What evidence is needed to prove nursing home abuse?
In order to prove nursing home abuse in Washington, evidence must show that the victim has suffered physical or mental abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation. Physical abuse includes intentional physical injury or force, such as hitting, slapping, or shoving. Mental abuse includes verbal threats or other emotional abuse that causes the victim emotional distress. Neglect refers to a caregiver’s failure to meet the needs of a vulnerable adult for medical care, food, shelter, or supervision. Financial exploitation involves the use or misuse of a vulnerable adult’s funds, assets, or property. It is important to gather evidence to prove nursing home abuse. Witnesses may be able to provide information to support the victim’s allegations, such as a relative or other party who saw or heard the incident. Medical records can also be important evidence, since they will contain details of the injury as well as any treatments that were provided. Photographs of the injury, if any, can also be helpful. Other forms of evidence can include police reports, signed statements from people who witnessed the abuse, and financial records that show any unauthorized use of the vulnerable adult’s funds. It is important to gather all the available evidence before filing a complaint in order to prove that the allegations of abuse are true. Washington law requires that all vulnerable adults be protected from abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation, and victims of nursing home abuse have legal recourse to seek justice.
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