Des Moines Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys

As medical science evolves, people are living longer than ever before. As a result, the population of nursing homes and care centers throughout the country are steadily increasing. Unfortunately, some of these institutions place profits over resident care and are therefore understaffed. This leads to dangerous conditions for residents, the most tragic being the neglect or abuse of residents by nursing home staff. Victims of this type of abuse and their families may be able to file a claim seeking damages for their injuries.

If one of your loved ones has suffered at the hands of nursing home staff, contact LaMarca & Landry, P.C. to enlist the help of an experienced Des Moines nursing home abuse lawyer. Our attorneys serve the Des Moines area and all of Iowa with exceptional legal representation and a dedication to protect the rights and dignity of the elderly. Call 877-327-2600 for more information.

Types of Nursing Home Abuse

Nursing home abuse can take many forms, including physical, emotional, psychological, and financial. Common acts and indications of nursing home abuse include:

• Improper care, poor hygiene and skin care resulting in bedsores
• Malnutrition
• Dehydration
• Negligent acts or omissions resulting in falls or fractures
• Use of chemical or physical restraints beyond what is medically necessary
• Undue influence over the resident’s finances
• Intentional infliction of physical harm or unexplained injuries

If you have a loved one residing in a nursing home or care facility and you suspect abuse, contact our attorneys in Des Moines immediately.

Detecting and Reporting Nursing Home Abuse

Since many residents of nursing homes and care facilities are either too intimidated or physically impaired to report mistreatment, it is especially important for family members and friends to be vigilant in detecting and promptly investigating warning signs such as sudden changes in mental state, unexplained bruises or other injuries, bed sores, and unexplained weight loss. Visible injuries should be photographed and documented. At LaMarca & Landry, P.C., our Des Moines nursing home abuse attorneys have years of experience in nursing home litigation in Iowa; contact us today at 877-327-2600 to get the legal help you need.

Protecting Nursing Home Residents

Fortunately, there are many informational resources available to caring families to help make the best choices for long-term care of their loved ones. There are also organizations, as well as state and federal laws, devoted to preventing nursing home abuse.

Nursing Home Abuse Resource

The following websites contain information that can be helpful for families that are in need of long-term care or want to become better educated about the potential risks of placing a loved one in a nursing home or other type of care facility:

• The Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Resource Center
• The National Center on Elder Abuse
• The Coalition to Protect America’s Elders
• Elder Life Planning
• National Citizens Coalition for Nursing Home Reform
• Nursing Home Advocates
• The U.S. Administration on Aging

Regulatory Protection of Nursing Home Residents

Unfortunately, despite efforts to prevent abuses, many nursing home residents are at risk due to understaffing and budget cuts. Nursing home residents continue to suffer serious personal injury. Because of these abuses, the federal government has adopted as part of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (“OBRA”) many regulations to protect nursing home residents. Additionally, both Iowa and Florida have adopted regulatory protections for nursing home residents.

Nursing Home Abuse Victims – Contact a Lawyer in Iowa

No one deserves to be abused or neglected – especially not the elderly. If you believe that you or a loved one has suffered nursing home abuse, you need a lawyer. Contact a nursing home abuse lawyer at LaMarca & Landry, P.C. today at 877-327-2600 to schedule a free initial case evaluation.