Assisted-Care Abuse Lawyer

If you or your loved one has suffered a physical injury or illness requiring treatment and/or hospitalization while at an assisted-care facility or while receiving care at home and you suspect it was the result of abuse or neglect, call us at 800-796-1636 or submit your case details online and someone will contact you shortly. You pay nothing unless your lawsuit is successful and you receive compensation.

At Trustwell Law, our experienced attorneys take a personalized, compassionate approach. We cut through the legalese and partner with our clients. We have access to the expertise, resources, and manpower to fully investigate each case and fight for and with our clients to get the justice they deserve.

What Are the Signs of Assisted-Care Abuse?

Common signs of assisted-care abuse include:

• Bruises, bleeding, or unexplained injuries
• Bedsores
• Unexpected or unexplained weight loss, malnutrition, or dehydration
• Unexplained health issues, such as infections or diseases
• Emotional withdrawal
• Silence or sullenness when caregivers are present
• Bruises on or around the genitals

It is not uncommon for an older or disabled person being abused to be too embarrassed, ashamed, or disgusted to report their mistreatment. So, it is very important for their loved ones to take any signs of mistreatment seriously and consult a lawyer to investigate.

When Is an Assisted-Living Facility or Provider Considered Negligent?

Nursing homes, licensed care facilities, and professionals employed to help older or disabled people are expected to meet certain standards of care. When they do not, and negligence or abuse results, they should be held accountable.

Potential issues leading to assisted-living abuse and harm to patients include:

• Inadequate training: Nursing homes, licensed care facilities, and companies that provide in-home care personnel are responsible for training their staff. Elderly people and severely disabled people need special care by definition and can be challenging to care for. If staff are not sufficiently trained and a patient suffers an injury, the facility or provider can be held accountable.
• Too few staff: If an assisted living facility does not employ enough staff to care for their patients, and a patient suffers abuse or neglect as a result, the facility may be held liable.
• Negligent hiring: Assisted-living facilities and home-health organizations are expected to hire employees with the proper training and credentials to do the job. Those employers should also perform background checks on potential hires to verify there is no record of abuse, violence, or other relevant crimes. If a patient suffers abuse or neglect and the staff member(s) involved were not properly vetted when hired, the company may be held liable.
• Medication errors: Many elderly and disabled patients rely on receiving the correct medications, in the correct dosage, and on the correct schedule. If a patient is harmed by a medication error, the caregiver, doctor, pharmacy, or pharmacist can be held accountable.
• Third-party responsibility: Nursing homes and assisted living facilities may be held responsible for what happens within their walls, even if they don’t control the actors. Therefore, if a resident suffers abuse or is harmed by another resident, or a guest, or any other person allowed into the facility, the facility can be held liable.

What Damages Are Commonly Awarded in an Assisted-Living Abuse Lawsuit?

Assisted-living abuse lawsuits may result in compensation for:

• Medical bills
• Pain and suffering
• Disability and disfigurement

In some unusual cases, punitive damages may also be awarded.

Contact an Assisted-Living Abuse Attorney

If you or your loved one has suffered a physical injury or illness requiring treatment and/or hospitalization while in a nursing home or licensed care facility or while being cared for by a licensed in-home care professional and you suspect it was due to abuse or neglect, contact us.