Nursing home abuse in Lincoln and across Nebraska demands attention now. Out of roughly 180 nursing homes operating statewide, 25 have been cited for serious deficiencies that pose immediate danger to residents’ health or safety.
These citations often involve failures to prevent abuse or neglect and to maintain a safe environment. This alarming pattern underscores the urgency families face when protecting loved ones in long-term care.
Every year, there are horror reports about nursing homes neglecting or abusing our loved ones. Friedman Law Offices is dedicated to compensating victims of nursing home abuse and neglect in Nebraska. Contact us now.
Types of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
Nursing home abuse and neglect come in many forms. All are serious and may lead to long-term physical and emotional harm.
- Physical abuse includes hitting, pushing, slapping, or using unnecessary restraints. It can cause bruises, fractures, or other injuries.
- Emotional abuse involves yelling, shaming, threatening, or ignoring a resident. It may not leave visible marks, but the damage is just as real.
- Sexual abuse is any unwanted sexual contact or behavior toward a resident, including when they are unable to consent.
- Financial exploitation occurs when staff or others steal money, misuse bank accounts, or pressure residents into giving up control of their finances.
- Neglect includes failing to provide food, water, hygiene, medication, or proper supervision. This is one of the most common and dangerous forms of mistreatment.
Signs Your Loved One Is Suffering Mistreatment
Family members are often the first to spot signs of abuse. Watch closely for any of the following:
- Bed sores that develop due to prolonged pressure or poor hygiene
- Bruises, fractures, or unexplained injuries that may indicate rough handling or falls
- Sudden weight loss or signs of malnutrition or dehydration
- Changes in mood or behavior, such as withdrawal, fear, or depression
- Unusual financial activity, such as missing funds or sudden changes to wills or accounts
If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. A skilled elder abuse attorney can help you investigate further.
Nebraska Nursing Home Resident Rights
Nursing home residents in Nebraska have legal rights that protect their health, safety, and dignity. Under Nebraska negligence law, you must prove three things to claim neglect or abuse against a nursing home:
- The nursing home breached a duty of care owed to the injured person.
- The person’s injury was caused by either the actions or the inaction in carrying out this duty.
- The nursing home’s action or inaction caused the injury.
In addition to Nebraska state law, federal legislation includes provisions to protect your loved one from abuse and neglect under the Nursing Home Residents Bill of Rights. This includes the right to:
- Freedom from abuse, mistreatment, and neglect
- Freedom from physical restraints
- Privacy
- Accommodation of medical, physical, psychological, and social needs
- Participate in resident and family groups
- Be treated with dignity
- Exercise self-determination
- Communicate freely
- Participate in the review of one’s care plan and be fully informed in advance about any changes in care, treatment or status in the facility
- Voice grievances without discrimination or reprisal
If a facility violates these rights, legal action may be the only way to stop the mistreatment.
Don’t wait to act. In Nebraska, you have limited time to take legal action. Claims for nursing home abuse or neglect must be filed within two years of the incident, or one year from the date the abuse was discovered, whichever comes first. Missing this deadline could prevent you from recovering any compensation.
How Friedman Law Offices Can Help
At Friedman Law Offices, we hold nursing homes accountable when they fail to protect vulnerable residents. Our team of attorneys investigates every case thoroughly, gathering medical records, witness statements, and expert opinions to build a strong claim. We can pursue compensation for:
- Medical expenses caused by abuse or neglect
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Wrongful death if a resident dies due to mistreatment
We understand these cases are emotional. That’s why we treat each client with compassion and respect. With decades of experience representing families across Nebraska, we know how to navigate complex nursing home abuse claims. We fight to get results.
Free Consultation with a Nursing Home Abuse Attorney
If you suspect your loved one is being mistreated in a nursing home, don’t wait. Our experienced elder abuse lawyers can help you understand your legal options. We serve clients throughout Lincoln and across Nebraska.
Contact Friedman Law Offices today for your free consultation.