Delaware Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

When we place our loved ones in a nursing home, we expect them to receive proper care and attention. Unfortunately, nursing home residents are often at risk of injury due to neglect, abuse, or unsafe conditions. And as if the stress over your loved one’s care wasn’t hard enough to bear, nursing home injuries can have serious consequences for elderly individuals, leading to long-term health issues, emotional trauma, or even death.

If your loved one has been injured in a nursing home due to neglect or abuse, The Inkell Firm, LLC is here to help you hold the facility accountable. With years of experience handling nursing home injury cases, attorney Josh Inkell is dedicated to protecting the rights of vulnerable individuals, and as a team, we fight for families to recover compensation for injuries caused by nursing home negligence and abuse.

Contact The Inkell Firm today to discuss your case and learn how a nursing home abuse lawyer in Delaware can help your loved one get the justice they deserve.

Signs of Nursing Home Negligence or Abuse

It is essential to remain vigilant for signs of nursing home abuse or neglect. Some of the most common warning signs include:

• Unexplained bruises, cuts, or fractures
• Bedsores or skin infections
• Sudden weight loss or signs of malnutrition
• Dehydration or dry skin
• Emotional withdrawal or behavioral changes
• Poor hygiene or unsanitary living conditions
• Frequent falls or accidents
• Medication errors
• Staff reluctance to provide information about your loved one’s condition

If any of these red flags sound familiar, reach out to our law office for a free case evaluation. A nursing home abuse attorney from our team can help you determine the best way to fight for the rights of your loved one.

Common Types of Nursing Home Abuse

Abuse in nursing homes can take many forms, and not all of them are easy to spot. In fact, some residents may be too frightened or physically unable to speak out about what they’re experiencing. That’s why family members must stay vigilant and aware of the warning signs of abuse or neglect.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse includes any form of intentional physical harm inflicted on a resident. This can involve hitting, slapping, pushing, or using unnecessary physical restraints. Signs may include unexplained bruises, cuts, burns, or fractures. Repeated injuries or evasive behavior by staff when asked about the cause should also raise red flags.

Emotional or Psychological Abuse

Emotional abuse occurs when staff members use verbal or non-verbal actions to cause distress or humiliation. Examples include yelling, mocking, isolating residents, or threatening them with punishment. Victims may show signs of depression, anxiety, withdrawal, or sudden changes in personality.

Sexual Abuse

Sadly, sexual abuse is another form of mistreatment that can occur in nursing homes. It involves any unwanted or non-consensual sexual contact. Physical signs might include bruising in sensitive areas or torn clothing, while emotional signs can include fear around certain staff members or unexplained emotional outbursts.

Neglect

Neglect happens when nursing home staff fail to provide necessary care, such as adequate food, hydration, medication, hygiene, or assistance with mobility. Neglect is often the result of understaffing, lack of training, or careless supervision. Common signs of neglect include bedsores, malnutrition, dehydration, infections, or poor personal hygiene.

Financial Exploitation

Elderly residents may also be victims of financial abuse, such as unauthorized use of credit cards, forged checks, or coercion into changing wills or financial documents. Family members should monitor bank accounts and stay alert for unusual transactions or missing personal property.

Medical Negligence

Medical negligence refers to the failure of healthcare professionals in a nursing home to provide appropriate medical attention. This could include medication errors, failure to diagnose conditions, or not following the doctor’s orders. These mistakes can lead to severe health complications or even wrongful death.

How to File a Lawsuit Against a Nursing Home for Abuse or Neglect

Filing a lawsuit against a nursing home can be a complex process, but a nursing home abuse lawyer from The Inkell Firm can guide you through every step.

• Document the Evidence: Start by gathering as much information as possible. This includes medical records, photographs of injuries, witness statements, and any correspondence with the nursing home. Additionally, keep a written record of your observations, including dates and descriptions of concerning behavior or conditions.
• Report the Abuse: In Delaware, you can report suspected nursing home abuse to the Delaware Division of Health Care Quality (DHCQ) or local law enforcement. Reporting ensures that an investigation is launched and helps protect other residents from harm.
• Consult With a Delaware Nursing Home Abuse Attorney: Before taking legal action, it’s essential to speak with an attorney experienced in elder abuse cases. Attorney Josh Inkell will review the evidence, evaluate liability, and explain your legal options.
• File the Lawsuit: Once we determine that you have a strong case, The Inkell Firm will file a lawsuit on your behalf. This complaint will outline the details of the abuse or neglect, identify the responsible parties, and demand compensation for your loved one’s injuries and suffering.
• Settlement Negotiations and Trial: Many nursing home abuse cases can be resolved through settlement negotiations. However, if the care facility refuses to take responsibility or offer fair compensation, The Inkell Firm is fully prepared to take your case to court. As a passionate elder abuse lawyer in Delaware, Josh Inkell fights tirelessly to ensure negligent facilities are held accountable for their actions.

Compensation for Nursing Home Injury Victims

If your loved one has been injured due to neglect or abuse in a nursing home, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical Expenses: Including costs for treatment, hospital stays, or rehabilitation.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical and emotional pain caused by the injury or abuse.
• Emotional Distress: Damages for the trauma experienced due to neglect or abuse.
• Loss of Quality of Life: Compensation for the decline in your loved one’s ability to enjoy daily activities, maintain independence, or live comfortably as a result of their injuries.
• Wrongful Death: If the injury led to the wrongful death of your loved one, you may be able to pursue compensation for funeral expenses and loss of support.

Every case is unique, and our nursing home injury lawyer in Delaware will pursue the maximum compensation possible to support your loved one’s recovery and protect your family’s rights.

Why Choose The Inkell Firm, LLC?

• Experience in Nursing Home Injury Cases: Josh Inkell has successfully represented numerous families in nursing home injury and neglect cases. He even used to represent some of the nursing homes in Delaware.
• Compassionate Representation: We understand how difficult it is to see a loved one suffer and are committed to fighting for justice on behalf of your family.
• Thorough Investigations: We work closely with experts to investigate nursing home conditions and hold facilities accountable for their negligence.
• Personalized Legal Strategies: Every case is different, which is why we tailor our legal strategies to the specific details of your situation, ensuring the best possible outcome for your loved one and family.
• Proven Track Record: The Inkell Firm has successfully helped families recover compensation for nursing home negligence, medical errors, and abuse claims across Delaware.

Contact Us Today to Protect Your Loved One’s Rights

If your loved one has suffered injuries due to nursing home neglect or abuse in Delaware, contact The Inkell Firm, LLC for a free case evaluation. We’ll discuss your case and show you how we can help you pursue justice and compensation for your loved one’s injuries.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing Home Abuse