Nursing home abuse is alarmingly common, with around 16 percent of long-term care residents reporting instances of abuse. While types of abuse vary and some residents are more at risk, the result is severe physical or emotional injuries during what should be residents’ golden years. Swift action is crucial for holding abusers and negligent facilities accountable while helping injured residents recover fair compensation.
As nursing home abuse lawyers in Hickory, NC, the team at Ted A. Greve & Associates proudly fights for injured residents and their families. Firm founder Ted A. Greve’s experience as a lawyer and doctor helps him understand all your legal and medical needs. We’ll handle all the legal work so you or your abused family member can focus on healing. You don’t owe us any upfront fees for your case, so call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
Understanding Nursing Home Abuse and Its Legal Implications
Nursing abuse encompasses any single or repeated action that causes physical, emotional, or financial harm to a resident. This abuse is illegal in North Carolina and carries significant penalties for a conviction, including heavy fines and jail time. Any nursing home staffer can also face consequences in civil court through a personal injury lawsuit. However, criminal charges are not necessary for an abused resident or their family to take legal action.
Unfortunately, many nursing home residents don’t report abuse, often because they’re afraid or don’t understand what’s happening due to a mental disability. Examples of abuse in nursing homes include:
- Physical hitting or slapping by nursing home staff or other residents
- Sexual assault or harassment by staff or other residents
- Verbal threats or yelling by staff or other residents
- Emotional manipulation or isolation
- Staff withholding food or water from residents
- Overmedication or misuse of drugs
- Staff ignoring residents’ medical needs
- Facilities and staff that allow residents to live in unsanitary living conditions
- Theft of money or belongings by staff or other residents
- Preventing residents from receiving visits or phone calls from friends or family
Knowing some examples of nursing home abuse can help you know when it’s appropriate to call the authorities and a nursing home abuse lawyer. Common signs of nursing home abuse include:
- Unexplained Injuries – Bruises, cuts, or broken bones without a clear explanation may point to physical abuse or neglect. These injuries can come from overly forceful staff or other residents.
- Sudden Changes in Behavior – If your family member becomes withdrawn, fearful, or anxious, it could be a sign of emotional or physical mistreatment. Pay special attention to whether your family member reacts strongly to particular staff members or residents.
- Poor Hygiene – Dirty clothes, unwashed hair, or strong body odors may indicate that the staff is not providing basic care.
- Bedsores – These painful sores often develop when a person isn’t moved regularly, indicating neglect and improper medical care.
- Frequent Infections – Recurring illnesses or infections can indicate a lack of proper medical attention or unsanitary conditions at the facility.
- Medication Issues – Overmedication or missed doses might suggest poor supervision or even intentional efforts to keep your family member sedated.
- Missing Personal Items or Money – Unexplained financial losses could indicate theft or financial exploitation.
The Role of a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer in Hickory, NC
When a family member is being abused or neglected in a nursing home, a lawyer’s job is to uncover the truth, build a strong case, and fight for justice and fair compensation. While a nursing home abuse lawyer cannot bring criminal charges against a facility or staff member, their investigations can support criminal cases by law enforcement agencies.
Nursing home abuse cases are often complex, as they involve state regulations, sorting through detailed medical records, and dealing with stubborn insurance companies. An experienced attorney knows how to overcome these challenges and put pressure on those responsible. Here’s what a nursing home abuse lawyer can do for you and an abused family member:
- Gather staff records, inspection reports, and prior complaints to spot patterns of abuse or neglect.
- Talk to employees, residents, and visitors who may have seen or heard something suspicious.
- Look for signs of injuries, overmedication, or missed treatments.
- Bring in doctors or elder care specialists to support the case.
- Take legal action to seek compensation for your or a family member’s pain, suffering, and medical costs.
- Push for a fair settlement, or take the case to court if needed.
Taking Action: Steps for Reporting and Addressing Abuse
If you know or suspect abuse at a nursing home in Hickory, you can take these steps to report it so the authorities can address the situation:
- Contact Catawba County Social Services – Catawba County Social Services oversees nursing homes in Hickory and the surrounding area. You can call the office at (828) 695-5609 from Monday to Friday to report abuse. Call 911 to report abuse outside of these hours. You can also visit the Social Services office in person at 3030 11th Ave Dr. SE in Hickory.
- Contact the Regional Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program – The Western Piedmont Council of Governments’ Long-Term Care Ombudsman can investigate complaints of abuse and neglect at nursing homes in Catawba County and other counties in the region. You can reach the local Ombudsman by calling (828) 485-4213.
- Contact the North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation – The Division of Health Service Regulations regulates and licenses all nursing homes in the state. You can call 1-800-624-3004 or find other contact information here to report abuse or neglect at a nursing home.
Once you’ve taken any or all of these steps, call a nursing home abuse lawyer so they can begin an investigation and help you seek compensation.
Compensation and Justice: Outcomes of Nursing Home Abuse Cases
A nursing home abuse attorney can help local or state authorities investigate the facility and take corrective measures. These measures could include fines, the loss of the facility’s license, or jail time in some cases.
Regardless of the outcome of any criminal cases against a facility, a nursing home abuse lawsuit can help you and your family recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Financial losses resulting from theft or exploitation
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Damaged personal property
Contact Ted A. Greve & Associates Today
Our nursing home abuse lawyers in Hickory are ready to hold a negligent facility accountable for failing to care for its residents properly. Call Ted A. Greve & Associates now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
