Arkansas Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers

• Physical abuse. Physical abuse in a nursing home can take many forms, all of which can cause significant harm to residents. This type of mistreatment may include hitting, slapping, pushing, or other forms of physical violence inflicted upon residents. It can also involve the improper use of restraints, leading to unnecessary injuries or discomfort. Additionally, deliberately withholding basic necessities like food, water, or mobility assistance can also be regarded as physical abuse. These actions not only leave physical scars but can also inflict lasting emotional and psychological distress on vulnerable individuals, amplifying the trauma experienced in an environment where they should feel safe.
• Emotional abuse. Emotional abuse can leave residents feeling humiliated, isolated, or fearful. This type of abuse may include verbal assaults, such as yelling, mocking, or belittling a resident, which can undermine their self-esteem and dignity. It can also involve non-verbal actions, such as ignoring a resident's needs, giving them the silent treatment, or deliberately excluding them from social interactions and activities. Manipulative behaviors, such as using threats or intimidation to control a resident, are another form of emotional abuse. These harmful actions can have substantial psychological effects, leading to stress, anxiety, depression, and a diminished quality of life for the affected individual.
• Financial abuse. Financial abuse in a nursing home involves the exploitation or manipulation of a resident's resources. This can include unauthorized access to a resident's bank accounts, credit cards, or personal financial information. Staff or other individuals might coerce residents into signing financial documents, such as checks or contracts, without fully explaining or obtaining genuine consent. Misappropriation of a resident's funds or valuables, such as cash or jewelry, is another common form of financial abuse. Additionally, overcharging for services, withholding money, or failing to provide accurate records of expenditures are actions that compromise the financial well-being of residents. These deceptive practices can leave residents vulnerable, disempowered, and facing unnecessary financial hardship.
• Neglect. Staff may fail to provide proper hygiene care, leaving residents unbathed or in soiled clothing for extended periods. Nurses or caregivers might ignore critical medical needs, such as administering medications on time or addressing symptoms of illness. Some residents may experience malnutrition or dehydration because caregivers do not offer adequate food and water. Failure to assist residents with mobility can result in bedsores or physical injuries. Neglect also includes ignoring emotional needs, such as not addressing clear signs of loneliness or depression.

Arkansas Nursing Home Laws and Resident Rights

Nursing home residents in Arkansas are entitled to fundamental rights designed to protect their dignity and ensure quality care. These rights include the right to be treated with respect, receive proper medical care, and live in a safe and clean environment. 

You have the right to file a complaint if you or someone you love has been subject to mistreatment in a nursing home with The Office of Long Term Care at the Arkansas Department of Human Services. You can file this complaint by e-mailing complaints.OLTC@arkansas.gov or calling 1-800-582-4887.

In Arkansas, you typically have three years from the date of the mistreatment or the date the mistreatment was discovered or should have been reasonably discovered to file a nursing home abuse lawsuit. If you do not file before this deadline, you will likely be unable to seek justice or compensation. Our Arkansas nursing home abuse lawyers can help determine whether your or your loved one’s rights may have been violated and walk you through how we may be able to help you take legal action and enforce your rights.