Dallas Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Elderly residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities deserve compassionate care, but sadly, many face mistreatment that can lead to severe physical and emotional harm. When an elderly loved one becomes a victim of nursing home abuse and neglect, families must seek help from a Dallas nursing home abuse lawyer. 

An experienced attorney can ensure your loved one’s rights are protected and help prevent future neglect or abuse from occurring in long-term care facilities.

Why Hire Nursing Home Law Center

At Nursing Home Law Center, we are dedicated to helping victims of nursing home abuse obtain the compensation they deserve. Our Texas nursing home neglect attorney team has a strong history of handling nursing home abuse cases with care and delivering substantial settlements and verdicts for our clients.

We take a comprehensive approach to every case, conducting detailed investigations to address all aspects of the abuse, including medical expenses, emotional harm, and other damages. With extensive knowledge of nursing home abuse claims, we work diligently to build strong cases and fight relentlessly to protect the rights of victims and their families.

From start to finish, we offer compassionate guidance and clear communication, ensuring you and your loved one are well-informed and supported throughout the legal process. We aim to provide you with the confidence and protection needed to seek the accountability your family deserves.

Types of Cases Handled by Our Dallas Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys

Nursing home abuse refers to any form of mistreatment that harms a nursing home patient, whether intentionally or through negligence. This mistreatment can lead to serious injuries, emotional harm, or even death. 

Our experienced nursing home neglect attorneys handle a wide range of cases to ensure victims and their families receive the justice and compensation they deserve.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse involves any intentional act that causes bodily harm to a resident, such as hitting, pushing, or improper use of restraints. For example, a staff member may handle a resident roughly during care or restrain them unnecessarily, resulting in bruises, sprains, or even broken bones.

Psychological Abuse

Mental and emotional abuse refers to behaviors that harm a resident’s psychological well-being, such as verbal abuse, intimidation, or isolation. A nursing home patient who is frequently yelled at, mocked, or left alone for extended periods may experience depression, anxiety, or withdrawal.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse includes any form of unwanted or non-consensual sexual contact, such as inappropriate touching, coercion, or assault.

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice occurs when nursing home staff fail to provide appropriate medical care, leading to harm. Common examples include untreated pressure sores, medication errors, or failing to address health concerns in a timely manner.

Negligence

Nursing home neglect happens when staff fail to provide essential care or meet patients’ basic needs. This inadequate care can lead to unsanitary conditions, malnutrition, dehydration, or incidents of wandering away unsupervised (elopement).

Financial Abuse

Financial abuse involves exploiting a resident’s financial resources, often through coercion, theft, or manipulation.

Wrongful Death

In some cases, neglect or abuse can lead to the untimely death of a nursing home resident. Filing a wrongful death lawsuit not only helps families find closure but also holds the responsible parties accountable, preventing future harm to other residents.

Understanding Your Legal Rights

Patients of nursing homes and assisted living facilities are protected by federal and state laws that ensure they receive proper care and live in a safe, respectful environment.

The Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987 is a federal law that outlines the fundamental rights of patients in facilities that receive Medicare or Medicaid funding. Key protections under this law include:

• The right to be free from physical abuse, sexual abuse, and psychological abuse
• The right to privacy, dignity, and respect
• The right to receive necessary medical care and live in a clean and safe environment
• The right to participate in decisions regarding their care and treatment

Facilities that violate these rights can face penalties, and the victim can pursue legal action to recover damages.

In Texas, nursing homes are regulated by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. State laws impose additional requirements on long-term care facilities, including:

• Conducting background checks to prevent staff members with histories of abuse from being hired
• Reporting suspected neglect and abuse to the appropriate authorities
• Maintaining adequate staffing levels to ensure patients’ needs are met

When facilities fail to meet these standards, they can be held liable for nursing home abuse or nursing home neglect under state law.

When these rights are violated, a nursing home abuse case can be brought by several parties, depending on the circumstances. A nursing home resident who is mentally capable can file a claim directly to seek justice for their injuries and suffering. 

If the resident cannot advocate for themselves due to cognitive or physical impairments, a close family member or legal guardian can file the claim on their behalf. In cases of wrongful death, the victim’s estate or surviving family may file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover compensation for medical costs, funeral expenses, and emotional damages.

How Our Dallas Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys Can Help

At Nursing Home Law Center, our experienced nursing home neglect attorneys are dedicated to fighting for the rights of residents and their families. With a proven track record in handling nursing home abuse cases, we understand the devastating impact abuse and neglect can have on your loved ones. Here’s how we can help:

Free Case Evaluation

We start with a free legal consultation to discuss your concerns and evaluate your case. During this process, a nursing home neglect lawyer will listen carefully to your account, explain your legal options, and outline the steps to move forward. There’s no obligation, and you won’t pay any fees unless we successfully secure compensation.

Case Investigation

Our nursing home neglect attorneys conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the abuse or neglect. This comprehensive approach includes:

• Reviewing medical records and reports of injuries like broken bones or pressure sores
• Interviewing witnesses, including nursing home staff, residents, and family members
• Examining facility policies and compliance with federal and state laws to identify violations
• Collecting evidence, such as photographs, videos, or documentation of unsanitary conditions

Filing the Claim

Once the investigation is complete, we handle all aspects of filing the personal injury lawsuit. This step includes preparing legal documents, meeting deadlines, and ensuring compliance with the Texas statute of limitations. 

Your nursing home neglect lawyer will focus on presenting a clear and compelling case to hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions or negligence.

Settlement Negotiation

Many nursing home abuse cases are resolved through settlement negotiations. Our team works tirelessly to secure a fair settlement that covers damages such as medical expenses, emotional suffering, and pain. If the facility or its insurance company offers an inadequate settlement, we will advocate for the full compensation your loved one deserves.

Trial Representation

If a fair settlement cannot be reached, our attorneys are fully prepared to take your case to court. With extensive experience in courtroom litigation, we provide strong advocacy to demonstrate the full extent of the abuse or neglect and demand justice for your loved one. 

From presenting evidence to cross-examining witnesses, we fight tirelessly to achieve your best possible outcome.

Common Signs of Elder Abuse Among Nursing Home Residents 

Dallas has 138 Medicare-approved nursing homes, but many facilities perform below acceptable standards in critical areas. Approximately 56% (77 facilities) have an overall score rated as below or much below average, highlighting widespread issues in the quality of care provided to nursing home patients.

Sixty-seven facilities (49%) received low scores in health inspections, indicating potential failures in meeting safety regulations and compliance standards that protect residents.

Staffing is another significant concern, with  108 facilities (78%) rated poorly. Inadequate staffing can lead to nursing home neglect, missed medical care, and unsafe conditions for residents.

Quality measures—which assess the outcomes of resident care—had the lowest percentage of underperforming facilities, with 18 facilities (13%) rated below or much below average. [1]

The worst-rated nursing homes in Dallas include:

Elder abuse in nursing homes often goes unnoticed, especially when elderly patients are unable or afraid to speak up. Recognizing the signs of nursing home abuse is essential to protecting your loved one from further harm.

• Bruises, cuts, or burns
• Withdrawal or isolation
• Fearfulness or anxiety
• Malnutrition or dehydration
• Unsanitary living conditions
• Bruising or injuries near sensitive areas
• Torn or stained clothing
• Missing money or valuables
• Unauthorized withdrawals or suspicious transactions
• A decline in overall well-being

Contact a Dallas Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Today!

At Nursing Home Law Center, we have extensive experience representing victims of nursing home abuse and their families in Dallas. 

Our dedicated team of attorneys understands the devastating impact that abuse and neglect can have on elderly residents and their loved ones. With a proven record of success in securing maximum compensation, we are committed to holding negligent nursing homes accountable.

If your loved one has experienced nursing home abuse and neglect, don’t wait to seek help. Contact us today for a free legal consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.

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

References: [1] Medicare