Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Many older Alabamans and those with significant injuries or illnesses may spend extensive time in a nursing care facility. You and your loved ones depend on those institutions to care for you when you are not able to do so. But when a nursing home employee commits abuse or neglect, the results can be devastating. You may not know where to turn and may feel unable to seek justice.

Birmingham nursing home abuse lawyers from Riley & Jackson, P.C., stand ready to serve as a champion for your cause. We believe those who hurt vulnerable people must be held accountable and pay for their actions. If your family member has suffered nursing home abuse, contact us right away to schedule a free consultation with a Birmingham personal injury lawyer.

At Riley & Jackson, We Get Results for Our Clients and More

When your loved one suffers nursing home abuse, you need a trusted legal advocate who understands the regulations that govern nursing homes and who can use their influence and connections beyond settling your case. You need a team of professionals who can not only advocate for your case but can also help you find mental health, financial, and other resources to support your family’s full recovery.

As Birmingham natives and childhood friends, Rob Riley and Keith Jackson believe in helping our clients with respect, compassion, and every means of support we can provide.

We answer your questions, educate you about your legal options, and help you secure immediate assistance to relocate or treat your injured loved one. We work with police and government agencies to ensure those at fault face the full might of the civil and criminal justice system. You can concentrate on getting your family member cared for while we tackle the legal complexities and protect your rights.

To make the choice even easier for you, we offer free case reviews and do not accept any attorneys’ fees until your settlement is complete. To be clear, you do not pay us until we win for you. Because we will not be outworked, we believe we have the skills to make your case successful and maximize the compensation you deserve from those at fault.

Recognizing Nursing Home Abuse Can Be Difficult

Unfortunately, those who abuse the elderly and disabled are often very good at hiding it. When the problem is facility-wide, even administrators may work to cover up what is being done to residents. However, there are some signs you may notice that could indicate your family member is being abused, such as:

Their personality changes noticeably in a way that cannot be attributed to medication, disease, or other natural causes.
They are suddenly withdrawn or exhibit fear around certain staff members.
They develop bedsores or skin problems from not being moved or having sanitary care.
You notice mysterious charges on their bank accounts or credit cards.
They suffer unexplained broken bones, bruises, weight loss, or cuts.
They sign over their assets to someone outside the family without warning.

You may think you are imagining things or that your loved one is becoming more ill or infirm, yet the changes could be the result of abuse. Sometimes, the facility may give the excuse that they are understaffed or that your family member is difficult to manage.

Remember, they will try to protect themselves from legal action, so it is wise to consult with an attorney to determine if your suspicions may be valid. Staffing shortages are never an excuse for abuse or neglect.

Reporting Nursing Home Abuse Is Critical to Save Your Loved One More Harm

Your first priority will be to protect your family member and avoid any further abuse. Next, you should notify the authorities, such as the Birmingham Police Department and the Alabama Department of Senior Services. These agencies will investigate the facility and issue citations if warranted.

Your next step should be to arrange a no-cost case review with a Birmingham personal injury attorney at Riley & Jackson, P.C. By allowing us to evaluate your claim, we can advise you of other actions that could help your family member. Our caring and supportive approach means we treat your case as if it involves one of our loved ones, and we never stop working on your case.

We will work diligently to recover your full losses and ensure all liable parties are held responsible. There is a wide range of damages you could claim, and we can help you identify ones you might overlook.

Potential Damages in a Nursing Home Abuse Claim

Getting a family member out of harm’s way in an abusive nursing home comes with substantial costs. Not only must you pay to find a new place, you may also face fees for an emergency placement. When others are the reason your life is turned upside down, Riley & Jackson can help you fully recover potential damages such as:

Moving to a new facility to make your loved one safe can be expensive. You may need to take time away from work to ensure things are done correctly.

Your family member may have developed additional medical conditions that require costly treatments to return them to better health. In addition, their suffering and your worry deserve to be compensated by those at fault.

Whether in an insurance claim or a civil lawsuit, there are many damages you can seek from the liable parties, including:

The cost of finding a new nursing home, plus placement fees
Medical bills for injuries, illnesses, and other conditions associated with the abuse
Compensation for financial losses if your family member suffered monetary exploitation
Mental health care for emotional and psychological abuse
Your lost wages as you devote your time to helping them relocate and recover
Mental anguish and emotional distress for you and your loved one

Nursing homes often fight back to avoid paying for abuse that happens in their facilities, but with a powerful and accomplished attorney at your side, you can ensure they do not get away with it.

Your lawyer will aggressively negotiate for a settlement against the facility’s insurance policy or take them to court if they do not make a satisfactory offer. At Riley & Jackson, we will not be outworked, and we will not back down until we secure what you deserve.

Nursing Home Abuse Is Common in Alabama

The Alabama Public Health Department reports that nursing home abuse is widespread in our state, with a total of 8,789 cases in the most recent reporting year. While the largest number of cases happen in Jefferson County, the percentage of abuse is higher in rural areas outside Birmingham and other cities.

National elder abuse statistics for 2024 show that nearly 16% of nursing home patients will suffer some kind of emotional, physical, or financial mistreatment.

Nursing home abuse happens when elderly, injured, or ill individuals are given unfair treatment (either unwanted attention or neglect) or are intentionally harmed by nursing home staff, administrators, or other parties. There are many ways your loved one could suffer abuse, including:

Subjected to sexual abuse or unwanted contact
Exposed to suggestive language, jokes, or images against their will
Left uncared for, developing bedsores or skin diseases
Isolated from others
Forced to interact with other patients who abuse them
Unprotected from visitors who may abuse them
Denied care, privileges, food, or other needs by administrators, supervisors, or staff
Victimized by financial exploitation through theft, false credit card charges, or fraudulent checks

Although this behavior towards your family member can make your blood boil, it is important to stay calm and allow professionals to help you with your case. By connecting with a Birmingham nursing home abuse attorney at Riley & Jackson, we can take these concerns off your shoulders and ensure your loved one gets the help they need.

Our expertise spans a wide range of personal injury cases, including:

Our Small Town Values Mean We Are Your Ally for Justice

Nursing home abuse is one of the most inexcusable harms your loved one can face, and it affects your entire family. When the ones you trust with their care commit abuse, you must act quickly to ensure you file your case within the two years allowed by the Alabama statute of limitations. We will help you get justice and the compensation you deserve.

Let a Birmingham nursing home abuse lawyer help you when you contact us online to arrange your free consultation today.