Norman Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

When families place their trust in nursing homes to care for elderly residents, they expect compassionate treatment and a safe environment. Unfortunately, not all facilities meet these expectations, leaving residents vulnerable to harm.

For victims and their families, discovering signs of mistreatment can be overwhelming and heartbreaking. Seeking legal help from an experienced Norman nursing home abuse lawyer ensures that those responsible for the abuse are held accountable and helps families secure the resources needed for recovery.

A skilled lawyer can guide families through the legal process, investigating the circumstances surrounding the abuse and advocating for fair compensation. Whether dealing with medical expenses, emotional pain, or even wrongful death, a dedicated attorney will work to protect your loved one’s rights and pursue justice on their behalf.

Why Hire Nursing Home Law Center

At Nursing Home Law Center, our mission is to help victims of nursing home abuse obtain the justice and compensation they deserve. Our Oklahoma nursing home neglect lawyers have extensive experience handling nursing home abuse cases, delivering compassionate representation, and securing substantial settlements and verdicts for our clients.

We perform in-depth investigations to uncover every detail of the abuse, addressing the full range of damages, including medical costs, emotional suffering, and other harm caused. We bring a wealth of experience to nursing home abuse claims and work diligently to uphold your rights.

We are committed to offering empathetic and transparent legal guidance throughout the process, ensuring you and your loved ones feel supported, informed, and confident.

Types of Cases Handled by Our Norman Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers

Abuse in a nursing home involves any act or inaction that causes harm or distress to a resident, whether intentional or due to negligence. These actions can take many forms, all of which endanger the safety and well-being of some of our most vulnerable loved ones. 

Our experienced nursing home abuse lawyers handle a wide range of cases to protect residents and their families and hold liable parties accountable.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse includes any use of force that causes bodily harm, pain, or injury to a resident. Common examples are hitting, shoving, or improperly restraining residents. Likewise, the misuse of restraints, whether physical or chemical, can also lead to nursing home injuries, reduced mobility, or even death.

Mental and Emotional Abuse

Mental and emotional abuse refers to actions that cause psychological harm, such as threats, verbal insults, humiliation, or deliberate isolation. Psychological abuse can result in severe emotional distress, depression, or anxiety. For example, staff members who ridicule or intimidate a resident may leave them feeling helpless and fearful.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse includes any non-consensual sexual contact with a nursing home resident. Perpetrators often target residents with mental impairments who are unable to resist or report the abuse. Examples of sexual abuse include inappropriate touching, sexual assault, or coerced acts.

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice in nursing homes happens when residents receive substandard medical care, leading to preventable harm. This error can include failure to treat or prevent bedsores, administering the wrong medication or dosage, or neglecting critical health conditions.

Negligence

Neglect in a nursing home occurs when a facility fails to care for a resident’s basic needs adequately. This negligence includes poor hygiene, malnutrition, dehydration, or unsafe conditions that allow for elopement (when a resident wanders off unsupervised).

Financial Abuse

Financial abuse involves the misuse or theft of a resident’s money, assets, or personal property. Examples include forging signatures, manipulating wills, or unauthorized use of bank accounts.

Wrongful Death

Wrongful death occurs when neglect, abuse, or other preventable factors lead to the death of a nursing home resident. For instance, untreated illnesses, severe injuries from falls, or malnutrition could be fatal when proper care is not provided. 

Families facing such a tragic loss may pursue a wrongful death claim to hold the nursing home liable and seek compensation for their devastating loss.

Understanding Your Legal Rights

Nursing home residents have legal protections designed to ensure their safety, dignity, and well-being. Federal and state laws mandate that nursing homes provide proper care and safeguard residents from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. 

Understanding these rights is essential for families seeking to protect their loved ones and take legal action if those rights are violated.

The Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987, part of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, sets standards for care in federally funded nursing homes. It establishes the rights of residents to:

• Receive adequate medical treatment and care
• Be free from physical abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect
• Maintain their privacy and dignity
• Participate in decisions about their care and treatment
• Voice grievances without fear of retaliation

Facilities that fail to meet these requirements risk losing federal funding and may face legal action.

In Oklahoma, state laws complement federal protections by enforcing additional regulations on nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Facilities must adhere to licensing standards, which include:

• Regular staff training to prevent abuse and neglect
• Adequate supervision to avoid harm from other residents
• Reporting suspected abuse to the appropriate legal authorities

Failing to meet these standards can make a facility legally liable for harm caused to its residents.

Eligibility to File an Elder Abuse Claim 

If a nursing home resident experiences abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation, certain individuals can file a legal claim on their behalf. These include:

• The residents themselves, if capable
• A legal guardian or power of attorney acting on the resident’s behalf
• Family members, particularly in cases of physical incapacity, mental impairment, or wrongful death

Liability in Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse Cases 

When a nursing home resident suffers abuse or neglect, multiple parties may be held legally responsible. Liability depends on the specific circumstances of the abuse and who failed to fulfill their duty of care. These cases often involve direct actions, negligence, or systemic issues within the facility. 

Identifying all responsible parties is essential to ensure the victim and their family receive fair compensation for the harm caused.

• Staff Members: Individual caregivers or staff can be held liable for acts of physical abuse, emotional abuse, or non-consensual sexual contact. For instance, if a staff member uses physical force or neglects a resident’s basic needs, they may be personally responsible for the harm caused.
• Nursing Home Management: Facility administrators can be held accountable for failing to provide adequate supervision, hiring unqualified staff, or neglecting to investigate suspected abuse. Poor training or understaffing often contributes to nursing home neglect, which can result in the nursing home itself being liable.
• Other Residents: Elderly residents are sometimes harmed by their peers due to inadequate supervision. For example, if a resident with aggressive tendencies causes harm to another, the facility may be liable for failing to protect both individuals.
• Third-Party Contractors: External service providers, such as medical professionals or maintenance workers, may be held responsible if their negligence contributes to abuse or injuries. Examples include medical negligence by an on-site physician or unsafe living conditions caused by a contractor’s errors.
• Corporate Ownership: If the facility is part of a larger corporation, the parent company may be held liable for systemic failures, such as understaffing or cutting costs at the expense of resident care.

How Our Norman Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys Can Help

At Nursing Home Law Center, our experienced nursing home negligence and abuse attorneys are dedicated to protecting the rights of nursing home residents and their families. With a proven track record of handling elder abuse cases, we combine legal expertise with compassionate advocacy to help families achieve justice and secure the compensation they deserve.

Here’s how we can assist you:

Free Case Evaluation

We offer a free consultation to review your situation, discuss your concerns, and assess the strength of your potential nursing home abuse claim. During this initial meeting, a nursing home abuse lawyer will explain your legal options, provide clear guidance, and address any questions you may have—all at no cost to you.

Case Investigation

Our attorneys conduct thorough investigations to uncover the circumstances surrounding the nursing home abuse. This step includes gathering medical records, interviewing witnesses, and examining facility policies to identify responsible parties. 

We use this evidence to build a strong nursing home abuse case that highlights all forms of harm, from psychological distress to medical expenses related to the abuse.

Filing the Claim

Once we’ve gathered sufficient evidence, we will file a formal nursing home abuse claim on your behalf. This process involves identifying the liable parties, outlining the damages sought, and ensuring that the claim adheres to all deadlines and legal requirements under Oklahoma law.

Settlement Negotiation

Many personal injury cases are resolved through settlements, sparing families the stress of prolonged legal battles. Our attorneys are skilled negotiators working to secure a settlement that reflects the full extent of the harm caused, including financial compensation for medical treatment, emotional pain, and other damages.

Trial Representation

If a fair settlement cannot be reached, our team is prepared to take your case to court. We provide aggressive legal representation during trial, presenting compelling evidence and advocating for justice on behalf of your family member. Our priority is to hold nursing homes and other responsible parties fully accountable.

Common Signs of Elder Abuse Among Nursing Home Residents 

Out of the 43 Medicare-approved nursing homes in Norman, a significant percentage fall below acceptable standards in various critical categories. 

Approximately 44% (19 facilities) have an overall rating classified as below or much below average. 42% (18 facilities) show subpar performance, specifically in health inspections, highlighting potential risks related to sanitation, safety, and compliance with federal regulations. 

Staffing issues are evident in about 53% (23 facilities), which raises concerns about whether residents are receiving adequate care and supervision. Furthermore, 30% (13 facilities) underperform in quality measures, which assess outcomes like resident health and well-being. [1]

Recognizing the signs of nursing home abuse is critical to protecting your family member from further harm. Abuse can manifest in various ways, often leaving both physical and emotional indicators. Below are some common signs of elder abuse to help families identify potential mistreatment:

• Bruises, cuts, burns, or fractures without a clear explanation
• Marks on wrists or ankles from being physically restrained
• Repeated injuries requiring medical attention
• Depression, anxiety, withdrawal, or sudden outbursts
• Being left alone for extended periods or excluded from social activities
• Untreated wounds, infections, or worsened chronic conditions
• Unkempt appearance, dirty clothing, or foul odors
• Rapid weight loss, dry skin, or cracked lips
• Missing funds, unauthorized withdrawals, or sudden changes in financial accounts
• Valuables like jewelry, watches, or heirlooms disappear

The worst-rated nursing homes in Norman include:

Contact a Norman Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Today!

At Nursing Home Law Center, we have extensive experience handling nursing home abuse cases, helping families in Norman and surrounding areas secure financial compensation for their loved one’s injuries. Our dedicated legal team understands the emotional toll that nursing home abuse can take, and we are committed to holding responsible parties accountable.

Call us at (800) 926-7565 or fill out our contact form to schedule your free consultation. Let us help you protect your loved one’s rights.

References: [1] Medicare