June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, an observation that is equal parts tragic and necessary. According to the National Council on Aging, one in ten seniors aged 60 and over face abuse every year, yet only a fraction of these are reported. Some studies have even found that authorities are notified of only one out of every 24 instances of abuse.
Tragically and inexplicably, several instances of abuse come from family members. Many more, however, occur in nursing homes and long-term care facilities where some of our most vulnerable population are left to suffer in silence.
SIGNS OF NURSING HOME ABUSE
Physical signs of abuse include:
- Unexplained injury
- Bruises around genitalia
- Bleeding
- Sexually transmitted diseases
If you notice visible signs of physical or sexual abuse while visiting a loved one, immediate action should be taken. However, not all signs of abuse are obvious. It is important to also look for emotional signs of abuse such as:
- Changes in behavior
- Increased anxiety or depression
- Withdrawal
- Apparent discomfort around staff
These, like physical signs of abuse, should be brought to the attention of an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer right away.
Lourie, Chance, Forlines, Carter & King IS HERE TO HELP
The nursing home abuse lawyers at Lourie, Chance, Forlines, Carter & King take accusations of abuse and neglect very seriously. We are prepared to get to work on your case right away, taking all necessary steps to protect your loved one from future indignities while investigating your claim to identify all liable parties.
We have the resources of a large firm, but approach each case with the individual care we firmly believe our clients deserve. We are here to answer all of your questions, provide honest and actionable information, and fight tirelessly for the justice you and your family deserve.
CONTACT US TO LEARN MORE
Lourie, Chance, Forlines, Carter & King has been involved in several high-profile nursing home abuse cases and been able to secure significant verdicts for many victims of abuse and neglect. If you suspect a loved one is being mistreated, we strongly encourage you to contact our office immediately to schedule a free consultation.
We maintain two offices in the Atlanta area and serve families living throughout Georgia. If you need help, please call Lourie, Chance, Forlines, Carter & King at 404-760-7400 to schedule a free and confidential consultation with one of our experienced nursing home abuse lawyers right away.