Have you had the emotionally overwhelming experience of searching for a Lafayette nursing facility to trust with your loved one’s care? Was that trust broken, leaving you full of regret and anger? Sadly, more families than you can imagine face the same heartbreak.
At Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers, we understand the sadness, shock, and anger that come with learning your loved one has been harmed by people you trusted. For years, our personal injury lawyers have guided Lafayette families through these difficult situations, providing support, answers, and legal advocacy.
If you suspect your loved one has been abused or neglected, contact us today for a free consultation. We will listen to your concerns, explain your legal options, and help take swift steps to protect your loved one.
Why Nursing Home Neglect Happens in Lafayette
Even in a close-knit community like Lafayette, nursing home neglect happens. Some of the reasons neglect happens may be that facilities are understaffed, have high turnover, or have corporate policies that prioritize profits over people. Residents can be left without timely meals, proper medication, or assistance with basic hygiene, sometimes leading to serious or even fatal complications.
Lately, there have been discussions by Lafayette city officials about imposing fines for nursing homes that misuse emergency services. City officials have discussed imposing fines when the fire department is called by nursing facilities to assist with non-emergency lifting. These discussions further highlight just how strained some facilities have become.
Neglect often results from systemic problems, but no matter the cause, residents should never suffer for it. Systemic problems may be an explanation, but not an excuse. Families deserve accountability and solutions that prevent harm in the first place.
Recognizing Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
Pay attention to any changes in your loved one’s behavior, appearance, or living conditions. Nobody knows them like you, so trust your gut feeling if something seems off.
Signs of abuse or neglect may include:
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, or broken bones
- Sudden weight loss or dehydration
- Poor hygiene or soiled clothing
- Foul odors in their room or personal belongings
- Fear of certain staff members or other residents
- Withdrawal from social activities or usual routines
- Bedsores or untreated medical conditions
- Overmedication or missed medications
- Missing personal items, money, or valuables
Sometimes, residents are too afraid or confused to speak up when they’re being abused, which makes your hypervigilance and willingness to be their voice critical.
Common Types of Abuse and Neglect
Before discussing the many types of abuse, it’s important to remember that neglect and mistreatment can take many forms. Sometimes it’s obvious when it manifests physically with a bruise, a fracture, or other visible signs of physical harm. Other times it’s not so obvious, like missed meals, skipped medications, poor hygiene, or verbal abuse.
In Lafayette, nursing homes serve a growing older population, where even small and seemingly subtle lapses in care can have serious consequences for a resident’s health and well-being. Understanding the different ways a loved one can be harmed is the first step toward protecting them and holding the right people accountable.
Here are a few examples of abuse and neglect.
Physical Abuse
Any act that causes injury, including hitting, pushing, rough handling, or unnecessary restraints. Even minor injuries can have serious consequences for older residents.
Emotional or Psychological Abuse
Verbal threats, insults, humiliation, or isolation that undermine a resident’s mental well-being. Emotional abuse can lead to fear, anxiety, shame, or depression.
Neglect
Failing to provide essential care such as meals, hydration, hygiene, or medical attention. Neglect of these essentials can result in infections, malnutrition, or bedsores and significantly affect a resident’s health and quality of life.
Sexual Abuse
Any non-consensual or inappropriate physical contact. Residents who are cognitively impaired or physically frail are particularly vulnerable to sexual abuse, which can be deeply traumatizing.
Financial Exploitation
Unauthorized withdrawals, missing belongings, or coercion to sign financial documents. Families often notice changes in finances before other signs appear.
It’s important to know that abuse can be perpetrated by staff or by other residents. Resident-on-resident abuse is also often the fault of staff for a lack of oversight.
Steps to Take if You Suspect Abuse or Neglect
If you believe your loved one is at risk, don’t delay taking the following steps:
- First, ensure their safety by calling 911 or removing them from the facility if necessary.
- Document injuries, unsafe conditions, or conversations with staff.
- Report your concerns to the Louisiana Department of Health or the Lafayette Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program.
- Finally, consult with an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer.
At Dudley DeBosier, we investigate abuse and neglect, gather evidence, and fight to protect your loved one so that you can focus on their care and recovery.
Holding Negligent Nursing Homes Accountable
As we mentioned, systemic issues are often the cause of nursing home abuse and neglect, which means multiple parties may be responsible. Nursing homes can be liable for poor hiring practices, lack of supervision, or ignoring safety standards.
Individual caregivers may be responsible for direct abuse or neglect as well. Administrators or corporate owners can face liability for cutting staff or resources, and outside contractors may also be accountable if their negligence contributed to harm.
We leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of the truth and make sure every responsible party is held accountable.
The Consequences of Nursing Home Neglect
Neglect can have severe physical and emotional effects. Residents may suffer preventable falls and infections. Also, it’s not uncommon to see dehydration and bedsores from even short-term neglect. The long-term consequences of these seemingly short lapses in care can be life-altering.
Families often experience emotional distress and guilt for neglect they simply couldn’t see coming. That’s why our team at Dudley DeBosier provides legal guidance with compassionate care, because we know how impossible your situation feels.
What Compensation May Include
While no amount of money can undo what’s happened to your loved one, compensation can provide crucial support. It may cover the following:
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation
- Relocation to a safer facility
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of love, companionship, and emotional support in wrongful death cases
- Funeral and burial costs in wrongful death cases
Our nursing home lawyers fight to secure full compensation and to make sure negligent nursing homes are held accountable.
Why Lafayette Families Trust Dudley DeBosier
Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers has a history of helping people across Louisiana get justice for their family members. We are not just lawyers. We are advocates for the vulnerable and caring human beings who understand the stress, heartbreak, and confusion that nursing home abuse can cause.
Our Lafayette office, near University Hospital & Clinics and the Oil Center district, serves families across Acadiana, including Carencro, Youngsville, Scott, and all across Lafayette Parish. We listen with compassion and empathy and fight with experience and deep resources.
What You Can Expect from Our Team
We treat every client and their family with respect, we clearly explain every step of the process, and fight for the justice your loved one deserves. Also, our No Fee Guarantee® ensures that you don’t pay any fees up front. Our fees are contingent upon outcome, making it easier for you to get help right away. We’re here to stand with you and your family to protect the safety, dignity, and well-being of your loved one.
Deadlines for Filing a Nursing Home Abuse Claim
Most nursing home injury and wrongful death claims are now subject to a two-year filing deadline under Louisiana law, though some cases—such as those involving older incidents or special circumstances—may have different time limits.
Acting quickly is crucial to preserving evidence, locating witnesses, and protecting your right to compensation. Even if you are unsure about your next steps, contacting our lawyers promptly can give clarity and peace of mind.
Fighting for Lafayette Nursing Home Residents
Lafayette is a city that genuinely values community. People care about their neighbors around here. When nursing homes fail to honor the standard of care and trust expected in our community, we stand up. At Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers, we are dedicated to protecting Lafayette’s most vulnerable.
If your loved one has been harmed in a nursing facility, contact us today for a free consultation. This is not something anyone should do alone. Get our experienced team on your family’s side to ensure those who harmed your loved ones are held accountable.
