Standing Up Against Nursing Home Abuse
When we place our trust in nursing homes, assisted living facilities or long-term care facilities to look after our elderly loved ones, we expect the highest standard of care. When caretakers fail to meet those expectations due to abuse, it can take skilled legal action to hold the liable party responsible for their actions.
At Jarvis-Fleming Law Ltd., we are committed to upholding the rights and dignity of the most vulnerable members of our community. Our attorneys are knowledgeable and passionate about seeking justice for those harmed by nursing home abuse, and we explore all available options of holding abusive parties accountable.
Recognizing The Signs Of Nursing Home Abuse
To help protect your loved one in a nursing home, it is important to be able to recognize the signs of the different types of abuse that happen in a nursing home. Here is what you can watch out for when visiting a loved one:
- Physical Abuse: Unexplained bruises, cuts or injuries; frequent trips to the emergency room.
- Emotional Abuse: Sudden changes in mood or behavior; withdrawal from social activities; signs of fear or anxiety around caregivers.
- Neglect: Poor hygiene, untreated health problems, weight loss or bedsores.
- Sexual Abuse: Bruises around breasts or genitals, unexplained sexually transmitted diseases, or torn clothing.
- Abandonment: The elder is left alone in public places or their living conditions appear unsupervised.
- Financial Abuse: Unusual bank account activity, changes in wills or power of attorney, or missing personal belongings.
If you believe your loved one is a victim of abuse, act immediately. The Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center (MAARC) is a resource for reporting concerns, and in emergencies, always call 911. Once you have ensured that your loved one is safe, contact us so we can begin developing a strong case against your loved one’s abusers.
Seeking Justice And Compensation For Victims
Filing a nursing home abuse claim is not about making money off the harm a loved one experienced, but instead, sending a message that abuse in any form is unacceptable in a nursing home. To send this message, we work tirelessly to ensure that the liable party is responsible for paying for all the costs of their actions, including:
- Economic Damages: Costs for medical treatment, rehabilitation and other related expenses.
- Noneconomic Damages: Compensation for pain, suffering, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life.
- Wrongful Death Damages: In tragic cases, families may seek damages for the wrongful death of a loved one.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of egregious conduct, additional damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoers.
In your claim, our lawyers will be sure to gather all the available information to ensure we have an accurate understanding of the full scope of damages before pursing the full and fair compensation you and your loved one deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing Home Abuse
Many families have important questions about nursing home abuse cases and the legal process involved in seeking justice for their loved ones.
How prevalent is nursing home abuse in Minnesota?
Nursing home abuse affects thousands of elderly residents across Minnesota each year, though exact statistics remain difficult to determine due to underreporting. The Minnesota Department of Health investigates hundreds of complaints annually regarding substandard care, neglect and abuse in long-term care facilities. National studies suggest that approximately one in 10 nursing home residents experience some form of abuse, with emotional abuse and neglect being the most common types reported.
Many incidents go unreported because residents fear retaliation, lack the cognitive ability to communicate abuse or feel ashamed about their treatment. Family members may not recognize subtle signs of mistreatment during brief visits, allowing abuse to continue undetected. The isolated nature of nursing home environments can create conditions where abuse flourishes without outside oversight.
Should I report the abuse to the nursing home administration, or should I go directly to an attorney?
You should take immediate action on multiple fronts to protect your loved one and preserve your legal rights. First, report suspected abuse to the Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center and contact local law enforcement if the situation involves immediate danger or criminal activity. Document all evidence, including photographs of injuries, medical records and witness statements.
While notifying nursing home administration may be appropriate in some cases, facility staff may attempt to minimize incidents or destroy evidence to protect their reputation. Contacting an attorney early in the process helps preserve crucial evidence and protects your family’s legal interests. Many families benefit from having legal representation before engaging with facility administrators, as nursing homes often have legal teams protecting their interests.
How long does a nursing home abuse lawsuit typically take in Minnesota?
Nursing home abuse lawsuits in Minnesota typically take 18 months to three years to resolve, depending on case complexity and whether the matter settles or proceeds to trial. Several factors influence the timeline, including the severity of injuries, availability of evidence, number of defendants involved and the facility’s willingness to negotiate.
Cases involving clear evidence of abuse and cooperative defendants may settle within 12 to 18 months through mediation or direct negotiation. The discovery phase often consumes significant time as attorneys gather medical records, interview witnesses and retain expert witnesses to establish the standard of care.
Standing With You In The Fight For Justice
We understand the importance of these claims, and we are ready to help you through yours. Call our attorneys at 612-416-4911 or email us here to schedule your initial consultation today.