There are currently over 1.3 million seniors living in nursing homes throughout the country. Unfortunately, not every senior receives the care they deserve.
Do you think your loved one is the victim of elder abuse? It could be time to contact a nursing home abuse lawyer. With their help, you can file a lawsuit and fight to improve their quality of care.
What exactly does an elder abuse lawyer do, and how can they help your case? Here are five frequently asked questions to consider before contacting an attorney.
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1. What are the Signs of Nursing Home Abuse?
Before contacting a nursing home abuse attorney, it helps to learn how to recognize signs of abuse. Many victims of nursing home abuse can’t report their injuries. Some have difficulty communicating altogether.
Each time you visit your loved one in their nursing home, look for signs of:
- Significant weight loss
- Brain bleeds
- Pressure sores
- Falls
- Broken bones
- Medication errors
- Sexual assault and abuse
- Physical attacks
- Infections
If you suspect elder abuse, make sure to seek medical attention for your loved one right away. Don’t remain silent. Instead, report the abuse.
In the meantime, take photos of their injuries and gather evidence for your lawyer.
2. How Do I Choose a Lawyer?
There are currently over 135,000 personal injury lawyers in the US. Nursing home abuse falls under this category.
Make sure to look for a lawyer who specializes in elder abuse. An experienced nursing home abuse attorney will know how to handle the case. Look for online reviews and trial experience as well.
3. Why Do I Need an Attorney?
Failing to contact a nursing home abuse attorney right away could cause the statute of limitations to lapse. You only have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit.
You also need an experienced senior living abuse lawyer who understands the laws and procedures involved.
Otherwise, trying to file a lawsuit on your own could lead to mistakes.
4. What Does the Legal Process Look Like?
The legal process involves many steps. After you consult a nursing home abuse lawyer, they’ll walk you through:
- The contract
- Filing the lawsuit and suing the nursing home
- Litigation discovery
- Depositions
- Mediation
- Expert disclosure
- Discovery of expert witnesses
- Trial
You don’t have to work through this process alone. Instead, make sure you have an experienced senior living abuse lawyer at your side.
5. How Do I Know if I Have a Case?
Make sure to schedule a consultation appointment with a nursing home abuse attorney as soon as possible. Bring them the evidence you’ve gathered and discuss the specifics of your case.
They’ll help you determine the best course of action moving forward.
Elder Abuse Cases: Your Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Can Help
Are you worried your loved one is experiencing elder abuse? You don’t have to go through this alone. Instead, consider hiring a nursing home abuse attorney who can fight at your side.
With their help, you can make sure this abuse doesn’t happen to other seniors at that home.
Think you have a case? We can help.
Contact us today to get started.
