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Nursing home abuse and neglect occur throughout the nation. Arlington, Virginia, isn’t necessarily an exception.
You hope your loved one will have a positive experience when placing them in a nursing home. However, if they’ve been the victim of abuse or neglect, you may need to file an insurance claim or civil lawsuit to hold the liable parties accountable.
Speak with Arlington nursing home abuse lawyers who have experience representing victims like your loved one for more information about your legal rights. At Regan Zambri Long, we’re ready to offer the representation you and your loved one deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
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Virginia law prohibits the abuse and neglect of vulnerable individuals. Nursing home residents qualify as such individuals under the statute.
Per the law, abuse involves knowingly and willfully engaging in conduct that causes physical injury or pain/discomfort. It can also involve knowingly and willfully restraining or confining someone physically as a form of punishment or as a convenient alternative to necessary treatment.
The law states that neglect involves knowingly and willfully failing to provide a vulnerable adult with any of the following when needed:
Neglect occurs when someone’s knowing and willful failure to provide the above results in a vulnerable adult’s injury or endangers their safety.
Based on recent data from Virginia’s Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, nursing home abuse is a critical concern in Virginia, with state records revealing 2,387 reported incidents in nursing facilities during 2023. While nursing facility staff demonstrated their commitment to resident safety by filing 3,170 reports of suspected abuse, these numbers likely represent only documented cases. If you suspect nursing home abuse, you’re not alone – legal remedies and reporting systems exist to protect residents and hold negligent facilities accountable.
Nursing home abuse and neglect can take many forms. They often belong to one of the following categories:
Arlington is also home to various types of nursing facilities. Your loved one could face abuse or neglect at any of the following:
It’s important to recognize the signs of nursing home abuse and neglect. Common physical signs of abuse include (but aren’t limited to):
Common signs of nursing home emotional abuse or mental abuse include:
Financial exploitation red flags to be on the lookout for include:
Be aware that elderly residents of nursing homes may not realize when they’re victims of financial abuse. Confusion over financial matters could be a sign of exploitation.
It’s also important to remember that nursing home neglect can cause as much harm as abuse. Neglect and malnutrition symptoms to monitor for include:
Don’t ignore such warning signs if you have a loved one in an assisted living facility or similar facility. If you suspect abuse, reach out to Regan Zambri Long for immediate assistance.
Ensuring all nursing home residents are provided with a reasonable standard of care often requires addressing certain cultural considerations. This may involve:
Federal law establishes the rights of elderly people and nursing home residents. Residents of nursing home facilities in Arlington have the right to:
Virginia law also addresses the rights of those living in nursing care facilities and similar settings. Per state law, they have the right to:
These facilities must strike a balance between letting residents maintain their independence and not being negligent.
Remove your loved one from any setting where you have good reason to believe they’re being abused. Your next steps may include:
You don’t have to handle the process alone. A nursing home abuse lawyer can help with everything from gathering evidence to completing paperwork.
Choosing a safe nursing home can give you significant peace of mind when entrusting someone with your loved one’s care. Questions to ask when touring facilities include:
It’s also important to address any specific needs your loved one may have, such as cultural or dietary considerations.
Along with asking the right questions, you should pay attention to certain red flags when touring facilities, such as:
Checking online reviews can also help you learn more about a nursing home’s reputation. That said, even after choosing a facility, it’s still important to visit regularly.
Check for surveillance cameras when touring nursing homes. Although this isn’t a “must have” feature if a facility offers other advantages, it’s helpful to know cameras can capture evidence of abuse or neglect if it does occur. The presence of such cameras may also discourage staff members from engaging in such behavior in the first place.
It’s also wise to confirm a facility keeps electronic health records. Doing so is necessary for accountability purposes. That said, you may want to look into apps and special devices that allow for increased family monitoring.
Technology can help prevent abuse. If abuse or neglect does occur, tech can also provide evidence.
Discuss how to leverage that technology and evidence when seeking justice for your loved one. Schedule a consultation with our experts today.
It’s very important that nursing home abuse victims stick to their medical care and rehabilitation plans. Doing so doesn’t just ensure a proper recovery; it also helps document the severity of their abuse or neglect.
Psychological counseling may also be necessary. Consider researching support groups for your loved one.
You may need to transition them into a new home eventually. Doing so will require conducting extensive research to ensure the next facility is the right one.
Reasons to choose our law firm when you need an Arlington nursing home abuse lawyer include:
Do you think a loved one suffered harm due to abuse or neglect at an Arlington area nursing home or similar facility? Discuss your case with our Arlington personal injury attorneys. Schedule a free consultation now.
