Your Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer in Tacoma: EPIC Law
Nursing homes are intended to provide care, comfort, and safety. It is all the more tragic, then, when they instead harbor cruelty and mistreatment toward some of our most vulnerable citizens.
While nothing can undo such terrible experiences, a nursing home abuse lawyer can help you get justice and compensation as a victim or family member. Evergreen Personal Injury Counsel is committed to providing compassionate, tireless service for victims of nursing home abuse or neglect in Tacoma and their families.
Understanding Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Lawsuits
Sadly, nursing home abuse and neglect are fairly common. This is partially due to the frequency of insufficient staffing, training, screening, and pay in nursing homes, leading to staff that are unqualified or ill-suited to the role. According to the World Health Organization, around one in six seniors experiences some kind of abuse in a community care setting. As many as two in three staff members admit to committing abusive acts.
These statistics are appalling. We must all be vigilant of this problem and do our part to protect our elderly citizens. At EPIC Law, we do everything we can to help victims of this abuse and their families get justice. Abusive staff can face criminal charges, but nursing homes can also be held liable in civil lawsuits to pay compensation. This compensation not only helps seniors and their families recover but also brings light to abuse to help prevent it from happening again.
Types of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
Nursing home neglect and abuse can happen in many ways. The Nursing Home Bill of Rights entitles residents to freedom from mistreatment, freedom from physical restraints, accommodation of medical and social needs, privacy, dignity, and more. When any of these rights are violated, compensation may be owed.
Abusive behavior in nursing homes may include:
- Physical abuse, such as hitting or pushing
- Sexual abuse
- Financial abuse, such as manipulating seniors into giving away money or taking it from them
- Mental or emotional abuse, including demeaning language, threats, or withholding fair treatment
Often, caregivers do not intentionally cause harm but do so through negligence or inadequate care. Nursing home neglect might look like:
- Failing to maintain safe conditions and surroundings
- Failing to provide proper nutrition or medical care
- Incorrect positioning of a bedbound patient, resulting in bedsores
- Not caring for a patient’s toileting needs or not changing dirty sheets
- Leaving residents unattended or unsupervised for too long
Filing a Claim or Lawsuit for Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect
Regardless of whether nursing home abusers face criminal charges, victims and their families can file civil claims to be compensated for their damages. The nursing home resident can file this claim, or a representative if they are mentally incapacitated. When abuse or neglect results in wrongful death, the senior’s family can pursue a wrongful death lawsuit.
Claims are usually made against the nursing home, not an individual staff member. The nursing home will have insurance for these situations, and a settlement is often reached without needing to go to trial. To claim compensation, plaintiffs must prove that the nursing home breached their contract by failing to provide the agreed-upon level of care or violated the law by failing to fulfill minimum standards of care under federal and state laws.
Having a nursing home abuse lawyer in Tacoma on your side is essential for a smooth process and successful outcome. We fight for your rights and compensation while you focus on healing.
Damages and Compensation for Nursing Home Neglect or Abuse
If you can prove nursing home abuse or neglect, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses related to your injuries
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of money or property
When mistreatment results in a fatality, the victim’s family can instead receive compensation for wrongful death. This may cover the victim’s medical bills, pain and suffering, and funeral costs, as well as the family’s loss of companionship and any losses related to inheritance or income.
How a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer in Tacoma Can Help
No one should experience nursing home abuse or neglect, let alone go through it alone. A nursing home abuse lawyer defends your rights, makes sure you get the compensation you deserve, and ensures justice is served to help prevent this tragedy from happening again.
You do not need a lawyer to file a claim, but their guidance, support, and expertise are invaluable. Plaintiffs with lawyers are more likely to win their case and usually receive higher compensation. Additionally, your nursing home abuse lawyer handles all the details and heavy lifting of this arduous process, taking the burden off your shoulders while you focus on healing.
Gathering Evidence and Building a Strong Case
Nursing home neglect and abuse can be difficult to prove. Victims can’t always communicate what happened or may be afraid to do so. Your nursing home abuse lawyer in Tacoma knows how to get the necessary evidence to build a strong case. We’ll gather medical records, photographs, witness accounts, and more to support your claim. Our team handles all the paperwork and phone calls so you can rest and recuperate.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
A nursing home neglect or abuse claim often turns into a battle with an insurance company. These insurance companies and nursing homes want to settle the case outside of court, but they also want to pay as little as possible. They will seek reasons to deny your claim or minimize payouts.
You deserve someone who will fight tirelessly to get the compensation and justice you deserve, and that’s exactly what we do. Our lawyers are skilled negotiators and will make sure you receive a fair settlement, or we’ll take the case to trial.
Representation in Court
If the case can’t be settled fairly, we’ll represent you in court. The entire process can be complicated and overwhelming, but especially if it comes to a trial. Having a nursing home abuse lawyer in Tacoma on your side can make all the difference.
Why Choose EPIC Law as Your Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer in Tacoma
Nursing home abuse and neglect is inexcusable. The EPIC Law team is committed to helping victims and their families heal from this trauma while making sure abusers and the facilities that staff them face the consequences. We take a caring, compassionate, and comprehensive approach to every client. Our team handles every aspect of your case, not only ensuring the best outcome but reducing the stress and pressure on you.
Evergreen Personal Injury Counsel has over 20 years of experience serving Tacoma and achieving the best possible results for our clients. Our success lies not only in numbers and dollar signs but in the trust and satisfaction of every client. While no one can make up for the pain and distress you’ve suffered, we can make sure you get justice.
Contact Evergreen Personal Injury Counsel Today
If you or an elderly family member has experienced nursing home abuse or neglect, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a free consultation. We’ll discuss the details of your case and help you determine the best course of action. Contact EPIC Law today to consult a nursing home abuse lawyer in Tacoma and take the first steps toward justice and healing.