Tennessee Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit Settlements

After discovering signs of abuse or neglect in a care facility, many families turn to Tennessee nursing home abuse lawsuit settlements to understand what steps they can take. At Nursing Home Law Center, we focus exclusively on protecting older adults who have experienced abuse or neglect in long-term care settings.

Whether the case involves physical injuries, emotional abuse, financial exploitation, or wrongful death, our experienced attorneys know how to hold negligent facilities accountable under Tennessee law.

We understand how difficult these situations can be, both for the residents directly affected and for the family members trying to protect them. Our team offers a free consultation to help you understand your legal options and determine the next steps for your personal injury claims. Your family deserves answers–and we’re here to help you get them.

Nursing Home Settlement Amounts Recovered by Our Legal Team

Our Tennessee nursing home abuse lawyers have years of experience representing victims of nursing home abuse and neglect, helping families seek justice and financial relief through settlements and legal action.

$2,150,000 Wrongful Death Settlement

Patricia, a 79-year-old resident in a West Tennessee nursing home, developed multiple facility-acquired pressure ulcers that progressed to Stage IV. Despite visible signs of infection, staff failed to provide timely wound care, leading to sepsis and her death.

Her family filed a wrongful death lawsuit, citing nursing home negligence and poor documentation. The nursing home settlement reached $2,150,000 after records showed prior citations from the Tennessee Department of Health for inadequate wound management.

$1,700,000 Nursing Home Fall Settlement

Margaret, an 82-year-old resident, suffered a severe fall in a nursing home, resulting in a subdural hematoma and a fractured hip. Staff members failed to monitor her properly, despite known fall risks noted in her medical records.

The facility’s history of prior fall-related violations with the Tennessee Department of Health played a role in increasing the case’s value. Our nursing home abuse lawyers secured a $1.7 million settlement.

$1,500,000 Group Nursing Home Neglect Settlement

Jerome, a 67-year-old man living in a group care facility, was physically assaulted by other residents after staff failed to intervene. His family had previously reported safety concerns to Adult Protective Services, which had issued warnings to the facility. The staff’s inaction and lack of supervision contributed to his lasting injuries. His case was resolved for $1.5 million after aggressive legal action.

$1,250,000 Wrongful Death Settlement

After choking on improperly prepared food, Linda, an elderly woman with known swallowing difficulties, died in a nursing home. Staff ignored her dietary restrictions, violating care standards outlined in her medical plan.

Her surviving family members pursued a wrongful death claim to recover funeral costs and other damages. They reached a $1.25 million nursing home settlement without going to court. The case involved support from medical experts and state-level oversight documentation.

What Types of Damages Can Be Recovered Through Lawsuits Against Nursing and Assisted Living Facilities?

When nursing home residents suffer abuse or neglect, the impact extends beyond physical injuries. Tennessee law allows victims and their families to pursue compensation for a range of losses.

Whether filing a personal injury claim or a wrongful death nursing home lawsuit, these damages are meant to address both immediate needs and long-term consequences. Below are some of the most common forms of financial compensation recovered in nursing home abuse cases.

Medical Expenses

Victims of nursing home negligence often require extensive medical treatment–from emergency care and hospital stays to rehabilitation and ongoing therapy. These costs can add up quickly, especially when treating pressure ulcers, broken bones, or complications from medication errors.

Lawsuits can recover compensation for past and future medical bills related to the abuse or neglect. Accessing medical records early in the legal process is essential to documenting these damages accurately.

Emotional Distress

The emotional toll of elder abuse can be just as severe as the physical injuries. Many older persons experience anxiety, depression, or fear after being mistreated by caregivers or staff members.

In Tennessee, nursing home abuse lawsuits can include damages for emotional distress, especially in cases involving emotional abuse, financial exploitation, or egregious misconduct. These claims acknowledge the psychological suffering endured by residents and their families.

Relocation Costs

When a care facility proves unsafe, families often have no choice but to move their loved one to a safer facility. The costs of breaking contracts, transporting the resident, and securing new accommodations can be significant.

A nursing home lawsuit can include these relocation expenses as part of the financial compensation sought. Ensuring a safer environment for the victim is often a top priority for families taking legal action.

What Is the Average Nursing Home Lawsuit Settlement in Tennessee?

According to Law.com’s VerdictSearch, the average settlement for nursing home abuse cases in Tennessee is approximately $16,978,274, with reported case values ranging from $1.2 million to nearly $33.9 million.

Several factors influence how much a nursing home settlement or verdict might be:

• Severity of harm: Cases involving wrongful death, severe bedsores, or permanent disability often result in higher compensation.
• Type of abuse or neglect: Physical injuries, emotional abuse, and medical errors each carry different legal and financial weight.
• Evidence available: Strong documentation from medical records, testimony from staff members, and expert evaluations can significantly increase case value.
• Involvement of state agencies: Prior violations documented by the Tennessee Department of Health or Adult Protective Services can support claims of ongoing negligence.
• County venue: The most common venue for these cases is Shelby County, TN, which may reflect local trends in jury verdicts or settlement practices.

Most awards are resolved through nursing home settlements, verdicts, or arbitration, with outcomes nearly always favoring the plaintiff.

Example Nursing Home Abuse Cases

$33.9M Verdict in Wrongful Death Case Involving Repeated Falls and Delayed Care

Cheatum Myers, a elderly man with dementia, fell eight times while residing at NHC HealthCare/McMinnville. Following a fall in January 2005, he was diagnosed days later with a non-displaced hip fracture. Despite his doctor’s orders, the staff had him bear weight, worsening his condition.

After hip surgery, Myers returned to the facility where he developed pressure sores, leg contractures, and urosepsis, ultimately suffering a fatal heart attack. His daughters alleged nursing home negligence and wrongful death. Plaintiffs argued that short-staffing and poor fall prevention measures reflected a business model focused on profit over care.

The jury awarded over $4.1 million in compensatory damages and $29.8 million in punitive damages, though most punitive awards were later vacated. The case highlights serious failures in fall prevention, delayed treatment, and the emotional toll on family members.

$30 Million Verdict After Amputation and Fatal Infection

Martha Jane Pierce, 81, developed pressure injuries at Allenbrooke Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Memphis after returning from a hospital stay following a stroke. Despite the presence of open wounds and signs of infection, staff failed to provide proper wound care. The ulcers worsened, leading to osteomyelitis and an eventual leg amputation. Pierce died months later from complications.

Her estate representative alleged that the facility falsified records, failed to follow care standards, and violated the Tennessee Adult Protection Act. Plaintiffs presented evidence of staffing cuts, a profit-driven model, and charting fraud.

A jury awarded over $30 million, including $28 million in punitive damages for egregious misconduct and violations of state laws. The case stands out as a powerful example of how nursing home neglect and mismanagement can have devastating consequences for residents and their families.

$2.77 Million Arbitration Award in Nursing Home Negligence Case Involving Malnutrition

Voncil Sherrod, 76, was admitted to High Pointe Health and Rehabilitation in Memphis with several pre-existing conditions. During her stay, she suffered from worsening pressure sores, dehydration, malnutrition, and septic shock.

Her family alleged that Sherrod was left in unsafe conditions, denied proper repositioning, and not provided essential diabetic medications or pain relief. They also presented evidence of staffing manipulation and profit-focused policies imposed by corporate owners. Falsified records, ignored care needs, and staffing decisions made by non-clinical executives all contributed to the facility’s liability.

The arbitration panel awarded $2.77 million for pain and suffering, medical bills, attorney fees, and $1.5 million in punitive damages. Though the panel did not find for wrongful death, it did find medical malpractice and violations of the Tennessee Adult Protection Act.

This case illustrates the deep emotional toll elder abuse can have and underscores the need to hold facilities accountable through legal action.

$1.2 Million Settlement Reached After Fatal Choking Incident at Tennessee Nursing Home

Clay Nelson, 76, died after choking on a large piece of food during an unsupervised meal at a nursing home in south-central Tennessee. Despite dietary restrictions and known swallowing issues, staff failed to monitor him while eating. Paramedics later removed multiple pieces of pear from his airway.

Although the initial cause of death was listed as a heart attack, it was revised to asphyxiation due to food blockage. Nelson’s family filed a wrongful death lawsuit, citing nursing home negligence and short staffing as primary causes. The facility, which remains unnamed, denied liability and argued that the death resulted from natural causes.

The family sought damages for conscious pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of companionship. Just days before arbitration, the case settled for $1.2 million. This nursing home abuse settlement reflects the importance of following care plans and maintaining safe conditions for older adults, especially those with known medical risks.

What Are the Common Signs You Should Consider an Elder Abuse Lawsuit?

If your loved one lives in a Tennessee nursing home, you expect them to receive proper medical care, respectful treatment, and a safe environment. But when residents suffer harm due to abuse or neglect, families often face difficult questions about how to respond.

Recognizing the warning signs of mistreatment is the first step toward protecting your loved one–and others in the facility. The following issues are often grounds for filing a nursing home abuse lawsuit.

Physical Abuse

Unexplained bruises, cuts, burns, or broken bones may be signs of physical abuse in a nursing home. Residents with dementia or other cognitive conditions may not be able to communicate what happened, making it critical for family members to stay alert. Repeated injuries, restraint marks, or hesitation around certain staff members can indicate physical mistreatment.

If your loved one has suffered injuries without a clear explanation, a nursing home abuse lawyer can review medical records and determine whether you have grounds to hold negligent facilities accountable.

Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse often goes unnoticed but can leave lasting psychological harm. Watch for sudden shifts in mood, withdrawal from social activities, unexplained fearfulness, or signs of depression. Some residents may stop speaking, appear anxious, or become visibly distressed around certain staff members.

Verbal insults, threats, humiliation, and intentional isolation are common forms of emotional mistreatment. Although there may be no physical signs, the impact on a resident’s well-being can be severe. If your loved one shows these warning signs, legal action may be needed to protect them and prevent further mistreatment within the care facility.

Financial Exploitation

Sudden changes in banking activity, missing personal belongings, forged checks, or unexplained charges may indicate financial abuse. Elderly adults are especially vulnerable to exploitation, especially if they rely on facility staff for help with personal finances or transactions.

Some negligent nursing homes fail to safeguard residents’ funds or actively enable theft by employees. Under Tennessee law, families can file personal injury claims for losses related to financial exploitation. Legal action may be necessary to recover stolen assets and protect residents from further abuse.

Sexual Abuse

Any signs of unwanted sexual contact or inappropriate behavior in a nursing home setting must be taken seriously. Indicators may include bruising in the genital area, sexually transmitted infections, or sudden changes in behavior or mood. Residents with memory loss or limited mobility are especially at risk.

In some nursing home sexual abuse cases, other residents or facility employees are responsible. A lawsuit can help ensure the victim receives appropriate medical treatment and emotional support, while also triggering investigations by Adult Protective Services or the Tennessee Department of Health. Exposing such egregious misconduct helps prevent further harm to your loved one or other residents.

Neglect

Facilities often fail to provide residents with the basic care they need, such as hygiene, hydration, nutrition, or medication. Common signs of nursing home neglect include significant weight loss, pressure ulcers, untreated infections, poor hygiene, and worsening health conditions.

Older persons who are immobile or require assistance with daily tasks are particularly vulnerable. If your loved one appears unkempt, lethargic, or frequently ill, the facility may be failing to meet its duty of care. Filing a nursing home lawsuit can help stop the neglect and ensure a safer facility for others.

Wrongful Death

When abuse or neglect leads to a resident’s death, surviving family members may be eligible to file a wrongful death nursing home lawsuit under Tennessee law. Cases may involve fatal infections, severe bedsores, malnutrition, choking incidents, or undiagnosed medical emergencies.

If your loved one died unexpectedly while under the care of a nursing or assisted living facility, a legal review can help determine whether negligence played a role. Wrongful death cases can result in financial compensation for funeral expenses, medical bills, and the emotional impact on the surviving family.

What Legal Protections Are There for Tennessee Victims of Nursing Home Abuse?

The Tennessee Adult Protection Act exists to shield vulnerable adults—especially those in nursing homes—from abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation. This Act requires mandatory reporting of suspected abuse by any person who has reason to believe it has occurred. The purpose is to ensure that the state can intervene and stop further harm.

Under T.C.A. § 71-6-102, Tennessee law defines abuse or neglect as a situation involving a caretaker who:

• Inflicts physical pain, injury, or mental anguish
• Denies services necessary for an adult’s health and welfare
• Creates a situation where the adult is unable to access care or protection, including financial exploitation
• Knowingly abandons or fails to assist an adult who cannot care for themselves

These legal definitions form the basis for filing nursing home abuse cases. Tennessee has a one-year statute of limitations for most personal injury and wrongful death cases, including those involving nursing home negligence or abuse.

Failing to act within this timeframe may result in the case being permanently dismissed, making it essential to contact a nursing home abuse attorney as soon as possible.

Tennessee has several agencies that play a critical role in protecting nursing home residents and helping families seek accountability when staff members fail to provide appropriate care.

• Tennessee Department of Health – Oversees licensing and inspections for nursing homes across the state. The agency investigates complaints, monitors staffing levels, and ensures compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Adult Protective Services (APS) – Investigates reports involving older persons or vulnerable adults facing abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation, regardless of where the abuse occurs. Reports can be made by family members, healthcare providers, or anyone with reason to believe an adult is at risk.
• Tennessee Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program – Advocates for the rights and well-being of residents in long-term care settings, including nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Ombudsmen help resolve complaints, ensure residents are treated with dignity, and support families who are concerned about the quality of care.

What Does the Legal Process of Filing a Nursing Home Lawsuit in Tennessee Involve?

Filing a nursing home abuse lawsuit in Tennessee begins with a free case review, where our experienced attorneys review the details of the case. After accepting the case, we gather medical treatment records, care plans, staffing logs, and inspection reports. These documents often reveal patterns of nursing home negligence or failures in care.

Reports from the Tennessee Department of Health or Adult Protective Services may also be used to support the claim. Experts may be consulted to confirm how the resident was harmed and whether proper care could have prevented it.

Next, a lawsuit is filed in the appropriate court–typically in the county where the nursing home is located. Once filed, our legal team begins negotiations with the facility’s insurance company to reach a nursing home abuse settlement.

If a fair agreement isn’t reached, we’re prepared to go to trial. Throughout the process, our nursing home abuse lawyers manage all steps of the legal process, keeping families informed and focused on recovery.

Book a Free Consultation to Understand Your Legal Options

If you suspect your loved one has suffered from nursing home abuse or neglect in a Tennessee nursing home or assisted living facility, we’re here to help. At Nursing Home Law Center, we offer a free, confidential consultation to review your situation and help you decide whether legal action is appropriate for your situation.

We’ll take time to review the facts, look over available records, and give you an honest assessment of your legal options. If we move forward with your case, there are no upfront costs. We work on a contingency basis–meaning you don’t pay us unless we recover the compensation your family deserves.

Contact us today to speak with an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer.