Zionsville Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Nursing homes should have residents’ safety as their top priority, but this is not always the case. When abuse occurs, our lawyers can help victims get compensation for the harm they suffered.

Nursing home residents can fall prey to several forms of abuse. Some are physically abused, while many others are neglected. Countless residents suffer emotional abuse in the form of insults and threats that often have long-term psychological damage. Nursing home residents are also prime targets for financial abuse, sometimes by staff stealing from them or online and telephone scams. Whatever the form of abuse, our team can help by identifying the perpetrator and the parties liable for the facility’s safety and filing a claim against them.

For a free review of your case, contact our nursing home abuse lawyers at Wruck Paupore today by calling (219) 322-1166.

Types of Abuse Nursing Home Residents Can Recover Damages for in Zionsville, IN

Nursing home residents are some of the most vulnerable members of the Zionsville community and can be the victims of many forms of abuse. Physical abuse happens, but neglect, emotional, and financial abuse are arguably more common and harder to identify. If you suspect a loved one is being abused, our nursing home abuse attorneys can help put a stop to it and file a claim for compensation. Nursing homes should be held liable for their staff when they violate their duty of care, or their practices allow for abuse. We can also file claims against third parties outside the nursing facility and other residents.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse can take many forms, from hitting, grabbing, or shoving, to being restrained with ties or straps. According to a 2024 report by the World Health Organization (WHO), almost 10% of nursing home staff admitted to physically abusing residents. In most cases, abusive staff and the nursing home can be held responsible. If another resident was physically abusive, they can be held liable, but the nursing home and staff might also share responsibility if their practices allowed the abuse to occur.

Residents who are being physically abused might not report it to loved ones right away. Many are afraid of retaliation, while others have memory conditions, like Alzheimer’s, that prevent them from reporting. Typical signs of physical abuse include bruising, bleeding, and broken bones. However, physical abuse is not always so obvious, so be aware of mood swings or other changes in behavior.

Neglect

Many cases of nursing home abuse occur because of neglect. When staff fails to provide care or ignores residents’ complaints, it can have devastating and even deadly results. Neglect can take many forms, such as failing to report illnesses or injuries, leaving a resident unattended for a long period, or administering the wrong medications. According to the WHO’s report, 12% of staff admitted to neglecting those in their care. Nursing homes also contribute to neglect by understaffing the facility.

Poor hygiene is a common sign of neglect. Staff are usually responsible for cleaning and dressing residents who cannot do so on their own. If you notice a loved one’s clothes are soiled or dirty, the nursing home might be neglecting them. Neglected residents often suffer from dehydration, malnutrition, and weight loss, so contact our team immediately if you notice these signs.

Emotional and Psychological Abuse

Emotional abuse, including psychological and verbal abuse, is one of the most common forms of nursing home abuse. A staggering 32.5% of staff reported engaging in psychological abuse, with another 45% of older adults and their proxies reporting abuse.

Emotional abuse often takes the form of insults and threats. Isolating residents from family and friends or other residents can also cause psychological harm. Emotional abuse can be difficult to discover, but negative changes in a loved one’s behavior or mood are signs that should not be ignored.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual assault is one of the most egregious forms of nursing home abuse. Sexual abuse includes touching, groping, and any other form of unwanted sexual contact. Residents with disabilities and those with cognitive disorders like dementia tend to be at higher risk of sexual abuse in a nursing home.

Abused residents might be too scared or embarrassed to report the abuse or might not remember it occurring. Common signs of sexual abuse include scratches, bruises, and emotional changes.

Financial Abuse

Nursing home residents are also vulnerable to financial abuse, especially those with Alzheimer’s or dementia, who are easier to manipulate. In some cases, staff might prevent residents from accessing their bank accounts or stealing valuables, cash, or credit card information. Other family members might try to force a resident to change their will.

Financial abuse might be occurring if you notice unexplained withdrawals or personal items getting “lost.” You should also take notice if a resident is adding someone else to their bank account or speaking or working online with an unknown third-party company that might be a front for a scam.

What You Can Do When You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse in Zionsville, IN

Abuse is a crime, so you should report it to the police if you have good reason to suspect you or someone you love has been the victim of nursing home abuse. However, it is understandable if you are reluctant to initiate a criminal investigation. You can contact our team to help you take the next steps in your case.

Unfortunately, nursing home abuse victims only have two years from the last occurrence of abuse to file a legal claim for damages, according to I.C. § 34-11-2-4(a)(1). If the claim is filed after two years, the plaintiff cannot recover any compensation. Still, residents with legal disabilities at the time the abuse occurs that prevent them from filing a claim will have the limitations period paused until the disability is removed. At that point, they will have two years to file under § 34-11-6-1.

Reach Out to Our Zionsville, IN Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers for Help Today

Speak with our nursing home abuse lawyers for a free case review by calling Wruck Paupore at (219) 322-1166.