Phoenix
Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers

Nursing homes are meant to be a valuable resource for our elderly population – a place where they can thrive without having to worry about the stress associated with living alone. Unfortunately, a segment of this population faces neglect and abuse in a nursing home setting. According to the National Council on Aging, one in ten elderly Americans are abused in nursing homes each year. However, these numbers don’t tell the whole story, as abuse is typically under-reported.

If you witnessed, experienced, or suspect elder abuse or neglect of any kind at a nursing home or assisted living facility, do not wait to contact a Phoenix nursing home abuse lawyer at Cullan & Cullan. We can work quickly to explain your rights and options, and what you can do right now to stop the abuse and hold at-fault parties accountable. We are passionate about preserving the rights and dignity of our elderly loved ones.

For a free review of your case, call our nursing home abuse attorneys in Phoenix (602) 900-9483.

Nursing Home Abuse Defined

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines several types of elder abuse:

• Physical abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Neglect
• Sexual abuse
• Abandonment
• Financial abuse

In addition, the Department of Health and Human Services defines elder abuse as a willful infliction of injury, unreasonable confinement, intimidation, or cruel punishment that results in pain, physical harm, or anguish. This is done by a person, including a caregiver, depriving someone of goods or services needed to avoid physical harm, anguish, or mental illness.

Physical abuse may be slapping, hitting, or improperly using restraints. Neglect and emotional abuse are harder to define, as each situation is unique. Generally, we define neglect as the failure of any caregiver, whether hired or family, to provide basic necessities to an elder. These needs are related to shelter, food, medical care, and hygiene.

Common Types of Nursing Home Injuries

Our elderly are especially vulnerable because they may be unable to vocalize when something is wrong.

It is important to know about the most common kinds of elder injuries:

• Medication errors. Overdosing or prescribing the wrong kinds of medications can greatly decrease one’s quality of life.
• Falls. As we age, our bodies become weaker and we are more easily injured. A simple fall can lead to broken bones and permanent consequences.
• Bed sores – also called decubitus ulcers. Elderly persons who cannot get out of bed must be moved often to avoid the development of painful ulcers. Neglecting to do so can result in serious injury.
• Malnutrition and dehydration. Make sure your loved one has adequate access to quality food and water (or feeding tubes, if necessary). Watch for evidence of dry lips or weight loss.
• Sepsis. Categorized by severe infection and fever, raised heart rate, pain, and inflammation, sepsis occurs in three stages: sepsis, severe sepsis, and septic shock.

Elder Abuse & Neglect in Arizona: Who’s Liable?

If an elder is abused in a healthcare or nursing home setting, the facility may be liable for a number of reasons:

• Understaffing
• Negligent hiring
• Errors in dispensing medication
• Lack of adequate training
• Failing to fulfill obligations

Nursing home facilities are responsible for the actions of their employees, a term known as “vicarious liability.” If a third party vendor is involved, it may also be held liable for negligence. For example, if a nursing home hires the help of an outside physician who negligently prescribes medication, the third party practice may also be liable for damages.

Reporting Elder Abuse

Certain entities, like healthcare facilities and employees, are required by law to report suspicions of elder abuse. If you suspect elder abuse, you should immediately contact Arizona Adult Protective Services. You aren’t required to provide evidence of abuse to report it. Arizona also has a free hotline, funded by the National Center on Elder Abuse, to report suspected elder abuse or neglect.

Your Phoenix Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys

If you suspect your loved one is being abused or has been injured through someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible for compensation. Nursing home employees are required by law to exercise reasonable care around their residents and tend to their daily needs. Failure to act accordingly is considered negligence.

Contact our nursing home abuse attorneys in Phoenix at (602) 900-9483 or a free case evaluation. We offer our services on a contingency-fee basis, so you only pay if we win.