When vulnerable adults enter nursing homes, their families hope that they’ll benefit from an environment that prioritizes their safety and personal dignity. Unfortunately, residents sometimes suffer abuse, neglect, or substandard care. You don’t have to let them get away with it. Consult our nursing home abuse lawyer in Lakewood.
Neglect, negligence, and psychological or physical abuse in nursing homes present legal and practical challenges. Our personal injury lawyer in Lakewood can assess your case and help you identify your options. Postman Law has recovered over $3 billion for its clients. A free consultation with an experienced lawyer is within your reach. Call us today.
Protecting Your Loved One From Nursing Home Abuse
An older adult living in a nursing home can experience declining health and difficulty communicating. This might be unavoidable, but it could also be a sign of abuse. Consider investigating more closely if you notice:
- Recurring injuries and signs of rough handling, such as bruises
- Nervousness when in the presence of staff members
- Untreated sores, infections, or signs of poor hygiene
- Failure to administer medications, overmedication, or unexplained sedation
- Unusual spending patterns or missing items
You might not be absolutely certain that abuse has occurred, and closer investigation will either put your fears to rest or confirm them. If abuse has occurred, the parties responsible could face criminal prosecution and civil liability lawsuits, depending on the nature and severity of the case.
For a free legal consultation with a nursing home abuse lawyer serving Lakewood, call 844-767-8626
Steps to Take if You’re Concerned Your Loved One Has Been Subjected to Nursing Home Abuse
If you’re concerned for your loved one’s safety, moving them to a place where they’ll receive compassionate care and appropriate medical attention will be important to you. At Postman Law, we’re often able to help people find the medical care they need.
You should also report the matter to the relevant authorities. If you believe that criminal abuse has occurred, contact law enforcement, and in an emergency, call 911. You can also alert Adult Protection Services about any concerns or file a health facilities complaint with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
When your loved one’s personal and financial well-being and physical health have been affected, consult our nursing home malpractice lawyers. Our Lakewood nursing home abuse lawyer can help you decide whether you should pursue a civil lawsuit to seek compensation for damages your loved one suffered.
Lakewood Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Near Me 844-767-8626
Who Can Sue if Your Loved One is Unable to Speak For Themselves
If your loved one is mentally competent, they can file a personal injury lawsuit. These cases are complex, and we recommend that they work through a nursing home abuse attorney in Lakewood. Unfortunately, the most vulnerable adults aren’t always able to speak for themselves.
In that case, a legal representative who has been appointed as a conservator or legal guardian, or who has a power of attorney (POA), might have the authority to act on their behalf. If none of these arrangements is in place, you can petition a Colorado court to appoint a guardian or conservator.
Unless they have one of these legal designations, individuals can only initiate a lawsuit in wrongful death cases where nursing home abuse has led to an untimely death due to neglect or abuse. The rules on who is qualified to bring an action are difficult to interpret, and you will benefit from legal advice.
Click to contact our Personal Injury Lawyers in Lakewood today
Damages Available to Victims of Nursing Home Abuse
If your loved one has been harmed due to abuse or negligence, compensation can help to secure their future. It addresses costs incurred due to abuse and will be used to provide for their care. The types of damages they may claim depend on the facts of the case and include:
- Medical costs to address the consequences of injuries
- Rehabilitation or therapy needed due to abuse
- Financial losses incurred through theft or fraud
- Relocation costs
- Pain and suffering
When a nursing home abuse survivor is not able to manage their own finances, a representative designated under Colorado law can do so on their behalf. They will keep detailed records showing that funds are used for the nursing home abuse survivor’s benefit.
How Postman Law Helps You Gather Evidence to Support a Nursing Home Abuse Case
A nursing home abuse survivor who is of sound mind can offer a first-hand account of what happened. In many cases, this isn’t possible, and the person who first noticed signs of abuse becomes the primary witness. Either way, additional evidence strengthens the case. Your Lakewood nursing home abuse attorney will look for evidence in:
- Official databases that record any history of nursing home abuse
- Nursing home medication and care records
- Medical records from other healthcare providers
- Security camera or other video footage
- Staffing records and schedules
- Care plans and progress notes
- Nursing home incident reports
- Witness accounts
At Postman Law, we take nursing home abuse cases seriously. In our experience, it is far more prevalent than most people realize. For example, research published by Ballard indicates that abuse and neglect against elderly adults in nursing homes account for certain injury patterns more frequently than accidental falls. Let us help you seek justice.
Multiple Parties May Be Liable in Nursing Home Abuse Cases
Although individuals are often the perpetrators of nursing home abuse, nursing homes have a duty to safeguard residents and supervise their care. As a result, they are often among the parties who are liable in nursing home abuse cases.
Other parties may include employees, medical providers, and even other residents. Thanks to regulations requiring detailed record-keeping, the identities of liable parties often come to light through detailed examination of nursing home records.
We work with medical professionals to uncover the truth and, as your legal team, identify the appropriate courses of action to pursue when seeking compensation.
Contact Our Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in Lakewood Today
If you believe your loved one is facing nursing home abuse, get advice on what to do next when you consult Postman Law’s nursing home abuse lawyer in Lakewood.
We can help you identify your options and provide the professional advice you need to help a vulnerable adult receive the care, comfort, and legal protection they deserve. Call us now. Our lines are always open.