Wisconsin Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Our Lawyers Fight Nursing Home Abuse In Wisconsin

Stand Up For Your Loved Ones And Protect Their Well-Being

When you have a loved one in a nursing home or other healthcare facility, nothing is more important than their health and well-being. If you start noticing signs that your loved one is being abused or neglected—such as bedsores, bruises, cuts, and weight loss—you need to act quickly to protect them and their rights. You also may be eligible to recover compensation for your loved one's medical bills and other losses through a nursing home abuse claim.

Nursing home neglect and abuse are serious matters and no one should be subjected to these actions by someone you entrust with their care. Contact a Wisconsin nursing home abuse lawyer from Nicolet Law Accident & Injury today and let us help you seek justice on behalf of your loved one.

You Must Take Immediate, Decisive Action

If you suspect elder abuse of a loved one, the most important thing you can do is to act right away. Often, residents are elderly individuals or vulnerable adults who are unable to seek independent medical attention for their injuries.

Many nursing home residents may have compromised immune systems and they could be at a very high risk of developing life-threatening infections or illnesses. Additionally, injury victims at a nursing home or assisted living facility may be unaware of their injuries, afraid of retaliation, or simply unable to report what is happening.

We Have Experience In Nursing Home Abuse Cases, So We Know Exactly How To Help You And Your Family

Nursing Home Abuse In Wisconsin And Minnesota

At Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers, our attorneys are dedicated to protecting the rights of personal injury victims across Wisconsin and eastern Minnesota. We have the experience and resources to effectively:

  • Investigate claims of abuse.
  • Gather the evidence necessary to build a strong claim.
  • Navigate the complex provisions of Wisconsin law that can affect nursing home claims.
  • Stand up to nursing facilities and large medical entities when they deny responsibility or attempt to sweep a situation “under the rug.”
  • Protect the interests of your loved one from day one all the way through trial, if trial becomes necessary.

We handle cases involving not only nursing homes but also assisted living facilities, group homes, home health care agencies, and independent living facilities. We can address immediate safety concerns, as well as seek compensation for added long-term costs and all other damages that are the result of the neglect or abuse that your loved one has suffered.

Types of Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse

Nursing home abuse and neglect are serious concerns that can harm the physical and emotional well-being of elderly residents in long-term care facilities. These forms of mistreatment can take various forms, and it's important to recognize and address them promptly. Here are some common types of nursing home abuse and neglect:

Neglect

Neglect is a failure to provide adequate care and attention to meet a resident's basic needs, including food, water, clothing, hygiene, medication, and medical attention. Neglect can be intentional (active neglect) or unintentional (passive neglect), but both can have severe consequences for the resident's health.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse involves intentional harm or injury to a nursing home resident. This can include hitting, slapping, pushing, kicking, or any other form of physical violence. Inadequate use of restraints or excessive use of restraints that cause harm or discomfort to the resident can also constitute physical abuse.

Psychological or Emotional Abuse

Emotional or psychological abuse is the infliction of emotional distress or mental anguish through actions like intimidation, humiliation, yelling, or isolation. Verbal abuse, such as yelling, name-calling, or threats, can also fall under this category.

Financial Exploitation

Financial abuse occurs when a caregiver or staff member manipulates or steals a resident's money, property, or assets for personal gain. It can involve unauthorized use of credit cards, theft, coercing residents to change their wills or financial arrangements, or deceptive practices.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse involves any unwanted sexual contact, attempted sexual assault, or physical or sexual abuse with a nursing home resident without their informed and voluntary consent. This can include rape, molestation, or any form of sexual harassment.

Medication Errors

Medication errors occur when staff members administer the wrong medication, the wrong dose, or fail to administer prescribed medications to residents. Overmedication or undermedication can have serious health implications for residents.

Resident-to-Resident Abuse

Sometimes, residents may abuse or harm each other physically, emotionally, or verbally. This can happen when residents have behavioral or cognitive issues that go unaddressed by the facility.

Abandonment

Abandonment occurs when a nursing home staff member deserts a resident without providing adequate care or ensuring their well-being.

Inadequate Staffing and Supervision

Insufficient staffing levels or poor supervision can contribute to neglect and abuse. Staff members may be overburdened, leading to missed care or abusive behaviors going unnoticed.

Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

Recognizing the signs of nursing home abuse and neglect is crucial for the well-being of elderly residents in nursing home facilities. These signs may vary depending on the type and severity of mistreatment, but some common indicators include

Neglect Signs:

  • Poor personal hygiene, including dirty clothing, unwashed hair, or soiled bedding.
  • Unexplained weight loss or malnutrition.
  • Dehydration.
  • Bedsores (pressure ulcers) or other untreated medical conditions.
  • Untreated infections or chronic health issues.
  • Lack of assistance with mobility or activities of daily living.
  • Unsafe or unsanitary living conditions.

Physical Abuse Signs:

  • Unexplained bruises, cuts, or welts.
  • Broken bones or fractures.
  • Frequent injuries or repeated injuries.
  • Restraining marks or rope burns.
  • Sudden changes in behavior or mood.
  • Fear or avoidance of specific staff members.

Psychological or Emotional Abuse Signs:

  • Unexplained changes in behavior, such as withdrawal or depression.
  • Fear, anxiety, or extreme agitation.
  • Unusual changes in sleeping or eating patterns.
  • Verbal abuse, humiliation, or intimidation by staff or residents.
  • Isolation from other residents or family members.

Financial Exploitation Signs:

  • Unexplained or unauthorized withdrawals from bank accounts.
  • Missing personal belongings or valuables.
  • Changes in wills or financial arrangements without the resident's consent.
  • Confusion or distress related to financial matters.

Sexual Abuse Signs:

  • Unexplained genital injuries or infections.
  • Behavioral changes, such as withdrawal, fear, or aggression.
  • Signs of sexually transmitted infections.
  • Discomfort or pain in the genital area.
  • Inappropriate or unusual sexual behavior or comments.

Medication Errors Signs:

  • Missed doses of prescribed medication.
  • Overmedication or undermedication.
  • Adverse reactions to medication.
  • Confusion, drowsiness, or other unusual side effects.

Resident-to-Resident Abuse Signs:

  • Unexplained injuries or aggression between residents.
  • Fear or avoidance of specific residents.
  • Witnessing or hearing about abusive behavior between residents.

Abandonment Signs:

  • Residents left alone for extended periods without care or supervision.
  • Lack of staff presence during necessary care routines.

Inadequate Staffing and Supervision Signs:

  • Delayed response to call lights or requests for assistance.
  • Staff members appearing overworked and stressed.
  • Frequent staff turnover.
  • Neglected or unsupervised residents.

What Should I Do if I Suspect Abuse or Neglect of a Nursing Home Resident?

If you observe any of these signs or have concerns about a loved one in a nursing home, it's essential to investigate further, document your observations, and report your concerns to the facility's administration. and relevant authorities. You should also report your suspicions to state authorities responsible for investigating elder abuse or neglect and can take appropriate action to protect the resident.

In Virginia, complaints against a hospital, nursing facility, hospice, or home care agency should be made to the Office of Licensure and Certification. Complaints against an assisted living facility should be made to the Department of Social Services.

Additionally, it's important to seek the advice of our Wisconsin elder abuse attorneys to protect the rights and well-being of your family member.

Was Your Loved One Hurt While Wandering?

A situation that is unfortunately common involves a resident wandering from a nursing home – often due to confusion that is the result of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease or other degenerative conditions – and being injured. This type of wandering away is often called elopement. If your loved one has been injured in this kind of situation, you may be able to take action against the nursing home that was negligent in supervising him or her and allowed the wandering to occur.

Contact the Wisconsin Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers at Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers Today

Whether your mother, father, grandparent, or another loved one suffered an injury from a fall, an attack, bedsores, infection, illness, or medication error, do not wait to get them the help they need. We handle all nursing home abuse claims on a contingency basis, so you do not pay any legal fees until we secure fair compensation for you.

With offices in Hudson and Eau Claire, and throughout Wisconsin and eastern Minnesota, we are here for your family and we are ready to seek justice against those who caused injuries to vulnerable residents. Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation.