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Nursing Home Abuse Attorney

a neglected senior in a wheelchair

A neglected senior in a wheelchair. Victims of nursing home abuse deserve better.

As our population grows older, the country must increasingly depend on specialized institutions for our elderly population–specifically nursing homes and skilled care facilities.

The nursing home injury lawyers at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm represent families and individuals harmed by elder abuse throughout the country. Our commitment to this area of the law is comprehensive–we can even travel to you at no extra cost, as we bring decades of experience and unparalleled insight from our 10,000+ resolved nursing home abuse and neglect cases.

Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer FAQs

Each case and family affected by nursing home abuse is unique, but there are common questions that clients frequently ask. We’ve provided the answers to them here so you can easily access the information you need.

Should You File a Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit?

If you suspect elder abuse in a nursing home, filing a claim is the first step in holding the facility and nursing home staff accountable. By doing so, you will get justice for your family member and, we hope, force the nursing home to hold their staff members and management to a higher standard.

How do I File a Claim Against a Nursing Home?

Your nursing home abuse attorney can file a formal claim on your behalf. For a successful claim, your lawyer will need to show that:

  • The care facility owed a duty of care to your elderly loved one.
  • The facility was negligent when they breached its duty of care.
  • This negligence led to your loved one’s injury or death.
  • The injury or death resulted in monetary damages.

If your lawyer proves these elements, the care facility may offer you a settlement without going to trial. If they don’t, we’ll see them in court.

What Should I Expect During a Nursing Home Lawsuit?

After contacting the proper authorities, families who have had loved ones suffer from elder abuse may decide they want to take legal action. Before you do so, it’s important to understand the various factors that go into nursing home abuse lawsuits.

Before the Lawsuit

Prior to filing a lawsuit against a nursing home, Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF), Assisted Living Facilities, or Community Integrated Living Arrangements, there are certain things you want to establish. You may notice the signs of elder and physical abuse, but you need to make sure you have enough proof to bring forth a claim. You can take pictures of the injuries and speak with your loved one to let them know it’s okay to talk if they’ve been hurt.

You want to be sure you have the evidence you need to pursue legal action, as well as documentation regarding how long your loved one was a nursing home resident and when abuse may have started.

During the Lawsuit

In order to reach a successful resolution regarding your nursing home lawsuit, you must show direct negligence (such as a caretaker refusing to help your loved one out of bed or taking advantage of your loved one financially). You may also be able to show mental and emotional abuse if your loved one has had a change in behavior and starts exhibiting fear or other tell-tale signs of abuse.

Any documentation you collect could end up being helpful during the litigation process. Make sure to keep all records and bills associated with your loved one’s physical, emotional or financial abuse in the facility in a safe place so you can make sure it ends up in your attorney’s hands.

You may be hesitant to look for another nursing home facility to care for your loved one after abuse has taken place. It’s important to know that the actions you take can help you move forward. It may be emotionally traumatic for your loved one to return to any nursing home or assisted living facility, but if it is a necessity, you should take measures to ensure their safety.

Discuss their options and make sure everyone is happy with the next step. This can make your loved one feel more comfortable.

After the Lawsuit

After your loved one has experienced elder abuse, preventing it from happening again is likely your number one priority. Finding a nursing home or care facility close to you or another immediate family member is one of the best ways to prevent elder abuse from occurring. Keeping your elderly family member active can also help to prevent elder abuse, as those who are more dependent on their caregivers are naturally more vulnerable. Regularly visiting your loved one and expressing support for them and their caregivers can also help to prevent abuse.

How Long Do You Have to File a Lawsuit Against a Nursing Home?

The statute of limitations sets the deadlines on claims that people have to file a lawsuit against a negligent party. This time limit will vary depending on what type of case your attorney files against the nursing facility. There are three types of claims we will focus on:

  • Personal injury: Personal injury law seeks to provide restitution to nursing home residents who sustained injuries from a negligent provider. Common types of nursing home personal injury claims involve abuse (physical, mental, emotional abuse discrimination, improper care, and assault.
  • Medical malpractice: Medical malpractice occurs when the nursing home fails to provide the appropriate treatment, fails to send a resident to the hospital when necessary or does not institute prevention practices, resulting in injury. Common types of nursing home medical malpractice cases involve diagnosis or dosage errors.
  • Wrongful death: Wrongful death is a type of personal injury case involving the negligent injuries that caused the death of a loved one. Nursing home wrongful death can stem from several negligent sources commonly seen in personal injury and medical malpractice cases.

Each of these will have a different statute of limitations depending on where the facility is located. You must file your claim and follow the laws in the state where the abuse took place. Your nursing home abuse attorney will tell you what the laws are in your case.

Nursing Home Laws By State

Every state has its own laws regarding nursing homes. More information on your state’s unique laws can be found on our nursing homes state laws page.

What to Do if You Think You Missed the Civil Lawsuit Timeline

If you miss the deadline, it is likely that the nursing home will present a motion to dismiss your case. The judge might agree and approve the motion, which means you won’t be able to pursue a claim. However, there may still be an opportunity to file, even if you missed your deadline.

If you believe that you missed the statute of limitations, you can discuss the potential of filing a claim with a nursing home neglect and abuse lawyer. Some particular events and circumstances may allow you to proceed. A licensed and experienced legal professional can help you determine if it’s still possible for you to file despite the passage of time.

Can a Lawyer Settle My Nursing Home Injury Case without Me?

Your lawyer cannot settle your nursing home injury case without you. While your lawyer can handle many aspects of your nursing home case on your behalf, under no circumstances can a lawyer accept an offer without your consent unless you have given the attorney preauthorization to do so previously.

Your Lawyer Cannot Accept an Offer without Your Consent

It is unlawful for them to settle on your behalf without your approval. Relying on your attorney for legal counsel and guidance is part of the process. However, the final decision on whether to settle is always up to you.

When You Must Be Present for Your Nursing Home Injury Case

If you live out of state, having nursing home abuse lawyers who can handle your case can be beneficial. While the attorney will handle the majority of your case from their office, there are certain moments where your physical presence may be requested, including:

  • Pre-trial and trial court dates
  • Mediation or arbitration
  • Depositions
  • Testifying in court

There are other scenarios where a judge can order your physical presence. Your lawyer can act as a buffer between you and the courts by advocating on your behalf. We will ensure that the courts are aware of your location, and your lawyer will seek out opportunities to accommodate your limitations.

What Is the Average Cost for a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer?

You do not have to have any money upfront to hire nursing home abuse attorneys. We work strictly on a contingency fee basis, which means that we only get paid if we win your case and you get paid.

Because they take on the full financial risk in bringing a case forward, nursing home abuse lawyers typically get up to 40% of your case’s settlement or court award, depending on the complexity of the claim.

Can a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Represent Me in Any State?

Our attorneys are able to represent clients in any state, either through the reciprocity of a state’s bar rules, court approval, or through local co-counsel. In more than two decades, the Pintas & Mullins Law Firm has represented clients in virtually every state.

For a free legal consultation with a Lawyer serving nationwide, call (800) 794-0444

Accommodations Are Available for Out-of-State Residents

There are a few ways in which your attorney for nursing home abuse will look to accommodate you as an out-of-state party. Depending on how far away you live, the following arrangements may be possible for managing your nursing home abuse case:

  • Telephonic appearances
  • Video conferences
  • Remote depositions
  • Remote mediation or arbitration
  • Seeking restitution for your travel expenses

Unless a court orders you to be physically present, your attorney can take advantage of these options to make the justice process easier on you and your elderly loved one.

What Is the Average Settlement for Nursing Home Neglect?

Here are some examples of compensation our nursing home abuse attorneys have secured on behalf of our clients in different types of cases. Your claim’s value will depend on the evidence and your damages:

  • $3 million for a woman who developed bedsores so severe that they became infected and took years to heal
  • $1 million for an elderly woman who was sexually assaulted by an employee of the rehabilitation center where she lived
  • $1 million for a man who died after falling out of his wheelchair and suffering a head injury
  • $950,000 for a woman who required monitoring that she did not receive, resulting in a fall and broken bones
  • $917,000 for a man who died after not receiving his medication during chemotherapy in a nursing home
  • $500,000 for a man who choked to death when he was not supervised while eating in a nursing home
  • $450,000 for a woman whose bedsores were so severe that her leg had to be amputated
  • $360,000 for the parents of a child who passed away as the result of severe neglect in a children’s nursing home

How Long Does It Take to Settle a Nursing Home Lawsuit?

On average, it can take anywhere from 18 to 24 months to settle a nursing home abuse lawsuit. This timeframe may vary depending on the complexity of your claim and certain other factors. It’s important to be patient during this process because settling too soon could mean settling for less than you are entitled to.

Pintas & Mullins Law Firm Helps Resolve Nursing Home Injury Cases

Pintas & Mullins Law Firm works with families during nursing home abuse lawsuits. We can handle most aspects of your case on your behalf. We are prepared to:

  • Answer any questions you have
  • Keep you updated at every stage of your case
  • Represent you in court, if necessary
  • Handle communication with other parties

We have a proven record of success. Our firm has represented residents and families throughout the country. Don’t hesitate to fight for the rights of your loved one. With millions recovered since 1985, you can trust that our firm has a knowledgeable advantage in your case.

Call or text (800) 794-0444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form

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