Nursing Home Abuse Help

Seniors harmed in nursing homes deserve justice. We fight for their rights and hold abusive facilities accountable.

Empty wheelchair and empty bed because of nursing home abuse.
Nursing Home Abuse Settlement
$ 0 K
Recovered for our Clients
$ 0 M
Nursing Home Malpractice Settlement
$ 0 K

Nursing Home Abuse Legal Help

The Alarming Reality of Nursing Home Abuse

Sadly, abuse within nursing homes is a widespread and devastating issue.  Far too many seniors experience mistreatment, neglect, and exploitation at the hands of those entrusted with their care.

Nursing home abuse has devastating consequences, including physical injuries, emotional trauma, financial losses, and even premature death.

This hidden epidemic must be brought to light. By understanding the scope of the problem, we can work together to protect vulnerable seniors and demand better standards of care.

The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) estimates that approximately 5 million elders are abused each year. Only 1 in 24 cases of elder abuse are reported to authorities.

A 2020 study by the World Health Organization (WHO) found that 2 in 3 nursing home staff members reported perpetrating at least one act of abuse in the past year.

Heenan & Cook is dedicated to helping victims of nursing home abuse and their families. We’ll work tirelessly to:

Protect your loved one's rights

Hold the nursing home accountable

Seek compensation for their suffering

We Understand Your Pain: Help After Nursing Home Abuse

Discovering that your loved one was abused or neglected in a nursing home is heartbreaking. You may feel angry, sad, and unsure of what to do next.  We understand, and we’re here to offer support and guidance.

  • You’re Not Alone: Many families face this terrible situation. We want you to know you’re not alone in this fight.
  • Overcoming Fear and Confusion: It’s normal to feel overwhelmed and confused after finding out about nursing home abuse. We’ll help you understand the next steps.
  • Getting Justice: You want those responsible to be held accountable, and your loved one deserves justice. We can help you take legal action.
  • Finding Answers and Support: We’ll connect you with resources to help you report the abuse, find trusted care, and begin the healing process.

Nursing Home Abuse Legal Help

Understanding Types of Nursing Home Abuse

Seniors residing in nursing homes and long-term care facilities are especially vulnerable to exploitation and harm. Understanding the various ways abuse manifests is crucial for identifying the signs, protecting your loved ones, and holding those responsible accountable.

physical abuse in nursing homes

Physical Abuse

Any use of physical force that results in bodily injury, pain, or impairment.

A Cornell study found that nearly 20% of nursing home residents reported experiencing some form of physical abuse.

Emotional Abuse

Verbal and non-verbal acts designed to cause emotional pain, distress, fear, or erode a sense of dignity and self-worth.

The NCEA estimates emotional abuse is the most prevalent form of elder abuse, with many cases occurring in nursing homes.

Neglect

A caregiver's failure to fulfill their obligation to provide a resident's basic needs. Can be intentional or due to inadequate staffing.

Research suggests about 44% of nursing home residents have experienced neglect, and over 90% have witnessed it.

Financial Exploitation

The illegal or improper use of a resident's funds, assets, or property for someone else's benefit.

It's estimated that financial losses from elder financial abuse total at least $36.5 billion each year.

Nursing Home Abuse Legal Help

Common Nursing Home Injuries: Know the Signs

Nursing home residents are vulnerable to a wide range of injuries due to abuse, neglect, and improper care.  Unfortunately, the following injuries are far too frequent:

Bedsores (Pressure Ulcers)

These painful skin wounds develop due to prolonged pressure and are a sign of nursing home neglect.

Fall Injuries

Falls are common in the elderly and often result in serious injuries when nursing home safety measures are lacking.

Dehydration & Malnutrition

When residents don’t receive sufficient fluids and nutrition, they become weak and susceptible to further complications. These are signs of potential neglect.

Infection & Sanitation Issues

Poor hygiene practices and unsanitary conditions in nursing homes can lead to severe infections, especially among frail seniors.

Injuries Due to Inadequate Staffing

If a facility doesn’t have enough qualified staff, residents are at risk of neglect leading to injuries and decline. This could be a sign of systemic issues.

These are just some of the most common injuries.  If a loved one has suffered any harm in a nursing home setting, it’s important to investigate the cause and seek legal help if negligence or abuse is suspected.

Get a Free Case Evaluation to understand your legal options for holding a nursing home accountable.

Why Nursing Home History is Essential

If you or a loved one has suffered abuse or neglect in a nursing home, you are not alone. Understanding the history of nursing homes reveals a legacy of both mistreatment and the power of those who fought back. This knowledge can:

Validate

Validate Your Experience: Nursing home abuse is not a new phenomenon. Knowing this can help combat feelings of isolation and confirm that you deserve justice.

Find

Find Inspiration in Advocacy: History is filled with stories of nursing home abuse survivors, families, and advocates who spurred positive changes in the industry. Their courage can be a source of strength in your fight.

Fuel

Fuel Your Pursuit of Accountability:  By understanding past cases of nursing home negligence and reform, you gain clearer insights into your legal options and can hold negligent facilities accountable.

Help

Help Prevent Future Harm:  Sharing your story, demanding action, and supporting reform efforts inspired by the past paves the way for a safer future for other vulnerable seniors.

Power

Power to make a difference: Connect with our resources to learn more, report abuse, and find support on your path to healing.

Nursing Home Abuse Legal Help

FAQs

Get answers and find the support you need. Our FAQs address common concerns about legal action after nursing home abuse. If you have additional questions, explore our detailed FAQ page.

How do I know if my loved one is being abused in a nursing home?

Trust your instincts. Look for changes in behavior (withdrawal, fearfulness), unexplained injuries, poor hygiene, or malnutrition. 

Our “Warning Signs of Nursing Home Abuse” page has a comprehensive list.  Remember, not all abuse leaves visible marks. If you have concerns, don’t hesitate to contact Heenan & Cook for expert legal advice.

What should I do if I suspect nursing home neglect or abuse?

Act immediately.  Document everything (photos, dates, staff involved).  Report it to the facility administrator AND state authorities. Consider seeking legal help to protect your loved one’s rights.  Heenan & Cook offers free consultations to help you understand your options.

Can I sue the nursing home?

Yes, if there’s evidence of abuse or neglect causing harm, you may have grounds for a lawsuit.  A lawyer specializing in nursing home abuse cases can advise you on your specific situation. Heenan & Cook fights for justice for victims and their families.

This can be complex.  While arbitration agreements limit lawsuits, they don’t always prevent them entirely. Seek prompt legal advice for clarification. Heenan & Cook has experience navigating arbitration agreements and will fight to protect your rights.

How much does a nursing home abuse lawyer cost?

At Heenan & Cook, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case. We offer free consultations to discuss your options.

Nursing Home Abuse Legal Help

Areas We Serve

If your loved one has suffered abuse or neglect in a nursing home, we’re here to help, no matter where it occurred.  Our nursing home abuse lawyers offer nationwide representation, advocating tirelessly for the rights of victims and families across the United States.

Nursing Home Abuse Legal Help

Why Choose Heenan & Cook for Your Nursing Home Abuse Case

Specializing in complex litigation and known for our accomplished team of trial lawyers, Heenan & Cook is dedicated to fighting for the rights of the most vulnerable. We have a proven track record of securing justice for victims of nursing home abuse and neglect across the nation.

Nursing Home Abuse Settlement
$ 0 K
Recovered for our Clients
$ 0 M
Nursing Home Malpractice Settlement
$ 0 K

Experienced Advocates: Our team has in-depth knowledge of nursing home laws and the tactics facilities use to avoid accountability. We won't be intimidated.

Immediate Action: Time is crucial in these cases. We act quickly to gather evidence, file claims, and protect your loved one from further harm.

Trusted by Clients: We build relationships based on compassion and transparency. See what our former clients say in our testimonials.

No Financial Risk to You: We work on a contingency fee basis. You don't pay unless we win compensation for your family.

Testimonials

What our Clients say

Real Voices, Real Results.  See how Heenan & Cook has helped families hold abusive nursing homes accountable and secure compensation for their loved ones.