It’s a tragic fact that neglect in nursing homes happens more often than we thought. The WHO revealed that 12% of caregivers in these institutions neglect residents.
There are various reasons given for this sad state of affairs. Many nursing homes are short-staffed. They also have poor management and are derelict in the supervision of their workers. A lot of caretakers complain about being underpaid. A large number lack training and experience.
Some of the reasons might be valid but it still doesn’t excuse the harm inflicted on the residents. Discovering that a loved one was a victim of nursing home neglect is heartbreaking. But you can take steps to rectify that situation and protect them. One way is to hire a good nursing home neglect lawyer and seek compensation for your loved one.
There are several steps that attorneys for nursing home neglect do once they take on your case. It’s best if you understand what they are so you can manage expectations. You can also prepare to help on your end. Here’s what a nursing home negligence attorney will do:
Probe the Circumstances of the Case
Don’t become surprised if the nursing home denies any wrongdoing. Their insurance company will also insist on that. Your nursing home neglect attorney won’t take that at face value. They will look for evidence that will prove the company’s liability. You can expect them to do any of the following.
They’ll talk to witnesses. Your lawyer’s first move is to interview the abuse victim. They will also talk to friends and family members who saw the abusive treatment. If they didn’t witness the actual act, they can attest to the changes in the elderly resident’s condition.
They’ll interview ex-employees. These people are fountains of information. They can provide proof of the neglect the resident experienced. If not, they can provide information on the standard practices in the said nursing home.
They will check records. A lawyer researching nursing home neglect cases can ask for copies of records. They can request to see inspection or survey reports. These can be evidence of violations the nursing home is guilty of. They can also check doctors’ or nurses’ reports to see if they followed the standard of care. The lawyer will also study the victim’s medical records and other documents.
Start Negotiations
Your lawyer can help you file a complaint once they’re convinced of the case’s merits. They’ll also send a demand letter to the nursing home. It will state your demand to stop the abuse of the patient. It will also demand compensation for the resident’s injuries.
Lawyers specializing in nursing home abuse are expert negotiators. They can meet and work out a settlement with the nursing home and their insurance provider.
Go to Court for You
A nursing home negligence lawyer can also take the case all the way to court. This often happens when negotiations for a settlement have come to a standstill. Your lawyer can also pursue the case if the statute of limitations will be expiring soon.
They will keep collecting evidence even while the litigation is ongoing. They’ll face the judge and fight for your loved one. You should expect your lawyer to keep communicating with you about the case.
Here to Help You Find Justice
It’s your right to demand justice. Let Warner and Warner help secure that for you. Our company is one of the top law firms in Orlando. Our team of lawyers will give you the best level of representation. We have extensive experience and can handle any complex litigation. We specialize in accident injuries and nursing home negligence cases. We also handle wrongful death cases and defective product lawsuits. You can call us at (321) 972-1889 and we’ll give you a free case review. You can also drop us a line at info@warnerandwarner.com.