Nursing Home Abuse: What It Is, What to Do, and How We Can Help

Our seniors are some of our most vulnerable citizens, and it is becoming increasingly clear that they are mistreated in alarming numbers. As we’ll explore in this blog post, nursing home abuse and neglect are, sadly, all too common. Sometimes, it’s even a cause of wrongful death.

Nothing can undo the pain and indignity these individuals face. Still, they and their families are often entitled to financial compensation for both their economic and non-economic damages. The personal injury lawyers at Capital Injury Law can help you get justice and compensation if you or a family member has experienced nursing home abuse.

The Sad Reality of Nursing Home Abuse

It’s well-known that nursing homes tend to be short-staffed. Similarly, the staff are often poorly trained or don’t go through an adequate screening process. The World Health Organization found that as many as two in three nursing home staff members admitted to committing some sort of abusive act toward residents. Approximately one in six elders experience some kind of abuse in these settings–and it’s estimated that there are far more unreported instances. 

Such terrible statistics mean we must all do our part to protect our seniors. When nursing home abuse does happen, Capital Injury Law is here to help victims and their families pursue justice. This not only ensures victims get their rightful compensation but helps hold abusers and facilities accountable.

Types of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

There are many types of mistreatment and negligence that fall under nursing home abuse or neglect. Abuse may be physical, emotional, sexual, or financial. More commonly, insufficient care or oversight might qualify for compensation. Examples of nursing home neglect include:

• Not maintaining safe premises 
• Failing to provide proper medical care, nutrition, or hygiene care
• Incorrect positioning or care of a bedbound patient, leading to bedsores
• Leaving a resident unsupervised or unattended for too long

What to Do If You Suspect or Experience Nursing Home Abuse

One of the reasons nursing home neglect and abuse are common is that the victims often have physical or mental impairments that keep them from understanding the situation or being able to protect themselves. It is often up to other staff or family members to notice signs of abuse and report it.

Victims, their families, or staff can report suspected abuse through several avenues. Then, they may choose to pursue a civil lawsuit for compensation. In abuse cases, the abuser may face criminal charges as well. If the victim dies as a result of abuse or neglect, their family can pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. 

Where to Report Nursing Home Abuse

You have several options to report nursing home abuse. There are nursing home abuse hotlines you can call, typically run by the U.S. Administration on Again. Every state also has a designated ombudsman, who works as an advocate for nursing home residents and can help with filing an abuse complaint. You can also report to the National Adult Protective Services Association. Visit NursingHomeAbuse.org for more information on where to report abuse.

How a Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit Works

Reporting the abuse and getting the victim to safety are the first steps. Then, it’s time to consider filing a lawsuit.

A successful lawsuit will hold the nursing home liable for the victim’s damages. You may be compensated for medical expenses, emotional distress, financial losses, and pain and suffering. Pursuing this avenue of justice also helps ensure that abusers face the consequences and that this mistreatment is less likely to happen again.

While you do not technically need a nursing home abuse lawyer to file a claim, it’s highly recommended. There will be extensive paperwork, evidence collection, and negotiations. The case may even go to trial. As your lawyer, we help with every element of this process and increase your odds of success.

How Capital Injury Law Can Help

The Capital Injury Law team offers compassionate, dedicated legal counsel to victims and families pursuing justice for nursing home abuse. We will act as your ally and guide, helping you with every step and building a winning case that maximizes your compensation. Here’s how your lawyer can help.

• Handling all the details: There are a lot of details and intricacies in any legal case. We assist with all the paperwork, phone calls, and other pieces that might feel overwhelming.
• Building a strong case: You will need supportive evidence like medical records, eyewitness accounts, and expert testimony. We’ll help you gather these items and craft a compelling claim.
• Negotiating with insurance companies: Most likely, the nursing home’s insurance company will try to settle the case outside of court. However, insurance adjustors often try to deny claims or minimize payouts. We’ll take care of all the negotiations and fight for a fair settlement.
• Court representation: If a settlement can’t be reached, we’ll represent you in court. Your lawyer will fight for your best interest every step of the way.

Consult a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Today

No one should experience abuse or neglect, especially in a place designed to care for them. If you or an elderly family member has suffered this mistreatment, let us fight for justice on your behalf. We’ll help with every aspect of the process and take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on healing.

Contact Capital Injury Law today to consult a lawyer about nursing home abuse, and start the path to justice.