Nashville Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Compensation for Victims of Elder Abuse in Nashville Nursing Facilities

A Nashville nursing home abuse lawyer from our firm can help your family pursue justice if your loved one was harmed in a care facility. Nursing Home Law Center is dedicated to protecting the rights of elderly and dependent adults who suffer abuse or neglect inside nursing homes or assisted living facilities. 

Whether the harm involves physical injuries, emotional trauma, or financial exploitation, our legal team is here to hold facilities accountable. Book a free consultation today!

Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Settlements Recovered by Our Law Firm

Our legal team has recovered millions for victims of nursing home abuse and neglect in Nashville nursing home and assisted living facilities. Below are highlights from our recent case results, reflecting the kinds of justice we help families achieve.

• $12,800,000 Verdict – Margaret developed pressure sores while under the care of a long-term nursing facility. Despite obvious signs of deterioration, staff failed to provide medical intervention. The wounds progressed to a life-threatening state and ultimately led to her death.
• $3,000,000 Settlement – Following hip replacement surgery, Daniel was placed in a skilled nursing facility for recovery. Staff failed to follow repositioning protocols, and he developed severe bed sores that became infected. The wounds contributed to his death. 
• $2,333,000 Settlement – Maria and Joyce, two elderly women living in the same nursing home, were sexually assaulted by a certified nursing assistant. An internal investigation revealed that prior complaints about the CNA had been ignored. 
• $2,150,000 Settlement – Evelyn was admitted for short-term care but developed pressure ulcers that went untreated for weeks. The wounds became infected, and she died from sepsis. 
• $1,700,000 Settlement – Harold fell in a poorly supervised hallway and suffered a subdural hematoma and fractured hip. Surveillance revealed no fall precautions had been in place, despite his known risk. 
• $1,500,000 Settlement – Betty, who had advanced dementia, accessed an unlocked janitor’s closet and ingested toxic chemicals. She survived but with permanent internal injuries. 
• $1,500,000 Settlement – Carl, a developmentally disabled adult, was repeatedly attacked by other residents in a group home that failed to provide proper supervision. His injuries included multiple fractures and lasting trauma. 
• $1,250,000 Settlement – Dorothy, who required a chopped diet, was left unsupervised during lunch and choked to death. Staff had failed to follow her care plan. 
• $1,200,000 Settlement – Leon, a wheelchair-bound resident, was injured when the nursing home van took a sharp turn without securing his chair properly. He suffered spinal damage and permanent loss of mobility. 

Why Hire Nursing Home Law Center

Our lawyers are committed to securing justice for those impacted by nursing home neglect and abuse. We have successfully handled thousands of cases and obtained significant settlements for families of nursing home patients.

Our attorneys conduct thorough investigations, gathering crucial evidence to prove neglect and abuse. Whether your loved one has fallen victim to physical, sexual, financial, or emotional abuse, we fight aggressively to hold negligent caretakers accountable.

Speak with one of our experienced personal injury lawyers today to explore your legal options.

What Are the Different Types of Abuse in a Nursing Home?

Abuse in nursing homes takes many forms, each of which violates the rights and dignity of elderly and dependent adults. A Nashville nursing home abuse lawyer helps families recognize the signs of mistreatment and pursue accountability through legal action. Below are the most common types of abuse reported in nursing facilities.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse in nursing homes involves intentional harm, such as slapping, pushing, kicking, punching, or improperly restraining residents. Injuries may include bruises, fractures, internal trauma, or chronic pain. 

Sudden behavioral changes like flinching or fearfulness may also point to physical mistreatment. This kind of abuse can leave lasting physical and emotional damage, especially in older adults with limited ability to defend themselves.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse refers to any unwanted or non-consensual sexual act or contact, including inappropriate touching, sexual coercion, or forcing residents to witness explicit acts. 

Individuals with dementia or mobility issues are often targeted because they cannot report the abuse clearly. Behavioral signs like fear or withdrawal around staff members can indicate exploitation that demands immediate intervention.

Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse involves staff using threats, insults, manipulation, or isolation to harm or control a resident. While it leaves no physical marks, this type of abuse can lead to severe mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, insomnia, and social withdrawal. 

Residents may suddenly become nonverbal, fearful, or overly submissive. Left unchecked, psychological abuse can diminish a person’s will to live.

Financial Abuse

Financial abuse occurs when a caregiver or staff member steals or misuses a resident’s money or assets. This may involve forging checks, stealing valuables, coercing changes to wills, or misusing benefit payments. Elderly residents often depend on others for financial management, making them easy targets.

Neglect

Neglect happens when a nursing home fails to provide adequate care, including help with mobility, hygiene, food, hydration, or medical treatment. It can result in serious conditions like bed sores, infections, malnutrition, and even death. Family members may notice weight loss, poor personal hygiene, unsanitary living conditions, or untreated medical conditions.

If your loved one has suffered abuse in a nursing home, our Nashville nursing home abuse attorneys are ready to fight for the compensation you and your family deserve.

What Accidents and Injuries Are Associated with Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect?

Abuse and neglect in nursing homes often lead to serious, preventable injuries. Whether caused by careless staff, inadequate supervision, or systemic failures, these injuries can have lifelong or fatal consequences. Families should be aware of the most common signs of harm—both physical and medical—linked to substandard care in Nashville nursing facilities.

Burns

Burns in nursing homes may result from scalding bath water, hot food or beverages, or improper use of heating pads. Residents with limited mobility or cognitive decline are particularly at risk if left unattended during care routines. Even minor burns can lead to severe infections in elderly patients, making prompt and appropriate care essential.

Choking

Choking incidents occur when residents with swallowing difficulties aren’t given proper food textures or feeding assistance. Staff failing to supervise meals or ignoring dietary restrictions can lead to airway blockages, brain injury, or death. This is especially dangerous for patients with neurological or muscular conditions that impair safe eating.

Dehydration and Malnutrition

Lack of access to food and water is a red flag for nursing home neglect. Malnutrition and dehydration can weaken the immune system, delay wound healing, and contribute to bed sores or cognitive decline. Sudden weight loss, dry mouth, and fatigue often signal that a resident’s basic nutritional needs are being ignored.

Elopement

Elopement refers to residents wandering away from a facility unsupervised, which can lead to exposure, injury, or even death. Patients with dementia or Alzheimer’s are particularly vulnerable. Failure to monitor doors, alarms, and patient whereabouts reflects serious lapses in staff oversight and puts residents in immediate danger.

Falls

Falls are one of the most common and devastating accidents in long-term care. Injuries can include hip fractures, broken necks, or traumatic brain injuries like subdural hematomas. Unsafe transfers, faulty Hoyer lift use, and wheelchair-related mishaps are frequent causes. Many of these incidents could be prevented with basic supervision and fall prevention measures.

Infections

Nursing home residents are highly susceptible to infections due to compromised immune systems and close quarters. Poor hygiene and delayed medical care can lead to urinary tract infections, respiratory illnesses, skin and soft tissue infections, or sexually transmitted diseases. In severe cases, infections may progress to sepsis or require amputation.

Medical Malpractice

Negligent medical care, such as medication errors or misdiagnosed conditions, can cause significant harm to elderly residents. Overmedication, missed doses, or administering the wrong drug can result in allergic reactions, organ failure, or cognitive impairment. Failure to follow doctors’ orders or respond to changing conditions may amount to actionable malpractice.

What Are the Signs of Abuse in Nashville Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities?

Abuse in Nashville nursing homes and assisted living facilities can take many forms, and the signs aren’t always immediately obvious. Families should be alert to both physical and behavioral changes in their loved ones.

Unexplained bruises, burns, welts, or broken bones may indicate physical abuse. Repeated falls, bedsores, or poor hygiene may point to neglect. Sexual abuse may be signaled by genital injuries, torn clothing, or sudden fear of certain staff members.

Emotional abuse often presents through changes in mood or behavior. A normally sociable resident may become withdrawn, anxious, or fearful. They may flinch at touch, avoid eye contact, or appear unusually depressed. Signs of financial abuse include missing valuables, unexplained bank withdrawals, or sudden changes to wills or powers of attorney.

Infections, malnutrition, dehydration, and medication errors may also signal serious neglect or medical mistreatment. Family members should document any concerning signs and ask direct questions when something doesn’t seem right.

Abuse often goes unreported, especially when victims feel isolated or afraid. If you suspect your loved one is being harmed, taking swift legal and medical steps is essential to ensure their safety and well-being.

What Legal Rights Do Nursing Home Residents Have in Nashville, TN?

Nursing home residents in Nashville, TN, are protected by both federal and state laws that guarantee their right to safety, dignity, and appropriate care.

At the federal level, the Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987 (part of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) ensures that residents of federally funded nursing homes receive services to maintain or improve their health and well-being. This includes the right to be free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

Tennessee law reinforces these protections. Under the Tennessee Adult Protection Act, it is illegal for any caretaker to knowingly abuse, neglect, or financially exploit an adult who is unable to protect themselves (T.C.A. § 71-6-101).

Additionally, the Tennessee Department of Health enforces strict licensing and oversight rules for long-term care facilities across the state, including in Nashville. Facilities must comply with care standards or face penalties.

If these rights are violated, victims or their families may pursue legal action against the nursing home or its staff.

How Long Do I Have to Take Legal Action?

In Tennessee, victims of nursing home abuse generally have one year to file a lawsuit from the date the injury is discovered, or should have been discovered (T.C.A. § 28-3-104(a)(1)). This time limit applies to claims for personal injury, medical malpractice, and wrongful death. If legal action is not filed within this window, the right to recover damages may be permanently lost.

In cases regarding medical negligence, plaintiffs must provide 60 days’ advance notice before filing and submit a certificate of good faith, as required by T.C.A. § 29-26-121 and § 29-26-122.

Because the statute of limitations in Tennessee is among the shortest in the country, early legal consultation is essential. Delays can jeopardize your family’s right to seek compensation.

Why You Need a Lawyer for a Nursing Home Abuse Case

Hiring a lawyer for a nursing home abuse case is essential to protect your loved one’s rights and hold the facility accountable. These cases are often complex, involving medical records, witness testimony, and multiple layers of liability—from individual staff to corporate owners. 

A qualified nursing home abuse attorney knows how to gather critical evidence, consult medical experts, and build a strong civil case that proves abuse, neglect, or both.

Nursing homes and their insurance companies may deny wrongdoing or attempt quick, low-value settlements. An experienced lawyer can assess the full extent of the harm—including emotional trauma, physical injuries, and future care needs—to pursue fair compensation.

Legal representation also sends a message to the facility that mistreatment will not be ignored. In many cases, filing a lawsuit leads to systemic changes, helping to prevent further harm to other residents.

Tennessee law imposes strict deadlines, and nursing homes often have teams of legal professionals working to limit their liability. A skilled nursing home abuse lawyer can level the playing field, ensure compliance with notice and filing requirements, and advocate for your family’s best interests.

If your loved one has suffered in a Nashville-area nursing home, speaking with a lawyer is a critical first step toward justice.

What to Do if You Suspect a Family Member Has Experienced Abuse in a Nursing Home in Nashville, TN?

If you suspect a family member has experienced abuse in a Nashville nursing home, act quickly to protect their safety and well-being. If you believe a crime has occurred or immediate danger is present, call local law enforcement.

Start by documenting any signs of harm—physical injuries, emotional changes, unexplained weight loss, or poor hygiene. Take photographs, save communications, and note names, dates, and descriptions of concerning events.

Request a meeting with nursing home administrators to voice your concerns and ask about internal reports, care plans, or incident documentation. While doing so, avoid signing anything that waives your legal rights.

Finally, contact a qualified Nashville nursing home abuse lawyer. An attorney can help investigate what happened, secure medical records, and advise you on your legal options. Taking early legal action may prevent further abuse and help your family seek accountability.

How to Report Abuse in a Nashville Nursing Home or Assisted Living Facility

Reporting abuse in a Nashville nursing home or assisted living facility is a critical step in protecting your loved one and holding negligent parties accountable. Start by filing a complaint with the Tennessee Department of Health’s Board for Licensing Health Care Facilities. You can submit concerns online or by calling 1-877-287-0010.

For cases involving elder abuse or exploitation, contact Adult Protective Services (APS) at 1-888-277-8366.

You may also reach out to the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program in Middle Tennessee at (615) 255-1010. The Ombudsman advocates for residents and can help mediate concerns directly with the facility.

After reporting, consider speaking with a Nashville nursing home abuse attorney to better understand your legal rights.

How Much Is a Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit Worth?

Nursing home abuse lawsuit values can vary significantly based on the nature of the harm, the strength of the evidence, and the long-term impact on the victim. According to available case data by Law.com, the median settlement or verdict is approximately $1.27 million, meaning half of the cases resolve for less. 

However, the average value is much higher—over $10.5 million—due to a small number of exceptionally high awards. Overall, case values typically range from $50,000 to more than $250 million, with the largest payouts involving wrongful death, severe neglect, or systemic abuse.

Factors like pain and suffering, medical expenses, and wrongful death all play a role in determining value. Victims or their families may also be awarded punitive damages when misconduct is especially egregious. An experienced Nashville nursing home abuse lawyer can assess the potential value of your case based on the facts and prior outcomes.

Notable Case Example

Martha Jane Pierce, 81, developed severe pressure ulcers after a stroke left her partially paralyzed while residing at Allenbrooke Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Memphis. The wounds became infected and progressed to osteomyelitis, ultimately requiring the amputation of her right leg. She died shortly after from related complications.

The lawsuit alleged grossly inadequate care, chronic understaffing, falsified records, and violations of the Tennessee Adult Protection Act. Experts testified that the nursing home failed to follow standard wound care practices and deliberately understaffed to cut costs.

A jury found Allenbrooke and its management liable for negligence and fraud, awarding $30,035,000 in damages, including:

• $1,650,000 for lost enjoyment of life
• $510,000 for pain and suffering
• $1,362,500 for disfigurement
• $128,000 under the Tennessee Adult Protection Act
• $28,000,000 in punitive damages
• Plus past medical costs and expenses

This landmark verdict reflected the jury’s response to the facility’s systemic neglect and financial motives overriding resident care.

Compensation Awarded in Nursing Facility Pressure Sore Cases

Damages in pressure sore lawsuits typically include payment for medical bills, long-term care, and pain and suffering. When a resident dies due to complications from pressure ulcers—such as infection, amputation, or sepsis—families can pursue compensation for funeral costs and loss of companionship. Emotional distress and loss of dignity are also factored in. 

In some cases, punitive damages are added to punish the facility and prevent future misconduct. The total compensation depends on how the pressure sores developed, how far they progressed, and whether the facility ignored signs of neglect or violated care standards.

What Does the Process of Recovering Compensation Involve?

Recovering compensation in a Nashville nursing home abuse case typically begins with a free initial consultation. During this meeting, a nursing home abuse lawyer will listen to your concerns, review any available evidence, and determine whether your case has legal merit. There’s no cost to you unless the case is successful.

If you move forward, the legal team begins a thorough investigation. This involves gathering medical records, facility inspection reports, witness statements, and any documentation of neglect or abuse. 

Nursing home abuse attorneys may also consult expert witnesses—such as geriatric care specialists or forensic nurses—to establish how the abuse occurred and whether the nursing home violated care standards.

Once enough evidence is collected, the lawyer may file a civil complaint on behalf of the victim or their family. This legal document outlines the claims and the compensation being sought.

Many cases resolve during settlement negotiations. The nursing home or its insurance company may offer a financial settlement to avoid going to trial. Your attorney will advise you whether the offer is fair and whether continued litigation is in your best interest.

If no agreement is reached, the attorney will proceed with filing a lawsuit. The case may go to trial, where both sides present evidence before a judge or jury. If successful, a verdict will be entered awarding damages for medical costs, emotional suffering, and other losses tied to the abuse.

What Factors Contribute to Nursing Home Abuse?

Nursing home abuse is often the result of multiple systemic failures within long-term care facilities. 

One of the most common contributing factors is understaffing. When facilities are short on qualified personnel, residents may be left unattended, increasing the risk of neglect and mistreatment. Overworked or poorly trained staff may also become frustrated, leading to incidents of emotional or physical abuse.

Inadequate staff training plays a major role as well. Staff who are not properly educated on elder care standards may fail to recognize signs of medical distress, mishandle mobility equipment, or neglect hygiene protocols—all of which can lead to serious harm.

Another key factor is a lack of oversight. When management fails to monitor staff behavior or investigate complaints, abusers may continue harming residents unchecked. Poor hiring practices, including insufficient background checks, may also result in dangerous individuals being employed.

Facilities that prioritize profits over care often cut corners, leading to unsafe conditions, neglect, and mistreatment.

What Are the Statistics of Abuse in Nashville Nursing Homes?

Based on publicly available data from Medicare’s Care Compare tool, nursing home abuse and substandard care remain serious concerns in the Nashville area. 

Thirteen of the total 37 nursing homes in Nashville are currently rated “much below average” for overall performance, and nine facilities have been cited for abuse in recent inspection reports. These figures reflect systemic issues that can place elderly and dependent adults at risk of abuse, neglect, and injury.

What Evidence Is Needed to Prove Nursing Home Abuse?

Proving nursing home abuse requires gathering strong, well-documented evidence that supports the victim’s claims. Key evidence often includes medical records, which can show untreated injuries, malnutrition, bed sores, or signs of physical or sexual abuse. These records can help link the harm to inadequate care or neglect.

Photographs of injuries, unsanitary conditions, or signs of poor hygiene can also be powerful visual proof. In some cases, video surveillance footage from common areas may capture abusive behavior or show a lack of supervision.

Eyewitness testimony from staff, other residents, or visitors can further support a claim, especially when multiple people report similar treatment patterns. Facility inspection reports and prior citations from regulatory bodies, such as the Tennessee Department of Health, may show a history of violations.

In financial abuse cases, bank statements, forged documents, and unauthorized transactions are often central to building the case. A skilled attorney can help subpoena these records and consult experts when needed.

Who Is Legally Liable for Abuse in Nashville Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities?

In Nashville nursing homes and assisted living facilities, multiple parties may be legally liable for abuse, neglect, or exploitation of residents.

• The facility itself is often the primary target of legal action, especially when it fails to maintain safe conditions, perform background checks, or adequately train and supervise staff.
• Individual employees—such as aides, nurses, or administrators—can be held accountable for acts of physical abuse, emotional mistreatment, or failure to report incidents.
• Parent companies that own or manage multiple facilities may also be liable if corporate policies contribute to poor staffing levels or pressure to cut corners in care.
• In some cases, third-party contractors, like security personnel or medical providers, may share fault if their negligence led to harm.
• If another resident caused injury, the facility may still be held responsible for failing to intervene or monitor residents properly.

Ultimately, determining liability requires a thorough investigation into staffing, oversight, and whether the facility met its legal duty of care.

FAQs

What happens after I report a Nashville nursing home for abuse?

After a report is filed—either with the Tennessee Department of Health, Adult Protective Services, or a law enforcement agency—an investigation begins. Inspectors may visit the facility, interview staff and residents, review records, and determine whether regulations were violated. 

If abuse or neglect is substantiated, the nursing home may face penalties, citations, or license revocation. At the same time, a civil attorney can begin building a case on your behalf. A legal team can help preserve evidence, request medical records, and file a lawsuit for compensation if your loved one suffered harm.

Can I sue a nursing home over bed sores?

Yes. A civil lawsuit can help recover compensation for medical treatment, pain and suffering, and in severe cases, wrongful death. Many successful cases have resulted in significant verdicts or settlements when facilities were proven to have ignored proper care procedures. 

A nursing home abuse attorney can investigate the conditions that led to the injury and advise you on your legal options.

Who can file a nursing home abuse claim? 

Several parties may have the legal right to file a claim in Tennessee, including:

• The Victim – If the nursing home resident is mentally competent, they can file a claim on their behalf.
• Family Members or Legal Guardians – If a suffering patient is incapacitated or unable to advocate for themselves, immediate family or a legally appointed guardian can initiate legal action.
• Wrongful Death Lawsuits – If nursing home abuse results in the death of a loved one, surviving family members can file a wrongful death claim to seek justice and compensation.

How do I document the development of bed sores?

Start by taking photographs of the sores, including close-up and dated images to track their progression. Request and retain copies of your loved one’s medical records, including wound assessments, care plans, and physician or nursing notes. Keep a personal log of symptoms, complaints, and any conversations with staff or facility administrators. 

If you observe missed repositioning or poor hygiene, write down the details. Ask for documentation related to staff schedules and incident reports, especially if your loved one was hospitalized. Having this information available not only supports a potential legal claim but also helps ensure your family member receives appropriate medical attention. 

A nursing home abuse attorney can assist in preserving and obtaining additional facility records.

How do I know if my loved one’s death was preventable?

Determining whether a death in a nursing home was preventable often requires a legal and medical review. Warning signs include untreated infections, falls, malnutrition, dehydration, or bed sores—any of which can lead to serious complications if not addressed. 

If staff failed to provide timely care, monitor vital signs, or respond to medical emergencies, their actions—or inaction—may constitute negligence. An experienced nursing home abuse attorney can work with medical experts to review records, evaluate the cause of death, and determine if proper protocols were followed. 

In wrongful death cases, families may be entitled to compensation if neglect or abuse is shown to have contributed to the fatal outcome.

How much does a Nashville nursing home abuse attorney cost?

Most nursing home abuse attorneys, including those at our firm, work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront. The lawyer’s fees are only collected if your case results in a financial recovery through settlement or verdict. 

This allows families to access quality legal representation without worrying about out-of-pocket expenses during an already difficult time.

How do I choose a nursing home abuse lawyer to hire?

Look for a lawyer with specific experience in nursing home abuse and neglect cases. They should have a proven record of handling cases involving bed sores, falls, physical abuse, and wrongful death. Check for client reviews, peer ratings, and published verdicts or settlements. 

A good nursing home abuse attorney will offer a free consultation, speak with compassion and clarity, and explain your rights without pressuring you to act. Ask about their familiarity with Tennessee elder care laws and local facilities. 

It’s also important to choose a legal team that understands trauma-informed representation and is equipped to deal with sensitive family matters with care and discretion.

Can I move my family member to a different facility while the lawsuit is ongoing?

Yes, you can move your loved one to another nursing home at any point—even while a lawsuit is pending. In fact, relocating them may be essential to ensure their safety and well-being. If abuse or neglect is suspected, it’s wise to prioritize their health and place them in a trusted environment. 

Moving does not negatively impact your legal case. In many instances, the new facility may assist in documenting past injuries or poor care. Be sure to keep medical records, transfer paperwork, and any documentation of previous neglect, as this will help support your ongoing claim against the original facility.

Consult a Nashville Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Near You!

At Nursing Home Law Center, our dedicated Tennessee nursing home abuse lawyers are committed to protecting residents’ rights and ensuring they receive the care and dignity they deserve.

If your loved one has suffered abuse or neglect, we are here to help. Our personal injury law firm has a proven track record of successfully handling elder abuse claims in Nashville. Call us at (800) 926–7565 or complete our contact form.

Our team is familiar with Nashville’s great neighborhoods and the unique challenges families face when placing their loved ones in nursing facilities. If your family member has been harmed at a nursing home in the greater Nashville area, contact one of our local nursing home abuse lawyers today. We serve Davidson, Williamson, and Rutherford counties, as well as the following neighborhoods and beyond:

• 12 South
• Belmont-Hillsboro
• Downtown Nashville
• East Nashville
• Germantown
• Hillsboro Village
• Midtown
• South Broadway
• Sylvan Park
• The Gulch
• Wedgewood-Houston