Those in nursing homes are guaranteed certain rights under Georgia law. Article 5 of Chapter 8 in Title 31 of the Georgia Code is also known as the “Bill of Rights for Residents of Long-term Care Facilities.” The nursing home bill of rights essentially provides residents of long-term care facilities certain rights such as the right to retain and use personal property, the right to privacy, and the right to a cause of action against a facility for any violation of rights under Article 5.
When a resident or a family member of a resident believes that a long-term care facility has violated a provision of the bill of rights or otherwise committed nursing home abuse or neglect, the victim will want to quickly retain legal counsel, and you should contact the Nye Law Group as soon as possible. Call 855-636-9277 to schedule a free consultation.
Common Kinds of Nursing Home Abuse
The Georgia Division of Aging Services identifies the five types of abuse:
- Physical Abuse — In addition to physical assaults of residents, physical abuse can also include other incidents that cause physical harm, including unnecessary use of restraints or food deprivation. Nursing home residents may be afraid to report aggressive employees so it’s vital visitors and families keep a look out for any signs of physical abuse.
- Emotional Abuse — Employees may commit emotional abuse in many ways. Harassment, humiliation, and intimidation all constitute forms of emotional abuse, and many residents can be too ashamed to admit they need help, especially in the case of emotional abuse.
- Financial Abuse — Nursing home residents can be victims of various kinds of financial exploitation, including having cash stolen, mismanagement of their accounts, or having their signatures used for other kinds of financial malfeasance. Many residents can be completely unaware of how their assets have been misappropriated.
- Sexual Abuse — Some residents of nursing homes may be the victims of molestation, sexual assault, or other sex crimes. Similar to emotional abuse, victims of sexual abuse are often reluctant to share details about their experiences.
- Neglect — Several nursing home resident injuries are the result of simple caregiver negligence. Assisted-living facilities may be liable when a resident is injured because of an employee’s failure to provide basic services or take certain preventive measures.
The Division of Aging Services also identifies self-neglect as another form of abuse but notes that self-neglect is not a crime.
It is important for family members with loved ones in nursing homes to know the signs of possible abuse and to not be afraid of investigating these situations further if abuse is suspected. You can file a complaint that will prompt a state investigation of a nursing facility or other long-term care assistance center, and your family could be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Find a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer in Georgia
If your loved one has been the victim of any kind of nursing home abuse or neglect in Georgia, it is in your best interest to immediately seek legal representation. The Nye Law Group represents clients throughout Georgia.
Our firm has offices in Hinesville and Savannah. You can have our Georgia personal injury attorney review your case and help you understand all of your legal options when you call 855-636-9277 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
