Choosing a nursing home for a family member, whether your parent, spouse, or grandparent, is one of the most emotional decisions anyone can face. You hope to find a place where your loved one is treated with dignity and compassion.
When people in your community whom you trusted harm your loved one and destroy the trust you placed in them, it’s heartbreaking. At Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers, we’ve helped countless Louisiana families be a voice for their abused family member and demand accountability from negligent caregivers and corporations.
If your loved one has been harmed, neglected, or mistreated in a Shreveport nursing home or assisted living facility, we’re here to help protect them. Your family deserves answers, and your loved one deserves justice. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation.
Understanding Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect in Shreveport
What does it mean to be abused or neglected in a nursing home? Some cases of abuse are obvious, like unexplained bruises or broken bones. Others are quieter but just as damaging, like emotional abuse, verbal humiliation, or the failure to provide food, hydration, and other medical attention.
In Shreveport, nursing home residents are in facilities that range from small community-based homes to large corporate-run facilities. No matter the size, there are legal standards set by the Louisiana Department of Health that they must follow. The state of Louisiana ranks lowest in the nation for nursing home quality, and some facilities in the Shreveport area have contributed to this problem.
Sadly, many families in Shreveport have learned that not every facility delivers the care they promise. issues like constant understaffing, poor training, and lack of oversight can allow dangerous neglect and abuse to persist.
Abuse and neglect often occur when facilities put profits over the well-being of their residents. When a company cuts corners by not hiring enough staff or failing to supervise employees properly, residents pay a devastating price. Common causes of neglect include:
- Inadequate staffing and supervision
- Failure to follow care plans or medical instructions
- Unsafe facility conditions or hygiene problems
- Poor employee training and background screening
- Neglecting basic needs like nutrition and hydration
Families should never have to worry that their loved one will suffer in a place meant for healing and protection. But when that happens, our attorneys are here to make sure someone is held responsible.
Common Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
Recognizing the warning signs of abuse or neglect is critical to protecting your loved one’s well-being. Many victims cannot speak up for themselves, especially those living with dementia or mobility limitations. Some are too afraid to speak up.
Family members must pay attention to any changes in their behavior or appearance. You are their only advocates when their care home fails them. Here are some of the common nursing home abuse and neglect signs.
Physical Harm
- Unexplained bruises, burns, or broken bones
- Bedsores or pressure ulcers caused by being left in one position too long
- Signs of dehydration or malnutrition
- Poor hygiene, dirty clothing, or unwashed bedding
Emotional and Behavioral Changes
- Withdrawal from social activities
- Sudden fear or nervousness around certain staff members
- Depression, anxiety, or agitation
- Reluctance to speak openly about their care
Financial or Personal Red Flags
- Missing personal items or money
- Sudden changes to bank accounts, wills, or financial documents
- Unusual transactions involving facility staff
If you notice any of these signs, trust your instincts. Document what you see, report concerns to management, and contact a trusted nursing home lawyer right away. Any delay can cause further harm.
Sexual Abuse in Nursing Homes
Sexual abuse in nursing homes is one of the most devastating violations imaginable. Sadly, it often goes unreported due to fear, shame, confusion, or cognitive decline. Survivors may show signs such as bruising, bleeding, sudden fear of being touched, or emotional withdrawal.
At Dudley DeBosier, we handle these cases with the utmost sensitivity and respect. We understand the deep trauma this kind of abuse causes and the importance of protecting survivors from further harm.
Our team always works discreetly with medical professionals, law enforcement, and investigators to uncover the truth and hold perpetrators accountable. We’re here to seek justice and pursue it with compassion, confidentiality, and care for your loved one.
Long-Term Consequences for Survivors
The impact of nursing home abuse can last long after the initial healing process. Survivors of abuse and neglect may face years of medical treatment and rehabilitation. Some lose their independence entirely or require long-term care.
Emotionally, the effects can be equally damaging. Victims of abuse often experience depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Family members may also suffer guilt, anger, and grief. At Dudley DeBosier, we understand the devastation nursing home abuse creates for the victims and everyone who loves them.
Steps to Take if You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse
When you suspect that something is wrong, it’s critical to act quickly. Here’s what to do:
- Document everything you observe. Take photos, write down details, and keep a record of conversations with staff or management.
- Report the abuse immediately. Contact the Louisiana Department of Health’s Health Standards Section, and if there’s an immediate threat, call 911 or local law enforcement.
- Seek legal advice. A skilled Shreveport nursing home abuse lawyer can help investigate, preserve evidence, and file a claim on your loved one’s behalf.
Our team will guide you through each of these steps. We also coordinate with state agencies and medical experts to build a strong case for justice and compensation.
Louisiana Nursing Home Residents’ Rights
Every nursing home resident in Louisiana is protected by state and federal law. These rights guarantee that residents are treated with dignity and respect while receiving proper care. The law speaks to the protection of everything from the resident’s autonomy and personal safety to their civil and religious rights.
When these rights are violated, the consequences are serious, and we’re serious about protecting Shreveport’s older population by holding those in violation of the law accountable. If your loved one’s rights have been ignored, we’re ready to take action.
Holding Negligent Shreveport Facilities Accountable
Shreveport is home to numerous nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and assisted living facilities. Some facilities are along Line Avenue and Youree Drive, and others are near the LSU Health Shreveport Medical Center or Cross Lake. While many provide compassionate care, some facilities have faced repeated complaints or deficiencies related to unsafe conditions or inadequate staffing.
We investigate facilities throughout Caddo and Bossier Parishes, including large corporate-owned facilities and smaller community homes. By reviewing inspection records, staffing logs, and medical histories, we identify patterns of neglect to help all our clients.
Our goal in Shreveport and throughout Louisiana is to make care safer for every nursing home resident by holding facilities accountable and pushing for better standards statewide.
Contact Our Shreveport Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers Today
If your loved one has suffered neglect, injury, or abuse in a Shreveport nursing home, let us support you and your family through this overwhelming time. Dudley DeBosier has years of experience helping families just like yours throughout Louisiana.
We understand that coming forward can be frightening, but doing so is critical. Not only can you protect your loved one, but you’ll also most certainly be protecting others from continued harm.
We can help you through the legal process, gather evidence, and fight for the justice your family deserves. You don’t pay us anything up front because our fees are contingent upon the outcome of your case.
Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation. Our team will stand with you to make sure your loved one’s voice is heard.
