How to Find a Good Nursing Home Abuse Law Firm

Elderly victims of abuse and neglect are common in the nursing home industry. These individuals are particularly vulnerable to physical abuse, sexual abuse, financial exploitation, emotional abuse, and neglect. 

When a resident suffers from these issues in nursing homes, the consequences can be devastating, including physical injuries, infections, worsening conditions, mental health disorders, or wrongful death. 

Fortunately, victims of nursing home abuse and neglect have legal options to hold assisted living facilities and nursing homes accountable for these failures. A resident, their family member, or a legal representative can file a nursing home abuse claim to pursue compensation to cover medical bills, future medical expenses, and therapy costs. 

They can also seek non-economic damages like emotional distress, physical pain from serious injuries, or loss of enjoyment of life. The right nursing home abuse attorneys can increase your chance of winning financial compensation from your lawsuit. 

Why You Need a Nursing Home Abuse Law Firm

While personal injury lawyers can play an essential role in nursing home abuse cases, they often lack the experience and depth of knowledge that specialized firms have. Working with a firm specializing in nursing home abuse will strengthen your case. 

These nursing home abuse lawyers understand all the laws and regulations governing the treatment of elderly residents in nursing facilities, so they are better equipped to win your case. 

Key Qualities to Look For When Searching for a Nursing Home Abuse Law Firm

When you are suing an assisted living facility for elder abuse or neglect, the legal process can be confusing. The slightest missteps or gaps in your knowledge could ruin your chances of winning compensation to pay for medical treatment costs or non-economic damages. 

This is why selecting the right firm is crucial. Here are a few qualities to look for in a nursing home abuse legal team. 

Experience and Expertise with Elder Abuse Claims

The best way to increase your chances of winning a nursing home abuse claim is to work with lawyers with experience. Not only should they have experience with nursing facility litigation, but they should have a long history of positive outcomes for nursing home abuse victims. 

Research the firm to find cases regarding nursing homes they have won. You can also look up the verdicts and settlements they obtained for their clients. Look up client testimonials about their services as well. 

It is essential that the law firm be well-versed in state and federal regulations regarding nursing homes to hold the facility and staff members accountable for your suffering. 

Resources and Commitment

A nursing home abuse lawyer may have all the experience in the world, but if they are not committed or do not have access to the right resources, your case will be dead in the water. Your law firm should have a dedicated team of lawyers, paralegals, and investigators to give your claim the best chance of success.

Expert testimony can play an essential role in winning compensation. Therefore, your nursing home abuse lawyer should have access to relevant experts who can testify and support your claim. Medical experts, geriatric specialists, physical therapists, and other healthcare professionals can support your claim, but the firm must know how to connect with these experts. 

Compassion and Communication

As a nursing home resident or a close family member of a resident, you have experienced a challenging ordeal. You may be trying to focus on physical and emotional recovery. 

Your nursing home abuse lawyers should prioritize your needs and approach the legal process with compassion. If you do not feel heard or understood by your nursing home abuse attorney, then they may not be the right firm for you. 

Communication is also key to a good relationship with your lawyer. They should provide clear and consistent communication. Open and honest communication throughout your nursing home negligence case will make it easier to work with your legal team. 

Finding and Evaluating Potential Law Firms

Whether you have suffered from financial abuse, broken bones, medication errors, the use of physical restraints, or emotional trauma because of abuse, you deserve to seek justice against the at-fault nursing home staff members. 

Only a qualified attorney will know how to investigate your claim, gather evidence, and negotiate for maximum compensation. Here are a few tips to evaluate potential law firms for your abuse or neglect case. 

Referrals and Recommendations

Referrals and recommendations are effective tools for evaluating potential elder abuse attorneys. These recommendations tend to come from other attorneys, friends, family members, or support groups who can vouch for the quality of a specific lawyer’s services. 

If you are considering a nursing home abuse lawsuit, seek out referrals from people who have experience with particular law firms. 

Online Research

The easiest way to research a nursing home abuse attorney is online. You can review websites, read attorney profiles, check online reviews, and find client testimonials. Numerous online legal directories and associations can connect you with nursing home abuse and neglect attorneys. 

For example, Adult Protective Services could recommend lawyers in your area once you report nursing home abuse. 

Initial Consultations

Many nursing home abuse firms offer free consultations. During a free consultation, you can ask questions about your case and assess the firm’s experience. You should also discuss attorney fees and their payment agreement. 

During the call, you can learn how they communicate to see if they are compatible with your needs. You should do numerous consultations with different nursing home abuse lawyers to determine the best option. 

Questions to Ask During Consultations

When you schedule a consultation with elder abuse lawyers, you must take full advantage of this time. Here are some questions you can ask during the session to evaluate the effectiveness of each nursing home abuse lawyer. 

Experience with Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse Cases

You need to gauge the firm’s experience with nursing home residents. Ask them how many cases they have handled. If your case involves sexual abuse or physical abuse, you can ask if they have experience with those specific scenarios. Ask about a typical case outcome and cross-reference their answer with online reviews or referrals. 

Fees and Representation Agreement

You should only hire a nursing home lawyer if you understand their payment structure. Ask what fees they charge and whether the structure is hourly, upfront, or on a contingency fee basis. You must also determine other expenses associated with pursuing legal action against nursing homes. 

Communication and Case Management

Before you commit to legal action with a specific firm, you can ask about their communication and case management practices. How often will they be available to speak to you? How do they plan to keep you updated about the status of your medical neglect case? Who is the primary contact person? The firm should be able to provide answers during your free case evaluation. 

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Senior citizens have the right to expect quality care from nursing homes. When searching for legal firms to represent them, numerous red flags could indicate one firm is a poor fit for the client. Here are some warning signs when assessing a nursing home abuse lawyer. 

Unrealistic Promises

If a lawyer guarantees a specific outcome for your case, that is an immediate red flag. Unrealistic promises are difficult to keep, and the attorney may just be saying these things so you will hire them. 

Pressure to Sign

The decision to hire a nursing home abuse lawyer should always be made freely and without pressure. If the firm tries to get your signature on a contract before you understand the terms and conditions, they may not have your best interests in mind. 

Lack of Communication

A lawyer’s job is to represent their client’s interests against the nursing home. This requires consistent communication. If you notice patterns of poor communication or unresponsiveness with your attorney, they are probably a bad fit for your needs. 

Negative Reviews or Complaints

One or two negative reviews against a nursing home firm are not necessarily a red flag. However, if the firm consistently receives negative reviews or disciplinary actions, this demonstrates a poor service pattern. It is better to steer clear of these lawyers and find firms with better reputations if you are an elderly resident or family member. 

Secure Expert Legal Representation! 

The Nursing Home Law Center team has decades of experience serving residents and their families. We have helped hold many nursing homes accountable for abusing or neglecting their patients, securing compensation for the victims to cover their legal damages. 

If you or a loved one have suffered from abuse or neglect, we are prepared to guide you through the legal process and increase your chances of winning.

When you notice the signs of nursing home abuse with your loved one, you must consult an experienced nursing home abuse firm. We offer a free case review so you can ask questions and evaluate our ability to win your case. Call our office today at 800-926-7565 or complete the online form to request your free legal consultation.