Many people assume that the most damaging form of abuse is physical abuse, but that’s not necessarily true. Verbal abuse can be incredibly damaging, especially when it is directed at an elderly adult in a nursing home. Sadly, many nursing home residents are verbally abused by the people who are supposed to be caring for them. If this happens to your loved one, it’s important to understand how to recover compensation for verbal abuse in a nursing home.
How to Spot Verbal Abuse in Nursing Homes
Don’t wait for your loved one to tell you that he is being verbally abused by someone in the nursing home. Many nursing home residents are afraid to report their abuser because they are scared, confused, or embarrassed. For this reason, it’s best to keep an eye out for signs your loved one is being verbally abused.
Elderly adults who are verbally abused often start to withdraw from social activities. They may also be less talkative than usual, and may refuse to answer certain sensitive questions. Victims can start to suffer from low self-esteem as a result of the abuse, so if your loved one begins speaking negatively about himself, this could indicate he is being verbally abused.
Take Legal Action As Soon As Possible
If you suspect your loved one is being verbally abused, speak with an attorney as soon as possible. Your first priority should be removing your loved one from the facility so he does not have to endure further abuse. While you are making sure your loved one is safe, your attorney will be investigating the abuse.
To recover compensation, you will need evidence that the abuse actually happened. An attorney can interview other residents and employees at the facility who may have witnessed the abuse. Attorneys can also obtain surveillance footage to see if there is footage that can be used as evidence. Even if there is no audio, it may be possible to show that an employee was acting aggressively towards your loved one based on the video alone. Attorneys can also get ahold of the facility’s personnel records to see if the suspected abuser has been accused of doing this in the past.
All of this evidence can be used to prove your loved one was verbally abused. Your attorney will build a case against the nursing home facility with this evidence and hold them liable for your loved one’s emotional damages.
Has your loved one been abused in a nursing home? If so, contact Reisch Law Firm as soon as possible. There is nothing more despicable than abusing an elderly adult. Let our personal injury attorneys fight to hold the abusers accountable for these malicious actions. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 303-291-0555 or filling out this online form.
