Nursing Home Abuse

Nursing Homes exist to provide care for those that do not require hospitalization but cannot care for themselves at home.   When these individuals are not properly taken care of, it could be considered negligence by the nursing home staff. Too many frail elders are still paying the price for nursing home abuse. The Law Office of Natalie J. Miller fights for nursing home resident's rights. Nursing homes should be held liable when they pay more attention to their bottom line than to the potential abuse and neglect to be inflicted upon their residents.

A Bill of Rights has now been established to protect the rights of nursing home residents.

Signs of Nursing Home Abuse:

Emotional abuse

• Withdrawn or Non-communicative
• Strange behavior (including sucking, biting, and rocking)
• Dementia or sudden confusion
• Low self-esteem and/or depression
• Anxiety
• Agitation
• Mood Swings
• Involuntary seclusion

Physical abuse

• Decubitus Ulcers (Bed-sores)
• Frozen joints
• Unexplained accident or injury
• Cuts, abrasions and skin damage
• Broken bones
• Sprains
• Dislocations
• Bruises
• Welts
• Rapid, unexplained weight loss
• Burns
• Fearfulness
• Broken eyeglasses
• Skull fractures
• Lacerations
• Unwarranted use of physical restraint

Sexual abuse

• Unexplained venereal disease
• Genital infections
• Vaginal or anal bleeding
• Torn or stained underclothing
• Bruising around breasts, upper abdomen, or inner thighs

What to do if you Suspect Abuse:

Victims of nursing home abuse may be embarrassed and reluctant to speak out because of threats or intimidation by staff members. If you have seen or suspect nursing home abuse, you should get medical attention for the victim as soon as possible, if warranted by the circumstances. Gather as much information as possible about the individuals involved in the suspected abuse (e.g. names, ages, addresses). After this, report the abuse to the nursing home administrator. Then file a complaint with the department in your state that regulates nursing homes and contact the local police. Elder abuse is a criminal offense and is both illegal and unacceptable, you should also seek the help of a qualified attorney.

Downloadable Resources

Nursing Home Bill of Rights

The rights of residents of nursing homes

If you or a loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse please contact us
or submit your case for review on our Case Review Page. 

The initial consultation is FREE OF CHARGE and if we agree to accept your case,
we will work on a contingency fee basis, which means

WE GET PAID FOR OUR SERVICES ONLY IF
THERE IS A MONETARY AWARD OR RECOVERY OF FUNDS.