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When Should You Hire a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer?

If you or a loved one has suffered due to abuse in a Wisconsin nursing home, sadly, you are not alone. Nursing home abuse is a pervasive issue, and it takes many different forms. In this scenario, it is important to take action promptly, and you should not hesitate to contact a lawyer for help.

At Boller & Vaughan, our lawyers provide free, no-obligation consultations to Wisconsin nursing home residents and their families. We are more than happy to help you understand your situation and make informed decisions about your next steps. We handle cases involving all forms of nursing home abuse and neglect, and we do so at no out-of-pocket cost to our clients. 

5 Scenarios in Which You Should Talk to a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer 

When should you hire a nursing home abuse lawyer? Here are five scenarios in which you should talk to an experienced lawyer right away:

1. You or a Loved One Experienced Physical, Sexual, or Verbal Abuse 

If you or a loved one has experienced physical or sexual abuse in a Wisconsin nursing home, you should speak with a lawyer immediately. You also should not hesitate to call 911 if necessary. Unwelcome physical and sexual contact are always prohibited, and victims of physical and sexual abuse have clear legal rights. 

2. You or a Loved One Experienced Verbal Abuse 

Verbal abuse in nursing homes is prohibited as well. Verbal abuse can have damaging psychological effects, especially for vulnerable older adults. Belittling, berating, and other verbal attacks can all warrant remedial action, as can sexual abuse that is non-physical in nature. This includes verbal abuse by nursing home staff and administrators as well as other residents. 

3. You Have Concerns About Neglect 

Along with affirmative abuse, passive neglect is a major issue in Wisconsin nursing homes as well. While all nursing homes have a duty to provide for their residents’ needs, far too often, nursing homes fall far short of what is required. Some all-too-common examples of nursing home neglect include:

  • Failing to provide residents with food and hydration
  • Failing to assist residents with their medications
  • Failing to assist residents with hygienic needs
  • Failing to assist immobile residents
  •  Abandoning nursing home residents in their rooms

These forms of neglect (among others) can leave residents helpless to care for themselves. They can also leave residents forced to take risks that end up resulting in serious injuries (i.e., attempting to get out of bed or walk unassisted). Due to the potentially serious consequences of neglect, failing to provide for residents’ needs can provide clear grounds for residents and their families to seek appropriate remedies as well. 

4. You Have Concerns About Billing or Other Financial Issues 

Financial abuse is another all-too-common issue in Wisconsin nursing homes. This, too, can take many different forms. If you have concerns related to any of the following, it will be well worth talking to a nursing home abuse lawyer about your legal options:

  • Excessive bills from your (or your loved one’s) nursing home
  • Unexplained or unauthorized charges 
  • Billing that is inconsistent with the terms of your contract with the nursing home
  • Unauthorized charges on your (or your loved one’s) credit or debit card
  • Missing cards, checks or cash

While not required, if you have any documentation, you should have this documentation with you when you contact a lawyer for help. But, your lawyer will also be able to assist with obtaining documentation (or other proof) if necessary.

5. An Aging Loved One Eloped from a Wisconsin Nursing Home  

Finally, if an aging loved one has eloped from a Wisconsin nursing home, you should contact a lawyer promptly in this scenario as well. Nursing homes also have a legal duty to ensure that their residents do not wander off unattended. Elopement can be extremely dangerous; and, when nursing homes fall short of their obligations, they can (and should) be held accountable. 

These are just examples. If you have any questions related to possible abuse or neglect in a Wisconsin nursing home, we strongly encourage you to contact us so that we can help you. 

Talk to a Wisconsin Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer for FREE

If you have questions about nursing home abuse in Wisconsin, we’re here to help. At Boller & Vaughan, we proudly stand up for nursing home and assisted living residents who have been harmed or mistreated. We know how difficult and overwhelming these situations can be for both residents and their families. We are committed to helping you understand your options, protect your loved one, and move forward with the support and respect you deserve.

Contact the Madison nursing home abuse lawyers at Boller & Vaughan today online or at (608) 268-0268 for a FREE case evaluation. We proudly serve clients in Madison and throughout Wisconsin.