How To Prove Nursing Home Abuse? Nursing Home Lawyer Explains

More While our aging loved ones deserve to be treated with dignity, many nursing homes fall short of this standard. Inadequate care is far too common, with many of our community’s elderly at risk for nursing home negligence and abuse. If your loved one has experienced abuse at the hands of caregivers, our nursing home […]
Published:  April 22, 2022

While our aging loved ones deserve to be treated with dignity, many nursing homes fall short of this standard.

Inadequate care is far too common, with many of our community’s elderly at risk for nursing home negligence and abuse.

If your loved one has experienced abuse at the hands of caregivers, our nursing home lawyers can help. We are committed to protecting care facility residents, offering trust legal representation when your family needs it most.

What Are Signs of Nursing Home Abuse?

Watch for the following signs and symptoms of nursing home negligence and abuse:

Physical Abuse

  • Bedsores
  • Fractures or broken bones
  • Bruises, burns, etc.
  • Lacerations, cuts, scrapes, etc.
  • Illness or infection
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Malnutrition
  • Dehydration
  • Fatigue or trouble sleeping
  • Lack of personal hygiene
  • Dirty bed linens or clothing

Emotional Abuse

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Trauma or PTSD symptoms
  • Sudden aggressive behavior
  • Substance abuse
  • Suicidal ideations or actions 

Sexual Abuse

  • Unexplained sexually transmitted diseases
  • Bruising or welts around genitals
  • Inappropriate physical contact with caretakers/staff

Common Ways To Prove Nursing Home Abuse 

Your nursing home abuse lawyer may recommend the following to strengthen your case:

Document Signs of Abuse

Watch carefully for any signs of nursing home abuse, then write down each instance. This record will be extremely helpful to your nursing home lawyer as they gather evidence.

Gather Elderly Victims Nursing Home & Medical Records

Take a thorough look at your loved one’s medical records, checking for any inconsistencies. Look for hospital visits or any indicators of abuse or neglect.

Take Photographs

Snap some pictures of your loved one’s injuries or living conditions to prove substandard care. This may include unchanged sheets, fall risks, bedsores, etc. 

Check Ombudsman Complaints

Many ombudsman programs retain records of complaints. Check to see if the nursing home or assisted living facility has a history of complaints.

Gather Witness Statements

Your loved one is not likely the facility’s first victim. Your nursing home abuse lawyer can help collect witness statements from other residents, family members, staff and more.

Audit Inspections and Licenses

Check to see if the nursing home has a record of violating state requirements. Also, check if the facility’s licenses are current.

Hire a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Proving nursing home negligence or abuse can be difficult, but an experienced attorney can help. Our team will advocate on your family’s behalf, offering trusted legal representation as we help you navigate the legal process.  

How to Prove Your Nursing Home Abuse In Court? 

To hold the nursing home accountable, you must prove the following:

  • The nursing home owed the resident a duty of care 
  • The nursing home failed to uphold the duty of care
  • The resident suffered harm as a result

Common Damages in A Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit

Your loved one may be eligible for compensation for:

  • Medical expenses (cost of treatment)
  • Physical pain and suffering
  • Emotional trauma/distress
  • Mental pain and suffering

In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded, serving as punishment for the at-fault party’s actions.

Ask A Nursing Home Lawyer: How To File A Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit

If you suspect nursing home negligence or abuse, The Mike Hostilo Law Firm can help. Our nursing home lawyers will fight for the compensation your loved one is entitled to – and the high-quality care they deserve. Our experienced team will handle your abuse lawsuit from start to finish, offering trustworthy legal advice each step of the way. 

We are proud to serve abuse and wrongful death victims and their families in the following areas: 

GEORGIA LAWYERS

Albany, GA
Atlanta, GA
Augusta, GA
Columbus, GA
Macon, GA
(Park of Commerce) Savannah, GA
(Abercorn) Savannah, GA
Statesboro, GA 
Warner Robins, GA

SOUTH CAROLINA LAWYERS 

Aiken, SC
Beaufort, SC 
North Charleston, SC 

ALABAMA LAWYERS 

Phenix City, AL

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© 2023 Michael G. Hostilo, LLC
All Rights Reserved.
Locations - South CarolinaBeaufort
Law Offices - AlabamaPhenix City
*"Contingent attorneys” "No fee unless you win or collect" and "You only pay us if we win your personal injury claim" fees refer only to those fees charged by attorneys for their legal services. Such fees are not permitted in all types of cases. Court costs and other additional expenses of legal action usually must be paid by the client.

Any result the lawyer or law firm may achieve on behalf of one client in one matter does not necessarily indicate similar results can be obtained for other clients.

Mike Hostilo is not licensed to practice law in South Carolina.
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