In Reno, there is no shortage of nursing homes and assisted living facilities to choose from. However, not all of these facilities hold the same standards of care. Some irresponsibly neglect their residents or even intentionally abuse them. This is a reality that no elderly person should ever have to experience, and as a concerned family member, you may have grounds to take legal action.
Filing a lawsuit over alleged nursing home abuse can be both legally complex and emotionally draining. Without the guidance of a skilled Reno nursing home abuse lawyer, the legal process could be challenging, and you may find it difficult to get a favorable case result. Fortunately, you have help available from the capable and compassionate personal injury attorneys at Shook & Stone with every aspect of your unique civil claim.
How To Identify Nursing Home Mistreatment
Abuse and neglect in nursing home facilities can be hard to detect, even for dedicated and diligent family members. Physical symptoms of mistreatment may be few and far between, and residents may be unwilling to talk about what they are going through for fear of future reprisal or even unable to articulate their experiences due to cognitive problems.
Ultimately, it can be a good idea to check in with nursing home staff members about any worries or report suspicions of elder abuse to the Aging and Disability Services Division of Nevada Adult Protective Services by calling (888) 729-0571. It may be especially important to take prompt action when you notice any of the following:
- Unclean living conditions
- Bedsores at any stage of development
- Symptoms of malnutrition or dehydration
- Regression to childlike behaviors like rocking or thumb-sucking
- Sudden changes in mood or personality, particularly around specific facility staff members
- Staff members giving evasive answers to questions or refusing to leave residents alone with visitors
A compassionate elder abuse attorney in Reno could offer guidance about your nursing home concerns and provide support throughout the legal process.
What Damages Could Be Recoverable?
No amount of money can ever make up for a nursing home resident being unjustly neglected or abused. However, compensation can help address specific losses that the mistreatment has caused or will cause the affected resident. This may include:
- Medical bills
- Physical pain
- Psychological distress
- Personal property damage
In the tragic event that nursing home abuse directly causes a resident’s premature death, surviving family members may be able to seek civil recovery for their own ensuing losses, such as—emotional anguish, lost love and companionship, and funeral and burial expenses. Our committed lawyers in Reno could help determine what damages you could incorporate into your nursing home abuse claim.
Talk to a Reno Nursing Home Abuse Attorney About Your Legal Options
Taking legal action on behalf of a loved one who has been abused or neglected inside a nursing home can be anything but simple. You and your family members all deserve to be compensated for the harm you have unfairly suffered. An experienced Reno nursing home abuse lawyer could provide tailored legal guidance and the support you need to protect your family’s rights.
At Shook & Stone, our well-practiced legal professionals could help you get the restitution you deserve. Call today to discuss your options.
