Nursing home residents deserve to be treated with dignity, respect, and proper care. When a nursing home or caregiver fails to provide appropriate care, or when a resident suffers abuse, neglect, or mistreatment, the consequences can be devastating. If you or a loved one has experienced nursing home abuse or neglect, Gagliano Law, PLLC can help investigate what happened and pursue the legal remedies available.
Understanding your rights in a nursing home abuse case
Nursing homes and caregivers have responsibilities to protect residents and provide appropriate care. Depending on the circumstances, abuse or neglect may involve:
- Physical abuse. Hitting, pushing, restraining, or otherwise causing physical harm
- Emotional or psychological abuse. Threats, intimidation, humiliation, or deliberate mistreatment
- Neglect. Failure to provide adequate food, hygiene, medication, supervision, or medical care
- Financial exploitation. Unauthorized use or taking of a resident’s money or property
- Sexual abuse. Any inappropriate or non-consensual sexual contact
- Medication errors. Failing to provide medication properly or administering medication incorrectly
Warning signs of nursing home abuse or neglect
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, or injuries
- Sudden changes in behavior or emotional state
- Poor hygiene or unexplained weight loss
- Bedsores or untreated medical conditions
- Dehydration or malnutrition
- Missing personal belongings or money
- Unexplained medication changes
- Fear or anxiety around particular caregivers
What to do if you suspect abuse or neglect
- Protect your loved one. Seek immediate medical attention if necessary
- Report the suspected abuse. Notify the facility and appropriate authorities
- Document what you observe. Take photographs and keep records of injuries, conditions, and communications
- Identify witnesses. Keep the names and contact information of people who may have information
- Request records. Preserve relevant medical, nursing, incident, and facility records
- Consult an attorney. A legal professional can investigate the circumstances and explain your options
The legal process for nursing home abuse claims
- Case review. We review the circumstances, medical records, facility records, injuries, and available evidence
- Investigation. We investigate the care provided, incident reports, medical documentation, witness statements, staffing information, and other relevant evidence
- Insurance claim. We pursue available insurance coverage and document the physical, emotional, and financial harm suffered
- Negotiation or litigation. We negotiate with the responsible parties and insurance companies and, when necessary, pursue litigation to seek appropriate compensation
No payment unless you receive compensation
Qualifying personal injury cases may be handled on a contingency basis, subject to the terms of the representation agreement, meaning attorney fees are generally collected only if compensation is recovered.
Frequently asked questions
Who can be responsible for nursing home abuse?
Depending on the circumstances, responsibility may involve the nursing home, its owners or operators, caregivers, employees, contractors, or other responsible parties.
What compensation may be available?
Depending on the applicable law and circumstances, compensation may include medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, additional care costs, and other losses.
What if my loved one cannot report the abuse themselves?
Family members and caregivers can help document warning signs and report suspected abuse. An attorney can also help investigate the circumstances and preserve evidence.
What if my loved one died because of neglect or abuse?
A serious case involving a resident’s death may potentially support a wrongful death claim, depending on the circumstances and applicable state law.
Get legal help for nursing home abuse or neglect
If you believe your loved one has suffered abuse, neglect, or mistreatment in a nursing home or care facility, Gagliano Law, PLLC can help investigate the circumstances and determine what legal options may be available.
Your loved one deserves dignity, safety, and accountability. Contact Gagliano Law to discuss your case.
