We count on nursing homes to take care of our elderly loved ones when they can no longer take care of themselves. Often, these facilities do the opposite, as staff members neglect even the most basic needs. Also, overworked staff members may abuse residents out of frustration.
If your aging parent or another elderly loved one has been abused or neglected at a Chattanooga nursing home, you can contact Gary Massey Injury Lawyers today. We have recovered compensation for victims and have extensive knowledge of the rights of nursing home residents.
Let us help you seek justice and compensation for your loved one’s injuries. We are available 24/7 to support you, and you will not pay anything upfront for our services. An initial consultation is also free.
Can I Pursue Compensation for My Loved One’s Nursing Home Abuse?
The anger of uncovering the abuse or neglect of your loved one is often followed by confusion and uncertainty about what to do next. You may think about taking legal action, but how do you know if you have a case?
Our lawyers are ready to discuss what happened and how we may be able to help you.
The main question is whether your loved one was harmed by negligence, which is a breach of a duty of care owed to your loved one. In a nursing home case, liable parties often breach a duty of care by violating a resident’s rights, such as the right to live free from abuse and to receive appropriate medical care.
Our lawyer can review the specifics of your situation to determine if you may have grounds for a lawsuit. Some of the factors we consider include:
- How your loved one’s injuries occurred
- Evidence you have collected
- How staff members responded to your complaints or allegations of abuse or neglect
- The specific details about your loved one’s injuries
- The facility’s history, particularly past allegations of abuse or neglect
- Federal ratings of the facility
If you think you may have a case, call our law firm today. We are ready to take your call 24/7. The initial consultation is free, and there are no upfront costs for our services.
What Types of Nursing Home Abuse Cases Are There?
Our attorneys are prepared to represent victims of various forms of neglect and abuse. These lawsuits often involve one or more of the following forms of abuse or neglect:
Physical Abuse
Staff members, nurses, caregivers, or other residents may intentionally harm residents through:
- Hitting, slapping, or punching
- Rough handling when assisting residents
- Using restraints improperly
- Withholding food, water, or medication
- Force-feeding
- Pinching, scratching, or pulling hair
Neglect
Neglect occurs when residents do not receive proper care, including:
- Medical Neglect: Failing to provide necessary treatments
- Hygiene Neglect: Not assisting with bathing or dental care
- Basic Needs Neglect: Failing to provide adequate food, water, or shelter
- Emotional Neglect: Ignoring residents or isolating them
Sexual Abuse
Any non-consensual sexual interaction with a nursing home resident, including inappropriate touching or forced acts.
Emotional/Psychological Abuse
Emotional abuse may include:
- Verbal insults, threats, or intimidation
- Ignoring residents or isolating them
- Mocking residents’ beliefs or conditions
What Are the Signs of Nursing Home Negligence?
Recognizing the warning signs of nursing home abuse and neglect is a critical first step toward protecting your loved one. Some signs are very subtle and can be missed, while others are blatantly alarming. Common signs include:
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, or fractures
- Bedsores or pressure ulcers
- Malnutrition or dehydration
- Sudden weight loss
- Anxiety, depression, or withdrawal
- Poor hygiene and unsanitary living conditions
- Frequent infections or illnesses
If you notice any of these signs, don’t ignore your instincts. Speak up and contact one of our nursing home attorneys right away.
Steps to Take if You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse
If you suspect that your loved one is being abused or neglected, act quickly. Taking the following steps can help protect them and hold the abusive and neglectful parties accountable:
- Ensure Immediate Safety:If your loved one is in danger, call 911 or remove them from the facility, if possible.
- Document Everything:Take photos of injuries or unsanitary conditions and keep a written record of your observations and conversations with staff.
- Speak With Facility Management:Report your concerns to the nursing home’s administrator or director of nursing. Request a written incident report.
- Contact Adult Protective Services:In Tennessee, you can report suspected nursing home abuse to the Department of Human Services Adult Protective Services by calling 888-277-8366.
- File a Complaint with the State:You can also file a formal complaint with the Tennessee Department of Health’s Board for Licensing Health Care Facilities at 1-877-287-0010 or through their website.
- Consult a Nursing Home Attorney:A lawyer can help investigate the abuse, secure evidence, and pursue compensation on your loved one’s behalf.
Evidence to Prove Nursing Home Negligence or Abuse
Getting justice and compensation for your loved one requires proving that negligence and abuse occurred. That’s where we come in. To pursue compensation, our team can help gather evidence such as:
- Medical records showing a decline in health
- Photographs and video evidence of injuries or poor conditions
- Witness statements from residents, staff, or visitors
- Expert testimony from medical professionals
- Correspondence with the facility documenting complaints or concerns
Don’t delay contacting our team if you suspect your loved one has been abused or neglected. Gathering evidence as quickly as possible while it’s all still fresh and accessible will make all the difference in their case.
What Is My Loved One’s Nursing Home Abuse Case Worth?
The value of your loved one’s case depends on the severity of harm and the total impact on their life. Damages may include:
- Emergency medical care and treatment
- Hospitalization and surgeries
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Punitive damages for egregious actions
No amount of money can undo the trauma your loved one has endured, but pursuing a claim can provide financial support and justice by holding the responsible parties accountable.
Contact Our Chattanooga Nursing Home Negligence Lawyers Today
If your loved one suffered injuries from nursing home abuse or neglect, contact our office to discuss your legal options.
Gary Massey Injury Lawyers is dedicated to fighting for the rights of elderly residents who have been abused and neglected. There are no upfront fees, and your initial consultation is free.
