Colorado Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Nursing home abuse is a serious and deeply concerning issue that affects vulnerable elderly residents across Colorado who rely on care facilities for their health and well-being.

If your loved one has suffered abuse or neglect in a nursing facility, it’s essential to seek legal assistance from an experienced Colorado nursing home abuse lawyer.

A skilled attorney can help you understand your rights, hold negligent parties accountable, and secure the compensation needed to ensure proper care and recovery for your loved ones.

Why Hire Nursing Home Law Center

At Nursing Home Law Center, our top priority is securing justice and fair compensation for those impacted by nursing home abuse. Our dedicated legal team brings extensive experience to each case, with a history of achieving substantial settlements and verdicts on behalf of our clients. 

We thoroughly investigate every detail to ensure that all forms of abuse are addressed, including medical bills, emotional distress, and other related damages. With a deep understanding of nursing home abuse claims, we handle each case with skill and determination, working tirelessly to defend your rights.

Throughout the process, we offer compassionate and clear guidance, ensuring that you and your loved ones remain informed, supported, and confident at every stage.

Types of Cases Handled by Our Colorado Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers

Nursing home abuse refers to any form of harm inflicted on vulnerable residents in long-term care facilities, either through intentional acts or negligence. Our Colorado nursing home abuse lawyers handle various cases, including:

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse in nursing homes involves any form of harm caused by physical force, such as hitting, kicking, slapping, or improper use of restraints. The use of restraints without medical justification is a common form of physical abuse that can result in physical and emotional trauma.

Mental and Emotional Abuse

Mental and emotional abuse includes verbal threats, humiliation, intimidation, or isolation. Nursing home residents who suffer psychological abuse may experience anxiety, depression, or withdrawal from social activities.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse in nursing homes involves any non-consensual sexual contact with a resident. Due to their vulnerability, elderly individuals are particularly at risk of being targeted by staff members or other residents. The consequences of sexual abuse can be both physically and emotionally devastating.

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice in nursing homes includes cases where residents receive substandard care, leading to injuries or worsening health conditions. Common examples include bedsores, medication errors, or failure to address medical emergencies promptly.

Negligence

Nursing home neglect occurs when a facility fails to provide residents with basic necessities, such as proper hygiene, nutrition, or supervision. This neglect can result in malnutrition, dehydration, infections, or even elopement, where a resident wanders off unsupervised, placing them in danger.

Financial Abuse

Financial exploitation involves the unauthorized or illegal use of a resident’s funds, property, or assets.

Wrongful Death

Wrongful death cases arise when a nursing home’s negligence leads to fatal injuries or health complications.

Your Legal Rights in a Nursing Home Abuse Case 

Nursing home residents are protected by federal and state laws that safeguard their rights to receive proper care and treatment. In addition to the federal Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987, which sets nationwide standards for care, Colorado has specific regulations that further safeguard residents in long-term care facilities.

The Colorado Nursing Home Residents Rights Act guarantees that residents receive respectful and dignified treatment, have access to proper medical care, and are free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Residents have the right to make their own decisions regarding care, be informed of their health status, and have their privacy protected. 

These rights are enforced by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), which oversees the regulation of nursing homes across the state.

Eligibility to File an Elder Abuse Claim 

Residents, their legal representatives, or the estate of a deceased resident can file claims for abuse or neglect. Family members may also have standing to file lawsuits in cases of wrongful death or severe incapacitation. A qualified nursing home abuse lawyer can help determine who has the legal right to pursue a claim in your specific situation.

Liability in Nursing Home Negligence and Abuse Cases 

Multiple parties can be held accountable for nursing home abuse, including:

• Nursing home staff
• Facility management
• Corporate owners
• Third-party contractors
• Medical providers

How Our Colorado Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys Can Help

At Nursing Home Law Center, our attorneys have years of experience handling nursing home abuse cases. We understand the complexities of these cases and are committed to securing justice for our clients. Here’s how we can help:

• Free Consultation: We offer a free, no-obligation case evaluation to discuss your situation and determine the best course of action. This step allows you to understand your legal options before moving forward.
• Case Investigation: Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the abuse or neglect. We gather evidence, interview witnesses, and review medical records to build a strong case on your behalf.
• Filing the Claim: Once we have gathered sufficient evidence, we will file a claim against the responsible parties and seek compensation for your loved one’s suffering.
• Settlement Negotiation: Many nursing home abuse cases are resolved through settlement negotiations. We work to secure fair compensation from the nursing home or their insurance company, covering medical costs, pain and suffering, and other damages.
• Trial Representation: If a settlement cannot be reached, our attorneys are prepared to take your case to trial. We will fight tirelessly to ensure those responsible are held accountable in court.

Common Signs of Elder Abuse Among Nursing Home Residents 

In Colorado, there are a total of 211 Medicare-approved nursing homes. 81 of these facilities (38%) have an overall score that falls below or much below average. 95 nursing homes (45%) fall short in health inspections, and 67 facilities (32%) have inadequate staffing levels. Additionally, 30 facilities (14%) were rated poorly regarding quality measures. [1]

The worst-rated nursing facilities in Colorado include:

Identifying nursing home abuse can be challenging, especially if the victim is unable or unwilling to speak out. Some common signs to watch for include:

• Unexplained bruises, cuts, or fractures;
• Sudden weight loss or signs of malnutrition;
• Poor personal hygiene or soiled clothing;
• Pressure ulcers, sexually transmitted diseases, or untreated medical conditions;
• Withdrawal from social activities or depression;
• Unexplained financial transactions or missing belongings.

What to Do If You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse

If you suspect that a loved one is being abused or neglected in a nursing home, it’s important to take immediate action. Here are the steps you should follow:

• Call 911 if your loved one is in immediate danger.
• Report the abuse to the nursing home administrator or management.
• File a complaint with your local Ombudsman’s office. The Ombudsman advocates for nursing home residents and can investigate complaints of abuse or neglect.
• Contact a nursing home abuse lawyer to discuss your legal options and begin the process of seeking justice.

Damages You Can Recover Through a Nursing Home Abuse Claim

Through a nursing home abuse claim, you can recover damages to compensate for the harm caused to your loved one.

Economic damages cover measurable losses like medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and relocation fees.

Non-economic damages compensate for intangible harm such as pain and suffering, emotional harm, loss of dignity, and reduced quality of life.

Punitive damages are awarded to punish and deter gross negligence or intentional misconduct by the facility or staff.

The Cost of Hiring a Colorado Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

At Nursing Home Law Center, we understand that the financial burden of legal action can be overwhelming. That’s why we operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay any upfront fees. Our attorneys only get paid if we win your case, so there’s no risk in pursuing justice for your loved one.

You Have Limited Time to File a Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit in Colorado

If you suspect nursing home abuse, it’s important to act promptly. Colorado law imposes a statute of limitations on these types of claims. You typically have two years from the date of the abuse to file a claim, but this time frame can vary depending on the circumstances. Contact a nursing home abuse attorney as soon as possible to ensure your case is filed within the legal deadline.

Contact a Colorado Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Today!

If your loved one has suffered abuse or neglect in a Colorado nursing home, the personal injury lawyers at Nursing Home Law Center are here to help. With years of experience handling nursing home abuse cases, we are committed to securing justice for victims and their families.

Call us at (800) 926-7565, or fill out our contact form.

References: [1] Medicare