Looking after a loved one that’s living in a nursing home can often be challenging and stressful at the best of times, and even worse if something goes wrong.
If you suspect your loved one is suffering abuse at their nursing home you’ll want to do everything you can to put a stop to it and ensure it doesn’t happen again.
Knowing when to involve an experienced lawyer can sometimes be tricky. For many families, it’s something to be done as a last resort, once you’ve exhausted normal methods of complaint but that may not always be the right approach.
The injury attorneys at Phoenix Accident and Injury Law Firm near you have significant experience in helping clients who have been a nursing home abuse victim. Our offices are conveniently located in nearby Chandler, Peoria, and North Phoenix, and we can meet in-person at our nearby offices, over the phone, or video call. You can contact us for a free consultation, or read on to find out more.
By the way, we will also help with other problems that have cost you sleep, like finding a nearby doctor who can help you or recommending you to temporary or long-term care options. You and your family’s’ safety and health are our top concern, and even the best legal team isn’t good enough if your quality of life isn’t sustainable while justice and compensation are on the way. The whole point of legal action is to regain quality of life, so we help you long-term as attorneys and short-term as your go-to people. Our familiarity with the local Phoenix courts makes us confident that we can help you get the best settlement possible.
To figure out how the nursing home you have chosen for your family is rated and to see if the home has any prior violations, check out our nursing home index. We’ve compiled all of the nursing homes in Arizona as well as their health code reports.
Additionally, take a look at our Nursing Home Glossary– an index of important words you need to know in a nursing home abuse case and their definitions.
If you are unsure whether or not you can afford an attorney, don’t worry. We only get paid when you settle. Check out our Attorney Fees Calculator to find out more.
Is it ever too early to speak to a lawyer about abuse?
Often, the earlier a lawyer becomes involved the more support they can offer you with your case.
An experienced nursing home abuse attorney can offer help with:
- Filing an initial complaint with state and federal regulators
- Documenting signs of abuse in case they’re needed in a trial
- Communicating with your nursing home
- Answering your questions
- Offering guidance during any dispute
- Representing your case as it progresses, including during settlement discussions and at trial
- Explaining how settlements might be paid and any tax implications
This can not only make a big difference to the potential outcome of any court case, but also to the changes to working practices and safeguarding of other residents going forward.
Guides to hiring an abuse attorney
Choosing the right Arizona abuse lawyer can have a big impact on the success of any legal case you bring.
Our in-depth articles cover everything you need to know about hiring an abuse attorney, right from knowing when’s the right time, through to what to look for from your legal representation
- What should I look for when hiring a nursing home abuse attorney in Arizona?
- When is it necessary to hire a nursing home abuse attorney?
- When Should You File A Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against A Nursing Home?
- Where do I file complaints about an Arizona nursing home?
- Nursing home abuse dictionary
- 5 most FAQs about nursing home abuse
Is there a time limit to hiring an abuse lawyer?
In most Arizona nursing home abuse cases there is only a set period of time where you can take legal action.
Under Statute of Limitations law, as soon as you suspect abuse may be taking place the clock is ticking. If you wait too long, you may find that you’re no longer able to file a case.
This is another reason why involving an experienced legal team at the earliest opportunity is important.
To find out more about how the statute of limitations works in regards to nursing home abuse cases, you can read our guide: What is the statute of limitations for a nursing home abuse and neglect case?
What happens if my loved one dies during the case?
Unfortunately the legal process can take several months or in some cases years to reach a conclusion.
When the plaintiff of a case is elderly and in poor health there is always a chance that they may pass away before a settlement is agreed or a verdict is reached.
In those cases there are often other legal avenues that surviving family and loved ones can pursue, for example by taking a Survival Action or Wrongful Death claim.
To find out more about your options, read our article: Can I pursue a nursing home abuse case if my parent dies of unrelated causes?
Do I have to pay to speak to an attorney?
This will depend on the law firm you chose and how they charge clients for their legal services.
At Thompson Law we understand that starting legal proceedings can be a very stressful undertaking, so we offer a free case evaluation to help you better understand if there are any legal options you can pursue.
We’ll then make it clear how much you’ll have to pay for legal representation if you chose to pursue a legal claim, and whether these costs could be claimed from any settlement you receive.
When should I hire an attorney? FAQs
Should I contact the police or an attorney first?
If the situation is an emergency you should always call 911 first to contact the authorities.
If you don’t feel your loved one is at immediate risk and are unsure what steps to take speaking to an attorney in the first instance could help identify what you should do next.
Can I hire an attorney on my loved one’s behalf?
This depends on the circumstances and your relationship with the victim of abuse.
If your loved one has a medical condition that limits their mental capabilities, for example Alzheimer’s or Dementia, and you have power of attorney you may be able to proceed to file a case on their behalf.
If you’re unsure where you stand, please contact the team at Thompson Law and they can advise you on your specific situation.
How long does a nursing home abuse legal case take?
This depends on how complex the case is and whether it goes to trial or a settlement is reached through arbitration.
Most cases take between 18-24 months.
Get Help Now
Our team of abuse attorneys is dedicated to seeking damages on behalf of those family members who are being abused and help you find better accommodations for them in the nearby area. We’ve worked on a number of nursing home abuse cases previously in your area and take the time to understand the family’s concerns as well as the situation they believe their loved one is in.
At Phoenix Accident and Injury Law Firm near you, we have more than 15 years of experience helping clients obtain compensation for their and their loved one’s personal injuries, including those from nursing home abuse in the Phoenix area. When you’re ready to talk, please contact our office to arrange a free initial consultation by phone or at our Chandler office, conveniently located near you.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse, contact Phoenix Accident and Injury Law Firm in nearby Chandler, AZ to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney. We provide personal injury legal services to clients in your area including Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale, Tempe, and Peoria.
