Most nursing homes are operated by large corporate chains or private equity firms that have substantial resources to fight claims. They’ll deny allegations of abuse and neglect, blame the residents’ health conditions, and muddy the legal waters at the expense of victims of horrendous abuse and neglect. An experienced nursing home abuse lawyer can level the playing field and give you the best shot at obtaining justice for your loved one.
As one of the leading elder abuse law firms in the United States, we fearlessly stand up to nursing homes and insurance companies. If you suspect nursing home abuse, call our California nursing home abuse attorneys at 888-887-9777 today for a free consultation.
What a Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Does
A nursing home abuse lawyer is an advocate for your loved one and your family when you suspect neglect or abuse in a nursing home. Here is how a nursing home neglect lawyer can help you:
- Assist you with reporting the nursing home to the authorities.
- Investigate the abuse and neglect.
- Gather evidence to build your claim.
- Consult with experts to prove your claim and calculate damages.
- File your nursing home abuse lawsuit and aggressively litigate your case.
- Negotiate a fair and full settlement.
- Fight for you and your loved one in court.
It takes substantial medical and legal knowledge to hold nursing homes accountable. This is where we come in. We are experienced lawyers dedicated to advocating for elder abuse victims with passion and precision.
Investigating Nursing Home Abuse
Our nursing home abuse lawyers are compassionate advocates who can help investigate nursing home abuse. We have the resources and experience to get answers. We take nursing home abuse seriously and waste no time.
We’ll get right to work to uncover the truth, starting with the following:
- Review your loved one’s medical records.
- Check the facility’s complaint and violation history.
- Review the facility’s policies and procedures, incident reports, and staff logs.
- Obtain photographs of the injuries.
- Preserve video surveillance that documents abuse or substandard care.
- Talk to the staff, residents, or visitors who witnessed abuse or poor conditions.
- Speak with family members about their loved one’s health decline and symptoms.
- Consult with psychologists who can connect symptoms to abuse or neglect.
- Consult with medical experts to assess the care your loved one received.
Securing Justice and Compensation
Even with strong evidence, an attorney must have the resources, skill, and determination to stay in the battle for as long as it takes to fight for maximum compensation in a nursing home abuse claim, even if it means going to trial.
The insurance company’s lawyers will try to dismantle every argument and dispute every piece of evidence. You need a firm with the knowledge, passion, and perseverance to fight for your loved one.
At Lanzone Morgan, LLP, we have recovered over $250 million for nursing home abuse victims and grieving families. We prepare every case for trial from the beginning. Our track record leads many companies to settle cases and avoid litigation. However, if an insurance company refuses to pay fair and full compensation, we will be prepared to prove your claim in court.
Why Legal Representation Matters in Nursing Home Abuse Cases
Nursing home providers and insurance companies use their wealth and superior knowledge to intimidate victims and game the legal system. Here are just a few examples of the tactics we see in nursing home abuse cases:
- Blaming injuries on underlying medical conditions or an overall decline in health
- Alleging the victims caused their own injuries
- Accusing family members of failing to report concerns
- Downplaying the severity of the injuries
- Denying that the facility failed to provide good care
- Dragging their feet in processing claims
- Withholding evidence or delaying turning it over
- Attacking the credibility of eyewitnesses and expert witnesses
When you have an effective nursing home abuse law firm on your side, no maneuver can shield a nursing home from the truth.
When Should You Seek Nursing Home Abuse Legal Help?
If you suspect your loved one has experienced abuse or neglect, now is the time to call a lawyer. Abuse will likely continue until someone takes action. Meanwhile, evidence of nursing home abuse or neglect can quickly disappear, and eyewitnesses forget details over time.
Many families have asked us whether a nursing home will retaliate if they call an attorney. This is a valid concern. However, we can discuss the possibility of retaliation with you. When your attorney starts asking questions, the facility knows someone is watching who has the power to hold them accountable.
Recognizing the Warning Signs of Abuse and Neglect
The warning signs of nursing home abuse and neglect can be subtle, even after your loved one has experienced significant physical or psychological harm. Ongoing abuse and neglect carry a high risk of permanent injuries and death. Familiarizing yourself with the following signs and symptoms ahead of time can help you detect abuse earlier:
- Repeated admissions to the emergency room with no good explanations
- Vague answers from staff about bruising, broken bones, or other injuries
- Personality changes, such as withdrawal, increased agitation, and anxiety
- Rapid weight loss or health decline
- Constant sedation or excessive sleepiness every time you visit
- Unkempt appearance or strong odors
- Infections or bedsores
- Wet or soiled diapers
- Unnecessary use of an indwelling catheter
Act Now if You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse
If you suspect your loved one has experienced abuse or neglect—even if you only have a gut feeling—take action now. There is no need to wait until you have proof. To report abuse to the California Department of Health, call 800-554-0354 or file a complaint online.
The Long-Term Care Ombudsman is an advocate for nursing home residents. Every nursing home is required to publish contact information for the local ombudsman in a conspicuous area. The ombudsman can visit your loved one and investigate abuse. You can reach the 24-hour statewide CRISIS Line by calling 800-231-4024.
If you suspect abuse, speak with an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer immediately. A lawyer can investigate, help you file your report, build your legal claim, and fight for justice.
“Lanzone Morgan is one of the leading elder abuse law firms in the United States. We litigate elder and nursing home abuse cases on behalf of elderly or dependent adults and their families to protect their rights. We help those suffering from abuse by caretakers, nursing homes, and other facilities because every life deserves dignity. Call Lanzone Morgan for a free consultation so we can put an end to abuse and neglect for you and your family.”
Why Families Trust Lanzone Morgan, LLP
Our California nursing home abuse law firm is dedicated to holding nursing homes accountable, and we don’t take it lightly when you trust us with your claim. Everyone in our firm, from support staff to senior partners, will treat your family with empathy and respect.
With over $250 million in compensation recovered and 75+ years of combined experience, we are one of the nation’s leading elder abuse law firms. We will not settle for less than you deserve. Here are examples of case results we’ve obtained for our clients:
- $3 million settlement for a resident who developed an infected bedsore
- $2.3 million verdict for a neglected 84-year-old resident.
- $1.2 million wrongful death settlement involving a resident who starved to death
We handle cases across California. If you suspect nursing home abuse, call 888-887-9777 or contact us online immediately for a free consultation.