Signs You May Have a Strong Nursing Home Abuse Claim
Like other medical facilities, nursing homes have an obligation to follow the most widely accepted standards of care that have been established in their field. In addition to providing around-the-clock care, that generally means supplying nutritious meals, monitoring hydration, assisting with medication, and taking reasonable measures to prevent falls.
Nursing homes are also expected to check employees’ backgrounds and provide them with adequate training upon hire, so the residents are not at risk of being neglected or abused.
Sadly, just because these obligations exist doesn’t mean long-term care facilities always abide by them. Nursing home abuse remains a very real problem across the country.
If you think your loved one might have been a victim, you’re probably wondering whether your family has grounds for legal action. The easiest way to determine if filing a claim might be worthwhile is by consulting an attorney.
Should you be wondering whether it’s even worth calling a lawyer, read on. Generally speaking, there’s a good chance you have a valid case against the facility if all of the following applies:
- Your loved one was a registered resident at the facility,
- You have valid reason to believe your loved one was neglected or abused by nursing home staff,
- The victim suffered as a result of the mistreatment, and
- Your family incurred actual damages as a result of the victim’s suffering.
If all of these elements apply but you’re not sure how to prove as much, don’t worry; a resourceful nursing home abuse attorney can help. A seasoned lawyer from a reputable firm will be equipped to conduct a thorough investigation, which will hopefully yield the evidence needed to prove both liability and damages.
In fact, if it turns out you do have grounds for a claim, your attorney can handle virtually every aspect of the subsequent proceedings. This will free you up to look after your loved one and ensure their new accommodations are meeting their needs.
Of course, there are still steps you can take to facilitate your legal team’s efforts. Examples include:
- Refraining from helping the facility with their internal investigation or saying anything on record,
- Laying low on social media and instructing others who are close with the victim to do the same,
- Logging all recoverable damages diligently and saving their corresponding documentation, and
- Prioritizing your loved one’s care above all else so the facility cannot claim you failed to mitigate damages.
Call 561-299-3999 to Speak with a Nursing Home Abuse Attorney in West Palm Beach
At Donaldson & Weston, we require no money upfront, nor do we charge victims a retainer to take advantage of our services. That means you’ve got nothing to lose by reaching out.
If you think your loved one was mistreated by nursing home staff, we’ll help you gather the evidence needed to prove it. Submit the Contact Form on our website or call 561-299-3999 to set up a free initial case review with a nursing home abuse lawyer in West Palm Beach.
