When you place a loved one in a nursing home, you expect them to receive quality care in a safe environment. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always occur. If you suspect abuse or neglect in a Bardstown facility, the nursing home abuse lawyers at McCoy & Sparks are here to help. Our team is dedicated to holding nursing homes accountable for harm to residents.
What Does a Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Do?
A nursing home abuse attorney fights for residents’ rights and holds facilities liable when standards of care fall short. Legal action is often needed to ensure the safety and well-being of elderly adults who may be unable to defend themselves against abuse or neglect.
According to the National Aging Resource Center on Elder Abuse, elder mistreatment includes five main categories: physical, emotional, financial, sexual, and neglect. Each category can have serious consequences for residents.
- Physical abuse. This involves intentional harm, such as hitting, slapping, or improper restraint. It can lead to unexplained bruises, fractures, or sudden changes in mobility.
- Emotional abuse. Verbal attacks, threats, or humiliation fall under emotional abuse, often causing anxiety, depression, or withdrawal.
- Financial exploitation. This includes unauthorized use of funds, manipulation of wills, or unexpected changes in financial documents.
- Sexual abuse. Any unwanted sexual contact is not only abusive but also a crime under Kentucky law.
- Neglect. Ignoring residents’ needs, such as food, personal care, or medical treatment, can result in serious health issues.
If your loved one has suffered any of these abuses, contact a nursing home neglect lawyer to investigate whether you or your family member has a legal claim.
Kentucky Law and Nursing Home Abuse Cases
Kentucky law requires nursing homes to provide a safe environment for their residents. The Kentucky Adult Protection Act establishes standards to safeguard adults from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Despite these laws, some facilities fail to deliver adequate care. Our nursing home abuse lawyers are familiar with Kentucky’s legal requirements and work to ensure facilities meet these standards.
When handling a case, our team examines whether the nursing home violated Kentucky’s regulations and whether these violations contributed to your loved one’s injuries or suffering.
Why Do You Need a Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer?
A nursing home neglect lawyer helps ensure that those responsible for abuse and neglect are held answerable for their actions. Understanding why nursing home abuse occurs is an important part of addressing it. In many cases, abuse happens due to:
- Not enough staff. When there aren’t enough qualified caregivers, residents may not receive the attention they need, leading to neglect.
- Inadequate training. Staff members who aren’t appropriately trained may fail to recognize when residents need medical attention or assistance.
- Unsafe conditions. Hazardous conditions, such as slippery floors or an unsanitary environment, can put residents at risk of accidents or infections.
- Medication errors. Mismanagement of medications—whether missed doses or incorrect administration—can have negative health effects.
Our nursing home abuse team conducts thorough investigations to uncover the underlying causes of neglect and works to ensure facilities are brought to justice for failing to meet care standards.
How a Nursing Home Abuse Law Firm Can Help
If you are looking for a nursing home abuse attorney in Bardstown, it’s likely because a loved one has shown signs of abuse or neglect. Abuse or neglect in nursing homes can result in injuries that affect residents’ well-being. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Bedsores. Also known as pressure ulcers, bedsores develop when residents are not moved frequently. They are typically preventable with regular repositioning and proper care.
- Falls and fractures. Residents may fall due to lack of supervision or unsafe environments, often resulting in broken bones, head injuries, or hip fractures.
- Malnutrition and dehydration. Neglecting residents’ nutritional needs can weaken their immune systems, cause confusion, or lead to severe weight loss.
- Infections. Poor hygiene or untreated wounds can lead to infections, which may be life-threatening if not promptly addressed.
If your loved one has experienced any of these injuries, a nursing home abuse law firm in Bardstown can help ensure that those responsible are held liable and that appropriate care measures are put in place moving forward.
Steps to Take If You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse
Kentucky law safeguards the rights of nursing home residents, but these rights can sometimes be violated. If you suspect your loved one is experiencing abuse or neglect, there are steps you can take:
- Document everything. Keep a detailed record of dates, times, and incidents that raise concern. This documentation can support your case and provide evidence of neglect or abuse.
- Notify facility management. Report your concerns to the nursing home’s administration. This formalizes your complaint and ensures the facility knows the issue.
- Get a medical evaluation. Have your loved one undergo a comprehensive medical checkup to identify any injuries or health problems that may have resulted from abuse or neglect.
- Consult with a nursing home abuse attorney. An experienced nursing home neglect lawyer can guide you through Kentucky’s legal process to protect your loved one’s rights.
These steps can help prevent further harm and improve your loved one’s situation.
How to Find a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Near Me in Bardstown
When seeking a nursing home abuse lawyer in Bardstown, it’s important to find someone who knows Kentucky laws and cares about your loved one’s safety. At McCoy & Sparks, we recognize the emotional toll of taking legal action against a nursing home that was expected to provide a safe environment for your loved one.
Our firm works with some of the COmmonwealth’s very best nursing home specialist to ensure that your case gets the best care possible. We help gather information and work closely with these partners to determine if there was substandard care, and if so, what options exist for the family. Your loved one’s safety is our priority, and we are committed to addressing your concerns with care and clarity.
Let McCoy & Sparks Help Protect Your Loved One’s Rights
If your loved one has experienced abuse or neglect in a Kentucky nursing home, McCoy & Sparks is here to support you. We believe that every resident deserves to be treated with dignity and care, and we work to hold nursing homes accountable when they fail to meet that standard.
Our attorneys are experienced in handling these sensitive cases and are deeply connected to the Bardstown community. We will put a team together that will represent your interest in the strongest way possible. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case and learn more about your options. Let us help protect your loved one’s rights and well-being.