Edison Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

As our elderly population grows, many families entrust their loved ones to nursing homes and long-term care facilities, hoping they will receive the care and respect they deserve. Unfortunately, this trust is often broken, leading to tragic cases of nursing home abuse and neglect.

Victims and their families must seek legal help from an experienced Edison nursing home lawyer. These attorneys understand the complexities of elder abuse cases and are dedicated to protecting nursing home residents from harm.

Why Hire Nursing Home Law Center

Nursing Home Law Center is dedicated to obtaining justice and fair compensation for victims of nursing home negligence. Our skilled legal team has a strong history of managing nursing home abuse claims with care, securing significant settlements and jury awards for our clients.

We conduct comprehensive investigations, ensuring that all aspects of abuse—such as medical expenses, emotional suffering, and other related damages—are thoroughly considered. With our extensive knowledge in handling nursing home abuse cases, we tackle the legal process efficiently, working relentlessly to safeguard your rights.

We offer compassionate, clear communication throughout your case, ensuring you and your family are well-informed, protected, and confident.

Types of Cases Handled by Our Edison Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers

Nursing home abuse refers to any intentional harm, neglect, or exploitation inflicted on residents of nursing homes or assisted living facilities. This abuse can take many forms, each causing significant harm to vulnerable elderly residents. Below are the types of cases our nursing home lawyers handle:

Physical Abuse

Physical assault involves the intentional use of force against nursing home residents, leading to injuries such as bruises, broken bones, or worse. This act may include hitting, kicking, or using dangerous restraints to control a resident’s behavior.

Mental and Emotional Abuse

Psychological abuse can be just as damaging as physical assault, leaving long-lasting scars. It includes verbal threats, insults, isolation, or humiliation of nursing home residents, causing severe emotional trauma and distress.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse occurs when a resident is subjected to any form of unwanted sexual contact or exploitation. This kind of abuse is particularly difficult for victims and their family members to uncover and often goes unreported due to fear or shame.

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice in nursing homes can manifest through bedsores, medication errors, or failure to provide necessary medical treatment.

Negligence

Neglect in nursing homes includes poor personal hygiene, malnutrition, dehydration, and instances of elopement (where residents wander off unsupervised). Nursing home negligence often results from inadequate staffing, poorly trained staff, or lack of proper supervision, putting residents’ health and safety at risk.

Financial Abuse

Financial abuse in nursing homes involves the exploitation of residents through theft, fraud, or coercion to sign over financial control.

Wrongful Death

In the most tragic cases, nursing home neglect and abuse can result in wrongful death. Whether through physical assault, negligence, or medical malpractice, when a nursing home resident loses their life due to mistreatment, their family may pursue legal action to seek justice.

Understanding Your Legal Rights

Nursing home residents in Edison, NJ, and throughout the United States are protected under federal and state laws designed to safeguard their health, safety, and dignity.

One of the most important pieces of legislation is the Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987, a federal law that establishes clear standards of care for nursing homes participating in Medicare and Medicaid programs. 

This law ensures that residents have the right to receive proper care and live free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. It also outlines specific rights, including privacy, dignity, and being fully informed about their medical care.

In addition to federal protections, New Jersey has its own set of regulations aimed at protecting nursing home residents. These laws require facilities to meet certain staffing levels, provide appropriate medical care, and maintain a clean, safe environment. When nursing homes fail to meet these standards, they can be held accountable for nursing home negligence and abuse.

A nursing home abuse claim can typically be filed by the nursing home resident who has suffered abuse or neglect. If the resident is unable to do so, a family member or legal guardian can take action on their behalf. If the abuse has resulted in wrongful death, the deceased resident’s estate or surviving family members may pursue a claim for justice and compensation.

Liability in Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse Cases 

When nursing home abuse occurs, liability is often not limited to a single individual. Multiple parties may be responsible for the mistreatment or neglect of a resident, each contributing to the harmful conditions in different ways.

• Nursing Home Staff: Nursing home employees, including caregivers, nurses, and aides, can be directly responsible for abuse, whether it’s physical harm, emotional mistreatment, or neglect. Staff members may also be liable for failing to provide necessary care, such as neglecting personal hygiene or medical needs, leading to bedsores, malnutrition, or dehydration.
• Nursing Home Administration: The nursing facility administration or management can also be held accountable if they fail to hire, train, or supervise their staff properly. Poor staffing levels, lack of background checks, or neglect to report previous instances of abuse can contribute to a dangerous environment for residents. Nursing home negligence at the management level can directly lead to nursing home residents suffering from neglect or abuse.
• Third-Party Contractors: In some cases, outside contractors hired by the long-term care facility—such as medical professionals, therapists, or maintenance staff—may be liable for contributing to the abuse or neglect. For instance, a third-party medical provider who administers improper medication or fails to treat a resident’s injuries could be held responsible for medical malpractice.
• Owners of the Nursing Home: Nursing homes are often owned by corporations or investment groups, and these entities can be held liable if their policies, cost-cutting measures, or negligence lead to the abuse or neglect of residents. When a corporation prioritizes profit over patient care, nursing home residents can suffer from inadequate care and dangerous conditions, such as wrongful death or serious bodily injuries.

How Our Edison Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys Can Help

At Nursing Home Law Center, our experienced nursing home attorneys have a proven track record of securing justice for victims of nursing home negligence. We understand the emotional and financial toll these cases take on the victim or their family member and are dedicated to holding responsible parties accountable. 

With our deep understanding of nursing home abuse laws, both federal and state-specific, we provide family members with the legal support they need to protect their loved ones and seek fair compensation.

Free Case Evaluation

We offer a free case evaluation to assess your situation and determine whether your loved one has been a victim of nursing home neglect or abuse. During this initial consultation, we will listen to your concerns, review available evidence, and explain your legal rights and options. This free consultation is an opportunity to get a professional opinion on your case at no cost or obligation.

Case Investigation

Our attorneys will conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the alleged abuse or neglect. This process involves gathering evidence such as medical records, witness statements, and reports from health care professionals. 

By building a strong case, we ensure that every aspect of nursing home negligence, from physical injuries to emotional trauma, is fully documented. This investigation is crucial for establishing liability and holding the nursing home accountable.

Filing the Claim

Once we have gathered sufficient evidence, our team will file the claim. We will prepare all necessary legal documents and ensure they are filed within the appropriate timelines according to New Jersey law. 

Whether the case involves wrongful death, nursing home neglect, or sexual abuse, we have the experience to ensure that the legal process is initiated promptly and effectively.

Settlement Negotiation

Many nursing home abuse cases are resolved through settlement negotiations. Our attorneys are skilled negotiators, working to secure the maximum compensation for our clients without the need for a lengthy trial. 

We will negotiate with the nursing home’s insurance company or legal representatives to ensure that your family is compensated for medical bills, pain and suffering, and any other damages incurred due to the abuse.

Trial Representation 

If a fair settlement cannot be reached, our legal team is fully prepared to take your case to trial. We have extensive courtroom experience and are ready to present your case before a judge and jury if necessary. 

Our priority is to fight for your loved one’s rights and seek justice through a settlement or court verdict. Rest assured, we will be with you every step of the way, providing clear communication and support throughout the trial process.

Common Signs of Elder Abuse Among Nursing Home Residents 

There are a total of 178 Medicare-approved nursing homes in Edison, New Jersey. 123 of these facilities (69.1%) have an overall rating below or much below average. Specifically, 82 nursing homes (46.1%) fall short in health inspections, and 68 facilities (38.2%) have inadequate staffing levels. Six facilities (3.4%) were rated poorly regarding quality measures. [1]

The worst-rated nursing homes in Edison include:

Recognizing the signs of nursing home abuse is crucial in protecting your loved ones from harm. If you notice any of the following warning signals, it may indicate that your loved one is experiencing abuse or nursing home negligence.

• Unexplained bruises, broken bones, cuts, or burns;
• Bedsores (pressure ulcers);
• Weight loss, dehydration, or malnutrition;
• Sudden withdrawal or depression;
• Fearfulness around staff or caregivers;
• Unexplained mood swings or aggression;
• Soiled clothing or bed linens;
• Unwashed hair or body odor;
• Infections or unsanitary conditions;
• Bruising or injuries in private areas;
• Unexplained withdrawals or financial transactions;
• Changes in wills or power of attorney;
• Wandering or elopement, causing fall accidents;
• Decline in health without medical explanation.

What to Do If You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse

If you suspect your loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse, it’s essential to act quickly to protect them and ensure the abuse stops. Below are the key steps you should take:

Call 911 if There is Immediate Danger

If you believe your loved one is in immediate danger or has suffered severe physical harm, call 911 right away. Emergency responders can assess the situation, provide medical assistance, and ensure your loved one’s safety.

Report to the Nursing Home Administrator or Management

If the situation is not life-threatening, but you suspect nursing home neglect or mistreatment, report your concerns to the nursing home administrator or management team. They are responsible for investigating incidents within the facility and taking corrective action. 

Make sure to document any interactions with the staff and keep detailed notes of your concerns for future reference.

File a Complaint with Your Local Ombudsman’s Office

In addition to reporting abuse within the facility, you can file a formal complaint with your local Ombudsman’s office. The Ombudsman acts as an independent advocate for nursing home residents, ensuring their rights are protected. 

They investigate complaints, mediate disputes, and help resolve issues between the resident and the facility. The Ombudsman can be a valuable resource in ensuring the nursing home is held accountable for abuse or neglect.

Contact a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

One of the most important steps is to consult an experienced Edison nursing home lawyer. A personal injury attorney can provide a free consultation to determine if your loved one’s rights have been violated and what legal actions can be taken. 

The law firm will conduct a thorough investigation, file claims, and seek compensation for medical bills, emotional suffering, and other damages. Having a skilled attorney by your side ensures that your loved one’s case is handled professionally and that their rights are protected throughout the legal process.

Damages You Can Recover Through a Nursing Home Abuse Claim

If your loved one has been the victim of nursing home neglect or abuse, they may be entitled to compensation for the harm they have endured.

Economic damages refer to the actual financial costs incurred as a result of the abuse or neglect. These are measurable losses and can include:

• Medical bills
• Relocation costs
• Lost wages or benefits
• Funeral and burial expenses

Non-economic damages refer to intangible harm that cannot be easily measured by bills or receipts but significantly impact the victim’s quality of life. These damages often include:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of quality of life
• Loss of companionship

Punitive damages are meant to punish particularly egregious behavior on the part of the nursing home or its staff, such as deliberate neglect, abuse, or severe negligence. Punitive damages also serve as a deterrent to prevent similar conduct from occurring in the future.

The Cost of Hiring an Edison Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

At Nursing Home Law Center, we understand the financial burden that nursing home negligence can place on families, which is why we operate on a contingency fee basis. This structure means no upfront costs or hourly fees for our legal services. Instead, our nursing home lawyers only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you and your loved one.

You Have Limited Time to Take Legal Action in Edison

Edison follows the statute of limitations for New Jersey nursing home abuse cases. This law sets a deadline for filing lawsuits. In most cases, you have two years from the date of the abuse or from when the abuse was discovered to pursue legal action. 

Failing to file within this timeframe can prevent you from seeking compensation for your loved one’s injuries and suffering.

Contact an Edison Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Today!

At Nursing Home Law Center, we have extensive experience handling nursing home abuse and neglect cases throughout Edison, NJ, and Middlesex County. Our dedicated legal team has successfully secured significant settlements and verdicts for families seeking justice for their loved ones.

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

References: [1] Medicare