Athens Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Nursing home abuse is a serious and devastating issue that affects many vulnerable individuals. It is crucial for victims and their families to seek help from an experienced Athens nursing home abuse lawyer to protect their rights and pursue justice.

Whether a loved one has been subjected to physical harm, emotional abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation, legal assistance can make a significant difference in holding negligent nursing homes accountable.

Why Hire Nursing Home Law Center

At Nursing Home Law Center, we are dedicated to pursuing justice and fair compensation for those affected by nursing home abuse. Our skilled legal team has a strong record of managing these cases carefully, consistently securing substantial settlements and verdicts.

We perform comprehensive investigations to ensure that all forms of abuse, from medical costs to emotional suffering, are fully accounted for. With our extensive knowledge of nursing home abuse claims, we effectively manage each case and work relentlessly to safeguard your rights. 

We offer compassionate and clear guidance throughout the legal process, ensuring that you and your family remain informed, protected, and confident at every stage.

Types of Cases Handled by Our Athens Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers

Nursing home abuse refers to any harm caused to a resident by staff, caregivers, or other residents in a long-term care facility. Abuse can take many forms, and our Athens nursing home abuse attorneys have extensive experience handling a wide variety of cases, including:

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse involves any intentional act of causing bodily harm to a resident. This assault can include hitting, pushing, or the inappropriate use of restraints. Many nursing home residents suffer from physical injuries like bruises, fractures, or even more severe conditions because of violent acts by staff or other residents.

Mental and Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse occurs when staff members verbally assault or psychologically torment residents. This type of abuse can leave long-lasting scars, leading to anxiety, depression, and other forms of mental anguish. Warning signs of emotional abuse may include a sudden change in behavior, withdrawal from normal activities, or excessive fear of staff.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse in long-term care facilities involves any non-consensual sexual activity with a resident. This horrific form of abuse is particularly traumatic for elderly family members who are already in a vulnerable state. Our attorneys are committed to seeking justice for victims of sexual abuse and ensuring those responsible are held accountable.

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice in nursing homes often results in bedsores (pressure ulcers), medication errors, and poor medical care. These issues typically arise when nursing home staff fail to provide adequate attention or care to residents. Chronically understaffed facilities often see higher rates of these problems.

Negligence

Nursing home negligence involves a failure to provide the necessary care, leading to harm. This neglect can manifest in the form of poor hygiene, malnutrition, dehydration, or even allowing residents to wander away from the facility (also known as elopement). Negligence claims often focus on the facility’s responsibility to ensure residents’ care and safety.

Financial Abuse

Financial exploitation is another common form of abuse in nursing homes. Unscrupulous staff members may steal from residents, manipulate them into signing over assets, or commit fraud by altering financial documents. Elder abuse of this kind can be challenging to detect, but it is equally damaging.

Wrongful Death

In the worst cases, nursing home abuse or neglect can result in wrongful death. When a family member dies due to the negligent actions of a nursing home facility, the grieving family has the right to pursue compensation for their loss and hold the responsible parties accountable.

Understanding Your Legal Rights

Nursing home residents in Athens, GA, are protected by both federal and state laws.

The Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987 sets minimum care standards for facilities receiving federal funding, ensuring residents have the right to live in a safe environment, free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

Additionally, Georgia laws provide protections specific to nursing home residents, ensuring they receive proper care and respect.

Eligibility to File a Claim 

If a resident has suffered harm, they have the right to file a nursing home abuse claim. A family member or legal representative can also file a claim on behalf of the abused resident.

Liability in Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse Cases 

Multiple parties can be liable in nursing home abuse cases. These may include:

• Nursing home staff: Individuals directly responsible for care can be held accountable for abuse or neglect.
• The facility: The nursing home may be liable for failing to provide a safe environment, especially if chronically understaffed.
• Third-party contractors: If a third-party contractor, such as medical providers or security, played a role in the abuse, they could also be liable.

How Our Athens Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys Can Help

Our Athens nursing home abuse attorneys have experience handling personal injury cases. We are dedicated to helping families seek justice for their loved ones. Our services include:

• Free Case Evaluation: We offer free consultations to discuss your case and determine the best legal action.
• Case Investigation: Our team will thoroughly investigate the abuse, gathering evidence to support your claim.
• Filing the Claim: We will handle all legal paperwork and file your nursing home abuse claim on your behalf.
• Settlement Negotiation: Our attorneys will negotiate with the nursing home and their insurance company to seek fair compensation for your loved one.
• Trial Representation: If the case proceeds to trial, we will represent you in court to pursue the justice your family deserves.

Common Signs of Elder Abuse Among Nursing Home Residents 

Recognizing the warning signs of nursing home abuse can save a loved one from further harm. Some common signs include:

• Unexplained bruises, cuts, or physical injuries
• Fearful behavior or withdrawal from staff
• Sudden weight loss or malnutrition
• Unsanitary living conditions
• Bedsores or infections
• Missing personal items or financial discrepancies

The worst-rated nursing homes in Athens include:

• Hill Haven Nursing Home
• Northridge Health and Rehabilitation
• Presbyterian Village – Athens
• Quiet Oaks Health Care Center
• University Nursing & Rehab Ctr
• Winder Center for Nursing and Healing

What to Do If You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse

If you suspect abuse or neglect, it is critical to take immediate action. Follow these steps:

• Call 911 if there is immediate danger to your loved one.
• Report the abuse to the nursing home administrator or management for immediate investigation.
• File a complaint with your local Ombudsman’s office, a resource dedicated to advocating for nursing home residents.
• Contact an Athens nursing home abuse lawyer to discuss your legal options and seek justice.

Damages You Can Recover Through a Nursing Home Abuse Claim

When filing a nursing home abuse claim, victims and their families may be entitled to several types of damages.

Economic damages compensate for the financial losses directly related to the abuse or neglect. Examples include:

• Medical Expenses: Costs for treatment, hospital stays, medications, and ongoing care resulting from the abuse.
• Rehabilitation Costs: Physical or occupational therapy needed to recover from injuries.
• Relocation Expenses: Costs associated with moving the victim to a new, safer nursing home or assisted living facility.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost when family members take time off work to care for their abused loved one or pursue legal action.

Non-economic damages cover the more subjective, non-financial losses endured by the victim. Examples include:

• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the abuse.
• Emotional Trauma: Damages for anxiety, depression, and other psychological effects experienced by the victim.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If the abuse has diminished the victim’s ability to participate in and enjoy normal activities.
• Mental Anguish: Compensation for the psychological impact of abuse or neglect, such as fear or humiliation.

Punitive damages are awarded in cases where the abuse was particularly egregious or intentional. These damages are meant to punish the responsible parties and deter similar behavior in the future. 

The Cost of Hiring an Athens Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

We understand that pursuing a legal claim can burden families heavily. That’s why we operate on a contingency fee basis—meaning you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case and recover financial compensation on your behalf.

You Have Limited Time to Take Legal Action in Athens

If you suspect nursing home abuse of a loved one in Athens, Georgia, it’s crucial to take action quickly. State law typically allows victims two years from the date of the abuse or its discovery to file a lawsuit. 

While specific circumstances may extend this timeframe, Georgia’s strict statutes of limitations for nursing home abuse cases mean delays could forfeit your right to seek justice. Consult with a legal professional to protect your loved one’s rights as soon as possible.

Contact an Athens Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Today!

If your loved one has suffered harm in an Athens nursing home, don’t wait to take action. Our experienced attorneys are here to help you through every step of the process. With a free consultation and a commitment to seeking justice, we can help your family recover compensation for the pain and suffering caused by elder abuse. 

Contact our Athens nursing home abuse lawyers today to schedule your free case review.

Call us at (800) 926-7565 or fill out our contact form.