Physical Assault in Nursing Homes

San Antonio Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Nursing homes have an obligation to ensure that their residents never experience any malicious acts of violence. If a nursing home resident becomes the victim of a physical assault, it can leave them feeling dejected and humiliated. Most residents are too feeble to fight back.

An assault is any action that causes intentional physical harm, which includes sexual assault. Assaults may include:

• Rough handling of residents, even if physical marks are not present
• Assaults usually include emotional and mental abuse
• Workers may refuse to provide the resident with food, water, medication or treatment to intimidate or bully the resident

Signs of Assault:

• Bruises, swelling, welts
• Cuts, scrapes, burns, rope marks
• Fractures, sprains
• Concealing areas on their body
• Uncomfortable around particular staff members
• Refusal to see visitors
• Drastic changes in behavior

Causes of Assault:

It is difficult to understand the reasoning behind these assaults. There is never an excuse that makes an assault justifiable. However, most are due to:

• Inadequate training
• Not enough experience caring for the elderly
• Concealed history of violence
• Overworked and/or underpaid

While abuse at the hands of nursing home staff is more common, there is the possibility of abuse by a fellow nursing home resident. Some residents are admitted for mental illnesses and most of the time they do not have physical limitations. Residents with a mental illness may gravitate towards incapacitated residents and take their aggressions out on them. When they do, serious injuries can transpire. Reporting to the Department of Public Health and local law enforcement is then required.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or assaulted at the hands of the nursing home staff or another resident, call a reputable attorney. These institutions are required to protect or intervene during situations of violence. Call me today at 210-227-1888. Initial consultations are always free and confidential.