Tucson Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

When elderly loved ones reside in a nursing home or assisted living facility, families trust these establishments to provide proper care and protection. Unfortunately, many families across Tucson and throughout Arizona have encountered the harsh reality of nursing home neglect.

At Nursing Home Law Center, we are dedicated to securing justice and compensation for those who have suffered from nursing home abuse. Our skilled legal team has a strong history of handling these cases with care and achieving significant settlements and verdicts.

Types of Cases Handled by Our Tucson Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers  

Our Tucson nursing home abuse lawyers are dedicated to helping victims and their families seek justice against those responsible for these heinous acts.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse in nursing homes involves the intentional infliction of pain or injury on elderly residents. This may include hitting, slapping, pushing, or even improper use of restraints.

Mental and Emotional Abuse

Mental and emotional abuse is a form of mistreatment that can be just as damaging as physical abuse. This psychological abuse involves verbal abuse, threats, humiliation, and other actions that cause emotional distress to nursing home residents. 

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse in care facilities is a deeply disturbing form of abuse that involves any non-consensual sexual contact with elderly residents.

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice in nursing homes includes issues like bedsores and medication errors, where inadequate or negligent care results in serious harm or even death to residents. 

Negligence

Negligence is a form of abuse where caregivers fail to provide the necessary care and attention that nursing home residents require. This can include failure to provide adequate medical care, proper hygiene, nutrition, or supervision. 

Financial Exploitation 

Financial abuse occurs when caregivers or other individuals unlawfully take advantage of an elderly resident’s finances. This can include unauthorized withdrawals from bank accounts, changes to wills or trusts, or coercion to sign over assets.

Wrongful Death

Wrongful death in nursing homes occurs when a resident’s death is caused by negligence or abuse by the facility or its staff.

Understanding Your Legal Rights

Nursing home residents have specific legal rights protected under both federal and state laws, ensuring their safety, dignity, and proper care.

The Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987 is a key federal law that establishes a range of rights for residents, including the right to be free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation, as well as the right to participate in their own care planning. This law mandates that nursing home facilities receiving Medicare and Medicaid funding must meet certain standards to ensure the well-being of residents.

In addition to federal protections, states have their own regulations that may provide additional rights and remedies for nursing home residents. For example, Arizona law requires nursing homes and assisted living facilities to adhere to strict standards for care and provides residents with the right to be informed of their medical condition, make decisions about their care, and voice grievances without fear of retaliation.

How Our Tucson Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys Can Help

Our law firm has extensive experience in handling nursing home abuse cases, ensuring that victims and their families receive the justice and compensation they deserve. We are committed to guiding you through every step of the legal process, offering comprehensive services to support your case.

• Free Case Evaluation: We start with a no-obligation consultation to evaluate your case, answer your questions, and determine the best course of action.
• Case Investigation: Our team conducts thorough investigations to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build a strong case on your behalf.
• Filing the Claim: We handle all the legal paperwork and file the claim, ensuring that all deadlines are met and legal requirements are fulfilled.
• Settlement Negotiation: Our attorneys are skilled negotiators working to secure a fair settlement that reflects the full extent of your loved one’s injuries and suffering.
• Trial if Needed: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial, advocating aggressively to protect your rights and seek justice.

Common Signs of Elder Abuse in Nursing Facilities 

In Tucson, there are 23 Medicare-approved nursing home facilities, 12 (52.2%) of which have received an overall rating of below average or much below average. 13 of the nursing homes (56.5%) fell short in health inspections, and 14 (60.9%) have inadequate staffing levels. When it comes to quality measures, three of the facilities (13%) rated poorly. [1]

The worst-rated nursing homes in Tucson include: 

Recognizing the signs of nursing home abuse is crucial in protecting your loved ones. Here are some common indicators to watch for:

• Unexplained Bruises or Injuries: Sudden, unexplained injuries, such as bruises, fractures, or cuts, may indicate physical abuse.
• Sudden Weight Loss: Rapid weight loss or signs of malnutrition can be a red flag for neglect or inadequate care.
• Bedsores: The presence of bedsores (pressure ulcers) often indicates that a resident has been left in the same position for too long without proper care.
• Changes in Behavior: Withdrawal, depression, anxiety, or unusual aggression may signal emotional or psychological abuse.
• Poor Hygiene: A noticeable decline in personal hygiene, including dirty clothes or bedding, can be a sign of neglect.
• Fear of Caregivers: If a resident shows fear or apprehension around certain caregivers, it could be a sign of abuse or mistreatment.
• Unexplained Financial Transactions: Sudden changes in financial situations or unauthorized transactions may indicate financial exploitation.
• Frequent Infections or Illnesses: Recurring infections or illnesses could result from poor medical care or neglect.
• Reluctance to Speak in Front of Staff: If a resident is unwilling to speak freely or seems nervous when staff are present, it may be a sign of underlying abuse.
• Lack of Mobility or Deterioration in Physical Health: A decline in physical health, such as becoming immobile or losing the ability to perform daily activities, could be a sign of neglect.

What to Do If You Suspect Elder Abuse in a Nursing Facility 

If you suspect that a loved one is experiencing nursing home abuse, it’s crucial to take immediate action. Here are the steps you should follow:

• If you believe your loved one is in immediate danger, contact emergency services right away.
• Inform the nursing home’s management about your concerns. They are obligated to investigate and address any reported abuse.
• The Ombudsman serves as an advocate for nursing home residents, helping to resolve complaints and ensure proper care. They can investigate the issue and intervene if necessary.
• Reach out to a qualified nursing home abuse lawyer who can provide legal advice, help you understand your options, and guide you through the process of seeking justice and compensation.

The Cost of Hiring a Tucson Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

At Nursing Home Law Center, we understand that the financial burden of hiring a lawyer can be a concern, especially during difficult times. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay any upfront costs. 

Our fees are only collected if we successfully recover compensation for you. This approach allows you to focus on seeking justice for your loved one without worrying about legal expenses, as we only get paid when you do.

You Have Limited Time to Take Legal Action in Tucson, Arizona 

In Tucson, as in the rest of Arizona, there is a limited time frame within which you can file a nursing home abuse claim, known as the statute of limitations. Generally, you have two years from the date of the abuse or discovery of the injury to take legal action. 

Failing to file within this period can result in losing your right to seek compensation. Given these strict deadlines, it’s crucial to consult with a Tucson nursing home abuse lawyer as soon as possible to ensure your case is filed on time and your rights are protected.

Contact a Tucson Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Today!

With extensive experience in handling nursing home abuse cases, Nursing Home Law Center is dedicated to securing justice and compensation for victims and their families. Our law firm offers compassionate support, a proven track record, and a commitment to holding negligent parties accountable.

Call our law firm at (800) 926-7565, or fill out our contact form to book a free consultation. 

References: [1] Medicare