When the unthinkable happens, and your loved one isn’t properly cared for in their nursing home, there are likely a lot of questions running through your mind: Does this constitute nursing home negligence or abuse? Do I need to take legal action? How long does a nursing home lawsuit take? Where do I even start?
Let’s take a look at a few of these basic questions so you can understand what to expect for the road ahead.
How Long Does a Nursing Home Lawsuit Take?
The short answer? It depends. Generally, nursing home lawsuits take about 18 months to 2 years from start to finish. However, if your case is relatively simple or you’re able to settle your case out of court, it may take only a few months. On the other end of the spectrum, if your case is particularly complicated, it can take several years to reach a final resolution.
The best way to determine how involved and complex your case will be is to get in contact with a trustworthy nursing home abuse lawyer. PMP offers complimentary consultations so you can better understand your case and the process you’ll go through in your lawsuit.
What Constitutes a Nursing Home Lawsuit?
There are a lot of situations that qualify as nursing home abuse or neglect that may cause the family members of a resident to file a lawsuit. Common forms of nursing home abuse or neglect include:
- Neglect: Failing to feed, bathe, or move the resident regularly can result in bed sores, malnutrition, or other illnesses. Failing to clean rooms or attend to other basic needs can also create a low quality of life for residents.
- Abuse: All forms of abuse, including physical, emotional, mental, and sexual, are completely unacceptable and can be the basis of a nursing home lawsuit.
- Medical Negligence: Many nursing home residents require medications or other medical care. If staff members fail to timely provide this care, they can be held liable for any sicknesses or injuries the resident develops.
- Injuries: Residents may slip and fall due to unkept premises or lack of monitoring, and other unsafe conditions can cause easily avoidable injuries.
If you notice signs of any of these (or any other) forms of elder mistreatment, contact your lawyer ASAP.
What Is the Process of Pursuing a Nursing Home Lawsuit?
The exact process will depend on the specifics of your case, but most nursing home lawsuits will follow this basic procedure:
- Start by consulting with a personal injury attorney and explaining your situation. They’ll help you determine if you have a case, different options you have, and how to proceed.
- Then it’s time for an investigation. You and your lawyer can work together to collect evidence, such as medical records, security camera footage, witness accounts, etc., to discover the details of everything that happened and make a case.
- Next, your lawyer will help you file a formal lawsuit against the nursing home. They’ll help you work through the detailed paperwork and make sure everything’s in order.
- At this point, you and the nursing home may choose to negotiate a settlement, where they pay you and your family a certain sum without going to court. This is one of the most common outcomes for nursing home lawsuits.
- If a settlement can’t be reached, the case will go to court, and your lawyer will help you prepare with witness testimonies, evidence, etc.
How Can PMP Help Me Win My Nursing Home Lawsuit?
Cases of nursing home abuse are serious, and you shouldn’t leave them to chance. Lawyers at PMP are experts in the fight against nursing home abuse and neglect. By partnering with PMP, you’ll have access to the decades of specialized expertise needed to handle the sensitive and specific nature of your case. We offer:
- Specialization in nursing home lawsuits
- Over 25 years of experience
- A long-held history of winning
- A team of expert witnesses
- Contingency-fee pricing
- Personalized support
- A deep dedication to your case and your family’s safety
If you notice signs of any of these (or any other) forms of elder mistreatment, lawyers at PMP are ready to help.