Nashville Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Elder abuse is a deeply troubling issue affecting vulnerable nursing home residents across Nashville. The effects of such abuse can be devastating, causing serious physical injuries, emotional trauma, and, in some cases, even the victim’s passing.

If you suspect your loved one is experiencing nursing home negligence or elder abuse, it is essential to act quickly and contact an experienced Nashville nursing home abuse lawyer. Seeking legal assistance not only helps stop the abuse but also ensures that victims and their families receive the compensatory damages they deserve.

Why Hire Nursing Home Law Center

At Nursing Home Law Center, we are dedicated to securing justice and compensation for those affected by nursing home abuse. Our skilled team of nursing home negligence and abuse lawyers has extensive experience handling these sensitive cases, delivering compassionate support, and achieving substantial settlements and verdicts for our clients.

We conduct comprehensive investigations to address every aspect of abuse, including medical costs, emotional distress, and other damages. With our deep understanding of nursing home abuse claims, we handle the complexities of each case efficiently and work tirelessly to safeguard your rights.

Our skilled legal team provides clear and compassionate guidance at every step, ensuring you and your family feel informed, supported, and confident throughout the legal process.

Types of Cases Handled by Our Nashville Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers

Nursing home abuse refers to any harmful or negligent act committed against nursing home residents that causes physical, emotional, or financial harm. At Nursing Home Law Center, our personal injury lawyers handle many forms of abuse cases, including:

Physical Abuse

Physical elder abuse involves the use of physical force, such as hitting, slapping, pushing, or kicking. This type of abuse also includes improper use of restraints.

Mental and Emotional Abuse

Mental and emotional abuse involves verbal threats, humiliation, intimidation, or isolation, causing significant mental and emotional distress for elderly residents.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse includes any non-consensual sexual contact with a resident, often resulting in lasting trauma and physical harm.

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice refers to the failure of nursing homes to provide proper medical care. Common examples include bed sores, mistakes in administering medication, or not addressing health concerns, which can lead to further harm or complications.

Negligence

Nursing home neglect occurs when the staff fails to provide basic care, such as maintaining proper hygiene, providing adequate nutrition and hydration, or ensuring the safety of residents. Neglect can lead to malnutrition, dehydration, or even dangerous incidents like elopement, where a resident wanders off unsupervised.

Financial Abuse

Elderly financial exploitation occurs when a resident’s financial resources are misused, stolen, or manipulated by caregivers, staff, or others. This abuse can include unauthorized withdrawals, theft, or manipulation of financial documents.

Wrongful Death

In the most severe cases, elder abuse or nursing home negligence can result in the death of a resident. Families may pursue a wrongful death claim to seek justice and compensation for their loss.

Understanding Your Legal Rights

Nursing home residents are entitled to specific protections under federal and state laws designed to ensure their safety, dignity, and well-being. These legal rights help protect elderly and dependent adults from nursing home abuse, neglect, and exploitation and hold nursing homes accountable for providing proper care.

One of the most important federal laws governing the rights of nursing home residents is the Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987. This law establishes a comprehensive framework that nursing home and long-term care facility residents should receive. It applies to any healthcare center that receives Medicare or Medicaid funding.

In addition to federal laws, Tennessee has its own laws governing nursing home abuse and resident protections.

The Tennessee Department of Health oversees the regulation and licensing of nursing homes and investigates complaints of abuse or neglect. Tennessee law requires long-term care facilities to provide an appropriate standard of care and ensures residents are protected from physical abuse, emotional abuse, financial exploitation, and medical malpractice.

Eligibility to File a Nursing Home Abuse Claim 

Several parties may have the right to file a claim on behalf of a nursing home abuse victim:

• If the resident is mentally competent, they can file a claim directly for the abuse they have experienced.
• If the resident is unable to file a claim themselves, a family member or legal guardian with power of attorney can file on their behalf.
• In cases where nursing home abuse or neglect leads to the death of a resident, family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit to seek justice and compensation for their loss.

How Our Nashville Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys Can Help

At Nursing Home Law Center, our team of experienced Tennessee nursing home negligence attorneys is dedicated to advocating for the rights of vulnerable residents and holding abusive facilities accountable.

With years of experience handling nursing home abuse cases, we understand the complexities involved and work tirelessly to secure the justice and compensation abuse victims deserve.

We provide comprehensive legal representation, offering support throughout every stage of the legal process.

Free Case Evaluation

We begin by offering a free consultation to evaluate the details of your case. During this consultation, we review any evidence, listen to your concerns, and discuss your legal options. This evaluation allows you to understand the strength of your case and take the first steps toward justice without any financial obligation.

Case Investigation

Once you decide to move forward, our team conducts a thorough investigation into the abuse or neglect. We gather essential evidence such as medical records, interview witnesses, and obtain statements from nursing home staff or other residents.

Filing the Claim

After gathering all necessary evidence, we will file a nursing home abuse claim on your behalf. This includes preparing all legal documents and ensuring the claim is filed within Tennessee’s statute of limitations.

Settlement Negotiation

In many cases, nursing home abuse claims can be resolved through settlement negotiations. Our attorneys are skilled negotiators and will work to secure a fair settlement that compensates victims for the harm endured. We engage with the nursing home’s insurance company or legal representatives to ensure you receive maximum compensation without a prolonged court battle.

Trial Representation

If we cannot agree on a fair settlement, our experienced attorneys are prepared to take your case to trial. With our in-depth knowledge of nursing home abuse laws, we will present a compelling case in court to seek justice for your loved one.

Common Signs of Elder Abuse Among Nursing Home Residents 

Out of the 37 Medicare-certified Nashville nursing homes, 22 facilities (59.5%) have an overall rating below or much below average. Specifically, 21 nursing homes (56.8%) fall short in health inspections, and 27 facilities (73%) have inadequate staffing. Seven facilities (18.9%) were rated poorly regarding quality measures. [1]

Many nursing home residents, particularly those who are elderly or have cognitive impairments, may be unable to communicate their suffering. Being aware of these common signs of nursing home abuse can help family members recognize when a loved one is being mistreated and take swift action to protect them.

• Unexplained injuries like broken bones
• Bedsores (pressure ulcers)
• Weight loss
• Withdrawal or isolation
• Fear or anxiety around staff
• Sudden changes in behavior
• Fear of being touched
• Infections or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
• Unexplained financial transactions
• Changes to legal documents
• Unsanitary living conditions or poor hygiene
• Untreated medical conditions
• Dehydration and malnutrition

The worst-rated nursing homes in Nashville include:

What to Do If You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse

If you suspect that your loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, it’s crucial to act quickly to ensure their safety and well-being. Here are the steps you should take:

• Call 911 if Immediate Danger Is Present: Emergency services can help protect your loved one, provide medical care, and involve law enforcement to address the situation.
• Report Abuse to the Nursing Home Administrator or Management: They are required to investigate your allegations and take corrective action if necessary. It is important to document your concerns in writing and keep a record of your communications with the facility.
• File a Complaint with Your Local Ombudsman’s Office: The Ombudsman Program in Tennessee advocates for residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities, addressing complaints and ensuring residents’ rights are upheld.
• Contact a Nursing Home Abuse Attorney: Legal representation is essential to ensuring that your loved one’s rights are upheld and that they receive the compensation they deserve for the harm they’ve suffered. A nursing home abuse attorney can help you investigate the nursing home abuse, gather evidence, and take legal action against the nursing home or its staff.

Contact a Nashville Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Today!

At Nursing Home Law Center, our experienced nursing home lawyers are dedicated to protecting the rights of vulnerable residents and holding negligent facilities accountable. With years of experience handling nursing home abuse and neglect cases, we understand the challenges families face when an elderly loved one suffers mistreatment. 

Our law firm has a proven track record of securing compensation for nursing home abuse victims in Nashville and throughout Tennessee.

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

References: [1] Medicare