Little Rock Nursing Home Abuse Attorney
Skilled Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers In Little Rock, Arkansas
The United States is facing an aging population, with approximately 1.4 million elderly individuals residing in nursing homes and long-term care facilities. As the baby boomer generation continues to grow older, these numbers are expected to rise. Although these facilities aim to provide skilled and compassionate care for our elderly loved ones, instances of abuse and neglect have unfortunately become more common. No one wants their loved ones—or themselves—to endure such treatment. However, the statistics reveal concerning trends. If you suspect or have discovered that a loved one is experiencing abuse in a nursing home, you have the right to seek justice and hold the staff or facility accountable. At Pfeifer Law Firm, our experienced Little Rock nursing home abuse attorneys are ready to help you take action against negligent facilities, administration, staff, or other responsible parties. Don’t let your loved ones suffer in silence—reach out to us today.
We Trust That Our Loved Ones Are Safe
Many families assume that nursing homes are strictly regulated by federal laws to prevent abuse and neglect. However, the reality is that federal protections are limited, and most nursing homes and assisted living facilities are primarily governed by state laws and state oversight. Although federal regulations establish basic care guidelines, nursing home care in Arkansas has frequently fallen short of even these minimum standards.
Elder Mistreatment in Nursing Homes
Elder abuse can take many forms, including:
- Neglecting to meet basic needs, such as food, hygiene, or medical care
- Financial exploitation or the misuse of a resident’s funds or assets
- Physical abuse causing injury, pain, or physical impairment
- Abandonment, leaving a resident without proper care or supervision
- Sexual abuse, including any form of non-consensual sexual contact
- Emotional, psychological, or verbal abuse leading to significant emotional distress or social withdrawal
Tragically, many instances of elder abuse are committed by the very professionals entrusted with the care of our vulnerable loved ones. For this reason, many families turn to a Little Rock nursing home abuse lawyer for help.
What Causes Nursing Home Abuse?
The factors contributing to nursing home abuse are diverse, but the for-profit model of elderly care significantly increases the risk. According to the CDC, nearly 70% of nursing homes were operating as for-profit institutions as of 2016. A 2018 study published in Gerontology found that residents in for-profit facilities were nearly twice as likely to experience substandard care compared to those in non-profit facilities.
Nursing home facilities often suffer from:
- Staffing issues
- Inadequate training of staff members
- Inadequate wages for staff members
- Lack of administrative oversight
If your loved one has experienced neglect or abuse as a nursing home resident, the facility can be held liable for the harm caused. Seeking knowledgeable legal guidance is essential. A Little Rock nursing home abuse attorney from Pfeifer Law Firm can assist you in pursuing justice and holding the negligent parties accountable.
Signs Of Nursing Home Abuse
Because nursing home abuse is vastly unreported, it is incumbent for families to be watchful for signs of abuse. These include:
- Unexplained weight loss, malnutrition, or dehydration
- Bedsores, open wounds, or indications of possible restraint use
- Signs of physical injuries such as falls, cuts, bruises, or unusual marks on the body
- Poor hygiene or lack of cleanliness
- Frequent illnesses or infections
- Inadequate or delayed medical treatment
- Fear of or complaints about specific staff members
- Withdrawal, isolation, or sudden silence
- Unpaid bills or unexpected financial losses
- Abrupt and unexplained changes in a will or power of attorney
If you suspect or are aware that your loved one has been subjected to abuse in a nursing home, it is crucial to act promptly by reporting the situation to authorities such as law enforcement and the Arkansas Department of Human Services. Additionally, you may have the option to pursue legal action to hold the responsible parties financially accountable for the harm caused.
