The Cochran Firm Legal Blog

Nursing home abuse and neglect is often called "the hidden crime" because it is sometimes difficult to recognize, it is concealed or covered-up by nursing home staff and the victims of the abuse and neglect are often incapable or too intimidated to reveal the abuse to their family or friends.

Over 85% of instances of nursing home abuse and neglect go unrecognized or unreported. Deaths in nursing homes are rarely investigated or prosecuted by law enforcement. The abuse and neglect of the elderly in nursing homes can take many forms such as physical, emotional and verbal abuse, the misuse of restraints, both physical and chemical, neglect in the form of failing to provide basic needs of food, water and personal hygiene care, medical neglect and financial exploitation.

While the signs of physical abuse in a nursing home are relatively easy to recognize such as open sores, bruises, malnutrition and dehydration, instances of emotional and verbal abuse and medical neglect are more difficult to recognize.

Residents of nursing homes are guaranteed certain rights under the law and nursing homes have a legal obligation to provide a decent standard of care to the residents entrusted to their care.

If you suspect someone you care about in Dallas, Texas or the surrounding area is suffering abuse and neglect in a nursing home, please contact the experienced nursing home abuse and neglect attorneys at The Cochran Firm today.

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