Emotional Abuse of Nursing Home Residents

Not every instance of nursing home abuse leaves a physical mark. Emotional abuse is one of the most prevalent and most difficult forms of nursing home abuse to track. It often goes unreported, and even when witnessed firsthand, people may tend to dismiss it. This means that it’s up to you and your lawyer to fight for the emotional well-being of your loved one.

If you discover proof that a loved one or family member in a nursing home is the victim of emotional abuse, call the nursing home abuse lawyers at Steinberg Law Firm right away. We can be reached at 843-720-2800.

WHAT IS EMOTIONAL ABUSE?
Emotional or psychological abuse is generally defined as acting in a way that causes emotional pain and suffering to a nursing home patient. When your loved ones suffer emotional abuse from the doctors or staff at a nursing home, they can feel afraid, sad or anxious.

Some examples of emotional or psychological abuse:

  • Intimidating a patient
  • Threatening a patient with violence
  • Shouting at a patient
  • Causing a patient to feel emotional anguish
  • Insulting or ridiculing a patient
  • Isolating a patient from family or fellow residents
  • Ignoring a patient’s needs
  • Threatening to withhold medication, food, or other necessities

When confronted with evidence of emotional abuse, a staff member might try to explain his or her actions by saying that such behavior is necessary to keep the patient calm, or even that the patient cannot be hurt because they don’t know what is going on. Do not accept these excuses. Emotional abuse is never necessary, and can cause real physical and emotional suffering.

SIGNS OF EMOTIONAL ABUSE
Nursing home abuse is surprisingly prevalent. Residents have limited contact with the outside world, and staff at a nursing home have a great deal of power over the residents. This gives them plenty of opportunity to take advantage of their power, and it’s up to you to spot the signs before it’s too late.

Your loved one may be exhibiting signs of emotional or psychological abuse if they are:

  • Acting depressed or withdrawn
  • Refusing to talk or interact
  • Appearing easily agitated, with sudden move swings
  • Looking excessively afraid of you, attendants, others
  • Exhibiting unusual and compulsive behaviors
  • Failing to eat or sleep regularly
  • Refusing to take medications
  • Losing weight

If you notice a few of these signs, you should contact a lawyer as soon as possible. You may also wish to remove your loved one or family member from the nursing home and report the abuse to the proper authorities.

Personal Injury Lawyers Representing Charleston & nearby areas of South Carolina

FIND AN EMOTIONAL ABUSE LAWYER TODAY
The nursing home abuse lawyers at Steinberg Law Firm know the signs of emotional abuse, and may be able to help you prove your case. The elderly are among the most vulnerable members of society, and if you want to protect your family member or loved one, you need the skill and experience of our legal team on your side.

To contact the Charleston nursing home abuse lawyers at Steinberg Law Firm, fill out a form on this web page, or call 843-720-2800.

Practice Areas

Results

WE HAVE RECOVERED OVER $500 MILLION FOR CLIENTS IN THE LAST 10 YEARS, INCLUDING:

$3.15 Million

Car accident settlement

$3.85 Million

Workers' Comp Case

Leaders in the Legal Industry

Steinberg attorneys have been awarded numerous distinctions, such as Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America by U.S. News & World Report, Gedney M. Howe, Jr. Award for Outstanding Public Service, the SC Leadership in Law award, and has been voted Best Workers’ Comp Firm in SC, among other distinctions.

What Our Clients Say

They have amazing lawyers!

They have worked on an impossible situation and exceeded all expectations in the resulting settlements. I would recommend the Steinberg Law Firm to anyone and everyone!

My experience was excellent

From the first consultation to the end of my case I was kept updated step by step. My attorney worked hard for me and got me more than what I expected.

I never felt like I was alone

My lawyer and his Paralegal were right with me the entire case. I never felt like I was alone. At every turn they were in my corner. Someone recommended me to Steinberg law firm and I gladly would do the same for someone else.

I couldn't have asked for better

The people from the Steinberg group are top-notch. They handled my case extremely well, I couldn’t have asked for a better performance. Thank you all so much for all you did for me.

I am grateful for them!

At my worst, they honestly and carefully protected and defended my family on multiple levels. I’m a client for life and the integrity of this law firm is unmatched. Thank You Steinberg Law Family!!!

The people are thoughtful and professional

Questions and concerns always get answered and concerns are taken care of. Thank you all at Steinburg for a good experience and for showing me that you care about your clients.

The best law firm

This the best law firm anyone could ever deal with. Mr. Pearlman will work hard to get everything that is owed to you. It was a pleasure to have been represented by this firm.

A wonderful experience

Had a wonderful experience with Mr. Pearlman and his team. Thank you very much for your diligence and expertise.

I highly recommend them

They work as a team providing the best referrals and assistance to accomplish what my family and I needed. I highly recommend them because you won’t be disappointed.