Harm Caused by Physical Abuse to Nursing Home Residents

Thursday, March 11, 2021

Harm Caused by Physical Abuse to Nursing Home Residents

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

Nursing home abuse can take on many different forms. Physical abuse is one of the most common, leading not only to physical harm but also financial and psychological harm. Victims of nursing home abuse and their families should learn more about their legal rights to financial recovery. Call an experienced attorney at Malman Law. 

Nursing home abuse is a rampant and inexcusable problem within America today. This issue is only becoming more serious and widespread as the baby boomer population ages. There are many different types of abuse that nursing home residents are subject to, the most obvious being physical abuse. Nursing home residents and their families suffer significant harm from physical abuse in these settings. If you suspect your loved one has suffered any kind of abuse in a nursing facility, don’t hesitate to reach out to a compassionate Chicago nursing home abuse lawyer as soon as possible.

Physical Harm

Elderly residents in nursing homes are especially vulnerable to physical injuries and neglect. Even minor injuries can lead to severe or even fatal complications. The physical harm done through physical abuse to nursing home residents doesn’t need to be extreme to cause problems. This harm can cause debilitating injuries, leaving a resident further unable to care or think for themselves. Typical nursing home abuse injuries include:

• Concussions or other traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Broken bones
• Bedsores
• Infections
• Spinal cord injuries (SCI)
• Burns
• Cognitive impairments

Financial Harm

Physical abuse necessitates medical care, especially in the vulnerable elderly population. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), the direct medical costs of nursing home abuse injuries are estimated to increase the nation’s annual health expenditures by $5.3 billion. Inadequate treatment, care, and understaffing result in preventable harm and $2.8 billion per year in Medicare hospital costs alone. No matter who ends up paying for the injuries caused by physical abuse in nursing homes, the financial harm cannot be ignored. A Chicago nursing home abuse attorney from our firm can help you and your loved one recover damages for any medical expenses incurred from abuse.

Psychological Harm

While the physical evidence of abuse may heal, the psychological harm done isn’t likely to ever resolve fully. The psychological scars of abuse may not be as noticeable as the physical ones, but they are no less important. Abuse causes profound psychological harm. Victims of nursing home abuse might be afraid to trust again, and they might feel angry or betrayed. Some may even feel as if they deserved the abuse they received or that no one cares. Even though psychological harm isn’t readily observable, it still exists. Nursing home residents who have suffered abuse should receive mental health evaluation and treatment. 

Get Help from an Experienced Chicago Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer at Malman Law Today

At Malman Law, we are dedicated to holding long-term care facilities accountable for the harm they cause. If your loved one has been injured due to nursing home abuse or neglect, it is essential to meet with an experienced Chicago nursing home abuse lawyer right away to discuss your legal options.  

We can help you file a nursing home abuse lawsuit on behalf of your loved one and pursue compensation for injuries and other harm caused by abuse and neglect. Call (312) 629-0099 or use our online contact form to receive a free, no-risk consultation with one of our knowledgeable nursing home abuse attorneys today.