Knoxville Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Families trust nursing facilities to provide a safe and supportive environment for their elderly loved ones, but unfortunately, this trust can be broken. If you suspect that your family member is a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, taking immediate legal action is essential. 

Consulting with an experienced Knoxville nursing home abuse lawyer can make all the difference in securing justice and appropriate compensation for your elderly loved one.

Why Hire Nursing Home Law Center

At Nursing Home Law Center, we are dedicated to obtaining justice and fair compensation for victims of nursing home abuse. Our skilled nursing home abuse lawyers have extensive experience in managing nursing home abuse cases, consistently achieving significant settlements and favorable verdicts for our clients.

We perform detailed investigations to ensure that every aspect of the abuse is addressed, including medical neglect, emotional trauma, and other damages. With our deep understanding of nursing home abuse claims, we handle the complexities of the legal process with precision and work tirelessly to defend your rights.

We offer compassionate and transparent support throughout the case, keeping you and your family informed and reassured.

Types of Cases Handled by Our Knoxville Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers

Nursing home abuse occurs when nursing home residents experience harm or mistreatment at the hands of caregivers, staff, or other individuals in a nursing facility. This abuse can take many forms and can result in serious injuries or even death. 

At Nursing Home Law Center, our Tennessee nursing home neglect lawyers handle various cases to ensure victims receive justice and compensation for their suffering.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse involves the intentional infliction of physical harm to a resident. This act includes hitting, slapping, or inappropriate use of physical restraints, which can result in unexplained injuries like bruises, fractures, or other bodily harm.

Mental and Emotional Abuse

Psychological abuse occurs when a nursing home resident is subjected to verbal threats, humiliation, isolation, or manipulation, causing emotional distress. Emotional abuse can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse includes any non-consensual physical contact of a sexual nature with a resident. Victims of sexual abuse in nursing homes often suffer both physical and emotional trauma.

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice occurs when nursing homes fail to provide appropriate medical care to residents. This abuse can include bedsores (pressure ulcers), improper medication administration, or failure to treat serious medical conditions, leading to preventable harm or injury.

Negligence

Nursing home neglect refers to the failure of staff to provide necessary care to residents. These neglectful actions can result in poor hygiene, malnutrition, dehydration, or elopement (when a resident wanders off unsupervised).

Financial Abuse

Financial exploitation occurs when a resident’s money or assets are misused or stolen by caregivers, nursing staff, or other individuals. This misappropriation can involve unauthorized withdrawals, identity theft, or manipulation of financial documents.

Wrongful Death

In the most tragic cases, abuse or neglect can lead to the death of a nursing home resident. Families may file a wrongful death claim to hold the facility and nursing home staff accountable for their loved one’s death.

How Our Knoxville Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys Can Help

At Nursing Home Law Center, our personal injury attorneys have a track record of handling complex nursing home neglect cases. We understand the emotional, physical, and financial toll that elder abuse can have on both victims and their families.

With extensive knowledge of Tennessee laws, our law firm is committed to ensuring that nursing home neglect victims receive the justice and compensation they deserve.

Here’s how we can help:

Free Case Evaluation

We offer a free consultation to discuss the details of your case. During this initial meeting, we will listen to your concerns, review any evidence you have, and explore your legal options. You are not obligated to move forward after the consultation, and you won’t have to pay any upfront costs for this evaluation.

Case Investigation

Our attorneys conduct a thorough investigation into your nursing home abuse case. This process includes reviewing medical records, interviewing nursing home staff and witnesses, gathering evidence such as photographs of physical injuries, and consulting with medical experts if necessary.

Filing the Claim

Once our investigation is complete, we will file a nursing home abuse claim on your behalf. This step involves preparing all necessary legal documents and submitting them within the statute of limitations set by Tennessee law. 

Filing a claim is crucial to seeking compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages and holding the responsible party accountable.

Settlement Negotiation

Many personal injury cases are resolved through settlement negotiations. Our experienced negotiators will work to secure a fair settlement that covers the full extent of the harm your loved one has suffered. We negotiate with the responsible party’s insurance company or legal team to ensure you and your family receive the compensation you are entitled to.

Trial Representation

We are fully prepared to take your case to trial if we cannot conclude on a fair settlement. Our attorneys have extensive courtroom experience and will present a compelling case to a judge or jury. We fight tirelessly to hold nursing homes and responsible parties accountable for the abuse or neglect that your loved one faced.

Common Signs of Elder Abuse Among Nursing Home Residents 

In Knoxville, there are a total of 27 Medicare-approved nursing homes. Of these, 15 facilities (55.6%) have an overall rating below or much below average. Specifically, 14 nursing homes (51.9) fall short in health inspections, and 16 facilities (59.3) have inadequate staffing. Six facilities (22.2%) were rated poorly regarding quality measures. [1]

Many residents in nursing care facilities, particularly those who are elderly or have cognitive impairments, may not be able to communicate that they are being abused. That’s why family members and caregivers need to stay vigilant and watch for warning signs that could indicate nursing home neglect, such as:

• Unexplained Injuries: Physical abuse often results in unexplained bruises, cuts, burns, broken bones, or other physical injuries. Repeated or frequent injuries sustained without adequate explanation are red flags.
• Bedsores (Pressure Ulcers): Bedsores are a sign of neglect and indicate that a resident is not receiving proper care or attention, particularly if they are immobile or bedridden.
• Sudden Weight Loss: Rapid or unexplained weight loss can be a sign of malnutrition or dehydration, which may indicate that the resident’s basic needs are not being met.
• Poor Hygiene: Signs of poor personal hygiene, such as dirty clothes, unwashed hair, and body odor, can indicate that a resident is neglected.
• Restraint Marks: Marks or bruising from physical restraints may suggest that the resident has been improperly restrained or abused.
• Withdrawal or Depression: Emotional abuse can cause a resident to become withdrawn, anxious, or depressed. If your loved one suddenly becomes quiet or withdrawn, it could indicate they are being mistreated.
• Sudden Changes in Behavior: Mood swings, outbursts, or personality changes may indicate that the resident is suffering from psychological abuse or emotional trauma.
• Fearfulness or Avoidance of Certain Individuals: A resident may show fear or avoidance of certain staff members or other residents if they have experienced physical, mental, or sexual abuse.
• Unexplained Financial Transactions: Unexpected withdrawals from the resident’s bank account, changes to their financial documents, or missing personal items may indicate financial abuse.
• Lack of Proper Medical Care: If the resident is not receiving their prescribed medications or necessary medical treatment, this could be a sign of medical malpractice.

The worst-rated nursing homes in Knoxville include:

What to Do If You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse

If you suspect that your loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse or medical neglect, it’s crucial to take immediate action to ensure their safety. Here are the steps you should follow:

• Contact experienced nursing home abuse lawyers
• Call 911 if immediate danger is present
• Report to the nursing  facility’s administrator or management
• File a complaint with your local ombudsman’s office

The Cost of Hiring a Knoxville Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

At Nursing Home Law Center, we understand that families dealing with nursing home negligence may already be facing financial burdens. That’s why we operate on a contingency fee basis. 

This arrangement means you won’t have to pay any upfront costs or legal fees to retain our services. You only pay if we successfully recover compensation for you, either through a settlement or verdict.

You Have Limited Time to Take Legal Action in Knoxville

If you suspect your loved one has been a victim of nursing home neglect or abuse in Knoxville, it’s crucial to act quickly. In Tennessee, the statute of limitations for nursing home negligence cases is typically one year from the date of the abuse or from the time the abuse was discovered. 

Failing to file a claim within this period could result in losing your right to pursue compensation for your loved one’s injuries and suffering.

Contact a Knoxville Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Today!

At Nursing Home Law Center, our experienced team of nursing home attorneys is dedicated to fighting for the rights of nursing home residents who have suffered from abuse or neglect. With a proven track record of handling nursing home abuse cases, we are committed to holding responsible parties accountable and securing justice for victims and their families.

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

References: [1] Medicare