How to Hire a Nursing Home Abuse Attorney

If you suspect a nursing home of abusing or neglecting your elderly family member, you may need a nursing home abuse lawyer.

When a nursing home facility fails to care for its residents, your loved one may be exposed to nursing home abuse. MattLaw has outlined several signs of nursing home abuse; not all cases involve broken bones or other obvious signs of physical mistreatment. Nursing home staff members may financially exploit or sexually abuse residents, emotionally mistreat them, or simply neglect their residents’ needs over time, exposing them to falls, missed medication issues, and other avoidable accidents.

The state of Florida and Georgia has rigorous laws protecting elderly people from nursing home abuse; in some cases, plaintiffs are entitled to settlements that cover their medical care, including medical devices, physical therapy, mental health evaluation, and so forth. However, filing a nursing home abuse lawsuit is often a complicated process. It requires an understanding of both federal and state law as well as the regulations at the assisted living facility.

How common is nursing home abuse?

The World Health Organization reports that 2 in 3 nursing home staff members reported committing abuse in the past year, with roughly 1 in every 6 or all people over 60 experiencing elder abuse.

How To Hire A Nursing Home Lawyer

When all else fails, you may need to hire a nursing home abuse attorney to represent you and your loved one against their care facility. Taking legal action is sometimes a necessary step to ensure justice and prevent harm—both for them and for other residents. You should always hire an experienced nursing home abuse attorney to help you through the complexities of these cases; many cases involve multiple types of legal statutes that may only be known to a nursing home abuse expert.

Hiring a nursing home abuse attorney starts with speaking to a local lawyer about your case and seeing if they meet your qualifications. MattLaw stands ready to help you resolve your elder abuse claim. You can schedule your free consultation online or simply call us at 813-222-2222.

Speak With A Nursing Home Abuse Attorney At Our Law Firm

What should I look for when hiring a nursing home abuse attorney?

Good Reviews. A qualified nursing home attorney will have a history of successful case outcomes, reflected in their Avvo reviews. Look for any online testimonials that mention compassion, diligence, and care, as these qualities will help in any type of nursing home abuse case.

MattLaw is proud to have a five-star Avvo review; you can read our reviews here. We are proud to have represented countless victims of nursing home abuse, ranging from financial exploitation to sexual abuse. Our legal team is compassionate to the emotional needs of the victim and their loved ones—and is committed to resolving their case through a fair settlement.

Specialized Experience

When evaluating potential elder abuse attorneys, experience matters! Look for a lawyer with a dedicated nursing home abuse practice area page. This should demonstrate a deep understanding of relevant state laws, federal regulations, and legal precedents governing nursing home facilities. Your nursing home abuse attorney should be able to speak to recent cases where they went up against nursing home facilities—and won.

A Comprehensive Consultation

Your nursing home lawyer should offer you a free initial consultation to discuss your case and assess its viability. Some lawyers may decide they are not the best fit for you or that your case may require a specialist. During your consultation, always ask questions about the attorney’s experience, fees, and potential issues. They should be able to anticipate potential roadblocks to your case.

During these meetings, pay attention to how the attorney communicates. Do they demonstrate empathy and compassion? Do they show a genuine commitment to standing up for your loved one? They should not only be able to give information about relevant case law and what needs to happen to prove your claim, but also a sincere interest in helping you.

Read MattLaw’s Ultimate Guide to Nursing Home Rights

Payment Structure

Your attorney’s fee structure should be clarified upfront. MattLaw works on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only collect on your claim once you have been paid through a settlement or trial outcome. Always make sure that you understand the fee agreement, and be sure to ask questions if you are not certain of something.

Communication and Accessibility

Effective communication is a critical component of resolving your case. Look for a nursing home abuse attorney who offers regular updates and phone access to maintain communication with their clients. Always ask your attorney to communicate with you at regular intervals if this is something you would like to see.

A Good “Gut Feeling”

Hiring an attorney is a critical decision in your claims process, so take the time to make an informed choice—and always trust your instincts when selecting a nursing home abuse attorney. Choose someone you feel comfortable confiding in and who instills confidence in how they communicate with you. Do they come across as trustworthy, honest, and intelligent? Do you think they will take your case seriously?

MattLaw believes that the safety of our elderly loved ones is non-negotiable. We urge you to stay informed about what is going on at your loved one’s care facilities and keep in mind what you have now learned about nursing home abuse. We urge you to call us the moment you believe your loved one is in a compromising situation. Let us advocate for your elderly loved ones so they can live out their days happily, peacefully, and safely.

Speak With A Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Now

To read more about your nursing home abuse rights, check out MattLaw’s Ultimate Guide To Nursing Home Abuse.