If your loved one has suffered mistreatment or abuse while in a nursing home, it is important to seek legal help. The law office of Joe Durham can provide you with a nursing home neglect attorney in Thomasville, GA who understands your situation and can help you seek compensation.
Under Georgia law, victims of nursing home abuse are entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. However, there are strict time limits for filing these cases, so it is important to act quickly.
Your nursing home abuse attorney can assist with the timely filing of the claim and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at 229-210-6226 for a free consultation.
How is a Nursing Home Abuse Case Handled?
Joe Durham advocates for full transparency in the nursing home neglect attorney-client relationship when dealing with cases of nursing home abuse. In the event of unsatisfactory settlement offers, he possesses the expertise and determination to bring the case to trial and advocate for your entitlements.
Below are some approaches we can implement to enhance the strength of your Georgia nursing home abuse claim:
- Collaborate with medical professionals to identify causes of injuries.
- Scrutinize medical records for supporting evidence.
- Prevent nursing home from restricting access to information.
- Gather photographic and video evidence.
- Review business records for illegal hiring practices.
- Conduct interviews with witnesses, employees, and residents.
- Evaluate non-economic damages.
When a Georgia nursing home is accused of abuse, they will typically seek legal assistance to minimize any potential consequences. Therefore, it is crucial that you also engage a skilled legal expert with experience in these cases to assist you in obtaining compensation for your damages.
Examples of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
Nursing home abuse can take several forms, including physical abuse, caregiver negligence, sexual abuse, financial exploitation, emotional abuse, and healthcare fraud. If your elderly loved one has been injured due to abuse in a nursing home, reach out to our office for assistance from a competent nursing home abuse lawyer in Thomasville, GA.
The National Center on Elder Abuse has outlined the following three types of nursing home abuse:
Domestic
This form of abuse is perpetrated by someone the elderly person is familiar with and relies upon, such as a sibling, spouse, friend, child, or caregiver. Such abuse can transpire in the elder’s home or the caregiver’s residence.
Institutional
Institutional abuse is any form of mistreatment that transpires in care facilities catering to older adults, such as group homes, foster homes, and nursing homes. The culprits of such abuse are typically the individuals charged with the care and protection of the elderly residents.
Self-neglect
Self-neglect pertains to conduct exhibited by an older adult that endangers their health, safety, or welfare. The most prevalent indication of this problem is an elderly person who fails to take care of themselves by not consuming sufficient food or water, neglecting to take medications, practicing poor hygiene, or ignoring other personal safety measures. It is distinct from a mentally competent individual’s voluntary decision to harm themselves.
Can I File a Lawsuit for Financial Abuse of an Elderly Person?
The combination of low salaries for home care workers and the retention of personal information for elderly residents in nursing homes has contributed to a prevalent issue of financial exploitation of the elderly.
Research indicates that one in ten cases of elderly abuse involves financial or material exploitation. Our expert nursing home neglect lawyer in Thomasville, GA has identified several potential indicators of financial abuse or exploitation, including:
- Unexplained significant withdrawals of large sums of money from the victim’s bank account
- The addition of names to the elderly person’s bank account without a clear rationale
- Abrupt modifications to the will or transferring of assets
- Unaccounted loss of funds, valuable belongings, or possessions
If you suspect that your elderly loved one is a victim of financial or material abuse, don’t hesitate to contact our attorneys right away. You can rely on our expertise to investigate any questionable conduct and pursue any necessary legal action to obtain compensation for any damages suffered.
What are the Warning Signs of Elderly Abuse?
Recognizing the signs of nursing home abuse is not always straightforward and often lacks noticeable physical indications. One of the best ways to remain vigilant is to visit your loved one frequently and be mindful of the most prevalent signs of abuse, which may include:
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, or welts
- Changes in mood or behavior
- Withdrawal or isolation from social activities
- Changes in eating or sleeping habits
- Poor personal hygiene or unclean living conditions
- Unexplained weight loss or dehydration
- Medication errors or missed doses
- Staff refusing or limiting visits or communication with the elderly resident
- Unexplained financial transactions or missing personal items.
Why is Nursing Home Abuse so Prevalent?
The root causes of nursing home abuse are frequently linked to mismanagement and understaffing in care facilities, which often struggle with inadequate resources to employ qualified staff. This can lead to varying degrees of professional negligence. Additionally, the increasing demand for skilled nursing home personnel often results in a high turnover rate, exacerbating the problem.
What Should You Do if You Suspect Your Loved One is the Victim of a Nursing Home Neglect?
The Georgia Department of Community Health oversees nursing home regulation, but seeking the assistance of a competent nursing home abuse attorney is critical to pursue your claim effectively. Contact our office if you suspect that your loved one is experiencing abuse, and we will work tirelessly to fight for their rights. Joe Durham has extensive experience handling these cases, and we are committed to ensuring that your loved ones receive the care and support they deserve while we investigate the situation.
If you suspect abuse, it is essential to document as much evidence as possible. Take pictures of any injuries or visible signs of mistreatment. We will scrutinize the evidence and offer you our professional opinion. Additionally, if one member of the nursing home staff is suspected of abuse, it is probable that others may also have concerns regarding their behavior.
Contact the Joe Durham Law Firm for a Free Consultation!
Under Georgia state law, nursing homes and other elderly care facilities are obligated to provide care without exploitation, neglect, or abuse. If you suspect that your elderly loved one is experiencing mistreatment in a care facility, legal assistance is available.
Contact the Law Firm of Joe Durham at 229-210-6226 to consult with an experienced attorney who can assess your case and offer professional guidance and support in seeking compensation for the abuse suffered by your loved one.
