When a loved one enters a nursing home or long-term care facility, we trust that those responsible will have professional care of our loved one. Far too often, nursing homes and caregivers are guilty of abuse or neglect. When this happens in Arizona, call the passionate Phoenix nursing home abuse lawyers at Begam Marks & Traulsen, P.A. to seek justice and compensation for your loved ones.
Today, many nursing homes are operated by mega-corporations that seem to place profits before resident care. This is wrong and our Phoenix nursing home abuse attorneys want to help. Our loved ones have given us their very best, now it is time that they receive the very best. Contact our nursing home abuse lawyers today to schedule a free consultation about your unique situation.
Why Choose Our Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers?
- We have successfully obtained hundreds of millions of dollars for clients.
- We have been helping nursing home abuse victims since 1957.
- Our firm is passionate about standing up for what is right on behalf of clients.
- Our Phoenix personal injury lawyers can take your case to trial in Phoenix if necessary for fair compensation.
- We never charge fees for taking nursing home abuse cases unless we win.
What are the Signs of Nursing Home Abuse?
Despite thousands of senior citizens suffering nursing home abuse around the country, only a fraction ever come forward to report their perpetrators. Intimidation, fear of the repercussions, fear of not being believed, and the physical or mental inability to say anything prevents many victims from reporting nursing home abuse. It is often up to loved ones to notice the signs of abuse or neglect instead.
- Malnutrition or unkempt appearance
- Bedsores or infections
- Unexplained physical injuries
- Emotional withdrawal
- Isolation from social activities
- Depression or anxiety
- Fear, shame or guilt
- Behavioral changes
- Overall decline in mental or physical health
- Unusual financial fluctuations
Speak to your loved one about potential abuse or neglect after noticing signs of physical, mental, sexual or financial abuse. Take all allegations and accusations seriously. Report your suspicions to administrators at the nursing home and to the police, in serious cases. Then, contact a nursing home abuse lawyer in Phoenix to help you navigate related laws.
What are the Different Types of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect?
Between one and two million Americans age 65 or older have been injured, exploited, or otherwise mistreated by someone they depended on for care or protection, according to the National Center on Elder Abuse. Frequent types of abuse and injury can include:
- Bodily injury, pain, or impairment
- Physical punishment
- Improper drug use
- Improper physical restraints
- Force-feeding
- Sexual abuse
- Emotional or psychological abuse
- Insults, threats or intimidation
- Humiliation or harassment
- Isolation
- Abuse from other residents
- Inadequate medical care
- Poor hygiene
- Malnutrition or dehydration
- Falls due to neglect
- Health and safety hazards
What are the Laws Against Nursing Home Abuse?
Nursing home abuse is not only a terrible wrongdoing – it is also against federal and state laws. On the federal level, laws protecting elders from abuse and neglect include the Nursing Home Reform Act, Elder Justice Act, Older Americans Act and Violence Against Women Act. These acts institute many important laws to benefit senior citizens, including laws forcing nursing homes to take better care of their residents, respect the Resident Bill of Rights, and report possible incidents of abuse or neglect. Arizona also has state laws defining elder abuse and protecting residents’ rights.
How do I Prove Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect?
Obtaining compensation for nursing home abuse or neglect takes proving your case using clear and convincing evidence. You or your nursing home abuse lawyer will need to gather evidence such as eyewitness accounts, photographs of the nursing home, medical records, incident reports, police reports and expert testimony to prove your case. Hiring a nursing home neglect lawyer in Phoenix can help you with this burden of proof by giving you access to legal personnel and resources. An attorney can take care of collecting and presenting evidence while you focus on the future.
Wrongful Death in a Nursing Home
Our law firm also accepts nursing home abuse wrongful death claims. We can give a voice to a victim who no longer has one. Our wrongful death lawyers know how devastating it can be to lose a loved one – especially under suspicious circumstances such as abuse or neglect. We take pride in providing respectful, courteous and compassionate legal advice and representation. We can help your family hold a nursing home or another party accountable for the wrongful death of your loved one. Although no amount of money will make up for the loss of a family member, a financial award could give you better financial stability during this difficult time.
Contact a Phoenix Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
If you or your loved one is in immediate danger of abuse, dial 911 or call the police right away. If you or a loved one has sustained injuries or you suspect abuse or neglect by a nursing home, care facility or caregiver, please also call our firm. Your loved one and his or her well-being may be dependent upon you taking immediate action.
Our lawyers are passionate about advocating for elderly rights, especially in the face of a heinous crime such as nursing home abuse. As a victim or the loved one of a victim, please contact us online or call (602) 254-6071 to speak to an attorney at Begam Marks & Traulsen, P.A. about your case. We offer free initial consultations in Phoenix.