Nursing home abuse is a serious problem. The National Library of Medicine cites data showing that a stunning “ten percent of the nursing homes in the United States were cited for abuse violations that caused actual harm to residents or placed them in immediate risk.”
How to Report Suspected Nursing Home Abuse in Wisconsin
Nursing home abuse should be reported to authorities as soon as possible. Do not delay: It is always an emergency. Within this article, our nursing home abuse attorney provides a comprehensive guide to how to report suspicions of nursing home abuse in Wisconsin.
Step #1: Be Proactive (Follow Up On All Suspicions of Abuse)
Taking immediate action is absolutely crucial when there is a suspicion of nursing home abuse or nursing home neglect in Wisconsin. A proactive approach matters not only from a legal perspective, but, more importantly, to protect the health and well-being of your loved one. Ensure you follow up on any signs or complaints of abuse right away.
Step #2: Get Any Necessary Medical Care for Your Vulnerable Loved One
You should always prioritize the health, safety, and mental well-being of your elderly family member or other vulnerable loved one. Be sure to take action to help confirm that they receive necessary medical attention. Immediate care is vital in cases where the victim of nursing home abuse has any signs of a physical injury. Make sure you get your loved one to an independent doctor.
Step #3: Report the Issue to Wisconsin Department of Health Services
Any suspicions of nursing home abuse or nursing home neglect should be reported to state authorities right away. In Wisconsin, the Department of Health Services (DHS) is the state-based agency that has the primary responsibility for overseeing nursing homes and other types of assisted living facilities. You can file a complaint online, by phone, or by mail. The phone number is: 800-642-6552 and the online reporting portal is: Nursing Home Abuse Report
Step #4: Document Any Signs of Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect
Maintain a comprehensive record of any signs or incidents of abuse or neglect. This could include photographs of injuries, a journal detailing your loved one’s condition and any incidents, and statements from witnesses. Proper documentation is key to bringing a legal claim. Victims and families have the right to bring a nursing home abuse claim for compensation in Wisconsin.
Step #5: Seek Professional Legal Representation
Nursing home abuse cases are notoriously complex. You and your family do not have to take on a negligent nursing home alone. Be proactive: Consult with an experienced nursing home abuse attorney in Wisconsin. Among other things, a top-tier attorney can guide you through the legal processes, ensure that your loved one’s rights are upheld, and take action to help you and your family get justice and the maximum available financial compensation.
Contact Our Wisconsin Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer for Immediate Legal Help
At Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler, LLC, our Wisconsin nursing home abuse attorneys are compassionate, experienced advocates for the people who need help the most. Contact us now for a no cost case evaluation. From our legal offices in Onalaska, Eau Claire, and La Crosse, our firm handles nursing home abuse and nursing home neglect claims throughout Wisconsin.