Clackamas Nursing Home Abuse Attorney

Protecting the Rights & Decency of the Elderly

When we entrust an elderly loved one into the care of a nursing home or other caretaker, we do so under the assumption that they will be treated with consideration and respect. Unfortunately, nursing home neglect and abuse are common problems in the United States. Nursing Home Abuse Justice estimates that over 5,000,000 elders are abused each year; however, because most cases don’t get reported, the number of cases could be even higher.

At Jacobs Wilson Callahan, LLP, we take cases of elder abuse seriously. We understand the hurt and pain that comes with uncovering nursing home abuse when your loved one has been the victim. If you choose to bring a lawsuit against the caregiver or facility who hurt your loved one, our Clackamas nursing home abuse attorney can guide you through the process with compassion and skill.

We know that nothing can erase the suffering you and your loved one have endured, but we can at least help you hold the responsible party accountable and attain some closure. You may also be able to recover damages covering your loved one’s medical bills, transfer to a new facility, and other expenses.

Types of Elder Abuse

Many factors can lead to nursing home residents being abused by staff. One of the most common is understaffing—many caretakers are overworked and unsupervised, so they take out their frustrations on residents. Elderly individuals are also commonly abused by other residents in their nursing home as well as at the hands of their own family members.

Elder abuse can fall into one or more of the following categories:

• Neglect
• Financial exploitation
• Physical abuse
• Psychological abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Resident-on-resident abuse

What Are Some Signs of Nursing Home Abuse?

If your loved one is being abused in a nursing home, you may not be aware that any mistreatment has occurred. People in abusive situations are often too frightened or embarrassed to admit any wrongdoing has taken place. Depending on your elderly loved one’s condition, they themselves might not even be cognizant of the fact that they are being abused.

The following may signal that your loved one is being neglected or abused in a nursing home:

• Bedsores
• Dehydration
• Malnutrition
• Poor hygiene
• Unusual or sudden changes in behavior
• Heavy medication or sedation
• Depression
• Bruises
• Fractures
• Head injuries
• Infections
• Isolation from others