Albuquerque Nursing Home Resident to Resident Abuse Lawyer
Albuquerque Nursing Home Resident to Resident Abuse Attorney
Unfortunately, resident to resident abuse occurs within nursing homes. While the severity of each case varies, the physical and emotional hardships that are incurred by each patient deserve justice. Since there are legal protections in place for nursing home residents, legal action can be pursued for those who have suffered abuse. An Albuquerque nursing home resident to resident abuse lawyer can help you pursue such justice.
The Branch Law Firm has helped countless individuals fight for justice in nursing homes. We have spent 40 years advocating for victims of injury, abuse, and even wrongful death. Our experience uniquely equips us to handle cases involving nursing home resident to resident abuse, which often involves complex legal processes. If your loved one has suffered resident to resident abuse, there is no time to waste in pursuing legal help.
Nursing Home Resident to Resident Abuse
There are various types of abuse that occur in nursing homes, one of which is resident to resident abuse. The following are examples of types of abuse that occur between patients.
- Physical Abuse: Pushing, kicking, hitting, slapping, hitting with an object, punching, smothering with a pillow or blanket, scratching, spitting, and others are examples of physical abuse.
- Sexual Abuse: Unwanted or inappropriate touching, grabbing, advancing on another patient in bed, and any other form of unwanted sexual conduct can be classified as abuse.
- Verbal Abuse: Yelling, screaming, taunting, and any other form of emotional or verbal abuse conducted using words.
Abuse can be reported to the New Mexico Department of Health, whose Albuquerque office is located at 6900 Gonzales Road SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105. To file a report, you can visit their website and select the type of report that accurately pertains to your situation.
Contributing Factors
In cases of resident to resident abuse, there may be multiple factors present that contribute to the abuse happening. For example, a negligent nursing staff may be partially responsible for one patient physically abusing another when there are no witnesses present. The following are some examples of circumstances which may contribute to resident on resident abuse:
- Small or inadequate numbers of nursing staff. When there are inadequate numbers of staff in proportion to patients, it can be difficult to maintain control and authority. This can lead to patients acting aggressively and rebelliously.
- Lack of training. If the nursing staff is improperly trained on how to care for nursing home patients and maintain order within the facility, abuse may go unnoticed between residents.
- Lack of proper community activities. If there is a significant lack of communal activities within a facility, residents may grow restless and exhibit aggressive behaviors that could otherwise be released through activity.
Why Choose Us?
The Branch Law Firm has served victims of abuse and wrongful death since 1966. Our firm began with roots in helping clients who have suffered because of abuse and neglect, and has since participated in scientific studies dedicated to understanding injury. We are passionate about those who cannot speak for themselves and will always advocate for those who have experienced personal injury.
Our extensive history in handling cases involving abuse gives us the unique perspective that is needed to fight cases of resident on resident abuse within nursing homes. This is a niche field that requires specific attention from a lawyer who has experience in such cases. The Branch Law Firm can provide such attention and care.
FAQs
Is Resident to Resident Abuse Common?
One cross-sectional study performed in New York in 2024 found a 15.2% presence of resident to resident abuse in nursing homes within the time frame of one month. The National Library of Medicine considered this number to be relatively high, meaning that such abuse is more common than some may think. The types of abuse discovered in this study included verbal, sexual, and physical abuse.
What Disciplinary Actions Are Taken for Resident to Resident Abuse?
Disciplinary actions for resident to resident abuse in nursing homes in New Mexico may vary depending on the specific abusive actions that were performed, as well as the regulations of the nursing home. Depending on the details and circumstances, there are instances in which the abusive resident is solely responsible, while other instances allow for some responsibility to be placed on the healthcare professionals within the nursing home.
Can I Hire a Nursing Home Resident to Resident Abuse Lawyer?
If you are facing a nursing home resident to resident abuse case in which your loved one has been abused, it is essential to hire legal help. Such cases involve complex legal scenarios, such as paperwork and potentially appearing in court. A lawyer can help you understand your options and assist you in fighting for justice on behalf of your loved one.
Where Can I Report Resident to Resident Abuse?
If you have been made aware of a loved one being abused by another resident within a nursing home, you can file a report with the New Mexico Health Care Authority. This agency provides resources for family members and loved ones of nursing home residents who may need to take legal action against the nursing home they are in. At the New Mexico Health Care Authority’s website, you can file various types of reports.
Hire a Nursing Home Resident to Resident Abuse Lawyer: The Branch Law Firm
If your loved one has experienced resident to resident abuse in a nursing home, it is essential to have legal representation in the steps ahead. Pursuing legal action will involve a complicated mixture of legal processes and paperwork that is essential to securing justice. A lawyer can help carry a great amount of the legal pressure while you focus on caring for your vulnerable loved one.
At the Branch Law Firm, we have helped countless individuals fight for justice on behalf of their loved ones. We are passionate about helping the abused receive the retribution they deserve, as well as seeing the guilty party receive the consequences they deserve. Contact us today to learn more about our process and how we can help in your case. We strive to see every client achieve their desired outcome, and we will fight tirelessly to ensure your complete satisfaction.