Has your loved one been the victim of physical abuse in a nursing home in Las Vegas, NV? Call De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers at (702) 222-9999 to learn more about the compensation you and your loved one could be entitled to. Our Las Vegas nursing home abuse lawyers offer free consultations.
Under Nevada law, abuse of an older adult is a crime and a civil wrong. Mistreatment results in more than physical and emotional injuries; it’s a horrifying breach of trust. Many seniors never fully recover from the effects of physical abuse.
Our law firm has fought for the rights of nursing home residents and their families for over three decades. Call our Las Vegas personal injury attorneys to schedule a free consultation to discuss what we can do to help you.
Why Choose De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers to Help After Physical Abuse in a Las Vegas Nursing Home
When a nursing facility won’t protect your loved one, De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers is here to help. Our family-run law firm has extensive experience and the resources necessary to take on corporate nursing home chains, their insurers, and their defense teams.
Families trust our Las Vegas personal injury lawyers because:
- We give your case the personal attention it deserves.
- We’ve recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation for past clients.
- We have 100 years of combined experience in personal injury law, including nursing home abuse cases.
- We act promptly to investigate how your loved one was injured, preserve relevant records and evidence, and collaborate with experts.
- We’ve received honors such as the Las Vegas Review-Journal’s Best of Las Vegas and Martindale-Hubbell’s Platinum Client Champion Award.
- We’ll handle the legal burdens so you can focus on your family.
Most families have never navigated Nevada’s elder abuse statutes or the regulatory maze that governs long-term care in Las Vegas, Nevada. We do it every day. Call us today to schedule a free case evaluation with a Las Vegas nursing home abuse attorney ready to help you.
What Constitutes Physical Abuse in Nursing Homes in Las Vegas, Nevada?
Under Nevada law, abuse of an older person is the willful infliction of pain or injury or the deprivation of necessary care. Abuse may involve physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, abandonment, isolation, or exploitation.
In a nursing home, physical abuse commonly includes:
- Hitting, slapping, pushing, kicking, or pinching
- Rough handling or force-feeding
- Unnecessary physical restraint
- Overmedication or misuse of medications to sedate or control behavior
- Sexual assault or nonconsensual contact
- Any deliberate act causing pain or injury
Abuse or neglect of an older person aged 60 or older or a vulnerable person can be a criminal offense. Victims and family members also have the right to pursue damages through a civil action.
What Are the Warning Signs of Physical Abuse of a Nursing Home Resident?
Not all injuries are accidents. Watch for patterns and inconsistencies, especially when explanations don’t match the injuries.
Signs that a loved one is being physically abused in a nursing facility may include:
- Unexplained fractures or burns
- Bruising, welts, abrasions, or grip marks
- Frequent ER visits, untreated injuries, or delays in seeking care
- Signs of overmedication (excessive drowsiness, confusion) or sudden changes in prescriptions
- Marks from restraints on wrists or ankles
- Bed rails always up without a medical reason
- Broken or missing eyeglasses
- Sudden fearfulness, withdrawal, agitation, or flinching around certain staff
- Isolation from family or visitors, or staff refusing private visits
- Poor hygiene, soiled bedding, or unsafe surroundings suggesting neglect
Pay close attention to your loved one’s ankles, wrists, and upper arms. These areas are most likely to show signs of physical abuse from restraints or being grabbed, dragged, or pushed. Be aware that signs of abuse in dementia patients may be even harder to recognize. That’s why it’s crucial to be vigilant and note any patterns or changes in behavior.
What Should I Do if I Suspect My Loved One Is Being Abused in a Nursing Home?
If you observe any signs of abuse, document what you see with photos, dates, and any other observations that may be important.
You can report your concerns to the Long Term Care (LTC) Ombudsman by calling the LTCOP Helpline at 1-888-282-1155. The ombudsman advocates for long-term care residents, investigates complaints and reports aof buse, and works to resolve problems. Abuse and other complaints can also be reported online to the Bureau of Health Care Quality and Compliance.
What Damages Can Nursing Home Abuse Victims and Their Families Recover in Nevada?
Nevada law allows injured residents or their guardians to bring civil claims against responsible facilities and staff.
Compensation can include economic and non-economic damages, such as:
- Medical expenses, including hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and future care
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional and mental anguish
- Loss of quality of life
- Costs of relocating to a safer facility
- Other out-of-pocket expenses
In Nevada, enhanced remedies are available when an older adult aged 60 or older suffers injury or death due to abuse. Punitive damages may also be available in nursing home abuse cases.
If abuse tragically results in death, Nevada’s wrongful death statute allows heirs or the personal representative to pursue claims for losses such as grief, loss of support and companionship, and burial and funeral expenses.
Contact Our Las Vegas Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you suspect your loved one has been physically abused in a Las Vegas nursing home, don’t wait to take action. After reporting the abuse, contact De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers for a free, confidential consultation.
When a skilled nursing facility allows abuse to occur, we’re here to hold them accountable and pursue the full compensation Nevada law allows. Call us today for a free case review with a Las Vegas nursing home abuse lawyer.
