How Can a Lawyer Help If Your Loved One Suffered Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect?
When you entrust a nursing home with the care of your loved one, you expect compassion, safety, and dignity. Unfortunately, cases of nursing home abuse and neglect are alarmingly common across Texas. If you suspect mistreatment, hiring a skilled personal injury lawyer could be the most important step you take.
What Is Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect?
Nursing home abuse involves intentional harm, while neglect refers to a failure to provide adequate care. Both can lead to physical injuries, emotional trauma, or even death.
Common signs include:
-
Unexplained bruises, cuts, or broken bones
-
Bedsores or infections
-
Sudden weight loss or malnutrition
-
Withdrawal or unusual behavior
-
Unsanitary living conditions
-
Medication errors or overmedication
Why Legal Help Is Crucial
Proving abuse or neglect in a nursing home setting is complex. Facilities often deny wrongdoing or hide evidence. A Texas personal injury lawyer can help by:
-
Investigating the facility and interviewing staff or witnesses
-
Collecting medical records and care logs
-
Identifying regulatory violations
-
Filing claims under both state and federal elder abuse laws
-
Pursuing compensation for medical expenses, pain, and suffering
Laws That Protect Texas Nursing Home Residents
Your loved one is protected under multiple laws, including:
-
Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 242 – Sets standards for long-term care facilities.
-
The Nursing Home Reform Act (Federal) – Requires proper staffing and resident care.
-
Adult Protective Services (APS) – Investigates abuse or neglect of the elderly in Texas.
A lawyer can help you file complaints with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission and ensure the case is handled seriously.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
If your loved one suffered harm, your family may be entitled to:
-
Medical costs
-
Rehabilitation or relocation expenses
-
Pain and suffering
-
Punitive damages (in cases of extreme negligence)
In wrongful death cases, families can pursue a survival claim and a wrongful death lawsuit.
What to Do If You Suspect Abuse or Neglect
-
Remove your loved one from immediate danger if necessary.
-
Document everything – photos, injuries, changes in behavior.
-
Report the incident to facility management and APS.
-
Consult a nursing home abuse lawyer in Texas right away.
Conclusion
No one deserves to suffer in silence. If you believe your loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, a knowledgeable attorney can help protect their rights and hold the facility accountable. Don’t wait—justice starts with action.