Common Injuries from Physical Abuse in Nursing Homes

Friday, January 28, 2022

Common Injuries from Physical Abuse in Nursing Homes

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

It is a tough decision to move a loved one into a nursing home, but at times, it may be necessary to provide them with the attention and care that they need. Unfortunately, research has shown that millions of nursing home residents experience nursing home abuse and neglect, which can lead to new injuries, worsen existing conditions, and sometimes cause death. Injured residents might need medical treatment and experience pain and suffering as a result. 

If you have a loved one in a nursing home, it is important to be observant of signs of nursing home abuse or neglect and contact a Chicago nursing home abuse lawyer if you feel mistreatment is occurring. 

Common Types of Nursing Home Injuries

Nursing home residents are often more vulnerable to injury than the younger population, and sadly, many elderly nursing home residents experience injuries that are caused by abusive or neglectful treatment from the nursing home staff. Nursing home abuse can have devastating impacts on residents – physically and mentally – and can lead to a higher risk of death and worsening medical conditions.

Knowing common types of nursing home injuries can help you spot them and prevent them. Common nursing home injuries include:

1. Sprains or fractures;
2. Infections or sepsis;
3. Asphyxiation (choking);
4. Bedsores or pressure ulcers;
5. Burns;
6. Dental injuries;
7. Unexplained lacerations, scratches, or bruises; or
8. Head or brain injuries.

Common Forms of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

Aside from the injuries mentioned above, there are more subtle signs of nursing home abuse and neglect that are also important to be aware of and keep an eye out for. These signs of abuse or neglect include:

1. Unreasonable use of chemical or physical restraints;
2. Use of physical force such as slapping, shoving, or shaking;
3. Deprivation of food or water;
4. Force-feeding;
5. Errors with medication (either overmedication or failing to provide necessary medications);
6. Unsanitary conditions (which can lead to infections or bedsores); and 
7. Fall accidents that could have been prevented (which can lead to many of the aforementioned injuries).

One of the hardest types of nursing home abuse to detect is sexual abuse. The symptoms of nursing home sexual abuse are often similar to other signs of physical or emotional abuse. The following are some additional indicators of sexual abuse in the nursing home:

1. Genital or breast injury;
2. Urinary tract infections; or
3. New sexually transmitted infections or diseases.

As nursing home sexual abuse is hard to detect, it is important to take any of these symptoms seriously if you observe them. 

Contact a Chicago Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

If you’re concerned that your elderly loved one is experiencing nursing home abuse or neglect, it’s important to report it and contact an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer immediately to discuss your legal options. Malman Law’s experienced team will help you protect the interests of your elderly loved ones and work to achieve the maximum compensation possible in your case. Contact Malman Law today to speak with an attorney and get a free case review.