Nursing home abuse and neglect lawyers help victims to get just compensation for their injuries, but among all others The Hornbuckle Firm’s attorneys stand out.  In 1990, Thomas Hornbuckle obtained the first and largest significant verdict against a nursing home of $39 million.  And we can pursue results in any case where corporate greed, cost cutting, and overreaching causes serious harm to an individual.

Our skill in holding the nursing home industry accountable lends itself to handling a broad variety of cases involving serious harm.  We have successful results in medical malpractice, legal malpractice, product liability litigation, brain injury cases, civil rights litigation and business litigation.

Signs of nursing home abuse

Abuse in nursing homes and other long term care facilities can take many forms, but there are some signs that are more common than others. Not every sign implies abuse or neglect, but they certainly raise a red flag. Signs of abuse signal that it may be worth paying closer attention to that care that you or your loved one is receiving. Some signs that a nursing home may not be operating with the care required of it include but aren’t limited to:

• Bed sores
• Falls
• Broken Bones
• Dehydration
• Bruises
• Infection

If you see these signs of nursing home neglect, it’s important to call a nursing home abuse attorney quickly. They will be able to help you determine the viability of your claim. The Hornbuckle Firm is happy to offer a free first consultation to help you better understand the merits of your case.

What to do if you suspect nursing home neglect

1. Gather Evidence
   1.  The first step is to collect as much evidence of poor care as possible. It’s important to gather any medical records that may strengthen your case. It’s also essential to write down every instance of possible abuse or poor care and the names of staff members that you can remember. Financial records can also help your case if you or a loved one was financially abused. It’s also essential to keep any emails from the nursing home or photographs you have taken.
2. Call 911 if anyone is in immediate danger
   1. If you have clear evidence, it might be wise to call the police. Particularly if there’s a threat of violence, calling the police or 911 can be an essential step in preventing further harm. 
3. Call the Department of Social and Health Services
   1. In Washington,  the Department of Social and Health Services investigates claims of nursing home abuse and neglect. They will be able to look further into your claim of abuse or neglect and help to protect yourself or your loved one. They may also be able to provide food, medical care, etc. if necessary. 
4. Get legal counsel from a nursing home abuse lawyer

Nursing home neglect is a serious charge. An experienced nursing home abuse attorney will be able to take legal action and ensure that you’re fairly compensated for any damages. It’s important to consult with experts in such high stakes situations and The Hornbuckle Firm has a track record of excellence in nursing home abuse and neglect cases. Call us at (425) 679-0742 to get the compassionate representation you deserve.

Abuse or neglect?

Up to this point, we haven’t specified the definitions of abuse and neglect, but there are important distinctions between the two words. Nursing home abuse and nursing home neglect are two different charges and your particular situation may fall under either one or both.

Nursing home abuse:  Knowing or intentional actions or inactions inflicting injury on a vulnerable adult. This includes physical abuse, sexual abuse, and more.

Nursing home neglect: Failures to provide necessities or not preventing unreasonable dangers. Where abuse is usually one action, neglect often entails a pattern of actions. 

Although nursing home abuse and nursing home neglect are different claims, nursing home abuse and neglect lawyers handle both kinds of cases. If you think you or a loved one has been a victim of either nursing home abuse or nursing home neglect, it’s important to contact a legal professional quickly.

Nursing home abuse reporting requirements

Unfortunately, a large amount of nursing home abuse and neglect goes unreported. If you or a loved one was abused or neglected in a nursing home, it’s important to report it. Nursing homes are required to ensure that the abuse/neglect is properly investigated.  They are supposed to stick to the framework outlined by the Affordable Care Act.

• Basis: Reports or complaints should be filed if there is alleged abuse, neglect, exploitation, or other forms of mistreatment.
• Timeframe: Reports should be filed no later than two hours after the fact if serious bodily injury is at risk. If serious bodily injury is not imminent, the report should still be filed within 24 hours.

• For Whom?: Complaints are about the nursing home as a whole even if the alleged nursing home abuse or neglect resulted from the conduct of only one staff member.
• To Whom?: Reports and complaints should be filed with Washington Department of Social and Health Services, nursing home facility administrators, and other relevant local officials. 

If you suspect abuse or neglect or your loved one, you should report the incident to the facility and to the Complaint Resolution Unit at DSHS 1(800) 562-6078.

Nursing home abuse statistics and case outcomes

• Only 1 in 24 instances of elder abuse or neglect is reported. (National Council on Aging)
• 24.3% of nursing home residents may experience physical abuse. (Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect)
• 40% of nursing home employees admit to being emotionally abusive towards residents. (Elder Mistreatment)
• 2 in 3 nursing home staff members admit to having committed abuse in the past year. (WHO)

Conclusion

Nursing home abuse and neglect is unfortunately common and grossly underreported. With The Hornbuckle Firm’s experienced nursing home abuse and neglect lawyers, you’ll not only get excellent and compassionate representation, but you’ll help to make nursing homes safer for everyone. 

The Hornbuckle Firm has an outstanding reputation with nursing home abuse and neglect cases. Over decades of fighting for nursing home residents, we’ve helped recover tens of millions of dollars for victims of elder abuse. If you think you may have a claim, call us at (425) 679-0742 for your free first consultation.