Savannah Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Nursing home abuse is a heartbreaking reality that affects some of our most vulnerable citizens.

Elderly residents depend on assisted living facilities for care and support, and sadly, instances of nursing home neglect, abuse, and wrongful death can occur when nursing homes fail in their duty to provide proper care.

If you or a loved one has suffered due to abuse or neglect, it’s essential to contact an experienced Savannah nursing home abuse lawyer who can help you seek justice and financial compensation.

Why Hire Nursing Home Law Center

At Nursing Home Law Center, we are focused on securing justice and compensation for victims of nursing home abuse. Our experienced legal team has a strong track record of handling abuse cases with care and achieving substantial settlements and verdicts.

We thoroughly investigate each case to ensure that all damages, including medical costs, emotional suffering, and other losses, are properly addressed. With deep expertise in nursing home abuse claims, we effectively manage the legal process and fight relentlessly to protect your rights.

We offer compassionate and clear communication, ensuring you and your loved ones feel supported and informed at every stage.

Types of Cases Handled by Our Savannah Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers

Nursing home abuse occurs when residents in assisted living facilities are subjected to harm, whether through intentional acts or neglect. Abuse can take many forms, and our team of nursing home abuse lawyers is equipped to handle a variety of cases, including:

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse involves intentional harm, including broken bones, bruises, or the misuse of restraints. Elderly residents who are physically abused may suffer from physical injuries as well as emotional trauma.

Mental and Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse involves causing psychological harm through verbal threats, isolation, or humiliation. This form of abuse can be challenging to detect but leaves lasting scars on the mental health of residents.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse in nursing homes is a violation of personal safety and dignity. Vulnerable residents who suffer from this form of abuse face long-term psychological damage in many cases.

Medical Malpractice

When nursing homes fail to provide adequate medical care, residents may suffer from bedsores, infections, and medication errors. Neglect of medical needs can lead to life-threatening conditions and even wrongful death.

Negligence

Negligence occurs when care facilities fail to provide basic needs, such as food, water, hygiene, or proper supervision. Malnutrition, dehydration, and unsanitary conditions are signs of neglect that can severely impact the health of our elderly loved ones.

Financial Abuse

Financial exploitation involves manipulating vulnerable residents into giving away their money or assets. Financial abuse can include theft, unauthorized withdrawals, or coercion to alter wills or other legal documents.

Wrongful Death

In the most tragic cases, nursing home abuse or neglect can lead to wrongful death. Families who have lost a loved one in Georgia nursing homes may be entitled to seek justice through a wrongful death claim.

Understanding Your Legal Rights

Nursing home residents are protected by federal and state laws that establish standards for care in nursing facilities.

Under the Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987, nursing homes must provide services that promote residents’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

In Georgia, nursing home facilities must also comply with state regulations that protect residents from elder abuse and neglect.

Eligibility to File a Claim

Family members or the residents themselves can file a claim against a negligent nursing home for abuse. In cases where a resident has passed away, any surviving family member may file a wrongful death lawsuit to seek justice.

Liability in Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse Cases 

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

• Nursing Home Facilities: If an assisted living facility fails to meet federal or state care standards, it can be held liable for neglect cases and abuse.
• Staff Members: Direct caregivers and other staff members may be at fault for inflicting physical, emotional, or financial abuse on a nursing home resident.
• Medical Professionals: Doctors and nurses may be responsible for medical malpractice, such as failing to provide adequate care or making medication errors.

How Our Savannah Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys Can Help

Our law firm has a dedicated team of Savannah nursing home abuse lawyers with years of experience handling elder abuse cases. Here’s how we assist families in seeking justice and fair compensation for nursing home neglect:

• Free Case Evaluation: We offer a free consultation to assess your case and provide initial legal guidance.
• Case Investigation: Our team will thoroughly investigate the nursing home abuse, gathering evidence such as medical records, witness testimony, and facility reports.
• Filing the Claim: We’ll handle all aspects of filing your nursing home abuse claim, ensuring all responsible parties are identified.
• Settlement Negotiation: Our goal is to negotiate a fair settlement that covers medical expenses, emotional anguish, and other damages.
• Trial Representation: If a settlement cannot be reached, our nursing home abuse attorneys are prepared to take your case to trial and fight for the justice you deserve.

Common Signs of Elder Abuse Among Nursing Home Residents 

There are 20 Medicare-approved nursing homes in Savannah, Georgia, and many of these facilities are struggling with their overall ratings and inspections.

Specifically, 10 of personal care homes, or 50%, have received an overall rating of below or much below average.

Health inspections present challenges, as eight long-term care facilities, or 40%, scored poorly in this category. This low rating suggests widespread issues related to compliance with state and federal health regulations, potentially affecting residents’ well-being.

Staffing levels are a critical concern, with 12 nursing homes (60%) receiving below-average ratings. These scores reflect difficulties in providing consistent, adequate care for residents, which impacts their day-to-day well-being and long-term health.

Lastly, eight nursing homes (40%) received low ratings in quality measures, indicating a significant issue in maintaining residents’ overall quality of care. [1]

The worst-rated nursing homes in Savannah include:

Nursing home abuse can be challenging to detect, but here are some common signs to watch for:

• Unexplained injuries (bruises, broken bones)
• Bedsores or signs of neglect
• Sudden weight loss or malnutrition
• Dehydration
• Poor hygiene or unsanitary living conditions
• Withdrawal or depression
• Unexplained financial transactions

What to Do If You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse

If you suspect that a loved one is suffering from nursing home abuse, take immediate action:

• Call 911 if there is immediate danger.
• Report to the nursing home administrator or management to address the issue directly.
• File a complaint with your local Ombudsman’s office, which investigates elder abuse cases and advocates for nursing home residents.
• Contact a nursing home abuse lawyer for legal representation and to begin the process of seeking justice for your loved one.

Damages You Can Recover Through a Nursing Home Abuse Claim

When pursuing a nursing home abuse claim, victims and their families may be entitled to recover various types of damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages compensate for the tangible financial losses associated with the abuse or neglect. Examples include:

• Medical Expenses: Costs for treatment, hospitalization, medication, and ongoing care related to the abuse.
• Rehabilitation Costs: Fees for physical therapy, counseling, or other recovery services.
• Relocation Expenses: Costs incurred for moving the resident to a safer facility.
• Lost Wages or Benefits: Compensation for income lost by residents or family members who had to take time off work to care for the abused resident or address the consequences of the abuse.

Non-Economic Damages

Noneconomic damages address the more subjective, emotional impacts of nursing home abuse. These include:

• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional trauma endured by the victim.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Damages for the diminished quality of life due to abuse or neglect.
• Mental Anguish: Compensation for the psychological impact of the abuse, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress.
• Loss of Companionship: In wrongful death cases, families may receive compensation for the loss of a loved one’s companionship and support.

Punitive Damages

In cases where the abuse is particularly egregious or intentional, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the at-fault party and deter similar conduct in the future.

The Cost of Hiring a Savannah Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Our law firm works on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no legal fees unless we win your case. This service allows families to seek justice without worrying about upfront costs. Contact us for a free consultation today to discuss your case with an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer.

You Have Limited Time to Take Legal Action in Savannah

Georgia nursing home abuse cases are subject to the state’s statute of limitations, which limits the time you have to file a claim. It’s crucial to act promptly to ensure your legal rights are protected. Our Savannah nursing home abuse lawyers can help you meet the necessary deadlines and guide you through the legal process.

Contact a Savannah Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Today!

If you or a family member has suffered from nursing home neglect or abuse, don’t wait to seek justice. Our dedicated Georgia nursing home abuse lawyers are here to provide legal representation, fight for your loved one’s rights, and help you recover the compensation you deserve. 

Contact us for a free consultation today and take the first step toward holding negligent facilities accountable.

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

References: [1] Medicare