According to statistics, there are more than 36,000 nursing facility residents in North Carolina, and if you or a loved one has been a victim of abuse in a nursing home, our North Carolina nursing home abuse lawyer is here to help you. When someone needs advanced medical attention and care, nursing homes provide care that loved ones are incapable of providing. However, overcrowding, underfunding, and overworked employees often lead to nursing home abuse and neglect. You’re entitled to know your rights and may be able to receive compensation after suffering from abuse.
Our attorney Chris Layton became a lawyer to help people who would otherwise be taken advantage of, and he is prepared to help defend your rights and in your nursing home abuse case. As a North Carolina resident for over 20 years, and with over a decade of legal experience, he is dedicated to serving members of his community with their legal needs. To discuss your case with our team and find out how we can assist you, contact The Layton Law Firm today to schedule your free consultation.
Recognizing The Signs Of Abuse and Neglect
The CDC has recently released a report that claims that more than half a million adults aged 60 or above are neglected, exploited, or abused every year in the United States. In addition, about 15% of the elderly may deal with some kind of abuse or neglect. Only 20% of these cases are actually reported. Understanding the signs of abuse is a crucial part of protecting yourself and your loved ones.
Nursing home abuse ranges from physical abuse to emotional abuse and can also include sexual abuse as well as neglect. In order to determine if you or your elderly loved one has suffered abuse or neglect in a nursing home, look for the signs. Some of these signs include bruising, dehydration, dirty clothing, abrupt changes in finances, improper medical or dental care, fatigue, and poor hygiene.
North Carolina Nursing Home Abuse FAQs
Below our North Carolina nursing home abuse lawyer addresses key concerns families may have about nursing home injuries and why they shouldn’t be overlooked. Families trust the facility to provide care and protection when a loved one enters a nursing home. Unfortunately, nursing home injuries can occur due to neglect or poor care, and these incidents may have long-lasting effects on a senior’s health and well-being. Ignoring these injuries can lead to further harm, emotional distress, and, in some cases, legal complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Report Nursing Home Abuse?
Report suspected abuse to local authorities, adult protective services, or a lawyer who specializes in nursing home abuse to ensure proper investigation and legal action.
Can I Sue A Nursing Home For Abuse?
Yes, you can file a lawsuit against a nursing home if there is evidence of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. A lawyer can help you gather evidence and pursue legal action.
What Are Common Nursing Home Injuries?
Common nursing home injuries include falls, bedsores, medication errors, malnutrition, dehydration, and physical abuse. Many of these injuries are preventable with proper care and attention. Falls, for instance, often occur due to insufficient supervision or poor facility maintenance, while bedsores result from inadequate care for immobile residents. Recognizing these injuries early and taking the necessary steps can prevent further harm.
Why Is It Important To Act Quickly After An Injury?
When a loved one is injured in a nursing home, it’s essential to act quickly. Delaying action can worsen the injury or lead to complications that might not be immediately obvious. Some injuries, like infections from untreated bedsores or bone fractures from falls, may not show immediate symptoms but can cause severe harm over time. By addressing the issue quickly, families can ensure that their loved one receives proper medical treatment and that the facility is held accountable for any neglect or mistreatment.
How Can Nursing Home Injuries Affect A Senior’s Health?
Nursing home injuries can have a profound impact on a senior’s physical and emotional health. For example, a fall can lead to broken bones, which might cause a decline in mobility and independence. Bedsores, if left untreated, can develop into serious infections, leading to hospitalization or even death. Additionally, emotional trauma caused by mistreatment or neglect can lead to depression, anxiety, and a decrease in the quality of life for the affected individual. According to our North Carolina nursing home abuse lawyer, these injuries can have far-reaching consequences that go beyond just physical pain.
What Should We Do If We Suspect A Loved One Is A Victim Of Nursing Home Negligence?
If we suspect that a loved one is a victim of nursing home negligence, the first step is to report the incident to the facility management. Documenting the injury and any signs of neglect, such as bruising or malnutrition, is critical. Next, seek medical attention for the affected individual to assess the extent of the injury. Consulting with our award-winning North Carolina nursing home abuse lawyer can help determine if there is a case for compensation or accountability. Taking action is crucial to protecting your loved one’s well-being and securing justice.
Can Families Seek Compensation For Nursing Home Injuries?
Yes, families can seek compensation for injuries sustained in nursing homes, especially if the injury occurred due to negligence or abuse. Compensation can cover medical bills, pain and suffering, and the costs associated with additional care or rehabilitation. It’s important to work with a legal team that is familiar with nursing home injury cases to help gather the necessary evidence and ensure that the responsible parties are held accountable.
Contact A Legal Professional
Nursing home injuries are serious and should not be overlooked. These injuries can cause lasting physical, emotional, and financial consequences for both the injured individual and their family. If you suspect that a loved one has been harmed due to nursing home negligence, it’s vital to take immediate action. Contact The Layton Law Firm to learn more about your options for seeking justice and compensation. With over twenty years of experience, we know your loved one deserves the best care, and we’re here to help make sure they receive it.
Seeking Compensation Through A Personal Injury Claim
It is crucial to understand that nursing home abuse and neglect are considered personal injury in North Carolina and give rise to a valid reason to seek compensation. Our North Carolina nursing home abuse lawyer is here to answer all your questions and help you protect your loved one from further abuse while seeking compensation for past nursing home neglect or abuse.
In addition to on-site abuse and neglect, nursing home facilities can also be held accountable for neglectful transport of an individual, such as if your loved one has been a passenger in a car accident while being transported by a nursing home or agent of the nursing home you may have a claim.
The Emotional Side Of Nursing Home Abuse
Not only is placing a loved one under the care of a nursing home facility difficult, but for many clients, the decision to hire our North Carolina nursing home abuse lawyer to assist with a nursing home abuse claim is also difficult. The victim may fear retaliation by the nursing home, or an eviction from the nursing home if the facility finds out that you are pursuing a claim against them. While these are valid concerns, it is all the more reason to consult a personal injury lawyer and take steps to further separate your loved one from the facility.
Contact Our North Carolina Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Today
If you suspect that something is wrong or has gone wrong with the care of yourself or a family member, consult with our North Carolina nursing home abuse lawyer today. Our attorney has experience and knowledge that immediately help you clarify your options and move forward with confidence. Not only will you save your loved ones from additional suffering in the form of abuse and neglect, but you’ll also play a critical role in preventing this abuse from happening to others. If you would like to speak with an attorney about nursing home abuse or neglect, please contact The Layton Law Firm today at 704.749.7747. You can also request a phone consultation online.
How To Recognize Signs Of Nursing Home Abuse
If you have a family member in a facility and are worried about their care, our North Carolina nursing home abuse lawyer can help. When we place a loved one in a nursing home, we trust they’ll be treated with dignity and respect. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always happen. Abuse in nursing homes is a serious issue, and it’s not always obvious. Below, our North Carolina nursing home abuse lawyer outlines clear signs that something may be wrong.
Unexplained Injuries Or Bruises
Pay close attention to any cuts, bruises, or broken bones that don’t come with a clear explanation. If a facility claims your loved one “fell” or “ran into something,” but the injury seems severe or happens often, it may be time to ask more questions. In some cases, repeated injuries can point to physical abuse or neglect.
Sudden Behavioral Changes
If your loved one becomes withdrawn, anxious, or fearful around staff, it could be more than just a bad day. A noticeable change in how they act—especially if they seem scared or unwilling to talk—may be a red flag. This is particularly concerning when the change happens quickly or without an obvious reason.
Poor Hygiene And Dirty Living Conditions
Nursing homes are responsible for basic cleanliness and personal care. If your loved one smells of urine, wears soiled clothing, or seems unbathed, it’s not just uncomfortable—it could be neglect. Look around their living space as well. Dirty sheets, trash buildup, or pests shouldn’t be overlooked.
Sudden Weight Loss Or Dehydration
Weight loss that happens fast or seems unexplained could mean your loved one isn’t being fed regularly or has an untreated medical issue. Dehydration is another sign that care may be lacking. Staff should be monitoring these things closely. If they’re not, it may signal neglect.
Medications Missing Or Misused
Pay attention to whether your loved one’s prescriptions are being taken as directed. Missed doses, overmedication, or frequent changes without your knowledge could suggest carelessness or worse. Ask staff directly about any changes, and don’t hesitate to double-check with a doctor or pharmacist.
Unusual Financial Activity
Financial abuse can be harder to spot, but it’s more common than most people think. Watch for strange charges on bank statements, missing belongings, or pressure from staff to sign forms or change financial arrangements. If your loved one seems confused about money or stressed about their accounts, take it seriously.
Isolation From Family And Friends
If the facility limits your visits, restricts phone calls, or doesn’t allow private conversations, be cautious. Isolation can be a way for abusers to avoid detection. Loved ones should always have access to their support network.
Why It Matters
No one wants to think that a trusted facility could harm those we care about, but staying informed is one way to protect them. If something feels off, it probably is. Our North Carolina nursing home abuse lawyer has over twenty years of working with families, helping them understand the signs of abuse.
At The Layton Law Firm, we’ve seen how serious these cases can become. If you suspect nursing home abuse in Charlotte or the surrounding area, don’t wait to speak up. Call our award-winning team today for a free consultation. We’re here to help your family get the care and justice they deserve.