Boston Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Nursing home abuse is a serious issue impacting senior citizens in Boston, with vulnerable adults facing mistreatment that endangers their safety and well-being. This abuse can take many forms, including physical harm, financial exploitation, neglect, and verbal abuse, all of which have devastating effects on victims and their families.

Seeking legal support from an experienced Boston nursing home neglect lawyer is essential to addressing the harm caused and holding negligent parties accountable. A dedicated attorney can help families navigate the legal process, pursue financial compensation, and ensure their loved one’s rights are upheld under Massachusetts and federal law. 

With a nursing home neglect lawyer, families can take action to protect their loved ones, seek justice, and promote safer care standards across nursing facilities.

Why Hire Nursing Home Law Center

At Nursing Home Law Center, we are dedicated to achieving justice and rightful compensation for victims of nursing home abuse and neglect. Our Massachusetts nursing home abuse lawyers bring extensive experience handling personal injury cases, consistently securing meaningful settlements and verdicts with care and professionalism.

We carry out in-depth investigations to cover every aspect of the abuse, from medical costs and emotional distress to other damages. Leveraging our in-depth knowledge of nursing home abuse claims, we manage the legal process with efficiency and relentlessly work to uphold your rights.

Types of Cases Handled by Our Boston Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers

Nursing home abuse refers to any form of neglect, exploitation, or intentional harm inflicted upon residents in nursing homes or assisted living facilities. Abuse and neglect can lead to severe physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial loss for vulnerable seniors. Our Massachusetts nursing home lawyers handle a wide range of cases, including:

Physical Abuse

Physical elder abuse includes any intentional act that causes bodily harm, such as hitting, pushing, or using restraints unnecessarily. This abuse often results in unexplained injuries like bruises, broken bones, and lacerations.

Mental and Emotional Abuse

Mental and emotional abuse can have lasting psychological impacts on nursing home patients. This abuse may involve verbal insults, threats, humiliation, or isolation.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse in nursing homes involves any non-consensual sexual contact or activity. This type of abuse is particularly devastating and often difficult for victims to disclose. Warning signs may include unexplained bruising in sensitive areas, torn clothing, and sudden behavioral changes.

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice occurs when nursing home staff fail to provide proper medical care, leading to preventable injuries or declining health conditions. Common examples include bedsores (also known as pressure ulcers) caused by prolonged immobility, medication errors, and failure to provide necessary treatments.

Negligence

Nursing home negligence refers to the failure to provide basic care, resulting in harm to the resident. This neglect may include poor hygiene, malnutrition, dehydration, or lack of supervision, which can lead to elopement (wandering away unsupervised).

Financial Abuse

Financial abuse occurs when someone within the facility exploits a resident’s finances for personal gain. This abuse can include unauthorized access to bank accounts, theft of personal belongings, or manipulation of financial documents.

Wrongful Death

In the most tragic elder abuse cases, nursing home negligence, medical malpractice, or severe physical abuse can lead to the wrongful death of a resident. Family members may pursue a wrongful death claim to seek justice for their loved one’s suffering and loss. This claim allows families to hold the responsible parties accountable for failing to provide a safe environment.

Understanding Your Legal Rights

Nursing home patients are protected under federal laws and Massachusetts state laws that ensure their safety, dignity, and well-being.

The Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987 is a significant federal law that established the right of all nursing home residents to receive proper care, respect, and protection from abuse and neglect. 

This act outlines a range of residents’ rights, including adequate nutrition, medical care, social engagement, and personal privacy. Under this law, nursing homes are required to meet minimum care standards and are subject to federal oversight. Violations of the Nursing Home Reform Act can lead to penalties, loss of funding, and liability for damages.

In addition to federal protections, Massachusetts law reinforces nursing home patients’ rights. Nursing homes must comply with strict state regulations governing staffing levels, facility hygiene, and resident safety. 

The state also requires that nursing homes protect residents from financial exploitation and other forms of abuse. Residents also have the right to voice concerns about their care without fear of retaliation and are entitled to a safe, respectful environment.

Eligibility to File a Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Claim

When a nursing home resident suffers abuse or neglect, they can file a claim directly to seek compensation and hold the facility accountable. In cases where the resident is incapacitated or otherwise unable to advocate for themselves, a family member, such as a spouse or child, or a legal guardian may file a claim on their behalf. 

In wrongful death cases, the representative of the resident’s estate (often a family member or appointed executor) can file a wrongful death claim to pursue justice and compensation for the family’s loss.

How Our Boston Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys Can Help

Our personal injury attorneys have extensive experience in advocating for the rights of nursing home residents and their families. We understand the unique challenges involved in abuse and neglect cases and will support you every step of the way. Here’s how we can assist you:

Free Case Evaluation

We offer a free, no-obligation case evaluation to discuss your concerns and assess the merits of your case. During this consultation, our nursing home abuse attorneys will listen to your story, review any initial evidence, and help you understand the possible legal steps available. This first meeting provides clarity and gives you the information needed to make an informed decision.

Case Investigation

Our legal team conducts a thorough investigation to build a strong case. This step includes gathering medical records, facility inspection reports, staff and resident interviews, and any other relevant evidence to document instances of abuse or neglect. 

By uncovering the full scope of the abuse, we work to strengthen your case and hold the nursing home accountable for its failures.

Filing the Claim

Once the investigation is complete, we take care of the formalities involved in filing a claim against the nursing home or assisted living facility. We handle all required documentation, ensuring that every aspect of the claim is properly prepared and submitted in a timely manner. 

Filing a comprehensive claim is essential to holding the facility accountable and setting the stage for a fair resolution.

Settlement Negotiation

In many cases, compensation can be achieved through settlement negotiations. Our personal injury attorneys are skilled negotiators who work tirelessly to secure fair compensation for medical expenses, emotional suffering, and other damages resulting from the abuse. 

We aim to reach a resolution that reflects the true impact of the abuse and provides your family with the support needed to move forward.

Trial Representation

Our nursing home abuse attorneys are fully prepared to represent you in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached. With extensive trial experience, we will present a compelling case to seek justice and hold the nursing home accountable for its actions. 

Our team is dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome, whether through settlement or trial and will advocate fiercely on your behalf.

Common Signs of Elder Abuse Among Nursing Home Residents 

There are 167 Medicare-certified nursing home facilities in Boston, with 75 facilities (45%) rated below or much below average overall. Specifically, 71 nursing homes (43%) fall short in health inspections, and 58 facilities (35%) have inadequate staffing levels. Forty-nine nursing facilities (29%) are rated poorly in quality measures. [1]

Recognizing these signs of elder abuse is crucial for protecting nursing home residents from harm.

• Unexplained physical injuries
• Sudden behavioral or emotional changes
• Poor personal hygiene and unsanitary living conditions
• Malnutrition and dehydration
• Bedsores (pressure ulcers)
• Unexplained financial transactions
• Withdrawal and isolation
• Fearfulness around certain staff members
• Repeated infections and untreated medical conditions

The worst-rated nursing homes in Boston include:

The Cost of Hiring a Boston Nursing Home Neglect  Lawyer

At Nursing Home Law Center, we understand the financial strain families often face when dealing with nursing home abuse cases. To make legal representation accessible, our law firm works on a contingency fee basis. This arrangement means there are no upfront costs or hourly fees—our firm only receives a fee if we secure compensation for you.

You Have Limited Time to Take Legal Action in Boston

If you suspect nursing home abuse or neglect involving a loved one, it’s important to be aware of the statute of limitations for nursing home injuries. 

In Massachusetts, the statute of limitations for filing a nursing home abuse lawsuit is generally three years from the date the abuse occurred or was discovered. Acting within this period is critical, as missing the deadline could prevent you from pursuing compensation.

Contact a Boston Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Today!

With years of experience handling nursing home abuse and neglect cases, our team at Nursing Home Law Center is dedicated to advocating for the rights of vulnerable residents and securing maximum compensation for families impacted by neglect and abuse.

Call us at (800) 926-7565 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation to learn more about your legal options.

References: [1] Medicare