A guide to care home abuse claims – What you need to do

Home » News & Knowledge » A guide to care home abuse claims – What you need to do

At Oakwood Solicitors, we understand how distressing it is to discover that a loved one has suffered abuse in a care home – a place that should be a safe and nurturing environment.

If you or someone you care about has been affected, you may be entitled to make a legal claim for compensation. This article explains what constitutes care home abuse, how to identify it, and the steps to take to make a claim.

Care home abuse claims

What is care home abuse?

Care home abuse refers to any form of mistreatment or neglect that causes harm to a resident. This could involve physical, emotional, financial, or sexual abuse, as well as neglect of basic needs like food, medication, or personal hygiene.

Abuse in care homes can occur due to individual actions or systemic failings within the institution.

Examples of care home abuse include:

Unexplained injuries such as bruises or fractures.
Lack of proper hygiene or medical attention.
Emotional distress caused by bullying, isolation, or threats.
Mismanagement of finances or exploitation.
Inadequate staffing, training, or supervision leading to neglect.

Recognising the signs of abuse

It can be challenging to identify care home abuse, especially if the victim is unable to communicate effectively. Here are some warning signs to look out for:

Sudden changes in mood or behaviour.
Unexplained injuries or frequent hospital visits.
Rapid weight loss, dehydration, or malnutrition.
Withdrawal or fearfulness around certain staff members.
Unsanitary living conditions or lack of personal care.

If you suspect abuse, it’s crucial to act quickly to protect your loved one and prevent further harm.

Steps to take if you suspect abuse

If you suspect that a loved one has been subjected to care home abuse, take the following steps:

Document Your Concerns – Keep a record of any signs of abuse, including dates, photographs of injuries, and statements from the victim or other witnesses.
Report the Issue: Raise your concerns with the care home management. If you feel they are not taking your concerns seriously, escalate the matter to the Care Quality Commission (CQC) or your local council’s safeguarding team.
Seek Medical Attention: Ensure the victim receives proper medical care if they have suffered any physical or emotional harm.
Contact a Solicitor: Contact Oakwood Solicitors Ltd to discuss your legal options.

Making a claim for care home abuse

At Oakwood Solicitors, we have extensive experience handling care home abuse claims. We are committed to supporting you through this difficult time and ensuring you achieve justice for your loved one.

To make a claim, we advise you to take the following steps:

Evidence – Evidence such as medical records, photographs, witness statements, or inspection reports can strengthen your case. It may also be useful to keep a diary to remind you of when certain things happened.
Demonstrate Negligence or Harm – You must show that the abuse or neglect caused physical, emotional, or financial harm to the victim.
Time limits – In the UK, there is generally a three-year time limit for making a claim, starting from the date of the abuse or when it was first discovered. However, this limit may vary depending on the circumstances.

Why should I use Oakwood Solicitors Ltd?

Pursuing a care home abuse claim can be emotionally challenging, but you don’t have to go through it alone. At Oakwood Solicitors, we provide compassionate and expert legal advice tailored to your situation.

Our experienced team will guide you through the claims process, ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve and helping to hold negligent care homes accountable.

We operate on a no win, no fee basis, meaning there is no financial risk to you in pursuing a claim.

If you suspect care home abuse and want to explore your legal options, contact Oakwood Solicitors today. Our friendly and professional team is here to provide the support and guidance you need.