California Elder Abuse Attorneys

What To Look For

At the Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV, we know that family is a priority and that you want what is best for them. We also realize that you know your loved one better than anyone. If there is anything that causes you to suspect that they have been abused, such as a sudden change in behavior, attitude, or emotional or physical state, get help right away. These changes may be a result of nursing home abuse. Any and all accusations of abuse must be taken extremely seriously. If you or a loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, call the California nursing home abuse attorneys at the Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV.

Here are some things to look for if you suspect nursing home abuse:

• Physical Abuse
• Sexual Abuse
• Neglect
• Emotional and/or Verbal Abuse

Physical Abuse - Physical abuse is physical pain, injury, or impairment that is inflicted on a person by a caregiver or another person the victim trusts. [ top ]

• Unnecessary use of physical restraints
• Unnecessary use of chemical restraint
• Lack of water or food at any time
• Over or under medicated
• Use of heavy sedatives
• Any injuries that cannot be explained
• Lack of explanation of the cause of physical injuries
• Open wounds
• Numerous bruises or discolorations of the skin
• Any reports of mistreatment
• Any unnecessary physical touching
• Any forceful movement, such as pushing or shaking
• Being confined to a room
• Broken bones
• Burns
• Black eye

Sexual Abuse - Sexual abuse is any non-consensual sexual contact or sexual contact with a person who is unable to give consent. [ top ]

• Development of an STD
• Exposure of breasts or genitals
• Sexual harassment
• Any unwanted sexual contact
• Touching of genitals or breasts
• Bruising of the genitals or breasts
• Pornographic photo-taking
• Torn or bloody undergarments

Neglect - Neglect is the failure of a caregiver to properly care for and protect the person they are watching over. This includes the failure to protect the elder from physical and mental harm. [ top ]

• Inadequate treatment of existing medical conditions
• Dehydration
• Malnutrition
• Bed sores
• Broken bones
• Failure to assist daily living activities, such as personal hygiene
• Dirty clothing
• Unsanitary conditions in the nursing home
• Untreated infections or illnesses
• Hazardous areas
• Allowance of dangerous and aimless wandering on the premises
• Failure to protect resident from the harm of other residents

Emotional and/or Verbal Abuse - Emotional abuse is mental anguish, pain, or suffering that is inflicted verbally or non-verbally on a person by a caregiver or another person the victim trusts. [ top ]

• Unnecessary use of chemical restraints
• Overly sensitive
• Emotionally withdrawn
• Abnormal behavior with friends and/or family
• Isolation from others
• Lack of communication
• Any strange or unusual behaviors
• Anxiety

If your loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse or negligence in California, call the Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV. We are dedicated to protecting the rights of our clients. Call and speak to Mr. Low personally for a free consultation regarding your case.

THE RIGHT NURSING HOME ABUSE ATTORNEY MAY BE YOUR BEST DEFENSE AGAINST ABUSE AND NEGLIGENCE!