Representing Victims Of Rehab Center Abuse
When a person seeks help from a drug or alcohol rehabilitation center, that patient and the patient’s family expects the chosen facility to do everything in their power to accommodate the patient in the most effective way possible. For many, these centers are safe havens for those in need of serious lifestyle changes.
Unfortunately, these facilities, like any medical facilities, are not infallible. In fact, recent reports have found that many patients within drug and rehabilitation centers have suffered abuse or neglect from facility employees, including sexual abuse, or being allowed to lapse and overdose during residency. More than a few such scenarios have resulted in a wrongful death. Needless to say, these types of occurrences can leave patients and their families emotionally and physically scarred.
If you have become the victim of abuse or neglect while seeking treatment, it is crucial you seek experienced legal representation. At Schimmel & Parks, APLC, we can examine your case and determine who should be held liable for any injuries and emotional distresses you’ve endured. At our firm, we do not take these kinds of cases lightly. Instead, we work diligently to see that our clients receive the care and attention they need immediately.
Types Of Abuse In Drug And Alcohol Rehab Centers
When facilities are underfinanced or understaffed, different types of neglect can occur. In addition, different forms of abuse can take place if facilities do not abide by ethical or safety standards. Sadly, because many patients are not in completely healthy states of mind during treatment, negligent and reckless employees can easily take advantage of patients.
Below is a list of common types of abuse found in rehabilitation centers:
1. Physical Forms of Abuse:
- Hitting
- Shoving or pushing
- Confinement
- Inappropriate use of medication or drugs
2. Emotional Forms of Abuse:
- Humiliation
- Intimidation
- Ignoring a patient’s needs
- Isolating a patient from others
- Blame
3. Sexual Forms of Abuse:
- Forcing a patient to participate in sexual activities
- Forcing a patient to undress or act in a sexual manner
- Inappropriate physical contact
Common Signs Of Abuse And Neglect
If you believe your family member or loved one may be a victim of abuse or neglect while seeking help in a rehabilitation facility, it is important that you keep an eye out for some common signs. These include:
- Unexplained markings or injuries
- Restraint marks on the body
- Malnutrition
- Dehydration
- Sudden weight loss
- Lack of hygiene maintenance
- Unexplained withdrawal from communication or socialization
Frequently Asked Questions About Rehab Center Abuse
If you suspect abuse or neglect at a drug or alcohol rehabilitation facility, understanding your rights is an important first step. Below are answers to several common questions we receive from patients and their families.
If I signed a liability waiver, would it prevent me from filing a lawsuit against a rehab facility?
Not necessarily. While many rehabilitation centers ask patients to sign liability waivers during admission, those documents generally do not excuse gross negligence, reckless conduct or intentional abuse. A facility cannot simply avoid responsibility for failing to provide a safe environment or for allowing employees to harm vulnerable patients.
Every case depends on the specific facts and the language of the agreement, so it is important to have the circumstances reviewed before assuming you have no legal options.
What immediate steps should I take if I believe my loved one is being abused in rehab?
Your first priority should always be the patient’s safety. If you believe someone is in immediate danger, remove them from the situation when possible and seek appropriate medical care. You should also consider taking the following steps:
- Photograph visible injuries or unsafe conditions
- Keep copies of medical records, emails and other communications
- Write down dates, names and details of concerning incidents
- Report suspected abuse or neglect to the appropriate state licensing or regulatory agency
- Speak with an attorney who can evaluate potential claims and explain your legal rights
Taking these actions early may help preserve important evidence while protecting your loved one’s well-being.
What protections exist if the rehab patient is afraid of retaliation?
Fear of retaliation is common, particularly when a patient depends on the facility for housing, medical treatment or addiction recovery services. Many victims worry that reporting abuse will lead to intimidation, isolation or reduced access to care.
State and federal laws provide protections for individuals who report abuse or neglect, and facilities are generally prohibited from retaliating against patients for raising legitimate concerns. In many situations, family members or legal representatives can also report suspected misconduct on a patient’s behalf.
An attorney can help identify immediate steps to protect the patient’s safety, preserve evidence and communicate with the appropriate authorities while minimizing unnecessary contact with the facility. No one seeking treatment should have to choose between personal safety and the care they need to continue their recovery.
To learn more or to speak with a lawyer, reach out to our firm today. You can call us at 818-922-8544 or contact us online. We’re always ready to help.