Nursing home abuse is a tragic reality that affects many elderly persons in Tennessee. When families entrust the care of their loved ones to nursing homes, they expect a standard of care that ensures safety, proper medical treatment, and respect for human dignity.
Unfortunately, cases of nursing home abuse demonstrate this trust is sometimes violated. This is where legal assistance becomes essential.
Seeking help from a skilled Tennessee nursing home abuse attorney is critical for victims and their family members. An experienced attorney can investigate the abuse, hold the responsible parties accountable, and ensure victims receive the financial compensation they are entitled to.
At Nursing Home Law Center, we are dedicated to fighting for justice and fair compensation for victims of nursing home abuse. Our experienced nursing home abuse lawyers have a strong track record of managing these sensitive cases with care, consistently achieving substantial settlements and favorable verdicts for our clients.
We conduct comprehensive investigations to ensure that every aspect of the abuse, including medical expenses, emotional trauma, and other damages, is fully addressed. With our extensive experience in handling nursing home abuse claims, we effectively manage the complexities of the legal process and work tirelessly to safeguard your rights.
Elder abuse occurs when a resident in a nursing home facility is subjected to harm or mistreatment by staff, caregivers, or other individuals. Abuse can take many forms, and it often results in physical, emotional, or financial harm to the resident.
At Nursing Home Law Center, our Tennessee nursing home abuse lawyers handle a wide range of abuse cases to ensure victims receive justice and proper compensation.
Physical elder abuse involves the intentional use of force against a resident, leading to physical injuries such as bruises, fractures, or broken bones. This can include actions like hitting, pushing, or rough handling. Additionally, improper use of physical restraints can lead to physical injury or trauma.
Mental and psychological abuse involves verbal insults, threats, or intimidation that cause severe emotional distress for residents. Victims of emotional abuse may become withdrawn, depressed, or anxious due to the psychological harm inflicted.
Sexual assault and abuse in nursing homes involves any form of unwanted sexual contact or behavior, and it can leave residents feeling violated and unsafe. This type of abuse is particularly damaging to elderly persons, who may be physically unable to defend themselves or report the abuse out of fear.
Medical malpractice refers to situations where nursing home residents do not receive the necessary medical care. This can include medication errors, untreated bedsores, or failure to address other serious medical conditions. Improper medical care can lead to severe health complications and long-term suffering.
Negligence occurs when a nursing home fails to provide residents with the necessary care and attention. Neglect in nursing homes may manifest in poor hygiene, malnutrition, dehydration, or the failure to monitor residents, which can result in accidents like elopement (wandering away from the facility).
Negligence can severely impact a resident’s quality of life and overall well-being.
Elderly financial exploitation happens when caregivers or staff exploit residents for financial gain. This may include stealing money, forging signatures, or manipulating residents into changing wills or financial documents.
In the most tragic cases, elder abuse or negligence can lead to the death of a nursing home resident. Families may seek compensation for the loss of their loved one and hold the responsible parties accountable by filing a wrongful death claim.
Nursing home residents in Tennessee are protected by a combination of state and federal laws designed to safeguard their well-being and ensure they receive proper care. These laws hold nursing homes accountable for providing a safe and respectful environment, free from abuse and neglect.
One of the most important federal laws protecting residents is the Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987, passed to ensure that nursing homes that receive Medicare or Medicaid funding meet certain standards of care. The law guarantees residents the following rights:
In addition to federal laws, Tennessee has its own set of regulations designed to protect residents in nursing facilities. The Tennessee Adult Protection Act provides specific protections for elderly and vulnerable adults living in nursing homes or assisted living facilities:
When nursing home abuse or neglect occurs, several parties may have the right to file a claim. These include:
In cases of nursing home abuse or neglect, responsibility often extends beyond the individual directly involved in the abusive behavior.
Depending on the circumstances of the abuse, several parties may share liability. Holding all responsible parties accountable is essential to ensure justice is served and prevent future abuse.
Below are examples of how different parties can be liable in nursing home abuse cases:
By working with an experienced Tennessee nursing home abuse attorney, families can ensure all responsible parties are identified and held accountable for their actions. This helps ensure victims receive the compensation they deserve and systemic issues in the facility are addressed.
At Nursing Home Law Center, our experienced Tennessee nursing home abuse attorneys have a proven track record of fighting for the rights of nursing home abuse victims. We understand the devastating effects nursing home neglect, physical abuse, and other forms of abuse can have on nursing home residents and their family members.
Our legal team has extensive experience handling complex nursing home abuse cases, securing substantial settlements, and achieving justice for our clients. We are committed to holding nursing homes and responsible parties accountable for their actions.
Here’s how our Tennessee nursing home abuse lawyers can help you and your family:
We offer a free consultation to evaluate your case. During this initial meeting, our legal team will listen to your concerns, review the details of the suspected abuse, and provide advice on how to proceed. This no-cost consultation helps you understand your legal options and determine the best action to protect your loved one’s rights.
Our team conducts a thorough investigation of the nursing home abuse or neglect to gather all necessary evidence. We review medical records, interview witnesses, and collaborate with experts to build a strong case.
Whether it’s investigating physical injuries, signs of financial exploitation, or unsatisfactory living conditions, we work diligently to ensure that all nursing home negligence is uncovered.
Once we have completed our investigation, our attorneys will file a formal nursing home abuse claim on your behalf. We ensure that all legal paperwork is handled efficiently and that your case is filed within the appropriate time limits set by Tennessee law. Filing a claim is critical in seeking justice for your loved one and holding the responsible parties accountable.
Many nursing home abuse cases are resolved through settlement negotiations. Our skilled negotiators work to secure a fair settlement that covers medical expenses, emotional distress, and other damages caused by abuse or neglect. We fight to ensure you and your family receive the maximum compensation possible without going through a lengthy trial.
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, our trial lawyers are fully prepared to take your case to court. With years of courtroom experience, we will present a compelling case to the judge and jury, advocating for your loved one’s rights and seeking the monetary compensation your family deserves. We are committed to fighting for justice through negotiation or in the courtroom.
Tennessee has over 300 Medicare-approved nursing homes, and many facilities struggle with their overall ratings and inspections. Specifically, 148 of these homes have received an overall rating of below or much below average.
Health inspections present challenges, as 140 facilities scored poorly in this category. This suggests widespread issues related to compliance with state and federal health regulations, potentially affecting residents’ well-being.
Staffing levels are critical, with 187 nursing homes receiving below-average ratings. These staffing deficiencies may reflect difficulties in providing consistent, adequate care for residents, impacting their day-to-day well-being and long-term health.
Regarding quality measures, 96 nursing homes received low ratings. This indicates that nearly a third of facilities struggle to maintain residents’ overall quality of care.
Additionally, 36 nursing home facilities were cited for abuse, raising concerns about resident safety. [1]
Identifying the common signs of elder abuse or nursing home negligence is crucial to protecting your loved ones. Here are some key indicators to look out for:
The list of Tennessee nursing homes rated poorly includes:
| Ahc Bethesda | Ahc Bright Glade |
| Ahc Cumberland | Ahc Harbor View |
| Ahc Lewis County | Ahc MT Juliet |
| Ahc Northbrooke | Ahc Northside |
| Ahc Vanco | Ahc Waverly |
| Alamo Nursing and Rehabilitation Center | American Health Communities of Clarksville |
| Asbury Place at Maryville | Ascension Living Alexian Village Tennessee |
| Bedrockhc at Spring Meadows, LLC | Beech Tree Health and Rehabilitation |
| Beverly Park Place Health and Rehab | Christian Care Center of Medina |
| Church Hill Post-Acute and Rehabilitation Center | Claiborne and Hughes Hlth Cntr |
| Collierville Nursing and Rehabilitation, LLC | Community Care of Rutherford |
| Copper Basin Health & Rehabilitation | Countryside Post-Acute and Rehabilitation Center |
| Creekview Health and Rehabilitation | Dickson Health and Rehab |
| Diversicare of Oak Ridge | Donalson Care Center |
| Dyersburg Health and Rehabilitation Center | Elk River Health and Nursing Center of Ardmore, LL |
| Erwin Health Care Center | Etowah Health Care Center |
| Gallaway Health and Rehab | Good Samaritan Health and Rehab Center |
| Graceland Rehabilitation and Nursing Care Center | Greystone Health Care Center |
| Hardin County NH | Hartsville Convalescent Center |
| Henderson Health and Rehabilitation Center | Highlands Health and Rehabilitation Center |
| Hillcrest Healthcare Center | Huntingdon Health & Rehabilitation Center |
| Huntsville Post-Acute and Rehabilitation Center | Knollwood Manor |
| Lauderdale Community Living Center | Laughlin Health Care Center |
| Laurelbrook Nursing Home | Laurelwood Healthcare Center |
| Legacy Health and Rehab | Life Care Center of Crossville |
| Life Care Center of Elizabethton | Life Care Center of Gray |
| Life Care Center of Red Bank | Magnolia Creek Nursing and Rehabilitation |
| Magnolia Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center | Majestic Gardens at Memphis Rehab & Snc |
| Maplewood Health Care Center | McKendree Village |
| Memphis Jewish Home | Millington Healthcare Center |
| Mission Convalescent Home | Monroe Health and Rehabilitation Center |
| Nhc Healthcare, Smithville | Obion County Nursing Home |
| Oneida Nursing and Rehab Center | Orchard View Post-Acute and Rehabilitation Center |
| Perry County Nursing Home | Quality Center for Rehabilitation and Healing LLC |
| Quince Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, LLC | Red Boiling Springs TN Opco LLC |
| Reelfoot Manor Health and Rehab | Ripley Healthcare and Rehab Center |
| Signature Healthcare of Erin | Signature Healthcare of Monteagle Rehab & Wellness |
| Signature Healthcare of Putnam County | Signature Healthcare of Ridgely Rehab&wellness Ctr |
| Signature Health of Portland Rehab & Wellness Cent | Smoky Mountain Post-Acute and Rehabilitation Cente |
| Smyrna Care Center | Spring City Care and Rehabilitation Center |
| Spring Gate Rehab & Healthcare Center | Stoneridge Health Care, LLC |
| Summit View of Rocky Top | Tennessee Veterans Home |
| The Health Center at Richland Place | The Waters of Shelbyville, LLC |
| Towne Square Care of Puryear | Viviant Healthcare of Chattanooga |
| Waters of Memphis A Rehabilitation & Nursing Ctr | Waynesboro Health and Rehabilitation Center |
| Weakley County Nursing Home | Westmoreland Care & Rehab Ctr |
| Westmoreland Health and Rehabilitation Center | Wharton Nursing Home |
| Whites Creek Wellness and Rehabilitation Center | Willow Branch Health and Rehabilitation |
| Woodbury Health and Rehabilitation Center |
If you suspect that your loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, it’s important to act quickly to protect their safety and well-being. Here are the essential steps you should take:
If your loved one is in immediate danger or requires urgent medical attention due to suspected abuse, call 911 right away. Emergency responders can provide the necessary medical care and ensure your loved one’s safety while also documenting the situation for potential legal action.
If the situation does not involve immediate danger, report your concerns to the nursing home administrator or facility management. They are responsible for addressing complaints and ensuring that residents receive proper care. Be sure to document your report in writing and keep a copy for your records.
Every state has a long-term care Ombudsman program that advocates for the rights of nursing home residents. The Ombudsman’s role is to investigate complaints of nursing home abuse or neglect and work with the facility to resolve issues.
Filing a complaint with your local Ombudsman will prompt an investigation into the care and safety conditions at the nursing home.
It is crucial to consult with an experienced Tennessee nursing home abuse lawyer to explore your legal options. A lawyer can help you investigate the abuse, gather evidence, and file a claim to hold the responsible parties accountable. Legal representation is essential for protecting your loved one’s rights and pursuing compensation for any harm they have suffered.
By following these steps, you can help protect your loved one from further harm and seek justice for any abuse or neglect they have endured.
Victims of nursing home abuse and neglect have the right to seek monetary compensation for the harm they’ve suffered.
Economic damages compensate for the measurable financial losses resulting from the abuse or neglect. These include:
Non-economic damages address the emotional and psychological impact of the abuse. These damages are less tangible but no less significant. Examples include:
Punitive damages are awarded in cases where the abuse or neglect was particularly egregious or involved intentional misconduct. These damages are meant to punish the responsible parties and serve as a deterrent to prevent similar behavior in the future.
Punitive damages are not based on the victim’s losses but rather on the severity of the wrongdoing by the nursing home or its staff.
A skilled Tennessee nursing home abuse lawyer can help you understand which damages apply to your case and work to maximize the compensation you receive.
At Nursing Home Law Center, we understand that the financial burden of legal action can be a concern for families already dealing with the emotional and physical impact of nursing home abuse. That’s why we operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront legal fees and only if we successfully recover your compensation through a settlement or verdict.
If you suspect that your loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect in Tennessee, it’s crucial to act quickly due to the statute of limitations, which is typically one year from the date of the abuse or when it was discovered.
Failing to file a claim within this period could result in losing the right to pursue financial compensation for the harm caused.
Given the complexities of gathering evidence and building a strong case, consulting with an experienced Tennessee nursing home abuse lawyer as soon as possible is essential to ensure your claim is filed on time and your rights are protected.
You can seek justice and hold the responsible parties accountable by taking timely legal action.
At Nursing Home Law Center, our experienced team of Tennessee nursing home abuse attorneys is committed to fighting for the rights of residents who have suffered from nursing home abuse or neglect.
We understand the emotional, physical, and financial toll that nursing home negligence can take on residents and their loved ones, and we are dedicated to holding the responsible parties accountable
With a proven track record of handling complex nursing home abuse cases, our legal team has secured significant settlements and verdicts for victims and their families.
Contact us today for a free consultation to seek the justice and compensation your loved ones deserve.
Call our law firm at (800) 926-7565 or complete our contact form today.
References: [1] Medicare