When you send a loved one to a nursing home, you want to make sure that they will receive proper care. In some cases, however, elders are not only neglected but abused by the staff of these facilities. Mistreatment in nursing homes can be particularly devastating for victims and their families.
At the Tatum Law Firm, our skilled Charlotte nursing home abuse lawyer, Brian Steed Tatum, works closely with clients in North Carolina and South Carolina. We understand this is a sensitive matter, which is why you can expect the utmost compassion and respect from each member of our team. We are committed to helping victims and families stand up for their rights.
Nursing home negligence is a growing problem across the United States. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, there were an estimated 1.4 million residents in nursing homes throughout the United States in 2012. Of those residents, 37,604 were in North Carolina’s licensed care facilities, and 17,033 were in South Carolina’s licensed care facilities. As time goes on, this number is expected to increase. Since more and more people will be entering nursing homes, the potential for neglect and elder abuse increases accordingly.
If your loved one is in a nursing home, you should remain vigilant for signs of neglect or abuse. For example, these may include:
If you or someone you know is suffering from mistreatment at a licensed care facility, it is important to contact an experienced Charlotte personal injury lawyer who can help you explore your legal options.
A mistreated resident may be able to hold the nursing home facility responsible for his or her injuries. Nursing homes are subject to strict legal standards. These regulations include providing a safe and sanitary environment for each resident.
Each licensed care facility also must employ a sufficient number of nurses, ensure that residents are able to carry out their basic day-to-day activities, and make certain that residents are not victims of medication errors.
Nursing homes are subject to state laws as well. Our firm can help clients who are dealing with nursing home neglect or abuse in either North Carolina or South Carolina. Since each state has different laws, it is crucial to consult an experienced attorney.
To hold a facility or individual staff members responsible for injuries, a victim of nursing home negligence or abuse usually files a negligence claim. This requires the victim to show that he or she was owed a duty of care by the nursing home and its staff, that the duty was breached through neglect or abuse, and that the breach injured the resident.
If you succeed in a negligence claim, you may be able to seek compensation for medical expenses, rehabilitative care, counseling costs, pain and suffering, and any other costs arising from your injuries. The extent of damages will depend on the nature and severity of the harm.
Read more: How to Find the Right Nursing Home
Beyond negligence, separate legal claims such as Charlotte medical malpractice may be available to injured nursing home residents in Charlotte, North Carolina. If a family member has died due to negligence or abuse in a licensed care facility, moreover, you may be eligible to bring a wrongful death claim in Charlotte against the responsible party. Since these claims can become complex, it is best to contact an attorney who can help you decide which strategy best fits your situation.
Nursing home negligence is a serious problem that can lead to illness and even death in the most serious cases. If you or someone close to you has been the victim of nursing home neglect or abuse, you should not hesitate to contact an experienced lawyer who can inform you of your legal options.
At the Tatum Law Firm, our nursing home abuse attorney Brian Steed Tatum proudly serves clients across North Carolina and South Carolina. We have extensive experience with these types of cases in both states.
We will fight for your rights to help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve. Call our office at 704-307-4350 or contact us online for a free case evaluation.