ALABAMA NURSING HOME ABUSE ATTORNEYS

Comprehensive Legal Support for Nursing Home Abuse Victims in Alabama

Although we trust nursing homes and other assisted living facilities to properly care for our elderly loved ones, millions of seniors are harmed at the hands of trusted caregivers every year in the United States. If you believe that you or someone you love may be the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, know that you have the right to take legal action—and Morris Haynes Attorneys at Law can help.

Founded in 1991, our firm has a long history of helping the injured and the wronged fight for justice and the fair compensation they were owed. Our Alabama nursing home abuse attorneys are passionate about standing up for our society’s most vulnerable individuals, and we are not afraid to represent you at trial if necessary. To date, we have recovered more than $1 billion in compensation for our clients; find out how we can help you.

Identifying Different Forms of Elder Abuse

Individuals residing in nursing home, assisted living facilities, and other long-term care centers are susceptible to several different types of abuse.

Some of the most common types of nursing home abuse include:

• Physical abuse
• Neglect
• Mental/emotional abuse
• Verbal abuse
• Sexual assault or abuse
• Social isolation
• Financial abuse

Some types of abuse are easier to detect than others, but it is always important that you know how to spot nursing home abuse so that you can take immediate action at the first sign of something wrong. All types of nursing home abuse can have significant physical, emotional, and financial consequences; the sooner you act to put a stop to suspected abuse, the better.

Recognizing the Warning Signs of Abuse and Neglect

As previously mentioned, it is important that you know the signs of nursing home abuse and neglect. Whether you live in an assisted living facility or have an elderly loved one who is receiving professional care, being aware of these signs can empower you to take action when a nursing home or caregiver acts negligently or wrongfully.

Some warning signs of nursing home abuse and neglect include:

• Unexplained injuries, such as cuts, bruises, or broken bones
• Unexplained or untreated illnesses, including pneumonia or COVID-19
• Fall-related injuries, including fractured hips
• Preventable accidents, such as falls
• Untreated bedsores, or pressure ulcers
• Malnutrition and/or dehydration
• Dirty, soiled, or unclean bedclothes or linens
• Unsanitary or unsafe conditions
• New or worsened irritability, anxiety, or depression
• Unusual changes in mood or behavior, such as unexplained aggression or crying
• Apparent fear in the presence of certain caregivers or staff members
• Staff members being unwilling to allow visitors to be alone with residents
• Medication errors and other medical mistakes
• Unexplained changes to a resident’s financial or estate documents
• Unusual withdrawals from bank accounts
• Signs of sexual abuse or injury, such as bruises on or near genitalia or female breasts

Other indications that a facility may not provide an adequate level of care include a poor resident-to-staff ratio, lack of onsite medical staff, and generally unkempt grounds or poor property conditions. Isolated residents and overcrowding are also signs of improper nursing home practices.

Immediate Steps to Take if You Suspect Elder Mistreatment

If you believe that you or someone else is in imminent danger, call 911. In all other cases, you can report suspected nursing home abuse or neglect in several different ways.

In Alabama, you can report nursing home abuse by contacting:

• A local law enforcement agency
• A trusted doctor or medical provider
• The National Center on Elder Abuse
• Alabama Public Health
• Alabama Adult Protective Services
• The Alabama Department of Senior Services
• The local nursing home abuse hotline at (800) 356-9569 or (800) 458-7214
• The local long-term care ombudsman

Once you have ensured your own safety or the safety of your elderly loved one, and you have reported the abuse to the appropriate authorities, it is important that you reach out to an experienced nursing home abuse attorney in Alabama, like those at Morris Haynes Attorneys at Law. Our attorneys can help you understand your legal options and protect your rights as you navigate the process of filing a claim.

We are committed to fighting on behalf of victims of negligence, as well as those who have lost loved ones due to the wrongful conduct of others. We do not back down from complex and challenging cases, and we will be there to provide the care, support, and guidance you need every step of the way.