Nursing Home Lawyer Memphis TN
If you or a loved one has been injured by elder abuse, you need the nursing home lawyer Memphis TN trusts with their most serious cases.
At Darrell Castle & Associates, we take your case very seriously. We hate elder abuse, and we fight for victims of abuse and neglect with everything we have.
Nursing Home Abuse in Memphis
Nursing home abuse and neglect happens in my home city of Memphis far more often than you might realize. As a nursing home lawyer Memphis TN has trusted for decades, I’ve seen this prevalent and terrifying problem firsthand.
These cases can include:
- Physical abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Abandonment
- Sexual abuse or molestation, and
- Financial exploitation or fraud
Some facilities practice bad policies. For example, they don’t vet their staff or create accountability procedures. Others do have strong policies in place, but their workers break the rules.
Elder abuse can happen in any facility at any time: nursing homes, hospitals, home care providers, day centers, etc. It even occurs at some of the most high-end companies. And when it does happen, the victims deserve justice. You and your family deserve to know it won’t happen again to you or anyone else.
Symptoms of Elder Abuse
Physical abuse is the easiest kind of elder abuse to detect. In my experience, the conditions can worsen over time. So if/when you notice these signs or any other physical damage, report it immediately:
- bed sores
- unexplained bruises
- scarring
- broken or fractured bones
- signs of restraint, like rope burns or bruising around the wrist (these can be symptoms of rape or sexual assault)
- drug overdose
Emotional abuse may not be as easily detectable as physical abuse, but it can be just as dangerous to a person’s well-being. Symptoms might include:
- arguments and recurring anger or tension between the caregiver and the elder
- personality changes in the elder
- inability to see the elder alone without the caregiver present
- verbal abuse by the caregiver toward the elder
Financial abuse can be easy to spot if you have access to your loved one’s financial records and accounts. But too often people speak up when their loved one has already lost the money.
Some caregivers may show favoritism or intimacy with a patient in order to manipulate them into giving away money. The caregiver might transfer money from the patient’s account into their own, or they may steal cash.
What to Do If You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse
If you’re worried your loved one has been abused or neglected in an elder care situation, you can do something about it. As a trusted nursing home lawyer Memphis TN relies on for their elder abuse cases, I’ve seen many families get justice.
First, you can and should report it to the facility. As part of that discussion with the caregivers, put your complaint in writing so you have a record of it.
Depending on the severity of the situation, you can also report the case to Adult Protective Services and to the police. Keep a copy of everything and write down any of your conversations.
And even having done all of that, you should contact a lawyer.
Contact a Nursing Home Lawyer Memphis TN Trusts
An experienced elder abuse lawyer can help you pursue a case in court. They will look at the situation and work with you to get the compensation you need and deserve.
Our firm knows nursing home and elder abuse occur so often in part because no one gets held accountable. These facilities or individuals believe they can get away with whatever they want. So if you or someone you care about has been hurt, neglected, or abused in a nursing home or elder care facility, we want to see justice done for you and your family.
To get started, contact us online today or call 901-327-1212.
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Frequently Asked Questions | Nursing Home Abuse
As a nursing home lawyer Memphis TN has trusted for decades, there’s some concerns I notice come up over and over. As you’ll see below, we’re here to answer your questions and help you make well-informed decisions about the next steps to take. If you’d like to talk more, contact us today for a free appointment.
What is nursing home abuse?
Nursing home abuse refers to any intentional or negligent act that causes harm or distress to a resident. The term covers a variety of destructive behavior, including:
- physical abuse
- emotional abuse
- sexual assault and harassment, and
- financial abuse
If you’re unsure whether a facility or staff member’s behavior qualifies as abuse, our attorneys can discuss it with you at no charge.
What are the signs of nursing home abuse?
If you have someone close to you in a nursing home facility, you should pay attention to any changes in your loved one’s behavior or demeanor. Because there are so many ways nursing home abuse can happen, investigate any major changes you notice.
Signs of nursing home abuse can include unexplained injuries, bruises, sudden weight loss, emotional withdrawal, agitation, and unexplained financial transactions.
How common is nursing home abuse?
Nursing home abuse happens far too often and affects thousands of elderly residents each year.
Unfortunately, many cases go unreported due to fear, isolation, and a lack of oversight. We don’t know the exact number of people impacted by this form of abuse, but we know it’s widespread and ongoing.
What steps can I take to protect my loved one from abuse?
To protect your loved one from abuse, remain actively involved in their care.
Regularly visit the nursing home, interact with staff and other residents, and observe the living conditions. Stay vigilant for any signs of abuse and report any concerns to the facility management or authorities immediately.
In some cases, you may be able to use video security or other ways of tracking your loved one’s health.
What should I do if I suspect nursing home abuse?
If you suspect nursing home abuse, take immediate action. First, ensure your loved one’s safety by removing them from harm’s way.
Next, document any evidence or signs of abuse. Then report the matter to the nursing home administration and appropriate authorities.
Finally, if you believe you or a loved one has experienced nursing home abuse, speak with a lawyer about the situation. You may be entitled to compensation, and you could get justice while holding the company accountable.
Can I file a lawsuit for nursing home abuse?
Yes, you can file a lawsuit if your loved one has suffered from nursing home abuse.
A nursing home abuse lawsuit aims to hold the negligent parties accountable. Through this process, you can seek compensation for injuries, medical expenses, and emotional distress.
What does a nursing home abuse lawyer do?
A good nursing home abuse lawyer provides essential guidance and support throughout the legal process. They will investigate the case, gather evidence, and build a strong claim on your loved one’s behalf.
They will also negotiate with the nursing home and their insurance company to seek a fair settlement. If a settlement can’t be reached, they’ll represent your loved one in court.
Our attorneys work hard to represent your family’s best interests. We stand by your side every step of the way and help you get justice.
How much does a nursing home abuse lawyer cost?
Our Memphis nursing home lawyers only get paid if we win your case. That means you get experienced legal representation without any upfront costs.
The lawyer’s fee is typically a percentage of the final compensation you’re awarded. So it’s in our best interest to fight for you as hard as we can.
When should I consider hiring a nursing home abuse lawyer?
If you suspect that your loved one is experiencing nursing home abuse, it’s essential you consult a nursing home abuse lawyer as soon as you can.
Our attorneys offer valuable guidance, help you gather evidence, and initiate legal proceedings to protect your loved one’s rights and pursue compensation. You don’t want to wait to have access to that support.
In addition, you want to act quickly to avoid any statutes of limitations. In the state of Tennessee, for example, you usually have one year to file your lawsuit from the time you discovered the abuse. And during that time, you will need to gather evidence. So you don’t want to wait.
How can I prove nursing home abuse?
Proving nursing home abuse often requires a detailed investigation and collection of evidence.
Our lawyers work tirelessly to gather medical records, witness testimonies, security camera footage, and any other relevant documentation that can substantiate your claim.
How do I find the right nursing home abuse lawyer for my case?
To find the right nursing home abuse lawyer, look for experience and a successful track record in handling nursing home abuse cases. Read reviews and testimonials from previous clients.
In general, you’ll want to avoid firms that are so small they don’t have the resources to investigate your claim. You need a team that can gather evidence for you, and some firms are simply too small to handle this task. You’ll also want to avoid bigger firms that treat you and your case like a number.
We pride ourselves on being small enough to communicate well with every single client and give our all to your case. And at the same time, we’re also big enough to that you get the full resources of a major firm, capable of building a strong case for you and your family.
Lastly, once you have an attorney in mind, you’ll want to schedule a consultation to ensure you feel comfortable and confident in your choice.
We offer a free consultation and would be happy to sit down with you and discuss your case. To get started, just contact us online today or give us a call at 901-327-2100.
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