Jewel Beat
Every year, a vast number of elderly people residing in nursing homes and other assisted living facilities report abuse and neglect.
In my opinion, the decision of sending your loved ones to these residences shouldn’t be taken lightly. Statistics show that nearly 10% of elderly people will be the victims of abuse, exploitation, or neglect, there.
Unfortunately, the consequences of these incidents are disturbing, such as physical injuries, persistent physical pain, sleep disturbances, a 300% increased risk of death, and so on…
If your loved one sustained injuries or died due to nursing home abuse or neglect, choosing the appropriate attorney to navigate a nursing home abuse case is a critical step.
Wondering how you can find the right legal expert to pursue justice and secure the compensation that your loved one deserves? Here are eight detailed tips that will help you make an informed legal choice.
1. Understand What Nursing Home Abuse Is
When you initiate your search, the first step you should take is understanding nursing home abuse. It refers to the mistreatment or harm that elderly people experience in nursing homes. Be aware that the abuse or neglect in nursing homes can manifest in a variety of ways, some of them are as follows:
- Physical Abuse
- Psychological Abuse
- Financial Exploitation
- Neglect
The common signs of abuse and mistreatment in nursing homes are:
- unexplained injuries,
- sudden behavioral changes,
- withdrawal from social activities,
- unexplained financial transactions,
- poor hygiene, and
- untreated medical conditions.
Once you recognize what type of abuse your loved one is experiencing, seeking on-time and surefire legal intervention for their protection becomes necessary.
2. Enquire about their Experience and Expertise
No doubt, nursing home abuse cases are complex in nature. The nursing homes’ management is trained to defend their reputation at any cost. Multiple laws and complicated legal questions associated with such cases raise the need to consult legal experts.
Always opt for a nursing home abuse attorney who possesses a detailed understanding of how to navigate through complexities and build a strong case on your behalf. Before finalizing your choice, ensure that your intended attorney has a proven track record of handling cases similar to yours.
Most nursing home abuse attorneys offer initial consultations free-of-cost, so take advantage of it. At consultation with your intended legal experts, enquiring about their experience will help you make the right decision.
3. Look for Resources and Support They Must Have
Not all nursing home abuse cases are the same. Some of them require specialized legal support with extensive resources. So, be wise and look for nursing home abuse attorneys who are well-equipped with the necessary tools and personnel.
By leveraging the power of specialized tools and resources, your nursing home abuse attorney can perform various legal tasks, such as:
- gathering and documenting evidence,
- conducting thorough investigations, and
- negotiating with insurance companies or other parties involved.
Suppose you’re living in Huntsville, AL-based nursing home, and your loved one is experiencing abuse and neglect. In that case, choose one of the best Huntsville Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys with specialized resources and tools for proper investigation and filing a strong case. This way, you will feel more confident knowing your case is in the right hands.
4. Never Overlook Fee Structure and Transparency
Another must-do thing is to understand the fee structure and billing practices that your prospective nursing home abuse attorneys offer.
Nowadays, most attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which implies that you only have to pay if you win the case. In other words, it refers to a no-win, no-fee promise. Other common fee structures on which nursing home abuse attorneys work are:
- Hourly rate
- Flat fee
Feel free to ask your prospective lawyers about their fee arrangement and the percentage that they will charge on a contingency basis. In addition, ask whether there are any additional costs and expenses you would have to pay for.
Your attorney must be transparent about their fee structure. What’s more, they must facilitate a written contract consisting of terms regarding legal services they will offer.
5. Communication and Personal Attention
Communication style can make all the difference. Just be sure that your nursing home abuse attorney communicates effectively and gives personal attention to your case. When you attend the initial consultation, observe how attentively they listen to your concerns.
Moreover, evaluate whether they answer your questions promptly and keep you informed about how your case progresses. Never hesitate to share your problems with them and request their solution from your attorney during the meeting.
If you find a positive response and notice not even a single red flag, then congratulations! You will have a strong attorney-client relationship throughout the legal proceedings and afterward.
6. Seek Reviews and Referrals from Various Sources
Invest time in researching the attorneys with a strong reputation within the legal community and among former clients. To check reviews, testimonials, and peer endorsements regarding your intended nursing home abuse attorneys, browse online platforms like:
- Google Business Reviews,
- Avvo, and
- other legal directories
Doing so can reveal valuable insights into their professionalism, ethics, and success rates. Additionally, consider personally contacting former clients to gain further understanding of their experiences.
Therefore, you will see how effectively the attorney will communicate and advocate for you throughout the legal process.
7. Confirm Their Compliance with Local Knowledge
Prioritize working with an attorney who possesses a comprehensive understanding of the local laws and regulations pertinent to nursing home care in your area.
Make sure they are familiar with the local judicial landscape revolving around how to establish relationships with judges and opposing counsel. This level of knowledge can give you a strategic edge.
If you choose a nursing home abuse attorney who is well-versed in community standards and resources, you will witness that they leverage connections to strengthen your case. Their expertise and resourcefulness, when combined, will boost the prospects of winning your case.
Wrapping It Up
Empower yourself to identify a nursing home abuse attorney who’s experienced and knowledgeable. Above all, their dedication to safeguarding the rights and well-being of your loved one residing in a nursing home can make a world of difference.
Just be sure that the attorney you choose can significantly influence the trajectory and outcome of your case. The right legal expert who will help you stay on the right track, obtain justice, and protect your loved one’s rights.
