Wakefield, RI Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer​

Types of Nursing Home Abuse Cases We Handle

At Marasco & Nesselbush, we handle a wide range of nursing home abuse cases to protect the rights and well-being of vulnerable residents. Our comprehensive approach ensures that every form of abuse is addressed, providing victims and their families with the justice they deserve.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse in nursing homes involves any form of physical harm inflicted upon residents. This can include hitting, slapping, pushing, or improper use of restraints. Signs of physical abuse may include unexplained bruises, fractures, or other injuries. Our team is dedicated to holding perpetrators accountable and ensuring that victims receive the care and support they need.

Mental and Emotional Abuse

Mental and emotional abuse can be just as damaging as physical abuse. It involves verbal assaults, threats, humiliation, or isolation, causing psychological trauma to the resident. Victims may exhibit changes in behavior, such as increased anxiety, depression, or withdrawal. We are committed to advocating for residents’ mental health and well-being.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse in nursing homes is a grave violation of a resident’s rights and dignity. It includes any non-consensual sexual contact or behavior. Victims may be too afraid or ashamed to report the abuse, making it crucial to recognize signs such as unexplained STDs, injuries in sensitive areas, or sudden changes in behavior. Our experienced lawyers are here to provide the necessary support and legal representation.

Financial Abuse

Financial exploitation occurs when someone unlawfully or improperly uses a resident’s funds, property, or assets. This can include forging signatures, coercing residents into changing their wills, or unauthorized use of their bank accounts. Financial abuse can leave residents without the resources they need for their care. Our team is dedicated to recovering stolen assets and ensuring financial security for victims.

Neglect

Neglect is the failure to provide necessary care and services to nursing home residents, resulting in harm or distress. This can include inadequate medical care, poor hygiene, insufficient nutrition, or ignoring residents’ needs. Signs of neglect may include bedsores, malnutrition, dehydration, or unsanitary living conditions. We work tirelessly to hold negligent parties accountable and secure compensation for affected families.

At Marasco & Nesselbush, we are committed to fighting for justice in all forms of nursing home abuse. If you suspect that a loved one is suffering from any of these types of abuse, contact us for a free consultation to discuss your legal options and take the first step towards ensuring their safety and well-being.

What Are Common Signs of Elder Abuse and Neglect?

Nursing home physical abuse is a tragedy suffered by too many Wakefield seniors. Families that suspect a loved one has been subjected to abuse in a nursing home are encouraged to contact an attorney as soon as possible after their loved ones safety is secured. 

Recognizing the signs of elder abuse and neglect is crucial in protecting your loved one’s and ensuring their safety and well-being. Elder abuse can manifest in various ways, including physical, emotional, sexual, financial, and neglectful behaviors. Here are some common signs to look out for:

Physical Signs of Elder Abuse

Physical abuse often leaves visible marks and injuries. Be vigilant for the following indicators:

• Unexplained bruises, cuts, or abrasions: Particularly in areas that are usually covered by clothing.
• Fractures or broken bones: Especially if there is no clear explanation or if injuries recur.
• Burn marks: From cigarettes, scalding water, or other sources.
• Signs of restraint: Such as marks on wrists or ankles.
• Poor hygiene: Including unwashed hair, dirty clothing, and foul odors, indicating neglect.
• Malnutrition or dehydration: Significant weight loss, sunken eyes, or dry skin and lips.

Behavioral Signs of Elder Abuse

Behavioral changes can also indicate that an elderly person is experiencing abuse or neglect. Pay attention to the following symptoms:

• Withdrawal from social activities: Becoming isolated or uninterested in activities they once enjoyed.
• Unusual anxiety or fearfulness: Especially around certain individuals or in specific situations.
• Depression or sadness: Changes in mood, increased crying, or signs of hopelessness.
• Sudden changes in behavior: Becoming agitated, aggressive, or displaying signs of trauma.
• Reluctance to speak openly: Fear of speaking about their conditions or interactions with caregivers.

Financial Irregularities

Financial exploitation is a common form of elder abuse. Watch for these signs of financial abuse:

• Unexplained withdrawals: Large sums of money being withdrawn from bank accounts.
• Missing belongings or property: Personal items or assets disappearing without explanation.
• Changes in financial documents: Unexplained changes in wills, power of attorney, or other legal documents.
• Unpaid bills or lack of medical care: Despite having sufficient funds, indicating someone else is misusing their money.
• Sudden interest in financial matters: By new friends or caregivers or sudden reluctance to discuss finances.

The Wakefield nursing home abuse attorneys at Marasco & Nesselbush are uniquely qualified to seek justice for their clients through financial compensation for damages. Seeking damages in a nursing home abuse case can help the client recover from the financial burden the abuse causes. A client can also feel at peace knowing that the staff member and nursing home are held accountable for their actions. Nursing home abuse lawyers have a thorough understanding of the law governing Wakefield, Rhode Island, and nursing home abuse cases. They are in the best position to help their clients recover.

Marasco & Nesselbush are Rhode Island nursing home abuse lawyers who understand the devastation this abuse causes for the client and the family. If you or a loved one has suffered nursing home abuse, contact Marasco & Nesselbush for a free consultation. With experience in all practice areas of personal injury law, Marasco & Nesselbush has the resources and staff of professionals to assist you as their client.

How a Wakefield Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Can Help

Marasco & Nesselbush is dedicated to supporting victims of nursing home abuse and their families by providing comprehensive legal services. Here’s how our experienced Wakefield nursing home abuse lawyers can assist you:

• Case Evaluation: We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case, understand the details of the abuse, and assess the potential for legal action.
• Gathering Evidence: Our team will collect all necessary evidence, including medical records, witness statements, and any other relevant documentation, to build a strong case.
• Filing Claims: We will handle all the legal paperwork and ensure that claims are filed correctly and within the required timeframes.
• Representation in Court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, our skilled attorneys will represent you in court, advocating for the rights of the victim and seeking the maximum compensation possible.

Our firm has a proven track record of success in nursing home abuse cases, and we are committed to achieving justice for our clients. Our expertise in this area ensures that your case is handled with the utmost care and professionalism.

How to Report Nursing Home Abuse in Wakefield, RI

If you suspect that a loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse, it is crucial to report it immediately. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to report nursing home abuse in Wakefield, RI:

Contact Local Authorities:

• Call the Wakefield Police Department
• In emergencies, dial 911

Notify State Agencies:

• Rhode Island Department of Health
• Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging (formerly known as the Division of Elderly Affairs)

Reach Out to a Law Firm:

Contact Marasco & Nesselbush for legal assistance. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options. Timely reporting is essential to protect the victim from further harm and to start the process of seeking justice.

Legal Rights of Nursing Home Residents

Nursing home residents are protected under federal and state laws that ensure their safety, dignity, and well-being. Key legal protections include:

• The Nursing Home Reform Act: Ensures residents’ rights to quality care, privacy, and the ability to live free from abuse and neglect.
• State Laws: Rhode Island has additional statutes that protect nursing home residents, including regulations on staffing levels, facility standards, and resident rights.

Our lawyers play a crucial role in upholding these rights by:

• Investigating allegations of abuse or neglect
• Filing complaints against negligent facilities
• Pursuing legal action to obtain compensation and justice for victims

How Do I File a Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit?

Filing a nursing home abuse lawsuit involves several steps:

• Initial Consultation: Meet with a Marasco & Nesselbush attorney to discuss your case and evaluate its merits.
• Investigation: Gather evidence, interview witnesses, and review medical records to build a strong case.
• Filing the Complaint: Draft and file a legal complaint against the nursing home and any other responsible parties.
• Discovery: Both parties exchange information and evidence relevant to the case.
• Settlement Negotiations: Attempt to reach a fair settlement through negotiations or mediation.
• Trial: If a settlement cannot be reached, the case proceeds to trial, where we will represent you and present your case to a judge or jury.

Throughout the process, we will keep you informed and support you every step of the way.

How Long Do You Have to File a Lawsuit Against a Nursing Home?

In Wakefield, RI, the statute of limitations for filing a nursing home abuse lawsuit is typically three years from the date of the incident or discovery of the abuse. It is crucial to act quickly, as delays can hinder the collection of evidence, compromise witness availability, and even affect the overall strength of your case.  

Contact Marasco & Nesselbush promptly to ensure your right to seek compensation is preserved.

Call The Rhode Island Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers At Marasco & Nesselbush For A Free Consultation!

The attorneys at Marasco & Nesselbush have a wealth of experience in the practice areas of medical malpractice, nursing home law, and a variety of other practice areas. If you or a loved one have suffered at the hands of a nursing home, the attorneys at Marasco & Nesselbush can help. As a client of Marasco & Nesselbush, you have legal representation when negotiating with insurance companies, and the resources to investigate the truth behind the abuse. As a client, you have all the support and knowledge required to hold a nursing home or physician responsible for their negligent actions.

For help in all practice areas of personal injury law, contact Wakefield personal injury attorneys at Marasco & Nesselbush. Marasco & Nesselbush offer injury victims and their families a free, no-obligation case review and require absolutely no fee unless your case is successful.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can protect your rights. We have offices conveniently located in Warwick, Wakefield, Woonsocket, Providence, East Providence, and Quincy, MA, and we are here to help you.

Get a Free Consultation