As our parents and other loved ones grow older, we often entrust nursing homes to administer the type of twenty-four-hour and quality care that we may otherwise be unable to provide. While many in this industry treat their resident elderly with the respect they deserve, some may take advantage of senior citizens vulnerable, isolated, or susceptible nature.
If you believe your family member is being abused or has been harmed in some manner while in the care of an assisted living facility, you should contact a George County Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer. An experienced personal injury attorney will not only be able to help identify whether some form of abuse has taken place, but they may pursue a favorable outcome on your loved one’s behalf.
Various types of abuse can take place in a nursing home, some more prevalent and easily identifiable than others. Injury can arise from simple neglect or be an intentional act by nursing home staff. The Center for Disease Control ( CDC) defines six significant types of abuse:
An older person may be vulnerable to physical, psychological, or economic damages. It is best to speak with a George County nursing home abuse attorney to identify any misconduct.
Title 43 of the Mississippi civil code, also known as the Mississippi Vulnerable Adults Act, is a set of laws set forth expressly to protect the elderly. Mississippi Code Annotated §43-47-7 requires any person who believes a senior citizen is being neglected, exploited, or abused by a nursing home employee to report their suspicions immediately. Law enforcement than directly forwards this complaint to the Department of Human Services, which investigates the abuse.
Every state has a statute of limitations that creates a type of expiration date for a lawsuit. Since elder abuse law spans such a range of different possible offenses, there are various statutes of limitations applicable to different types of lawsuits.
Under Miss Ann. Code §15-1-35, there is a three-year statute of limitations for civil claims. A civil suit would generally be brought for physical injuries to an older adult such as slapping, punching, and other intentional acts by a nursing home employee.
There are cases where a senior citizen has been abused to such a degree that criminal charges may be brought. Under Miss Ann. Code §99-1-5, certain transgressions such as aggravated assault, rape, and obtaining money or property under false pretenses have no statutory expiration period.
Because of the variety of legal claims and different statutory time limits associated with them, the sooner a plaintiff speaks with an elder abuse lawyer from George County, the easier it will be to avoid these deadlines.
Elder abuse can be both be challenging to detect and a problematic case to prosecute even when discovered. By consulting with a George County nursing home abuse lawyer, you may be able to identify if a senior citizen has been abused more quickly, and what legal rights may be pursued.
Let an experienced attorney help you seek justice for your loved one. Call today to schedule a consultation.