Benefits of a Virginia Nursing Home Abuse Attorney
Nursing home abuse is a major problem, and unfortunately, many negligent nursing homes are never brought to justice. Patients often feel confused and alone after they experience abuse, and many consider the idea of filing suit against a facility unrealistic at best.
Contrary to popular belief, there are ways to hold negligent and careless nursing homes accountable for their treatment of patients. No one should experience abuse at the hands of a nursing home or its staff members, and if they do, they should receive compensation for their suffering.
Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of a Virginia nursing home abuse attorney.
When to Hire a Nursing Home Abuse Attorney
There are many different types of nursing home abuse and negligence, ranging from physical violence to maintaining poor sanitation. Unfortunately, all types of abuse and negligence are dangerous to patients, and nursing homes should take reasonable measures to prevent abuse at all costs. Sadly, the following forms abuse are relatively common in negligent nursing homes:
- Medication errors
- Bedsores
- Emotional, physical, and verbal abuse
- Malnutrition
- Falls
Many patients are reluctant to report abuse out of fear. Abusers and their accomplices often use intimidation and threats of violence to dissuade patients from reporting any instances of abuse to law enforcement or their loved ones.
Are Survivors Entitled to Compensation?
Nursing homes have a moral and legal obligation to prevent abuse and keep their patients safe. If they fail to keep this obligation, they can be held liable if a patient is abused in their facility. They may even be required to pay financial compensation to the abused patient.
The amount of compensation a nursing home resident receives will be heavily influenced by the extent and severity of their injuries and suffering. In general, patients who sustain more serious injuries will receive more compensation.
In some cases, a nursing home facility or employee may be required to pay punitive damages to an abuse survivor. These damages are meant to punish the responsible party and discourage them from engaging in similar behaviors in the future.
Depending on the nature of the case, a nursing home may attempt to settle with a patient. If a patient accepts this settlement, they must drop their lawsuit completely. A skilled Virginia nursing home attorney can help patients may the right decision if the time to settle comes.
How Can an Attorney Help Abuse Survivors?
For many people, hiring an attorney and filing a lawsuit against a nursing home may seem like a longshot. After all, nursing homes have extensive legal and financial resources at their disposal. This is usually true, but with help from the right attorney, abuse survivors may be able to get the compensation they deserve.
Attorneys can help abuse survivors in a plethora of ways. Some of the benefits of a Virginia nursing home abuse lawyer include:
- An attorney acts as an advocate on behalf of their client.
- Attorneys have in-depth knowledge of the legal system and how it relates to nursing homes.
- Attorneys can negotiate with the other party.
- Attorneys can provide their client with guidance and advice during proceedings.
- Attorneys can ensure the rights of their clients are respected.
The knowledge a skilled nursing home attorney possesses can be invaluable.
Learn More About the Benefits of a Virginia Nursing Home Abuse Attorney
If you are considering filing suit against a nursing home for abuse, you must do so quickly. Patients only have a limited amount of time to file civil suits, and if you do not file within this window of time, the courts may refuse to hear your case.
No amount of money can erase the pain you have endured, but it can help you live comfortably and in peace. Call a legal professional now to learn more about the benefits of a Virginia nursing home abuse attorney.
