What to Expect When Working with a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
When a loved one is in a nursing home, it can be a challenging decision to trust their care to someone else. However, what happens when that trust is broken, and your loved one is subjected to abuse or neglect? In such cases, it is advisable to seek the services of a nursing home abuse lawyer. A nursing home abuse lawyer is a legal professional who specializes in handling cases of elder abuse in nursing homes. If you decide to pursue legal action, you are likely to be asked a series of questions by your lawyer. This blog will discuss some of the questions you can expect to be asked.
What Happened?
The first question that a nursing home abuse lawyer will ask is what happened. This question aims to get an understanding of the details of the abuse or neglect. You will be asked to provide as much information as possible, including the date and time of the incident, the names of the staff members involved, and any witnesses who saw the abuse. It is essential to be as detailed as possible when answering this question to ensure that your lawyer has a clear understanding of the situation.
When and Why Did You First Suspect Neglect or Abuse?
Your lawyer will also want to know when and why you first suspected neglect or abuse. This question is crucial because it helps establish the timeline of events and the duration of the abuse. You may have noticed signs such as unexplained injuries, bruises, or changes in mood or behavior that led you to suspect abuse. Your lawyer will want to know as much as possible about how and when you became aware of the abuse.
What Was the Impact of the Abuse on Your Loved One?
Another important question that a nursing home abuse lawyer will ask is what impact the abuse had on your loved one. This question aims to understand the physical, emotional, and financial harm that your loved one has suffered as a result of the abuse. You may have noticed physical injuries, such as bed sores or broken bones, or emotional changes, such as depression or anxiety. Your lawyer will want to know how the abuse has affected your loved one’s quality of life and their ability to function independently.
What Steps Did You Take to Report the Abuse?
Your lawyer will also want to know what steps you took to report the abuse. This question aims to establish whether the nursing home was aware of the abuse and if they took any action to address it. You may have reported the abuse to the nursing home administration, the state’s regulatory agency, or law enforcement. Your lawyer will want to know the details of your reporting and whether the nursing home took any steps to investigate or address the abuse.
What is the Nursing Home’s Policy on Abuse?
Next, your lawyer will also want to know what the nursing home’s policy on abuse is. This question aims to establish whether the nursing home had proper policies and procedures in place to prevent abuse and to respond to abuse when it occurred. Your lawyer may also want to know whether the nursing home staff was trained on these policies and whether they followed them in your loved one’s case. If the nursing home did not have adequate policies or failed to follow them, this could be an indication of negligence on their part.
What are Your Goals?
Lastly, your lawyer will want to know what your goals are in pursuing legal action against the nursing home. This question aims to establish your desired outcome and what you hope to achieve through the legal process. If you have been a victim of abuse, you might want to pursue financial compensation for medical bills, emotional distress, and other losses. Your attorney will collaborate with you to create a plan that matches your objectives and maximizes your chances of success.
Conclusion
If you suspect that your loved one has been abused or neglected in a nursing home, it is essential to seek the services of a nursing home abuse lawyer. During the initial consultation, the lawyer will ask you a series of questions to determine the best course of action. By being prepared to answer these questions, you can help your lawyer build a strong case against the nursing home and seek justice for your loved one.
Don’t let your loved one be a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect. Contact a nursing home abuse lawyer as soon as possible to protect their rights and hold those responsible accountable for their actions. At Bossie, Reilly & Oh, we are dedicated to fighting for the rights of victims of abuse and their families. Our firm has litigated hundreds of elder abuse cases, and we have the experience and knowledge needed to obtain justice for your loved one. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and let our injury lawyers in Phoenix, Arizona help you and your loved one through this difficult time.