Every year, more than 5 million elders experience neglect in nursing homes throughout the country. At Carlson Injury, we strive to help victims of nursing home neglect in Utah through committed, knowledgeable legal representation. We have helped multiple families pursue legal action against nursing homes and we are ready to do the same for you.
Nursing Home Neglect in Utah – Points to Remember
Multiple factors are important to understand about neglect and abuse in nursing homes. These include:
The elderly are some of the most vulnerable to neglect and abuse.
Although there are exceptions, many of the elderly who reside in nursing homes are vulnerable to abuse. Factors that can make them more vulnerable include:
- Physical weakness
- Lack of mobility
- Reduced mental capacity
- Memory loss
- Dementia
- Isolation from family and friends
For residents with any of the above issues – and many struggle with more than one – there is a risk of neglect and abuse. Abusers often target potential victims based on their vulnerability.
Elderly abuse victims will not necessarily tell you they are being abused.
Another major factor related to nursing home neglect in Utah and other states is that victims do not always report abuse. Failing to report neglect and abuse is common among all groups, not just the elderly. However, the elderly are even more prone to staying silent due to issues like dementia.
For example, a nursing home employee who decides to neglect a resident might choose a patient with dementia. Dementia makes it less likely that the resident will report the abuse. If they do report the abuse, others may not listen.
Most elderly abuse victims need a court-appointed guardian to file a legal action.
This is a significant hurdle for elderly abuse victims. They may know that they are being neglected and/or abused, yet not be capable of taking legal action. Sometimes, family members are aware of the abuse but do not realize that they need to become a legal guardian to file a lawsuit.
Fortunately, the team at Carlson Injury can help you become a court-appointed guardian and assist with all other aspects of an elder abuse case.
Questions About Nursing Home Neglect in Utah?
Is your loved one showing signs of nursing home neglect or abuse? If so, we encourage you to contact our office as soon as possible. Our personal injury attorney has experience in nursing home abuse cases and can guide you through the process of taking legal action. You do not have to go through this alone.
Please give us a call at (801) 845-4577 or complete our secure online contact form. Once we speak with you, we can help you understand your legal options. We can help you hold your loved one’s abusers accountable.