Nursing homes should be a safe, comforting place for adults who need extra care in Valdosta. Tragically, abuse can happen when nursing home managers or employees are negligent. If you or a loved one has suffered abuse, don’t wait to get help. Our Valdosta nursing home abuse lawyers are just a call away.
At John Foy & Associates, we have 20-plus years of experience working on nursing home abuse cases. We are here for you and your family after such a tragedy.
We’ll go over what happened and make sure you understand your rights. From there, we can begin fighting for what you deserve. To get started with a free consultation today, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online. We charge no fees unless we win you compensation.
Your Legal Options After Nursing Home Abuse
Abuse or neglect in a nursing home is grounds for a lawsuit against the company. You likely have a valid case, and our lawyers can ensure your rights.
Nursing homes must follow rules from the Healthcare Facility Regulation (HFR), a Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) division. That includes providing a reasonable standard of care for everyone.
Abuse is any intentional or very negligent act(s) that cause injuries. It can include:
- Failure to provide treatment of care
- Assault or battery
- Sexual harassment
Abuse can come in many different forms. If you have questions about what you or a family member experienced, contact us. We can evaluate your situation and determine your options.
Get the strong arm
How We Build a Nursing Home Abuse Case
If abuse happens at a nursing home, the nursing home could be responsible for all damages. When you contact us, we’ll determine if you have a valid case. If so, our investigation will begin immediately.
We will create a demand package containing information like:
- Photos of the abuse or neglect
- Witness statements
- Copies of police reports
- Medical bills and records
This package will show what you’ve lost and suffered. We’ll send your demand letter and package to the nursing home and their insurance company. Your claim will request a specific amount of money for the damages you’ve suffered.
Insurance companies are wary of claims. Some of the time, the insurance company will look for ways to avoid paying. You might get a lowball settlement offer — or no response at all.
If the insurance company doesn’t provide an answer that works, you can file a lawsuit for what you deserve. Our lawyers can help you decide on the best course of action for you.
Signs that Abuse Has Occurred
Identifying abuse isn’t always easy. A nursing home resident might be reluctant to mention anything to loved ones. They might feel shame or embarrassment about what’s going on.
Both physical and emotional abuse happen too often in adult care facilities. Knowing the signs is important. Signs of physical abuse can include:
- Cuts
- Bruises
- Broken bones
- Bleeding
Elderly adults are more fragile, so some might brush off physical signs as aging. However, unexplained physical harm is always a red flag.
Signs of emotional abuse can include:
- Humiliation
- Isolation
- Loss of privileges
- Fear of returning home
- Being quieter or less social than usual
- Hesitance to eat or drink
Mental and emotional abuse is not always obvious. Family members simply might notice that the loved one is acting strange or different. It’s essential to know the signs and stop the abuse immediately.
At John Foy & Associates, we take abuse cases incredibly seriously. The idea of abuse and neglect of elders is unfathomable to use. Unfortunately, we also know that it happens frequently.
We can help you and your family. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss the details. We can investigate what’s happening and determine if you have a case. Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started for free.
What to Do After Nursing Home Abuse
If a loved one suffered abuse, it’s best to take action immediately. You can protect your loved one’s rights and start building your case with the following steps.
Report the Abuse
The HFR (as mentioned above) investigates abuse cases in Georgia. You can report the abuse to them through their website or by phone.
You can also file a complaint with the Georgia Long-Term Care Ombudsman. This organization can get answers regarding nursing home abuse and help advocate for you.
It’s also best to contact the police and report the abuse. If a physical assault happened, you might have criminal charges against the assailant.
Get Your Loved One to a Safe Place
Safety is the number one priority. If abuse or neglect has happened, make sure your loved one is away from the harm. Work on getting them to any location or facility as soon as possible.
Save All Relevant Records
Save all medical records of treatment the resident receives after the abuse. Take pictures of physical injuries. Keep track of anything that will help show what occurred.
If you need help collecting the right information, call our lawyers today. We’ll help you gather the most substantial evidence possible to support your case.
Call Our Legal Team
Get a Valdosta nursing home abuse lawyer on your side as soon as possible. Nursing homes and their insurance companies will look for any way to pin the blame on the victim. You will likely need professional legal assistance to fight for your rights.
Contact Our Valdosta Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers for Free Today
When you contact our team at John Foy & Associates, we’ll treat you with the dignity and respect you deserve. We always start with a free consultation, and there is no cost unless we win your case. If we do win you compensation, our fee is simply a percentage of what you win.
With over 20 years of experience, we know what it takes to build and win cases. Our founder is known as the “Strong Arm” because we’re not afraid to stand up for your rights. For us, every case is personal.
Learn more about your legal rights today. Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a free consultation. We are available 24/7 to take your call.
229-232-8678 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form