Acting Against Nursing Home Negligence
There is never a justification for nursing home negligence. Older adults are the keepers of our memories and should be treated with care and professionalism when they live in nursing homes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that more than 1 in every 7 Americans is currently an older adult, and by 2060 they will make up nearly 25% of the United States (US) population.
Wisdom and age are often accompanied by chronic diseases such as dementia, arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes. Many seniors choose to live in a nursing home for companionship and professional assistance, whether from an aide or skilled nurse. What happens when the nursing home you or a loved one are living in is negligent, causing injury or harm? It might be time to contact a personal injury attorney such as Meeks Impact Law.
Are Nursing Home Neglect And Abuse The Same Thing?
Nursing homes are required to provide reasonable care that does not result in harm, but sometimes residents of homes are neglected or abused. Although most people think abuse and neglect are the same, they are seen as separate concepts according to the Disabled Adults and Elder Persons Protection Act. If you have concerns, a lawyer can help to identify which one is relevant to your case. The Act defines neglect and abuse as follows:
Abuse. The willful infliction of physical pain, physical injury, sexual abuse, mental anguish, unreasonable confinement, or the willful deprivation of essential services to a disabled adult or elder person.
Neglect. The absence or omission of essential services to the degree that it harms or threatens with harm the physical or emotional health of a disabled adult or elder person.
Nursing Home Negligence Signs
Have you been treated in a manner that makes you uncomfortable, but you are unsure whether it is seen as negligence? When visiting a loved one, did you notice changes in their behavior or circumstances? According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), you don’t have to prove that abuse or neglect is occurring before reporting it. Here are some signs the NIA identifies as abuse or neglect.
- The older adult has unwashed hair or dirty clothes
- They lose weight for no reason
- There are unexplained bruises, cuts, scars or burns
- They stop taking part in activities they used to enjoy.
What Can You Do When You Notice Nursing Home Negligence?
Many people are required by Georgia law to report suspected neglect, abuse, or exploitation, according to the Department of Human Services, Division of Aging Services. It includes physicians, interns, residents, and other hospital or medical personnel. If you suspect nursing home abuse, you can report it in various ways, including online with the Georgia Department of Community Health, Healthcare Facility Regulation Division (HFRD).
Do you feel concerned about going through the process on your own, as you might want to institute a claim against a person or the nursing home? Meeks Impact Law can be your committed advocate inside and outside the courtroom.
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About our team
At Meeks Impact Law, our team shares one purpose: helping people through some of the hardest moments of their lives. We take pride in the small firm difference, where every client matters, every case receives personal attention, and our team works closely together to make sure no one feels lost in the process.
How Meeks Impact Law Can Help You
If you or a loved one suffered at a nursing home, you might be able to sue for damages with the assistance of a personal injury lawyer such as Zach Meeks of Meeks Impact Law. An expert and caring nursing home and elder abuse lawyer, he is familiar with the numerous laws that protect older adults and govern healthcare facilities.
Because seniors are physically and mentally more vulnerable, nursing home negligence often requires medical care. The team at Meeks Impact Law includes a legal nurse consultant with experience as a registered nurse in the Emergency Department. At Meeks Impact Law, we really care about our clients and their families, and give each case our personal attention.
We are a small family-based law firm in Cumming, Georgia, that cares about their clients as individuals and their families. Have you or a loved one experienced nursing home negligence? Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
FAQs
First, make sure everyone is safe and call 911 to report the crash. Get medical attention, even if you feel fine, since some injuries take time to appear. If possible, gather photos, witness names, and insurance details. Then, contact a Georgia personal injury lawyer before speaking with the insurance company. Early legal guidance can help protect your rights and preserve valuable evidence.
The time limit to file a personal injury lawsuit in Georgia, known as the statute of limitations, can vary depending on the type of accident and injury. For example, car wrecks, wrongful death cases, and injuries on unsafe property may all have different filing deadlines.
Because important evidence can disappear quickly, it is always best to contact our office as soon as possible after an accident. From the start, we work to preserve key evidence, ensure you are receiving the comprehensive medical care you need, and handle communication with insurance companies so you can focus on recovery while we focus on protecting your case.
In many Georgia personal injury cases, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident, but certain circumstances can shorten or extend that timeline. Talk to our team to determine the statute of limitations related to your circumstances and how we can step in to help, today.
Every case is different. Some settle within a few months, while others take longer depending on the extent of your injuries, medical treatment, and negotiations with the insurance company. Our goal is always to move your case forward efficiently while protecting the full value of your claim.
The timeline can also be affected by external factors such as court scheduling, insurance companies delaying responses, or bad actors trying to avoid accountability. Even when the process takes time, our team stays proactive so you can focus on healing while we handle the rest.
Throughout the process, we make communication simple and consistent. You’ll receive regular updates on your case and have easy access to our team through a secure app right on your phone. It includes texting-style messaging and case updates at the touch of a button, so you’re never left wondering where things stand. Of course, we’re always happy to talk with you directly by phone whenever you prefer.
It’s common for insurance companies, or even the at-fault party, to offer quick compensation after an accident. These early offers are often made before the full extent of your injuries, medical costs, or long-term needs are known. Accepting too soon can prevent you from recovering the full amount you’re entitled to.
Even if someone offers you money at the scene of the accident, that does not necessarily mean you don’t have a case. In many situations, those offers are an attempt to limit future liability. Our team can review the facts, explain your options, and help you understand what your claim may truly be worth before you make any decisions.
All of our personal injury cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs to get started. We only collect a fee if we secure an offer off recovery for you. This approach keeps our interests aligned with yours and ensures that we only succeed when you do. Every fee agreement is explained in writing before representation begins so you can make an informed decision with confidence.
Getting started is simple. Reach out for a free consultation so our team can review your situation and help you understand your options. We will guide you through each step with clarity and care, answer your questions, and explain how we can begin building your case right away.
You can call (678)-341-5212, email Intake@meeksimpactlaw.com, or submit a message through our contact form to get started today.