Nursing home abuse and neglect are pervasive problems at facilities in Tennessee and throughout the nation. Many long-term care facilities are understaffed. The staff members who are working are often unqualified and may have a history of mistreating residents. Loved ones need experienced legal assistance to protect residents from negligence and abuse.
Legal Help for Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
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. 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 the experienced Chattanooga nursing home abuse lawyers at Massey & Associates, P.C. 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 Chattanooga personal injury 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 with 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, or caregivers 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
Evidence to Prove Nursing Home Negligence or Abuse
To pursue compensation, we 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
What Is My Loved One’s Nursing Home Abuse Case Worth?
The value of your case depends on damages such as:
- Emergency medical care and treatment
- Hospitalization and surgeries
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Punitive damages for egregious actions
What Are the Signs of Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect?
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
Where Do I Report Nursing Home Abuse?
If you suspect abuse or neglect, report it immediately. You can contact the Tennessee Department of Human Services Adult Protective Services at 888-277-8366.
Was Your Loved One Abused in a Nursing Home? Call Our Chattanooga Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers Today
If your loved one suffered injuries from nursing home abuse or neglect, contact our office to discuss your legal options.
Massey & Associates, P.C. 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.
Call us today at 423-697-4529 to discuss your case.
