Mobile Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Nursing home abuse is a serious issue that affects elderly residents in Mobile and across Alabama. Suppose you suspect that a family member is facing abuse or neglect in a nursing home. In that case, consulting a qualified attorney can make all the difference in protecting their health and dignity. 

Hiring an experienced Mobile elder neglect lawyer can be vital in protecting your loved one’s rights and well-being. A dedicated nursing home abuse attorney can help investigate the situation, gather necessary evidence, and hold responsible parties accountable.

Why Hire Nursing Home Law Center

At Nursing Home Law Center, we are dedicated to obtaining justice and fair compensation for victims of Alabama nursing home abuse. Our skilled legal team has extensive experience in handling these sensitive cases and achieving substantial settlements and verdicts for our clients.

We carry out comprehensive investigations to address every aspect of abuse, from medical expenses to emotional suffering and other damages. With our in-depth knowledge of nursing home abuse claims, we handle each case efficiently, working tirelessly to safeguard your rights.

Types of Cases Handled by Our Mobile Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers

Nursing home abuse encompasses any action that causes physical, emotional, or financial harm to residents in long-term care facilities. Our Mobile nursing home abuse lawyers handle a wide range of cases involving various types of elder abuse, each of which can severely impact the well-being of elderly residents.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse in nursing homes involves the infliction of bodily harm to a nursing home resident. This can include hitting, shoving, slapping, or kicking. If a staff member uses physical restraints unnecessarily, leading to bruising or restricted movement, it constitutes physical abuse and a violation of the resident’s rights.

Mental and Emotional Abuse

Psychological abuse in nursing homes includes actions or language meant to cause emotional distress. This can be verbal insults, threats, intimidation, isolation, or humiliating residents. Over time, this psychological abuse can severely affect their mental health and quality of life.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse in nursing homes includes any non-consensual sexual contact or inappropriate behavior directed at a resident. Elderly residents, particularly those with physical or cognitive limitations, are especially vulnerable to sexual abuse, which may involve unwanted touching, harassment, or assault.

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice occurs when a nursing facility fails to provide adequate medical care, leading to harm. Common issues include bed sores (or pressure ulcers) that develop from prolonged immobility, medication errors such as incorrect dosages, and untreated medical conditions. 

Failure to provide proper medical care can result in significant pain, infections, and other health complications for residents.

Negligence

Negligence in nursing homes often results from staff failing to meet residents’ basic needs. This can include poor hygiene, lack of nutrition, dehydration, or incidents where residents wander off the premises (elopement) due to inadequate supervision. 

These neglect cases can lead to worsening health conditions, weakened immune systems, and even life-threatening situations for elderly residents.

Financial Abuse

Financial abuse involves unauthorized or deceitful use of a resident’s finances or personal assets. This can include coercing a resident to sign financial documents, stealing personal items, or accessing bank accounts without permission.

Wrongful Death

In the most tragic situations, nursing home abuse, neglect, and medical malpractice can result in wrongful death. When a nursing facility’s negligence or abusive actions lead to a resident’s death, families have the right to seek justice and hold the facility and staff accountable.

Understanding Your Legal Rights

Nursing home residents are protected from elder abuse under federal and state laws outlining their rights to a safe and respectful environment.

The Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987 is a federal law that requires facilities receiving Medicare and Medicaid funds to meet specific care standards. This law guarantees residents the right to freedom from elder abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation, as well as the right to privacy, dignity, and autonomy in their care.

The Alabama Department of Public Health enforces additional regulations in Alabama. This agency oversees the licensing and standards of nursing homes throughout the state. These regulations ensure that nursing homes maintain adequate staffing, conduct background checks on employees, and provide essential services to meet residents’ needs. 

Failure to comply with these standards can lead to penalties and legal action in cases of elder abuse or neglect.

Eligibility to File a Claim 

Elder abuse victims can file an Alabama nursing home abuse lawsuit to seek financial compensation for the harm suffered. Family members or legal guardians may file on their behalf if the resident cannot do so due to physical or cognitive limitations. 

In cases where abuse or neglect leads to a resident’s death, the estate’s representative may pursue a wrongful death claim.

Liability in Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse Cases 

In nursing home neglect and abuse cases, multiple parties may be held accountable depending on the circumstances of the abuse. 

Liability often extends beyond individual caregivers, including facility management, owners, and even third-party contractors. Identifying all liable parties is essential to building a strong nursing home abuse case and securing fair compensation for victims and their family members.

How Our Mobile Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys Can Help

Our Alabama nursing home abuse attorneys are dedicated to helping families seek compensation for their elderly loved ones who have suffered abuse or neglect in nursing facilities. 

With extensive experience in handling nursing home abuse cases, our team is well-equipped to guide families through each step of the legal process, from gathering evidence to pursuing fair compensation.

Free Case Evaluation

We offer a free case evaluation to help you understand your options. During this initial consultation, our Mobile attorneys review the details of your case, answer any questions, and provide insights into the potential next steps. This no-obligation assessment helps you make an informed decision about pursuing legal action.

Case Investigation

Our team conducts a comprehensive investigation to uncover all aspects of the abuse or neglect. We gather and review medical records, interview witnesses, examine facility records, and gather any other necessary evidence. By thoroughly investigating the case, we build a solid foundation to support your claim and hold responsible parties accountable.

Filing the Claim

After collecting evidence, we handle the entire claim filing process, preparing all legal documentation and ensuring the claim meets Alabama’s legal requirements. This includes meeting deadlines, following procedural rules, and completing all paperwork accurately. By managing this aspect, we allow you to focus on supporting your loved one’s recovery.

Settlement Negotiation

Our attorneys are skilled negotiators who work tirelessly to reach a fair settlement on your behalf. We negotiate with Alabama nursing home insurance companies and legal representatives to secure compensation that reflects the true extent of harm, covering medical costs, emotional trauma, and other related damages. 

Our goal is to achieve a settlement that provides justice without unnecessary delays.

Trial Representation

Our legal team is fully prepared to represent your case in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached. With extensive trial experience, we present a compelling case, advocating for the maximum compensation available. We are committed to standing by your side throughout the trial process, providing clear communication and unwavering support.

Common Signs of Nursing Home Abuse 

Recognizing signs of nursing home abuse is essential to protect residents’ well-being. Elder abuse can take various forms, and knowing what to look for can help families intervene promptly. Here are common indicators of abuse and neglect:

• Frequent falls or injuries without reasonable explanations
• Bruising around the wrists or ankles
• Poor personal hygiene and unsanitary living conditions
• Unexplained weight loss
• Behavioral changes
• Emotional withdrawal
• Bed sores (pressure ulcers)
• Frequent hospital visits
• Worsened medical condition
• Repeated infections
• Financial irregularities

The worst-rated nursing homes in Mobile [1] include:

What to Do If You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse

If you suspect that your loved one is experiencing elder abuse in a nursing facility, it is essential to act quickly.

• If your elderly loved one is in immediate danger or has suffered a severe nursing home injury, call 911 right away. Police and medical personnel can provide urgent assistance and document physical signs of nursing home abuse and neglect, which can later serve as evidence in a legal case.
• Notify the nursing home’s management team or administrator of your concerns. Document all communication, including dates and names, as these records may be necessary if further action is required.
• The local Ombudsman’s office advocates for the rights of nursing home residents and investigates reports of abuse and neglect. Acting as a neutral third party, the Ombudsman can help mediate issues with the nursing home and initiate an investigation.
• Consulting a qualified nursing home abuse lawyer is essential to understand your legal options. An attorney can assist in gathering evidence, filing a claim, and pursuing compensation for your elderly loved one.

Damages You Can Recover Through a Nursing Home Abuse Claim

In a nursing home abuse claim, victims and their families may be entitled to recover various types of damages based on the nature and extent of harm suffered.

Economic Damages

Economic damages cover tangible financial losses directly associated with nursing home abuse and neglect. These may include:

• Medical Expenses: Costs related to medical treatment, including hospital stays, treatment for a physical injury, medications, therapy, and ongoing care.
• Relocation Costs: If abuse forces an elderly person to move to another facility, the cost of transferring to a new nursing home may be covered.
• Lost Financial Assets: Recovery for any money or assets lost due to financial abuse or exploitation by nursing home staff members or other residents.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages compensate for the emotional and psychological impact of abuse. Examples include:

• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional trauma suffered as a result of the abuse.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Damages for the diminished ability to enjoy daily activities, social connections, and quality of life.
• Emotional Distress: Compensation for emotional harm, such as anxiety, depression, and fear, often resulting from psychological or physical abuse.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages may be awarded in cases of particularly severe or intentional abuse. These damages are meant to punish the responsible parties and deter similar behavior in the future.

Wrongful Death Damages

If the abuse or neglect results in the death of a nursing home resident, their family may file a wrongful death claim to recover damages. These may include:

• Funeral and Burial Costs: Reimbursement for expenses related to the funeral and burial of the deceased resident.
• Loss of Companionship: Compensation for the emotional loss experienced by family members due to the resident’s passing.

Contact a Mobile Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Today!

At Nursing Home Law Center, our skilled nursing home abuse attorneys are committed to recovering fair compensation for victims of nursing home abuse and neglect. With extensive experience handling such cases, we fight to hold negligent facilities accountable and secure the compensation that victims and their families deserve.

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

References: [1] Medicare