Every nursing home resident deserves respect and a safe environment to call home, but nursing home abuse and neglect is an unfortunate reality. Fortunately, it could be possible to hold the abusers and those who empowered them accountable through swift legal action. An Augusta County nursing home abuse lawyer could protect the residents when these facilities fail to provide that safe environment.
If your loved one suffered abuse in a nursing home, he or she does not have to pursue justice alone. A compassionate personal injury attorney at The Warren Firm could serve as an advocate and pursue monetary compensation on your family member’s behalf.
Every nursing home owes its residents a duty of care. These facilities, their owners, and their administrators must provide a safe environment for residents free from harassment, neglect, or abuse. When facilities fail to meet these minimum standards, they could face financial liability for any injuries that occur.
An Augusta County attorney could assist with building a nursing home abuse case. Whether the claims involve neglect or abuse, a lawyer could document injuries and help you build a case for liability.
Most instances of abuse or neglect occur at the hands of caretakers or even family members. However, there are multiple parties who could face civil liability for these injuries, depending on the circumstances.
The abuser is the first person likely to face an injury claim. This could include nurses who fail to provide necessary care to a resident or an orderly who assaults a resident physically.
In addition to the abuser, it could also be possible to pursue legal action against the facility or its owners under a number of legal theories. A nursing home could be liable for the negligence of its employees if they were working within the scope of their employment at the time. For example, a nurse who injures a patient during the course of his or her official duties could open up the facility to civil liability.
The actions of an administrator or owner could also lead to liability as well. For example, negligence during the training or hiring of nursing home employees could result in a viable claim if those workers cause an injury.
With the guidance of an Augusta County lawyer, it could be possible to resolve a nursing home abuse claim favorably in one of two ways. The first and most common way to resolve these cases is through a negotiated settlement. The second involves obtaining a verdict at trial.
Many nursing home abuse cases reach a settlement, often before a lawsuit is ever filed. While it is true most claims are ultimately resolved through settlement, that will not always be the case. In some instances, a defendant will deny any responsibility or otherwise refuse to resolve the claim. This leaves a trial as the best option remaining for the plaintiff.
If your loved one has suffered neglect or abuse in a nursing home setting, the facility and the abusers deserve to face accountability. You could help hold them accountable through the aggressive pursuit of an injury lawsuit.
An Augusta County nursing home abuse lawyer could help your loved one pursue the damages he or she is entitled to recover. To learn more, set up a private consultation today.
