By some estimates, around 5 million older adults suffer abuse in nursing homes every year. Here in the Tampa/St. Petersburg area, residents can be subject to physical and psychological abuse.
If a family member has been abused, there are legal options. However, finding nursing home abuse attorneys is not always easy. If you choose the wrong one, you might not get the result your family members deserve.
Here are 5 common mistakes to avoid so your loved one can be protected.
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Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys
If you believe your loved one has been abused, either physically, emotionally, sexually, or financially, you need to act on his or her behalf. There are legal options open to you, but you need the right lawyer.
How can you make the right choice? Start by avoiding these five common mistakes:
1. Choosing a Lawyer Without the Right Expertise
There are many different types of law, from corporate and immigration to family and criminal law, not to mention personal injury claims. It is difficult for an attorney to have expertise in all areas of the legal field. Most choose to specialize in one or more areas.
So, when starting your search, look specifically for a nursing home attorney in St. Petersburg.
2. Not Understanding Attorney Fees
Every law firm operates on a different payment structure. Some only charge if they win the case, while others require an up-front fee. Most charge based on the hours spent on your case.
Be sure you understand exactly how the payment structure works when hiring for a nursing home abuse case.
3. Failing to Do Your Homework
Before hiring an attorney, make sure you do thorough research. Look at the firm’s references and reviews on their website. You can also look at legal review sites and state regulatory offices to see if there are any complaints about the attorneys.
4. Choosing the First Lawyer You Find
Hiring a nursing home abuse lawyer is not something that happens in a day. Your search could take some time, especially if you do it right. Research several different firms or attorneys until you settle on the one who will do a good job for you.
5. Not Preparing Questions
Hiring an attorney is a lot like a job interview. You need to ask questions to find the right candidate.
- Are you familiar with nursing home law?
- Have you handled these types of cases before? How many?
- What is your success rate?
- Have you tried cases in court?
- Do you know anything about the specific nursing home? Have you handled other cases involving them?
- Do you know any of the witnesses involved in the case?
These questions will help you eliminate attorneys who are not a good fit and choose the one who meets your needs and will fight for your family.
Protect Your Loved Ones From Nursing Home Abuse
Unfortunately, abuse occurs in nursing homes too often. Residents are especially vulnerable because they may not be capable of fighting back. You can fight back for them.
If you are in need of nursing home abuse attorneys, contact us for a legal consultation today.
