Camden Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Nursing home abuse is a heartbreaking reality that affects many vulnerable elderly residents in assisted living facilities across the country.

In Camden County, nursing facilities are meant to be safe havens, providing quality care during an individual’s golden years. However, when these nursing homes fail in their duty, nursing home residents can suffer abuse and neglect.

For victims and their families, it is vital to seek legal help from an experienced Camden nursing home lawyer. These attorneys are dedicated to helping families pursue justice and compensation when an elderly loved one has been mistreated in a nursing home.

Why Hire Nursing Home Law Center

At Nursing Home Law Center, we are dedicated to securing justice and compensation for those impacted by nursing home abuse. Our skilled legal team has a long-standing history of managing nursing home abuse cases with care and successfully obtaining substantial settlements and verdicts.

We carry out comprehensive investigations to ensure that every aspect of the abuse, from medical expenses to emotional suffering and other damages, is thoroughly addressed. With our extensive knowledge of nursing home abuse claims, we handle the complexities efficiently and work relentlessly to safeguard your rights.

We offer compassionate and clear communication throughout the process, ensuring you and your loved ones feel supported, informed, and confident at every stage.

Types of Cases Handled by Our Camden Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers

Nursing home abuse encompasses various forms of mistreatment, which can have devastating physical, emotional, and financial consequences. Below are the types of cases our nursing home lawyers frequently handle:

Physical Abuse

This form of abuse involves the intentional use of physical force against a nursing home resident, which can result in injuries. This assault may include hitting, pushing, or improper use of physical restraints.

Mental and Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse can take many forms, including verbal threats, intimidation, and humiliation. This type of abuse often leads to long-lasting psychological damage, causing elderly residents to withdraw or become anxious around certain staff members.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse in nursing homes involves non-consensual sexual contact or any inappropriate sexual behavior directed at a nursing home patient. Staff members or even other residents could commit this crime, which is an egregious violation of a resident’s rights.

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice in nursing homes often involves neglectful care, such as failing to treat bedsores, medication errors, or not providing the necessary medical attention an elderly person needs. This type of abuse can lead to severe complications or wrongful death.

Negligence

Nursing home neglect occurs when staff fail to provide basic care, such as proper hygiene, adequate food and water, and regular supervision. As a result of neglect, nursing home patients may experience rapid weight loss, dehydration, or unsanitary living conditions.

Financial Abuse

Financial exploitation involves manipulating a nursing home patient’s finances. This abuse can include unauthorized use of a resident’s funds, forging documents, or coercing an individual into changing their financial plans for the benefit of someone else.

Wrongful Death

When nursing home abuse or neglect results in the untimely death of a loved one, family members can file a wrongful death claim to seek justice. Our Camden County nursing home abuse lawyers work diligently to hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions.

Understanding Your Legal Rights

Federal and state laws protect nursing home residents, ensuring they receive quality care and protection from abuse.

The Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987 is a federal law that establishes the rights of nursing home residents to receive proper care and treatment. In addition, New Jersey state laws provide further protection for elderly individuals in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

If you have suffered abuse, you have the legal right to file a claim. Family members and legal guardians can pursue compensation for the injuries, pain, and suffering their loved one has endured due to abusive behavior in a nursing home.

Liability in Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse Cases 

Nursing home abuse claims can involve multiple parties, as abuse may be the result of negligence from individual staff members, facility administrators, or even third-party contractors. For example:

• Staff Members: Individual caregivers who engage in abusive behavior or neglect can be held personally liable for the harm they cause.
• Nursing Home Administrators: A nursing home’s management may be responsible if they fail to provide adequate training or oversight of staff members, leading to abuse or neglect.
• Third-Party Service Providers: Contractors who provide nursing home services, such as medical care or facility maintenance, can also be liable if their negligence contributes to a resident’s abuse.

How Our Camden Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys Can Help

At our law firm, we have extensive experience handling nursing home abuse cases and are committed to seeking justice for victims and their families. Here’s how our nursing home attorneys can assist you:

• Free Case Evaluation: We offer a free consultation to discuss the details of your loved one’s case and determine the best legal options.
• Case Investigation: Our team will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the abuse, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing medical records.
• Filing the Claim: We will file the necessary paperwork for your claim, ensuring it complies with all legal requirements.
• Settlement Negotiation: We work to negotiate a fair settlement for your case, but if necessary, we are prepared to take your claim to trial.
• Trial Representation: If the case goes to court, our attorneys will provide skilled legal representation to fight for the compensation your loved one deserves.

Common Signs of Elder Abuse Among Nursing Home Residents 

There are 199 Medicare-approved nursing homes in Camden, New Jersey. 123 of these facilities (61.8%) have an overall rating below or much below average. Specifically, 94 nursing homes (47.2%) fall short in health inspections, and 77 facilities (38.7%) have inadequate staffing levels. 24 facilities (12.1%) were rated poorly regarding quality measures. [1]

The worst-rated nursing homes in Camden include:

It’s essential to be aware of the warning signs of nursing home abuse to protect your loved one. Some common signs include:

• Unexplained bruises or injuries
• Sudden weight loss or malnutrition
• Poor hygiene or unsanitary living conditions
• Changes in mood or behavior, such as withdrawal or fearfulness
• Financial discrepancies or missing personal belongings

What to Do If You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse

If you suspect that a family member is suffering from abuse in a Camden County nursing home, it is important to take immediate action:

• Call 911 if your loved one is in immediate danger.
• Report abuse to the nursing home administrator or management team.
• File a complaint with your local Ombudsman’s office, which advocates for the rights of nursing home residents.
• Contact a nursing home abuse lawyer to discuss your legal options.

Damages You Can Recover Through a Nursing Home Abuse Claim

In nursing home abuse cases, victims and their families may be entitled to recover different types of damages.

Economic damages are tangible, quantifiable losses that can be calculated based on the victim’s financial and medical needs. Examples include:

• Medical bills
• Relocation costs
• Lost wages or benefits
• Funeral and burial expenses

Non-economic damages compensate for the emotional and psychological suffering caused by the abuse. Examples include:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of companionship

Punitive damages are typically awarded when the abuse involves extreme negligence, intentional harm, or particularly egregious conduct by the nursing home or its staff. They are designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar misconduct in the future.

The Cost of Hiring a Camden Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Our law firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs for our legal services. You only pay if we recover compensation for you or your loved one’s injuries.

You Have Limited Time to Take Legal Action in Camden

Camden follows New Jersey’s statute of limitations for nursing home abuse cases. Victims or their families typically have two years from the date of injury or discovery to file a lawsuit. 

It is crucial to act quickly to preserve your legal rights and ensure that your case is filed within the required timeframe. Delays in legal action could result in losing the opportunity to seek compensation.

Contact a Camden Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Today!

If your loved one has suffered abuse or neglect in a Camden County nursing home, our experienced attorneys are here to help. Contact us today to discuss your legal options and learn how we can assist you in pursuing financial compensation for your nursing home abuse case. 

Let our law firm fight for justice on behalf of your family and ensure that your loved one’s rights are protected.

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

References: [1] Medicare