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What You Should Do If Your Loved One is Being Abused in a Long Term Care Facility

Long-term care facilities have a duty to provide their residents with the highest quality of care. Sadly, this does not always happen, and abuse or neglect may arise. If your loved one is being abused in a long-term care facility, there are certain steps you should take to protect their rights and remove them from the harmful situation.

Contact the skilled Wisconsin long-term care abuse lawyers at Studinski Law, LLC to learn more about your legal options and ensure your senior’s rights remain protected. Call us today at (715) 343-2850, or reach out through our online form to schedule a free, initial evaluation of your case.

Signs of Abuse at Long Term Care Facilities

There are several signs that may indicate your loved one is being abused in a long-term care facility, including:

• Confusion and/or disorientation
• Poor personal hygiene
• Unexplained broken bones, bruises, and dislocations
• Sudden weight loss
• Dehydration
• Bedsores or open wounds
• Agitation
• Social withdrawal
• Financial exploitation

Steps to Take When You Suspect Your Loved One is Being Abused

If you notice any of the signs of abuse while visiting your loved one at a long-term care facility, be sure to take the following steps:

Report the Emergency
If you believe your loved one’s life is in danger, call 911 right away so that they can receive the immediate care or treatment they need. Calling 911 can allow you to address your senior loved one’s health while giving law enforcement the opportunity to witness the situation that made you believe your loved one was a victim of long-term care abuse.

Collect Information
The more information you can collect to demonstrate the abuse, the better. Take photographs of any injuries that you have noticed on your senior. Use a camera to document any hazards in their room. Write down anything suspicious that a nurse or another worker has said to you or your loved one.

Remove Your Loved One From the Facility
If you truly believe loved one is being abused and the long-term care facility has not taken any action to address this problem, perform some research and find other care facilities for your senior. The most important matter, before anything else, is ensuring your loved one’s safety.

Talk to an Attorney
Reach out to a long-term care abuse lawyer who can begin by reviewing your evidence and collecting more of it if necessary. They can use the evidence to determine whether the long-term care facility is liable for your loved one’s abuse and file a claim on your behalf. By filing a claim, you and your loved one may be able to secure compensation for damages such as:

• Medical expenses
• Wage loss
• Disability and disfigurement
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress

Filing a claim can also prevent future abuse cases at your loved one’s facility while allowing you to focus on helping your senior recover from the abuse and find a safe home.

Contact a Long Term Care Abuse Lawyer for Help

If you’re concerned that your loved one is being abused in a long-term care facility, don’t hesitate to reach out to an attorney at Studinski Law, LLC. Our team is well-versed in Wisconsin long-term care laws and has successfully represented many victims of long-term care abuse.

You can depend on us to perform a thorough investigation of your case and help you and your loved one recover the compensation they deserve. Contact us at (715) 343-2850 today to schedule a free consultation.