Sexual abuse in nursing homes is a deeply troubling and often unspoken issue. This form of abuse occurs more frequently than many realize, hidden behind closed doors and often going unnoticed or unreported. The impact on victims and their families is profound, leaving emotional and psychological scars that demand urgent attention and care.
At Cannon & Dunphy S.C., our attorneys understand the gravity of these situations and are dedicated to helping you seek justice. If you or a loved one has suffered sexual abuse in a nursing home, a Milwaukee nursing home abuse lawyer can help you navigate these challenging circumstances and hold the abuser accountable.
We urge you to contact us for a free consultation and learn how a Milwaukee sexual abuse nursing home attorney can support your case.
Is Sexual Abuse in Milwaukee Nursing Homes Common?
The prevalence of sexual abuse in nursing homes is a distressing issue, often overshadowed by underreporting. Many victims, particularly those with cognitive impairments, may feel intimidated, ashamed, or unable to communicate their experiences. Over the years, this has contributed to a veil of silence around sexual violence.Â
Milwaukee, with its large number of nursing facilities, is not exempt from this serious problem. Sexual abuse in these facilities may be more common than many of us realize. It’s important for families to recognize this potential risk and stay informed about the signs and ways to prevent abuse.
Signs of Sexual Abuse in Nursing Homes
To protect residents from sexual violence, it is vital to be vigilant for signs of sexual abuse. Often, these signs are subtle and require careful observation to identify. Some possible indicators of sexual abuse include:
- Unexplained Injuries: Bruises or abrasions around the breasts, genitals, or inner thighs can be indicative of sexual abuse.
- Behavioral Changes: Withdrawal, fearfulness, or sudden changes in behavior, especially around certain caregivers, can signal that something is wrong.
- Sexually Transmitted Infections: The presence of STIs, particularly in residents who are not sexually active, is a common sign of sexual violence.
- Torn or Stained Clothing: Clothing that is torn, stained, or otherwise disheveled without explanation can be a tangible sign of sexual misconduct or assault.
- Psychological Distress: Symptoms of anxiety, depression, or PTSD can manifest in victims of sexual abuse and are major indicators of trauma.
What Damages Can Be Pursued in a Sexual Abuse Nursing Home Case?
If you or a loved one has experienced sexual abuse in a long-term care facility, you have grounds for legal action. By filing a lawsuit, you can hold the perpetrator and the nursing home accountable for this violence. Additionally, you or your loved one can recover compensation in the form of damages to pay for the physical, emotional, and financial impact of the abuse.
Medical Expenses
Victims of nursing home sexual abuse may incur significant medical expenses. The settlement can help cover costs for emergency medical treatment, ongoing therapy, medication, and, in some cases, long-term care necessitated by the abuse.
Pain and Suffering
This category addresses the non-monetary impact of abuse, such as mental anguish, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and other psychological effects. These damages, although intangible, are crucial to help the victim recover from this violent, life-altering experience.Â
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages serve to punish particularly egregious conduct. In Wisconsin, they are considered when the perpetrator’s actions are malicious or show an intentional disregard for the victim’s rights. In many nursing home abuse lawsuits, punitive damages are awarded to punish the at-fault party.
How to Prove Liability in a Milwaukee Sexual Abuse Case
To recover compensation in a nursing home abuse lawsuit, you must prove that the defendant is liable for the damages suffered by the victim. You must gather enough evidence to prove the following elements:
- Duty of Care: The nursing home and the defendant owed a duty of care to your loved one. These facilities are required to abide by a certain standard of care established by state and federal regulations.
- Breach of Duty: Evidence must show that this duty of care was breached, either through direct actions or failure to prevent harm. Sexual abuse committed by a caregiver, another resident, or a third party within the facility constitutes a breach of duty.
- Causation: A direct link must be established between the breach of duty and the occurrence of abuse. This element can be challenging to prove, but your attorney from Cannon & Dunphy S.C. can help you build a compelling case.
- Damages: The victim must have suffered damages, either physical, emotional, or financial, as a direct result of the abuse.
What Should I Do If I Believe My Loved One is Being Abused in Milwaukee?
If you suspect your loved one is experiencing abuse in a Milwaukee nursing home, it is crucial to act quickly. In these situations, take the following steps to protect your loved one’s rights and obtain the support that he or she needs.
Seek Emergency Medical Care
In cases of immediate danger or injury, seeking emergency medical care is the first step. This ensures the safety and well-being of your loved one and also provides medical documentation of the abuse.
Submit a Documented Complaint to the Nursing Home
Next, formally file a complaint with the nursing home about the abuse. This may spark an internal investigation, but not always. Ensure that your complaint is documented in writing for your records.
Contact State Authorities
Then, report the incident to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services’ Division of Quality Assurance. They are responsible for ensuring the safety of nursing home residents. After reporting the abuse online or over the phone, the agency will launch a prompt investigation.
Contact a Nursing Home Abuse Attorney in Milwaukee
Finally, contact an attorney who specializes in nursing home abuse lawsuits. A lawyer from Cannon & Dunphy S.C. can guide you through the legal process and hold the nursing home accountable for their actions. This not only helps your loved one but may also prevent future abuse in the facility.
Call a Milwaukee Sexual Abuse Nursing Home Lawyer Today
Facing the reality of sexual abuse in a nursing home can be overwhelming and distressing. At Cannon & Dunphy S.C., our lawyers can provide the support and legal guidance you need during this difficult time.Â
With our Milwaukee sexual abuse nursing home attorneys on your side, you are not alone in this fight. Contact us today at (855) 627-2147 to learn how we can help you seek justice.