EPIC Attorney James McCormick Presents on Nursing Home Litigation at Washington Academy of Elder Law Attorneys CLE
This last Friday, Evergreen Personal Injury Counsel attorney James McCormick had the pleasure of speaking at the Washington Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (WAELA) Continuing Legal Education (CLE) conference. His presentation focused on nursing home litigation under Washington’s Vulnerable Adult Statute (RCW 74.34), a critical area of law designed to protect some of Washington state’s most at-risk residents.
Understanding Washington’s Vulnerable Adult Statute – RCW 74.34
Washington’s Vulnerable Adult Statute (RCW 74.34) provides powerful legal protections for elderly and dependent adults who are subjected to abuse, neglect, exploitation, or abandonment. The statute defines a “vulnerable adult” as anyone who:
(a) Is sixty years of age or older who has the functional, mental, or physical inability to care for himself or herself; or
(b) Is subject to a guardianship under RCW 11.130.265 or adult subject to conservatorship under RCW 11.130.360; or
(c) Has a developmental disability as defined under RCW 71A.10.020; or
(d) Is admitted to any facility; or
(e) Is receiving services from home health, hospice, or home care agencies licensed or required to be licensed under chapter 70.127 RCW; or
(f) Is receiving services from an individual provider; or
(g) Self-directs his or her own care and receives services from a personal aide under chapter 74.39 RCW.
Under RCW 74.34, victims, or their representatives, have the right to pursue civil action against individuals or facilities responsible for harm. The law also allows for enhanced damages, including attorney fees and costs, to encourage accountability and justice for those who have been wronged. In the context of nursing home litigation, this means holding care facilities and their staff legally responsible when residents suffer preventable injuries, neglect, or abuse.
Understanding the Difficult Decision Families Face
At Evergreen Personal Injury Counsel, we understand that choosing to place a loved one in a nursing home or long-term care facility is never easy. Families make that decision out of love and trust, believing that their parent, spouse, or relative will receive the care and dignity they deserve.
No one should ever have to question whether their loved one is being mistreated, neglected, or abused. When that trust is broken, it is devastating. That’s why our firm is committed to standing beside families who have experienced this betrayal and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.
Evergreen Personal Injury Counsel: Advocates for Victims of Nursing Home Abuse
At Evergreen Personal Injury Counsel, we frequently represent nursing home residents and their families who have endured the devastating effects of elder neglect or abuse. Our attorneys understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that substandard care can cause—and we are committed to pursuing justice for every client.
We have handled cases involving:
- Physical or emotional abuse
- Sexual Abuse
- Neglect and failure to provide adequate care
- Medication errors
- Inadequate supervision leading to elopements
- Bedsores and preventable injuries
- Wrongful death in care facilities
At EPIC, our team of legal professionals takes pride in helping families navigate the complexities of elder abuse claims and ensuring that long-term care providers are held to the standards of safety and dignity that every senior deserves.
A Continued Commitment to Protecting Washington’s Vulnerable Adults
Attorney James McCormick’s presentation at the WAELA CLE underscores our firm’s dedication to both legal education and advocacy. By sharing his litigation expertise with other Washington attorneys, James contributes to strengthening statewide efforts to protect vulnerable adults and improve accountability across care facilities.
James McCormick is a dedicated trial attorney specializing in elder abuse and nursing home litigation. With a strong commitment to protecting the rights of vulnerable seniors, James has successfully tried numerous cases on behalf of plaintiffs, securing justice and significant verdicts for victims of neglect and abuse. Known for his tenacity in the courtroom and compassionate approach to clients, James combines deep legal expertise with a passion for advocacy, ensuring that every case is pursued with integrity and determination.
At Evergreen Personal Injury Counsel, we remain steadfast in our mission to protect Washington’s most vulnerable citizens—through both courtroom advocacy and community education.
If you or a loved one has experienced abuse or neglect in a nursing home or care facility, contact Evergreen Personal Injury Counsel today for a confidential consultation: 253-472-6000.