Tulsa Nursing Home Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Professional Legal Help for Tulsa Nursing Home Sexual Assault Victims
Sexual abuse in nursing homes is more prevalent than people realize. Nursing home residents are particularly vulnerable to sexual abuse because their condition and situation often render them unwilling or unable to report incidents. Assaults may be perpetrated by nursing home staff, by other residents, or by strangers who come in off the street.
Nursing homes and other long-term care facilities have a responsibility to keep their patients safe from all forms of harm, including sexual assault. If such abuse occurs while your elderly or disabled loved one is under their care and supervision, they must be held accountable for their failure. The Tulsa nursing home sexual assault lawyers at Levinson Law, P.C., are here to help.
Signs of Sexual Abuse
It can sometimes be difficult to tell whether your loved one has been the victim of a sexual assault or molestation in a Tulsa nursing home. Many residents are either too afraid or too ashamed to report such abuse, or they are unaware of the harm due to a lack of mental capacity. There are a few signs to watch out for, however. If your elderly family member is showing any of the following symptoms of sexual abuse, take action as soon as possible to ensure their safety. Signs of assault may include:
- Bleeding from the vagina or anus
- Sudden mood or behavioral changes
- Injuries including bruises, scars, or welts, especially if they are present around the genitals
- Bloody or stained underwear
- Unexplained incontinence or urinary tract infections
- Torn clothing
- Staff members refusing to leave you alone with a resident
None of these symptoms may be determinative of abuse, and many may be the result of other conditions or injuries. If you notice one or more signs of abuse, however, it is important to at least start asking questions. If the resident and the nursing home staff have no reasonable explanation for these injuries, then your loved one may be the victim of sexual assault. Speak with a Tulsa nursing home sexual assault attorney at Levinson Law, P.C., to discuss your options.
Nursing Home Liability for Assault by Other Residents
Nursing homes have a responsibility to keep their residents safe from harm, including assault and abuse. Their duties extend beyond preventing their staff from actively perpetrating harm. Nursing homes might be liable if their negligence or oversights contributed to the likelihood of a sexual assault. A nursing home might be responsible for assault by a resident or other person if they, for example:
- Fail to conduct proper background checks before hiring employees
- Fail to regularly check-up on patients throughout the day
- Fail to supervise employees adequately
- Fail to train employees on how to manage relationship issues between residents
- Fail to take corrective action after negligent or abusive behavior by staff
- Fail to train staff to identify the signs of sexual abuse or to respond to such abuse when detected
Trusted Advice and Representation from a Dedicated Tulsa Nursing Home Sexual Abuse Lawyer
If you have any reason to suspect that your elderly loved one has experienced sexual abuse while residing in a Tulsa nursing home, it is vital that you act quickly. Your family member needs your help. The Tulsa nursing home sexual abuse attorneys at Levinson Law, P.C., will help you investigate the care facility and determine if the staff or any other party has committed assault or abuse. If the nursing home is at fault, we will work to ensure that they are forced to pay for the harm that they caused. Contact Levinson Law, P.C., by phone or through our website to set up a free initial meeting. Let us help you protect your loved ones from any kind of abuse in a nursing home.
