If your loved ones are residing in a nursing home or elderly care facility, you need to be on the lookout for signs of elder abuse or neglect. It’s not uncommon in Des Moines; in fact, many senior citizens who suffer from conditions like dementia or who may be unable to speak for themselves can become victims. Signs such as burns, depression, isolation, confusion, anxiety, fear, unexplained bruises, changes in behavior, or untidy clothes are often the result of nursing home abuse. If you’d like to find out more about palliative care in Melbourne head over to Medical & Aged Care Group.
If you notice these symptoms or if your loved one has experienced elder abuse, you should consult an experienced Des Moines nursing home injury lawyer as soon as possible. It is crucial to consult an attorney who is familiar with the deceptive tactics of institutional facilities.
Reasons Why You Must Consult an Attorney for Your Potential Case:
- Nursing Home Facilities are Not on Your Side: Nursing homes or rest homes are entrusted with the care and custody of vulnerable, ill, or sick individuals, but they are businesses with a motive to make money. Sometimes, this can lead to involvement in medical malpractice. These facilities are anything but transparent; if you think that reporting issues to their staff or senior management will resolve the problem, you are mistaken. They will likely try to cover up and conceal any evidence of nursing home abuse or inflicted injuries so they can’t be held liable.
You need a lawyer with experience standing against such large corporations who can prevent or prove their intentional fraud and concealment. Although it might seem vague, you need to understand that instances of fraud by care facilities are not uncommon. Therefore, you need to thoroughly investigate your claim with the help of a seasoned lawyer.
- You Need a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer with Extensive Knowledge: Nursing home abuse or elder abuse is governed by specific state laws that protect residents’ dignity and quality of life. These cases are not straightforward, unlike car accidents or personal injury claims, where the plaintiff can sue for damages. Nursing home cases, i.e., elder abuse or neglect, involve several key factors and elements during the discovery phase. One needs to understand the extent of the damage inflicted, such as death or lifelong injury, before filing a claim.
That’s why you need a lawyer who understands the underlying laws of elderly abuse and who has a proven record of handling such claims with a good probability of winning.
- To Conduct a Proper Investigation for Your Claim: When faced with the possibility of litigation, nursing home facilities often do not willingly provide information or records regarding substandard care. They may alter, hide, or conceal medical records, reports, and other documentation that could support your claim.
A lawyer, on the other hand, is prepared for such obstruction. They can hire investigators to review the nursing home’s records, emails, communications, or other reliable sources. Lawyers can also order audits to determine the relevant medical records and obtain testimonials from previous employees or other residents.
- For Good Communication and Negotiation: It is found that up to 95% of legal cases settle without a trial, meaning both parties reach an agreement outside of court. Therefore, you need an attorney who excels at negotiating with insurance adjusters or the defendant party for compensation. It’s not advisable to accept the first offer presented, as insurance company lawyers often try to minimize the amount of compensation as much as possible. A lawyer will represent your case by following all legal protocols and backing up all arguments with collected evidence to strengthen your case and maximize your payout.
