What To Do When You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse in Delaware

For many Delaware families, the decision to place an elderly relative in the care of an assisted-living facility is an agonizing decision that involves numerous challenges. When a family finally commits to finding a nursing home, there is typically a lot of investigatory legwork into how much a facility can be trusted. Despite this, nursing home abuse can happen.

Even after all of this work, it is not uncommon for elderly residents to become the victims of neglect or outright abuse at the hands of nursing home staff. Some cases involve serious injuries, others involve financial exploitation, and some may result in death.

Do you think that your loved one may have been the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect in Delaware? You should contact Edelstein Martin & Nelson, LLP as soon as possible.

Delaware Elder Abuse Laws

Delaware Code Title 31, Chapter 39 is dedicated to adult protective services. Delaware Code § 3902 defines abuse as meaning both physical abuse and a pattern of emotional abuse.

In addition to signs of abuse, family members should also recognize possible signs of neglect or financial exploitation. Typical examples of each include, but are not limited to:

• Physical Abuse — Cuts, scratches, bruises, or other signs of physical injuries.
• Emotional Abuse — Residents are becoming more reserved or secluded, or expressing fear of certain staff members.
• Neglect — Unsanitary living conditions, bedsores, dirty clothes, or simple malnutrition.
• Financial Exploitation — Sudden unexplained changes to wills or other estate planning documents, large cash withdrawals, or missing credit cards.

 

When you suspect that your loved one might be the victim of elder abuse, you will want to take specific steps. Be sure to document all of the signs that you notice, meaning take pictures of any visible injuries and secure banking account or other financial transaction information. Above all, you should certainly speak to your elderly relative to not only have him or her explain what had happened but also to let him or her know that you care and will make sure he or she will not be subjected to any further harm.

Certain parties, such as doctors, are required to report possible signs of abuse. If you need help filing a report, you should make sure to seek legal representation.

An attorney may be able to file a legal claim against a negligent nursing home to pursue various damages. Victims may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Delaware Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

If you think your loved one might be the victim of elder abuse in Delaware, it is in your best interest to retain legal counsel as soon as possible. Edelstein Martin & Nelson, LLP will fight to protect your rights and hold all negligent parties accountable.

You can have our attorneys provide a complete evaluation of your case as soon as you call (302) 295-5050 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation.