Every year, over five million older adults face abuse in nursing homes across the United States. So if you’re worried about your loved one in a nursing facility, you’re not alone.
Nursing home abuse is a serious problem that affects many families. It’s important to know that you have options to protect your elderly family member and get justice if they’ve been mistreated.
A nursing home abuse attorney can be your strongest ally in these tough situations. We know the laws that protect seniors and can help you fight for your loved one’s rights. In this article, we’ll cover the signs to watch for, what steps you can take, and how we work to secure justice for seniors who have been wronged.
Recognizing Signs of Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse
Knowing what to look for can help you spot signs of elder abuse early. Physical signs are often the easiest to notice. You might see unexplained bruises, cuts, or broken bones on your loved one. Bedsores can also indicate neglect, especially if they’re not being treated properly.
Your loved one’s behavior can be a big clue that something isn’t right. Watch for sudden changes in mood or unusual fear around certain staff members. If your normally talkative parent becomes quiet and withdrawn, it could be a red flag.
Neglect can show up in different ways. Pay attention to your family member’s appearance and surroundings.
Dirty clothes, unwashed hair, or a messy room might mean they’re not getting proper care. Weight loss or dehydration could point to senior malnutrition, which is a serious form of neglect.
Sometimes, abuse isn’t physical at all. Keep an eye on your loved one’s finances. Things like unexplained withdrawals or changes in their will to accommodate new “friends” who seem overly interested in their money could signal financial exploitation.
When to Call a Nursing Home Abuse Attorney
You should call a nursing facility negligence lawyer as soon as you have concerns, even if you’re not completely sure abuse is happening. We offer free initial consultations, so you can discuss your worries without any cost or obligation.
We start by listening to your story and asking important questions. We help you understand your rights and explain the legal options available to you. If there’s enough evidence to move forward, we will begin a thorough investigation.
Gathering evidence is an essential part of our job. This means you can expect us to:
- Interview staff and other residents
- Review medical records
- Bring in experts to examine your loved one’s condition
All this information will be used to build a strong case on your behalf. We handle all communications with the nursing home and their legal team, allowing you to focus on supporting your family member. With our experienced team by your side, you’ll have the best chance of securing justice and compensation for your loved one.
Types of Available Compensation for Elder Abuse Victims
When you seek justice for nursing home abuse, you may be entitled to different forms of compensation. The types and amounts of compensation can vary depending on the specific details of your case. Medical expenses are often a significant part of the compensation package, covering costs for:
- Treatments
- Medications
- Any necessary future care related to the abuse or neglect
Pain and suffering damages are another important aspect of compensation. These damages acknowledge the physical discomfort and emotional distress your loved one has endured. We work hard to ensure that the full impact of the abuse on your family member’s quality of life is recognized and compensated.
In cases where the nursing home’s actions were particularly egregious, you might be awarded punitive damages. These damages serve to punish the facility for their misconduct and deter similar behavior in the future. We’ll carefully evaluate your case to determine if punitive damages are appropriate to pursue.
You may also be able to recover costs for moving your loved one to a new facility, therapy expenses, and even lost wages if you had to take time off work to care for your family member. Our goal is to secure compensation that truly reflects the full extent of the harm caused and helps your loved one move forward with the best possible care and support.
Legal Strategies Used to Secure Justice
Once we’ve gathered enough evidence, we’ll develop a plan to secure justice for your loved one. Our main goal is to hold the nursing home accountable and get you the compensation your family deserves. We might start by sending a demand letter to the facility, outlining the abuse or neglect and requesting a settlement.
If the nursing home doesn’t respond appropriately, we may file a lawsuit on your behalf. Filing a lawsuit shows the facility that we’re serious about protecting your loved one’s rights. It also puts pressure on them to address the issues and make changes to prevent future abuse.
Sometimes, the nursing home will agree to negotiate a settlement to avoid going to court. We’ll use our experience to fight for the best possible outcome for you and your family. During negotiations, we’ll keep you informed every step of the way and never make decisions without your approval.
If a fair settlement can’t be reached, we’re prepared to take your case to trial. In court, we’ll present the evidence we’ve gathered and argue your case before a judge or jury. Our team has the skills and experience to navigate the complexities of a trial and fight for the justice your loved one deserves.
Ready to Fight for What’s Right?
Nursing home abuse is a very serious issue, but you don’t have to face it alone. With the right legal support, you can protect your loved one and hold negligent facilities accountable.
The David Bell Law Firm is here to help you navigate these challenging situations. For decades, we’ve been representing clients across Georgia in personal injury cases, including nursing home abuse. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to fighting for the rights of seniors who have suffered from neglect or mistreatment.
Give us a call today to discuss your case with our experienced attorneys. We’re ready to listen to your concerns and help you explore your legal options, all at no cost to you.
