Most Common Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
If you have a loved one living in an assisted living facility, you might be concerned about nursing home abuse. While nursing homes are meant to be a safe place for our loved ones who need assistance, it’s not entirely uncommon for some of our elderly loved ones to experience neglect and abuse. If you’re suspecting any neglect or abuse, keep reading to learn what some of the signs are and what you can do to remedy the problem. Most Common Signs of Nursing Home Abuse While abuse and neglect can demonstrate themselves in many different ways, there are some commonly known signs of abuse occurring in a nursing home. Here is our list of significant signs that indicate abuse: Poor Personal Hygiene – If your loved one is in a nursing facility, it’s likely because they cannot maintain some of their basic hygiene. Nurses and certified nursing assistants are employed by nursing homes to assist in keeping up their patient’s daily hygiene. If you notice that your loved one’s hygiene has been declining, it may be a sign of neglect. Sudden Weight Loss – As our bodies age, we can often lose our appetites and, as a result, start to lose weight; however, sudden and extreme weight loss is likely a sign of malnutrition and dehydration. Lack of feeding is a severe type of neglect and abuse, and it should be addressed as soon as you notice it. Disorientation From Too Much Medication or Lack Thereof – Our relatives and loved ones are usually on some form of medication in their old age. If a nurse is not taking proper precautions to ensure that their nursing home residents are getting the right amount of drugs at the right time, that is a major red flag. Symptoms of disorientation and declining cognitive abilities will appear if your loved one’s medication schedule is inconsistent. Bodily Harm – Harm that is caused to the body can consist of anything from cuts and bruises to broken and fractured bones. If you’re noticing injuries that appear between your visits, there’s a possibility it was due to physical abuse from a nursing home staff member. Bodily harm can also be a result of neglect. If the nursing home staff is not aware of your relative or loved one, he or she may attempt to do things on their own, which can cause them to fall or hurt themselves. How Can You Help Your Loved One? If you suspect nursing home abuse, you should immediately talk to the nursing facility staff. Bring up your concerns and ask them what is happening. If you do not see a change in behavior or treatment, there is a good chance abuse, and neglect is both present and intentional. Make sure to document everything that sounds like abuse or neglect and report it to the proper authorities, such as the police and Adult Protective Services. If the situation gets out of hand, consider a lawyer who can help you and your loved one fight for compensation and better care. Flickinger Sutterfield and Boulton Can Help Keep your eye out for any of the above signs or other signs of nursing home abuse and neglect. If you suspect abuse, it should never be ignored. At Flickinger Sutterfield and Boulton, we believe that your elderly loved ones are entitled to the nursing home care they need and deserve. That’s why we help you fight for proper care and compensation. With multiple offices in Utah, including West Jordan, Orem, Saratoga Springs, and Provo, we are dedicated to giving you the best legal advice and representation. Contact us today for more information and a free evaluation.
When Is the Most Dangerous Time for a Truck Accident?
A truck accident can occur anywhere and at any time of day, but statistics show that the afternoon poses the biggest threat to vehicle operators. Continue reading to learn more about the trends that plague U.S. motorways and what you can do to stay safe on the road. When Do Most Truck Accidents Occur? It would stand to reason that most truck accidents would happen during times with low visibility, such as nighttime, or during heavy traffic; however, the opposite is true. According to 2019 data from The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, most of these collisions occur between the hours of noon and 3:00 p.m. Consequently, this resulted in 718 deaths. The least hazardous time to drive lands between midnight and 3:00 a.m., which resulted in 8 percent of all truck-related deaths. Truck Accident Trends Despite state and federal government efforts, the frequency of truck accidents continues to increase. In 2019, the number of people who died in large truck crashes was 31 percent higher than it had been a decade prior. The total number of deaths resulting from these kinds of accidents was 4,119. Common Causes of Truck Accidents The time of day is a valid consideration when it comes to trucking accidents, but there are many other causes, including: Driver error Distracted driving Inexperience Fatigue Overloaded or improperly loaded cargo Tips for Avoiding a Truck Accident Whether you are operating a small automobile or a high-occupancy vehicle, understanding how to keep yourself safe on the road is paramount. The following are tips that all vehicle operators should follow to avoid the probability of a truck accident: Pay attention to the road at all times. Avoid distractions such as eating, using a cell phone, or fidgeting with a navigation system. Keep a safe distance when driving near trucks. These heavy vehicles need more time to slow down and stop, so avoid tailgating. If you cannot see the truck driver in their side mirror, you are following too closely. In addition to keeping a safe distance, you should also avoid driving in a truck’s blind spots. When changing lanes in front of a truck, use clear signals and allow plenty of room. If possible, you should not change lanes in front of a truck when going uphill or downhill. Watch for flying debris as you travel near a truck. If you maintain a safe distance, you will have a better chance of safely evading airborne objects. Adequate spacing will also pay off in the event of a blown-out tire or high winds. Receive Help After a Truck Accident with Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton If you or someone you love has been involved in a truck accident, the attorneys at Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton are here to help. Our team has spent over 25 years assisting Utah citizens after traffic collisions and would love to help you receive the compensation you deserve. We have offices in Saratoga Springs, West Jordan, and Provo, Utah. Connect with us to receive your free case evaluation today.