Detroit Michigan Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers

Laws Protecting Freedom from Abuse and Neglect

In addition to federal laws, Michigan has put forth 15 of its own state laws to protect nursing home residents from elder abuse. For the past ten years, the state has been working to fill holes in legislation to make it easier to report abuse or neglect and to put protocols into place to prevent such incidents from occurring in the first place.

Two entities that are involved in protecting vulnerable adults from abuse are Michigan’s Adult Protective Services and the Elder Abuse Task Force. Anyone with a “reasonable suspicion” that abuse or neglect is occurring should report it within two hours of observing it, and they should not wait any longer than 24 hours. Reports can be filed by nursing home staff or families of those who are residents.

Abuse

When you admit an elderly family member to a nursing home or care facility, you do so with the understanding that their physical and emotional health will be the topmost priority. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, and even though recent laws have improved conditions, there are still too many instances of abuse and neglect.

Abuse refers to any time the health and welfare of a nursing home resident are threatened. This could include actual physical assault or battery, such as a staff member hitting or striking a resident, using unauthorized physical or chemical restraints, emotional abuse, or sexual abuse. Per state law, anyone who suspects such abuse should report it within two hours of their observations. This is a very short time frame, but it’s intended to address these startling concerns immediately so that further abuse can be stopped.

Neglect

Neglect occurs when residents don’t get the required care they need, which includes basic quality of life requirements such as food, water, clothing, shelter, and medical care. These issues are commonly found when there is insufficient staff to cover the needs of the residents, contributing to inadequate supervision. This can lead to complications due to falls, bedsores, dehydration, or medication negligence. When facilities are understaffed, they may be unable to provide medical assistance in a timely manner and will be less equipped to keep the residence safe and free of hazards.

Signs of Nursing Home Abuse

Identifying abuse early is essential to protect the rights and well-being of nursing home residents. Families should watch for indicators, such as:

• Unexplained Injuries: Bruises, cuts, or broken bones without a clear explanation could indicate physical abuse.
• Sudden Weight Loss or Poor Hygiene: Neglect may manifest through signs of malnutrition, dehydration, or a decline in personal cleanliness.
• Behavioral Changes: Residents who seem withdrawn, anxious, or depressed may be experiencing emotional or psychological abuse.
• Bedsores and Untreated Conditions: Bedsores, infections, and untreated injuries often result from neglect and inadequate medical care.
• Signs of Fear or Withdrawal Around Staff Members: If a resident appears fearful around certain caregivers, it may be a red flag for abuse.

What to Do if You Suspect Abuse

If you suspect nursing home abuse, acting quickly is essential to protect your loved one’s health, safety, and well-being. Abuse in nursing homes can escalate rapidly, and any delay in addressing the situation may place residents in even greater danger. At Ratton Law, we understand the urgency of these situations, and our team of dedicated nursing home abuse attorneys is prepared to respond to your concerns. Whether the abuse involves physical harm, neglect, emotional mistreatment, or even financial exploitation, we know how to investigate thoroughly and gather critical evidence.

When you contact our firm, we will work closely with you to understand the specific details of the suspected abuse. Our attorneys will begin by reviewing the circumstances surrounding the case, examining medical records, and consulting with healthcare professionals to evaluate any injuries or signs of mistreatment. We will also communicate with witnesses, review facility practices, and assess whether the nursing home met Michigan’s legal standards for resident care. Our goal is to hold negligent caregivers, staff members, or the facility itself accountable for any harm inflicted on a vulnerable resident.

Ratton Law is committed to standing up for the rights of nursing home residents, ensuring that they are treated with dignity and respect. We recognize the physical, emotional, and financial toll that abuse can take on families, and we are dedicated to achieving justice for those who have suffered. Through legal action, we aim to secure compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages. Moreover, we strive to create safer environments for nursing home residents by sending a clear message that abuse and neglect will not be tolerated. Contact us today to discuss your concerns, learn more about your legal options, and start the journey toward justice and accountability.

Nursing Home Accidents

If you suspect a nursing home accident has occurred involving your family member, you should report it immediately and follow up with the facility and your loved one after your report. Oftentimes, elderly residents may not be aware that such abuse and neglect is occurring or may not be able to communicate it adequately.

The best thing you can do is be constantly on the lookout for concerning situations or injuries. Some common signs of nursing home accidents are bedsores or pressure ulcers that occur especially in wheelchair-bound patients, bruising or broken bones, infections, malnutrition, and dehydration.