Elder Abuse Lawyer Montana
When a family places their elderly loved one in a nursing home, they do so entrusting that the facility and the staff will take good care of their loved one with the dignity and respect they deserve. Unfortunately, there are far too many nursing home patients who end up suffering abuse at the hands of the very people who are supposed to be taking care of them. In fact, according to national statistics, approximately five percent of nursing homes throughout the country have been identified as having incidents of abuse. If you suspect your loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse, contact an elder abuse lawyer Montana families trust from Silverman Law Office.
What Is Nursing Home Abuse?
According to Montana law, any act that is performed with the intent of causing harm to the resident is legally deemed nursing home abuse. Also considered nursing home abuse is any act that is intended to frighten, harass, humiliate, intimidate, or threaten a resident. This can include physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and financial exploitation.
Nursing home residents can also be victims of nursing home neglect. Any act or intentional failure on the part of the staff that is meant to cause the resident injury, pain, or even death. Some of the more common types of neglect that Montana elder law attorneys see in the cases they handle are failure to meet the basic needs of the resident (such as food, liquid, and personal hygiene) and failure to provide the resident with medical care. Other acts that can fall under neglect are the improper administration of medications or improper or unnecessary use of restraints.
Nursing home abuse or neglect can be committed by anyone – staff, other patients, volunteers, or visitors. No matter who has committed the horrific acts, the nursing home facility may be liable because the facility has the ultimate responsibility of protecting the residents in their care.
The nursing home is required by law to immediately report any act of abuse or neglect that is committed against one of its residents. Victims are also entitled to pursue legal action against the nursing home and any other liable parties for the injuries that they have suffered. This can include compensation for medical expenses, relocation expenses if they are moved to another home, pain and suffering, emotional anguish, and more. If the resident was a victim of financial exploitation, the nursing home can also be legally responsible for any misappropriated funds and lost property.
Call Our Office for Help
If your elderly loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, do not delay reporting this act. Contact Silverman Law Office to find out what legal recourse your family may have against those responsible for your loved one’s injuries. Call our office to schedule a free and confidential consultation with a Montana elder abuse lawyer.