Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Chattanooga, TN

If you or a loved one is experiencing abuse while living at a nursing home or other care facility, we strongly recommend speaking with our team at Dennis & Winningham Law as soon as possible. We can help families obtain justice and compensation for the harm caused. Our Chattanooga, TN nursing home abuse lawyer can help you and your family receive the payment needed to seek better care options, cover medical costs and relocation expenses, and other ways the victim has been affected. We understand the physical and emotional traumas that nursing home abuse can have on victims. Please let us come to your aid immediately to halt any more incidents of mistreatment while holding the offenders responsible. We are prepared to intervene today.

Cases Of Nursing Home Abuse

Nursing home abuse cases tend to be complex and emotional in nature. When people enter care facilities they are under the assumption that it is a safe place to live. Nurses, doctors, residents, and others at the facility may commit abuse against a resident. This can take on many forms. Our team can handle situations related to physical and emotional abuse, financial exploitation, and neglect. If you are concerned about your loved one’s well being while residing in a nursing home, please contact us now so we can offer legal counsel.

Signs Of Abuse And Neglect

If you have a suspicious feeling that something is not right with your relative’s care, listen to this and consider having someone investigate further. You can assume that someone may be suffering from abuse if there are changes to their personality, behavior, or there is tension between the resident and caregiver. As our dedicated nursing home abuse attorney explains, examples of nursing home abuse and neglect are listed below:

• Bruising, scars, or welts on body
• Unexplained broken bones, sprains, or dislocations
• Broken eyeglasses
• Signs of restraint on wrists
• Caregiver refusing to let you be alone with resident
• Failing to take medications properly
• Controlling, threatening, or belittling
• Bruising around breasts or genitals
• Unexplained STDS or infections
• Vaginal or anal bleeding unrelated to medical condition
• Not being dressed appropriately for weather
• Unkempt living conditions
• Lack of bathing care
• Dirty bed sheets and clothing
• Presence of bedsores
• Unusual weight loss or dehydration
• Odd charges to elderly person’s bank account
• Lack of medical care despite money to afford it
• ATM withdrawals when the senior was not able to do themselves
• Changes in power of attorney, property title, insurance policies, or wills

Dennis & Winningham Law

Nursing home abuse and neglect must always be responded to with a sense of urgency. It is important to act quickly so that no other incidents of mistreatment happen. Senior residents can suffer physically, emotionally, and financially when they are being abused by those who are supposed to be taking care of them. Please contact our TN nursing home abuse attorney today so we can come to your side. We can take the lead on ensuring there are no more incidents of mistreatment and that the offenders are held accountable for their actions. Compensation may be owed for all you have been through. Our team at Dennis & Winningham Law is ready to hear from you.

Proving Abuse In Nursing Homes

When a loved one suffers abuse or neglect in a nursing home, it can be a devastating and emotionally charged experience. If you are considering taking legal action against a nursing home for abuse or neglect, understanding how to prove the abuse is essential. Successfully proving a case of nursing home abuse requires careful gathering of evidence, a thorough investigation, and legal knowledge. This process can be overwhelming, but the personalized approach and guidance of our Chattanooga, TN nursing home abuse lawyer at Dennis & Willingham, you can hold the responsible parties accountable and secure the justice your loved one deserves. We have helped over 2,000 clients recover damages. Call now to schedule a free consultation.

Recognizing The Signs Of Abuse And Neglect

The first step in proving nursing home abuse is recognizing the signs that abuse or neglect has occurred. While physical abuse can often be evident, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse may be harder to detect. Common signs of nursing home abuse include unexplained bruises, fractures, or cuts; sudden changes in behavior such as withdrawal, anxiety, or fear of specific staff members; malnutrition or dehydration; poor hygiene; and untreated medical conditions.

Neglect can manifest in various ways, such as improper medication management, lack of personal care, bedsores, and failure to provide necessary medical attention. These signs may not always be immediately visible, which is why it is important to observe your loved one’s condition regularly and document any concerns.

Once you identify potential signs of abuse or neglect, it is essential to act quickly. Taking immediate steps to report the situation, gather evidence, and consult with our lawyer will help protect your loved one and strengthen your case.

Gathering Evidence To Prove Abuse

Proving abuse in nursing homes requires strong evidence. Without it, it can be difficult to hold the facility and its staff accountable for their actions. There are several key pieces of evidence that can significantly support your case.

Start by documenting everything you observe. Take photographs of any physical injuries or visible signs of neglect, such as bruises, scars, or bedsores. Keep detailed notes about changes in your loved one’s behavior, condition, or treatment. Record the dates, times, and names of any nursing home staff involved in the incidents, as well as what occurred during each interaction.

Another critical form of evidence is medical records. Obtain your loved one’s medical records and request copies of any reports related to their care. These documents can reveal inconsistencies or failures in medical treatment, including missed medications or treatments that may have contributed to the abuse or neglect. Our skilled attorney can help you access these records and interpret the information they contain.

Witness testimony is another powerful piece of evidence. If other residents, family members, or staff members observed any incidents or were aware of the abuse or neglect, their testimony could be critical. Additionally, some states allow whistleblowers within nursing homes, such as staff members or other insiders, to come forward and provide testimony about unsafe or abusive conditions.

Legal Investigation And Testimony

In many nursing home abuse cases, an in-depth legal investigation is necessary to establish fault and determine the extent of the abuse. Our personal injury or nursing home abuse attorney will investigate the nursing home’s policies and procedures, review staffing levels and training, and gather all relevant information regarding the facility’s past complaints or violations. This background information can be important for proving that the facility was negligent in its care or that it failed to take appropriate action after previous complaints.

In some cases, testimony from medical professionals or care professionals is necessary to help explain how the abuse or neglect led to harm. For example, a doctor may testify that a loved one’s injuries were consistent with physical abuse or neglect, or a care provider might explain how the nursing home’s failure to meet basic standards of care led to a deterioration in the resident’s health. Testimony is often pivotal in demonstrating the severity of the injuries, the long-term consequences of the neglect, and increasing the value of your personal injury settlement.

Additionally, our lawyer may investigate whether the nursing home has a history of complaints, violations, or regulatory infractions. This can show a pattern of behavior that makes it clear that the abuse was not an isolated incident. The goal is to gather as much information as possible to prove that the nursing home’s actions or inaction directly contributed to your loved one’s suffering.

Working With A Lawyer To Strengthen Your Case

Proving nursing home abuse is a challenging task, and it’s essential to have our experienced lawyer by your side to guide you through the process. Our skilled attorney specializing in nursing home abuse cases will be familiar with the challenges of these types of claims and will help you build a strong case. Our lawyer will assist with gathering evidence, filing reports with relevant agencies, and negotiating with the nursing home’s insurance company.

In many cases, nursing home abuse cases are settled out of court, but our lawyer will be prepared to take your case to trial if necessary. When a settlement offer is on the table, our lawyer will help you evaluate whether the amount being offered is fair or if pursuing further legal action is in your best interest.

Nursing homes and their insurers often have experienced defense attorneys, and they will work hard to protect their reputation and limit their financial liability. It is worth it to hire our personal injury lawyer who is prepared to fight for your loved one’s rights and can make all the difference in obtaining a just settlement or verdict.

Holding The Responsible Parties Accountable

When you take legal action for nursing home abuse, your goal is to not only secure compensation for the harm done but also to hold the responsible parties accountable. Nursing homes that fail to provide proper care must be held liable for their actions, whether it’s due to neglect, physical abuse, or financial exploitation. By proving the abuse and taking legal action, you are helping to make certain that the nursing home is held to a higher standard of care and that the same abuse does not happen to others.

In many cases, compensation for nursing home abuse includes damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and in some instances, punitive damages, which are intended to punish the facility for its actions. These damages can help cover the costs of medical treatment, therapy, and any future care needs for your loved one.

Proving abuse in nursing homes is not easy, but with careful preparation, thorough evidence gathering, and legal assistance, it is possible to hold negligent or abusive nursing homes accountable. If you suspect that your loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, act quickly and contact Dennis & Willingham. Working with our experienced Chattanooga nursing home abuse lawyer can make the claim process smoother and help you pursue the justice your loved one deserves. With over 75 years of combined experience, our legal team will

guide you through the legal steps, advocate on your behalf, and hold the nursing home accountable for the harm it caused. Call our office today to get started with a free case evaluation.

How To Identify Nursing Home Abuse

As your compassionate Chattanooga, TN nursing home abuse lawyer, we understand the importance of safeguarding our elderly loved ones. At Dennis & Winningham Law, we are committed to helping families identify and address various forms of nursing home abuse. Recognizing the signs is crucial in protecting the well-being of nursing home residents. Here are six common types of nursing home abuse and indicators to watch for:

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse involves the intentional use of force resulting in injury, pain, or impairment. Signs include unexplained bruises, fractures, burns, or marks from restraints. Residents may also exhibit sudden changes in behavior, such as flinching or fearfulness around certain staff members. If you suspect physical abuse is occurring in a nursing home housing you or a loved one, our elder abuse attorneys are here to help.

Emotional Or Psychological Abuse

This form of abuse includes verbal assaults, threats, humiliation, or isolation. Indicators encompass withdrawal from social interactions, sudden mood swings, depression, or anxiety. Residents might also display a reluctance to speak openly, especially in the presence of specific caregivers. It’s critical to avoid overlooking these indicators of abuse. If signs of emotional or psychological abuse are present, make sure you contact our dedicated Chattanooga nursing home abuse attorneys immediately.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse entails any non-consensual sexual contact or activity. Warning signs are torn or stained undergarments, unexplained genital infections or injuries, and changes in behavior such as agitation or withdrawal. It’s essential to be vigilant, as victims may feel ashamed or unable to communicate the abuse. Our nursing home neglect lawyer can help you determine the best course of action in this type of situation.

Financial Exploitation

This occurs when someone unlawfully or improperly uses a resident’s funds, property, or assets. Signs include sudden changes in financial situations, unexplained withdrawals, missing personal belongings, or alterations in wills and other financial documents. In these cases, working with our elder neglect lawsuit attorney can help protect the financial security of the victim.

Neglect

Neglect involves the failure to provide necessary care, leading to harm or discomfort. Indicators are poor personal hygiene, unattended medical needs, malnutrition, dehydration, unsanitary living conditions, or the development of bedsores. If you notice signs of neglect, don’t hesitate to contact our Chattanooga nursing home abuse lawyers for immediate legal aid.

Abandonment

Abandonment happens when a caregiver deserts a resident, leaving them without necessary care. Signs include the resident being left alone in public places, sudden withdrawal from services without a suitable alternative, or reports from the resident about being left unattended. Our long-term care abuse lawyers can help you identify signs of abandonment and hold the responsible party or parties accountable for their negligence.

Take Action Against Nursing Home Abuse

Recognizing the signs of nursing home abuse is vital in protecting our loved ones. If you suspect any form of abuse, it’s essential to act promptly. At Dennis & Winningham Law, we have over 75 years of combined experience advocating for victims of nursing home abuse. Our team is dedicated to making sure that your loved ones receive the care and respect they deserve. If you suspect abuse, contact us today to pursue justice for your family.