Houston Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers
According to Adult Protective Services (APS), the number of elder abuse cases reported has significantly increased in the past years. In fact, as many as 5,000,000 elders are affected by some kind of physical and verbal abuse, neglect, or exploitation every year. APS predicts that the actual rate of abuse could be higher, as many victims are not willing to report their abuse.
While elder abuse can often take place within the victim’s own family, abuse in nursing facilities is also commonplace. A recent study showed that more than half of the staff in nursing homes admitted to some form of abuse. Additionally, the study determined that residents are also prone to abuse by their co-residents. This cannot stand. If you suspect that your loved one is facing abuse while living in a nursing home, you can hold the facility accountable for the suffering they have been forced to endure. Contact the Houston nursing home abuse attorneys with Attorney Tom by calling (713) 244-6363 for a free consultation regarding your legal options.
When Do You Need A Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer?
Nursing homes are liable for elder abuse and neglect, whether it was intentional or not. Damages arising from this kind of legal action often covers the victim’s medical bills, pain and suffering, and disability.
There are countless accidents and acts of negligence that could make an assisted living facility legally liable. These include:
Unsafe Premises
A nursing home should be free of safety hazards. Any form of neglect could potentially endanger an elder, increasing the risk of falls or other injuries.
Inadequate Training
Nursing homes are obligated to employ personnel who have the required academic and employment background for the position. Employees who are not equipped with the right information oftentimes do not provide the level of care your loved one needs. Nursing facilities can be legally accountable if proven that a lack of training contributed to an incident that injured a patient.
Lack of Adequate Health and Safety Policies
The law requires nursing homes to create clear safety and health policies employees must adhere to. This includes everything from keeping bathrooms sanitary to maintaining harmonious relationships between the residents. Another important health concern is bedsore prevention in patients who are bedridden. These sores are painful and could even be deadly if left unattended. Proper nursing care should prevent them altogether.
Victims of abuse, be it physical or verbal, are at a higher risk of death than those who do not experience it–especially those who have pre-existing issues like depression, anxiety, bone problems, and cardiovascular problems. If your loved one has been a victim of an abuse by a co-resident or nursing facility staff, contacting a lawyer is a first step you can take to hold the nursing home accountable. Attorney Tom‘s team of lawyers has years of experience handling elder abuse lawsuits. We have the resources needed to build up your case and help you receive a fair settlement.
How Attorney Tom can help
Texas has laws that protect the welfare of elderly people who are living in nursing homes. The state requires the facility to provide adequate diet and hydration tailored to every older adult’s personal needs and pre-existing medical conditions. The nursing home should also have a sufficient number of staff to ensure its residents’ needs are satisfied.
Every time a facility takes in a patient, they are automatically bound to provide a certain standard of care. If you suspect your elderly loved one has been a victim of abuse or neglect under the care of a nursing home or assisted living facility, you can hold them accountable. Our attorneys can guide you through every stage of the process as we fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Pre-Lawsuit Investigation
A nursing home abuse lawyer needs to submit sufficient evidence that will prove an act of negligence or intentional abuse took place. They will review your contract with the facility, conduct interviews with witnesses (if there are any), and collect photos and video of the incident, if available.
Trial Preparation
It would be difficult to draft your own strategy without the help of seasoned legal counsel. Attorney Tom can save you the challenge of going through a lot of paperwork and endless negotiation so you can focus on helping your loved one’s more immediate needs.
Off-Court Settlement
If the nursing home wants to settle outside the court, with the help of a lawyer, you can determine if the offer is fair. An attorney will be able to negotiate for better compensation your loved one deserves if the settlement offer is inadequate.
Different Nursing Home Abuse Cases We Handle
During his career practicing law, Attorney Tom has helped families dealing with various nursing home abuse lawsuits. Some of the cases we handle include:
- Physical/Verbal Abuse
- Resident on Resident Abuse (Physical or Sexual)
- Emotional/Psychological Abuse
- Gross Neglect
- Financial or Material Exploitation
- Bed sores
- Abandonment
- Self-Neglect
Contact Our Law Firm
It is the duty of the nursing home to ensure your elderly loved one’s safety and well-being. When that responsibility is flouted, the facility can be found legally accountable. By filing a claim, you’re not only making the parties responsible for your loved one’s injury liable, you’re also helping to prevent further injuries in the future. Attorney Tom has a track record of success in this area. Our team has the skills and resources to fight for the compensation you rightfully deserve. Speak with one of our attorneys today by calling (713) 244-6363 or by filling out our contact form.
