Pierce County Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer  

Nursing home abuse and neglect can cause serious injuries, mental trauma, and even death. If you or a loved one has been a victim, can we encourage you to reach out to a Pierce County nursing home abuse lawyer? There is no cost to speak with our lawyers, and we only charge a fee if we’re able to win you compensation.

We want to hear what’s happened so we can provide you with the legal options you need. And, in the State of Washington, residents can pursue a personal injury claim if they’ve been abused at their nursing home (RCW 70.129.100). In situations like these, it’s important that you seek help with someone who has experience with this area of the law.

Elder Abuse on the Rise in Washington State

Unfortunately, statistics show that elder abuse is on the rise in Washington State. And, for every case that gets reported, 24 cases don’t.

There are several reasons why elder abuse goes underreported. For example, elderly persons may hesitate to speak out because of fear of retaliation or loss of support. Physical and mental limitations may make things tougher for them to realize or articulate what’s happening. Nursing home residents without strong family ties may suffer because no one is available to advocate for them.

Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

Signs of elder abuse can vary from subtle to overt.

Have you observed any of the following signs in your loved one?

• Bedsores. Almost always a sign of neglect, bedsores indicate that the patient has been left in the same position for too long. Bedsores can certainly be painful, serious, and sometimes, fatal.
• Changes in mental state: Pay attention if your loved one starts to exhibit an altered mental state. Is he suddenly fearful? Paranoid? Withdrawn?
• Unexplained bruises, welts, or abrasions. If you observe injuries, don’t hesitate to document what you’re seeing. Photographs also tell a story.
• Unkempt appearance. Many nursing home residents rely on staff for assistance with showering and personal hygiene. An unclean appearance might mean that standards are not being met.

If you’re worried about your loved one’s situation, consider increasing your visits to the resident care facility. Get to know the staff and management better. In addition, document your visits. Research shows that elder abuse is less likely to occur when there’s a support system in place.

Steps to Take if you Suspect Elder Abuse is Happening

There are a few steps you can take if you suspect elder abuse is happening:

• File a report directly with the nursing care facility
• Call Adult Protective Services at 800.363.4276 (800.END.HARM)
• Call a non-emergency police number (or call 911 if the abuse is actively happening)

Finally, a personal injury lawyer that specializes in nursing home negligence can help discover if you have grounds for a claim. In this process, the lawyer would pursue compensation on your or your loved one’s behalf. This compensation (also called a settlement) can help pay for the medical costs, pain, and suffering incurred because of the abuse.

Reach out to an Attorney who Handles Nursing Home Abuse Cases

The first step is to call a Pierce County nursing home abuse lawyer to discuss your case. Remember, we offer free case evaluations. If you’re not able to visit our office, let us know and one of our lawyers will schedule the meeting at your home or hospital.