb County refers to any kind of mental or physical abuse that has occurred within a licensed nursing home facility. There is a wide range of different types of abuse that can occur, which extend from neglect and emotional abuse to sexual abuse and physical abuse.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of any form of abuse, a DeKalb County nursing home abuse lawyer can help. With the help of a compassionate injury attorney, you may be able to recover compensation for the injuries resulting from the abuse.
What Constitutes Nursing Home Abuse?
Along with the more severe acts of physical and sexual abuse that can occur within a nursing home, other common types can include psychological abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Psychological abuse includes acts such as verbally berating elderly patients or withholding some of their mail. Neglectful abuse involves any act where someone unknowingly or intentionally withheld basic levels of care that are expected in long-term care facilities. Some signs of neglect include:
- Evident medical injuries or conditions that are left untreated
- Bed sores that are ignored
- Bedding that remains very dirty and is rarely cleaned
- Dehydration or malnutrition
- Withholding all kinds of basic needs like shelter, food, clothing, and water
- Unsanitary living conditions such as the presence of roaches or bed bugs
Exploitation could involve sexual abuse, but it also refers to any act of manipulation of nursing home residents for either favors or money. The vast majority of abuse among elderly individuals in nursing homes is intentional. Victims or their loved ones can talk with a DeKalb County nursing home abuse lawyer to determine whether they could be able to seek damages for their injuries.
Statute of Limitations in DeKalb County
The main statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit pertaining to nursing home abuse in DeKalb County is two years from when the abuse took place. However, there are some exceptions to this rule that may apply.
This includes situations in which the plaintiff was suffering from physical or mental incapacity following the abuse and was unable to make a claim. If an injury from the abuse did not display itself until a later period, the two-year statute of limitation period may begin once the injury is noticed. A nursing home abuse lawyer can provide more details about any filing requirements that are necessary when seeking damages for the incident.
Learn More from a DeKalb County Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
Whether the nursing home abuse that you or your loved one suffered from was negligent or intentional, you have legal rights that allow you to seek compensation for the losses you incurred. This is a step that can be handled more effectively by an attorney. Contact a DeKalb County nursing home abuse lawyer today to figure out what your next steps should be.
