A Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
One of the worst types of abuse in existence is nursing home abuse. The victims are often incapable of defending themselves or even explaining what happened. Their mental and emotional states usually mean they are not taken seriously, and filing a nursing home abuse claim is not easy. This is where a personal injury lawyer can help.
Here are some basic steps if you or a loved one are a victim of nursing home abuse:
Hire a Competent Personal Injury Lawyer
You do not have to hire an attorney, but the knowledge of a personal injury lawyer regarding this type of abuse is invaluable. The attorneys at Robert J. DeBry & Associates are experts at determining if you have a claim and what steps you should take to negotiate for a settlement or take it to court.
Collect Evidence
Like any other type of personal injury lawsuit, elder abuse requires proof. Depending on the type and degree of the abuse, you may want to talk with law enforcement and consider filing a criminal complaint.
Documenting what is occurring without putting yourself or your loved one in a position for retaliation is key. The more evidence you can collect, the better off you will be in terms of a claim.
Formally Report the Abuse
You should discuss the alleged abuse with the management of the service or facility responsible for the employee committing abuse. If that is not advisable, take your complaint (or have your personal injury lawyer do so) to the appropriate state agency.
Filing will help:
- Get the abuse investigated
- Stop the abuse and put the individual or organization on notice
- Kick off the legal process that may result in compensation
If you or a loved one are the victims of nursing home abuse, contact the experts at Robert J. DeBry & Associates for a free consultation.