Atlanta Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Atlanta Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect Lawyers

There are over 350 nursing homes and other long-term care facilities in Georgia, which serve more than 40,000 residents, according to the Georgia Department of Community Health. All of these facilities must meet strict federal and state guidelines with respect to patient care. Yet we have all heard stories of how below-standard care has seriously harmed–and in many cases killed–vulnerable nursing home residents.

If you have seen potential signs of abuse or neglect with your own loved one, it is important to stand up and take action to assert their legal rights. At Chance, Forlines, Carter & King, PC, our Atlanta nursing home abuse and neglect lawyers can provide you with professional advice and legal representation. We know that many long-term care facilities will not make changes to their practices unless compelled to by the threat of legal action. And if your family member has suffered injuries as a result of abuse or neglect, we can help ensure they receive appropriate compensation.

What Are the Common Forms of Abuse in Atlanta Nursing Homes?

As much as we would like to believe that every nursing home resident is safe and well cared-for, the reality is that the abuse of elderly and disabled adults is more common than you might realize. One reason for this is that abuse and neglect often goes undetected–or when it is detected, nobody reports it. In many instances, people might witness abuse and neglect but assume it was unintentional or just a one-time mistake rather than a symptom of a larger problem.

Yet most abuse and neglect is intentional. Many nursing homes are for-profit entities that look to cut costs at the expense of patient care. And many people who work in nursing homes are dangerously unqualified or lack proper training to work with their elderly residents. All of this can lead to abuse or neglect. Some common examples include:

• Physical Abuse: Nursing home residents are frequently the victims of physical violence. This includes the use of any physical force designed to either inflict bodily harm or coerce the resident in some way. Physical abuse can also incorporate intentionally depriving an Atlanta nursing home resident of food, water, and medicine.
• Sexual Abuse: Some physical abuse crosses the line into sexual abuse. Any non-consensual sexual activity involving a Georgia nursing home resident is illegal and in most cases constitute a serious criminal offense. This includes both sexual abuse committed by nursing home staff as well as acts involving other residents.
• Emotional Abuse: Even when there are no signs of physical abuse, an Atlanta nursing home resident may still be the victim of emotional abuse. This involves the use of tactics designed to threaten, harass, or intimidate the resident in an attempt to destroy their sense of self-worth.
• Financial Exploitation: Perhaps the most common form of Atlanta nursing home abuse involves financial exploitation. Nursing home staff may improperly appropriate a resident’s money and other property for their own benefit. This can include exercising “undue influence” to coerce the resident into signing over control of their assets.
• Neglect: Many Atlanta nursing homes and long-term care facilities fail to meet the minimum standards of care mandated for all residents. Such neglect often leaves residents in unhealthy and unsanitary conditions. In some cases they are even deprived of basic necessities like food and medicine. Such neglect is often the result of financial pressure from nursing home administrators and companies to reduce staffing as much as possible.

What Are the Warning Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect in Atlanta?

There are a number of signs that may indicate an Atlanta nursing home resident has been the victim of abuse or neglect. If you are a family member or friend, you need to be aware of the more common warning signs. Some things to look out for are:

• Any physical injuries that are not consistent with the resident’s current medical diagnosis and condition;
• Any evidence of improper restraint, such as the resident being forced to remain in a bed or a chair;
• Sudden changes in behavior or demeanor, which may indicate emotional abuse;
• The resident starts expressing thoughts of suicide or self-harm on a regular basis;
• The resident is isolated or refuses to speak with anyone;
• The resident is suddenly missing money, jewelry, or other personal property;
• The resident suffers from bedsores, which are often a key sign of neglect;
• The resident is living in unsanitary conditions;
• The resident has suddenly lost weight or appears dehydrated; and
• The resident is refusing to take medication.

Under Georgia law, medical professionals are required to report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of at-risk persons to the proper authorities. But anyone can file a report if they see something is wrong. This can include contacting local law enforcement. You can also speak with a qualified Atlanta, Georgia nursing home abuse and neglect attorney.

What Legal Remedies Are Available to Victims of Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect in Atlanta?

While state and federal regulators can investigate nursing homes and assess fines for cases of abuse and neglect, victims can also take direct action by filing a civil lawsuit. Georgia law permits victims to seek compensatory damages to cover their economic and non-economic losses.

Economic damages for nursing home abuse and neglect include the cost of the additional medical care and other out-of-pocket expenses incurred as result of their mistreatment by the facility and its staff. Non-economic damages are meant to compensate the resident for intangible losses including their ongoing pain and suffering, mental anguish, and humiliation. And in cases where an Atlanta nursing home resident dies as the result of abuse or neglect, their family or estate can seek damages through a wrongful death lawsuit.Before taking any legal action, however, it is always best to consult with a qualified Atlanta nursing home abuse and neglect attorney. Contact Chance, Forlines, Carter & King, PC, today to schedule an initial consultation with a member of our team.

Contact Our Atlanta Nursing Home Neglect Attorney Today

At Chance, Forlines, Carter & King, PC, our Atlanta nursing home abuse lawyer is an experienced, aggressive advocate for injured victims. Were you hurt in a motor vehicle collision? We are here to protect your rights. Call us now or contact us online for a free consultation. From our office in Atlanta, we represent nursing home abuse victims throughout the region.