According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 15.7% of people aged 60 and older experience abuse or neglect. Placing a loved one in a nursing home is never an easy decision, but it can be especially difficult if you find that your elderly family member is facing neglect or abuse at the hands of facility staff. If you suspect neglect, then it’s time to find nursing home neglect lawyers near me.
The Rights of Nursing Home Residents
State and federal law provides residents of nursing homes with several protections. While living in an assisted-living or long-term care facility, your loved one is entitled to the following rights:
- Freedom from abuse or neglect
- Privacy and dignity
- Participation in decisions regarding their care
- Safe and clean living conditions
Nursing home staff are also prohibited from using restraints for convenience or punitive purposes. Restraints included bed rails, chemicals, and physical tie-downs. If a facility violates these rights, seek guidance from an experienced nursing home neglect lawyer to hold responsible parties accountable.
Recognizing the Signs of Nursing Home Neglect
Nursing home neglect can manifest in obvious and subtle ways. Every time you visit your loved one, examine their room for signs like dirty bedding and unclean common areas.
Physical signs include unexplained injuries or bedsores. Rapid weight loss and facility-acquired infections are other indicators that your loved one may be suffering neglect.
Keep an eye out for emotional abuse indicators as well. Some examples include withdrawal, depression, or fearfulness around staff members. These can be difficult to spot, especially if your family member is experiencing cognitive decline.
Individuals who suffer from neglect may exhibit several different categories of signs. For example, fear of staff members, weight loss, and unexplained injuries could indicate a pattern of abuse or neglect. If you notice anything that doesn’t seem right, document your findings and reach out to an attorney right away.
How a Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer Can Help
A nursing home neglect attorney will assist with your case in the following ways:
- Investigate Claims of Neglect: Attorneys work with experts to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and review medical records to build a case
- Advocate for Your Loved One: Legal professionals will fight for your family member’s rights
- Pursue Compensation: If your family member has suffered neglect, your attorney can seek compensation from the facility and its insurance company
Worried about the cost of seeking professional help? Don’t be. The Moore Law Firm offers free consultations for all nursing home neglect and abuse clients. We will evaluate your case and help you decide how to proceed.
Additionally, The Moore Law Firm uses a contingency billing model. This means you don’t pay anything unless we recover for your family. If we don’t win, you don’t pay us a dime.
What to Expect in a Nursing Home Neglect Investigation
Once you’ve contacted nursing home neglect lawyers near me, we’ll begin a thorough investigation to uncover the truth behind your concerns. Here’s what you can expect during the process:
Initial Consultation
The first meeting with your attorney is a chance to fill them in on what you’ve observed and what your concerns are. An experienced lawyer will know what questions to ask so they can properly evaluate your case. It’s important to be organized and bring any supporting evidence you’ve gathered, such as photos or medical records.
Evidence Gathering
Your attorney will obtain medical records, incident reports, and testimony from staff members, medical professionals, and witnesses. They will also photograph any injuries or living conditions.
Case Evaluation
Next, your attorney will evaluate the evidence to determine whether your family is entitled to a settlement. They will use information such as medical bills and injury reports to determine a fair amount and initiate the claims process.
Negotiation
Attorneys from The Moore Law Firm want to resolve your case as quickly as possible so your loved one can focus on their next chapter. We will negotiate with the at-fault party and their insurance company to reach a fair settlement amount.
Settlement or Trial
Our team will inform you of any settlement offers and help you decide whether they are fair. If the other party refuses to make a fair settlement offer, we will take your case to trial and fight for justice for your family.
FAQ
What Are Common Signs of Nursing Home Neglect?
Common signs of neglect include bedsores and unexplained injuries. Sometimes, the red flags can be more subtle and may include poor hygiene or weight loss. Emotional withdrawal and untreated medical conditions are other major warning signs. If you notice any of these, consult a nursing home neglect lawyer to assess your case.
How Can a Nursing Home Neglect Attorney Help My Family?
A nursing home neglect lawyer can investigate the situation and gather evidence. They will also advocate for your loved one’s rights and seek compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages caused by neglect.
When Should I Contact Nursing Home Neglect Lawyers Near Me?
You should contact an experienced attorney as soon as you notice signs of neglect or abuse. Listen to your intuition. If something doesn’t feel right or your loved one isn’t acting like themself, contact a lawyer and let them investigate. The sooner you act, the better your odds of protecting your loved one from future harm.
Speak to Nursing Home Neglect Lawyers Near Me
If you suspect that your loved one has been subjected to neglect in a nursing home, don’t wait. The Moore Law Firm will connect you with an experienced nursing home neglect attorney who can help protect your loved one’s rights. We understand the emotional and legal complexities of nursing home abuse and neglect cases and are dedicated to securing justice for your family. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.
If you have been injured or have lost a loved one as a result of another person's negligence, you deserve to be fully compensated for your losses. The simple fact is that you should not be forced to pay the price for another person's careless or reckless actions.