Physical Abuse

Take Action if Your Loved One Suffered Physical Abuse in an Arizona Nursing Home

Phoenix Nursing Home Injury Lawyers

Because so many seniors from all over the U.S. retire to Arizona, the Arizona Legislature has enacted special protections for our state's older population. These protections have one overriding goal: to make nursing homes safe for the elderly.

The law is on your side, but only if you take action to make sure the law is enforced.

The nursing home injury attorneys at Solomon & Relihan have spent the last 30 years protecting the rights of injured people. Our firm was the first law firm in Arizona to sue a nursing home for injuries it caused to a senior citizen. We are committed to protecting the safety of seniors and other personal injury victims. We hold nursing homes accountable for abuse and neglect that occurs at their facilities.

If you believe that your loved one suffered physical abuse at a nursing home or assisted living center, contact the Phoenix law office of Solomon & Relihan for a free initial consultation.

Physical Abuse in a Nursing Home

Physical abuse occurs in many ways. It can involve the use of physical force by a nurse, aid or volunteer who was wrongly hired, poorly trained, or poorly supervised. It can involve extremes of punishment, like forcing your loved one to stay isolated in their room, deprivation of food or water, or sexual abuse. Nursing home staff may overuse physical or chemical restraints for their own convenience, causing deaths from medication overdose or broken bones from falls. This too is a form of abuse.

It can also be hitting, biting or kicking from an abusive fellow resident who was not properly supervised or restrained from causing harm.

Signs of Possible Physical Abuse

Many nursing home residents have a difficult time communicating with others, especially elders who are suffering from dementia or Alzheimers. This makes it difficult to distinguish between the results of physical abuse and injuries that may occur because of the fragile condition of the senior citizen.

It's wise for family members to make frequent visits and to pay careful attention. On your visits, look for physical signs of abuse such as unexplained bruising or tender areas, cuts, open wounds or broken bones.

Note changes in your loved one's demeanor. If he or she appears withdrawn, fearful of staff, anxious, or depressed, that behavior could be a sign that physical abuse has taken place.

Contact Solomon & Relihan

If you suspect that someone you care about has been abused in a nursing home, take action. Talk to a lawyer about your options. E-mail the Phoenix law offices of Solomon & Relihan or call to schedule a free initial consultation.