Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys 
in Chattanooga

Nursing Home Abuse in the U.S.

Sadly, it is believed that only a fraction of nursing home and elder abuse cases are reported. This is due to a number of factors. In some cases, those being abused are scared or reluctant to report their abuse. In other cases, due to reduced mental capacities, the elderly may be unable to report the abuse. Additionally, the signs of abuse may be missed by those who would report it (such as professional healthcare workers or family members).

Nursing home abuse includes:

• Emotional abuse
• Financial abuse
• Gross neglect
• Physical abuse
• Psychological abuse
• Sexual abuse

According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, women tend to be more vulnerable to abuse than men, and those who suffer from dementia, functional impairment, and poor health are also at higher risk. In addition to abuse at the hands of nursing home staff, abuse perpetrated by fellow residents is a significant problem.

What is the Statute of Limitations For Nursing Home Abuse in Tennessee?

The Statute of Limitations for Nursing Home Abuse in Tennessee is one year from the date of the occurrence or from the date that the event was discovered or should have been discovered with reasonable diligence. In cases where an injury occurs due to nursing home abuse, there may be two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit.

It is important to note that in cases of medical malpractice involving a minor, there may be two years from the date of the minor's eighteenth birthday (or when they become an adult) to bring suit. Additionally, any economic damages should be sought within six years, and any punitive damages should be sought within one year of the wrongs committed. It is also essential to remember that if a legal guardian or conservator has been appointed for an individual, then the Statute of Limitations may be extended. It is crucial to seek prompt and qualified legal counsel as soon as possible after discovering nursing home abuse. 

Contact Best And Brock for dedicated legal representation from attorneys who care. Call our firm at (423) 829-1043 or connect with us online.

Know the Signs of Nursing Home Abuse

Over 3 million people live in nursing homes or residential care facilities, and it is projected that more than 40% of people over 65 will one day enter a nursing home. A 2010 study reported that over 50% of nursing home staff admitted to mistreating elderly patients. Frighteningly, the nursing home abuse problem in the US doesn’t seem to be going away. However, it is promising that the reporting of abuse cases is on the rise.

You can help protect your loved ones by staying vigilant and looking out for the following signs of nursing home abuse:

• Increased physical injuries, like sprains and bone fractures
• Bruises, cuts, and other wounds
• Unexplained illnesses, including STIs
• Persistent health problems, like untreated bedsores
• Signs of being restrained
• Dehydration and malnutrition
• Unsanitary conditions and poor personal hygiene
• Broken personal property, such as eyeglasses
• Sudden changes in behavior, personality, or temperament
• Being denied access to your family member

The more people are held accountable for their actions, the better able we will be to protect our elderly friends and family. If someone reports nursing home abuse to you, you should always take it seriously. Too often, an elderly person tries to voice their concerns only to be ignored or not believed. Additionally, it is common for abusers to try and blame injuries and other problems on dementia or other mental conditions.