Nursing homes provide essential services for adults who can no longer care for themselves due to their age or disability. However, the vulnerability of nursing home residents can also put them at risk of neglect and abuse. If your loved one was recently injured because of mistreatment in a care facility, you can pursue a legal claim for the resulting damages.

A Charlottesville nursing home abuse lawyer from MichieHamlett can represent you by advocating for the recovery of maximum compensation. Our experienced personal injury attorneys will help you fully understand your claim while pursuing an aggressive case strategy against those who harmed your loved one.

What Are Common Examples of Abuse in Nursing Homes?

Nursing home abuse can take many forms, ranging from intentional acts of violence to general carelessness that may be equally damaging to a resident. Perpetrators may include individual nurses or staff members, volunteers, other residents, or administrative officials and owners. Our Charlottesville lawyers can investigate the cause of a loved one’s injury to determine whether it resulted from the following types of nursing home abuse:

  • Hitting or other forms of physical violence
  • Yelling, cursing, or verbally assaulting a resident
  • Violating a resident’s right to privacy
  • Withholding access to medical care
  • A lack of supervision or oversight
  • Dehydration or malnourishment
  • Medication errors
  • Unsanitary living conditions
  • A lack of personal hygiene care
  • Limited access to necessary safety equipment or tools

Abuse in a care facility can appear as serious physical injuries, depression, mental health disorders, or the onset of other medical conditions. Under Code of Virginia § 63.2-1808, residents have to live in a nursing home free from abuse. Facilities that fail to meet the required standard of care can be liable for the damages resulting from any abuse that occurs on their premises.

Pursuing a Claim Against a Care Facility for Abusing a Resident

When abuse is the suspected cause of a nursing home resident’s injuries, our Charlottesville attorneys can file a claim to pursue compensation for related damages. The damages available depend on the nature and severity of the resident’s injuries and how they affect daily life. Common damages can include:

  • Past and future medical care costs
  • Costs to relocate a resident to a new nursing home
  • Additional living assistance or supportive care costs
  • Pain and suffering damages
  • Losses to a resident’s quality or enjoyment of life

In some cases, intentional acts of abuse or conduct demonstrating a reckless disregard for a resident’s safety can also support a claim for punitive damages. We can assess the potential value of a claim based on the extent of the injuries and the circumstances of the abuse. This information can be important when evaluating a settlement offer or preparing a case for trial.

Under Virginia Code § 8.01-243, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years. In most cases, the filing period begins on the date of the incident. Timing is critical, as prompt action can help preserve the right to recover compensation from a liable facility.

Consult a Charlottesville Lawyer Regarding Nursing Home Abuse

It is critical to consult a Charlottesville nursing home abuse lawyer as soon as possible after discovering injury or harm to your loved one. We can help you better understand your right to compensation and take the next steps toward pursuing a claim. Contact MichieHamlett today to schedule a free case consultation.