Lancaster County Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
Suspecting that a loved one was abused at the hands of a nursing home staff member or another resident can be a devastating experience. While you may have taken great care in choosing a nursing home facility, there are various ways that an elderly care facility might violate the trust you placed in them to take care of your family members.
If you begin to notice signs of potential neglect or abuse of your loved one, you may want to consult with a Lancaster County nursing home abuse lawyer. A compassionate personal injury attorney from Inkelaar Law can help you determine whether your family member was abused and if so, work with you to pursue civil litigation.
Time Limits for Filing a Lawsuit in Lancaster County
As demonstrated by the countless investigative reports and lawsuits documented in the past, many different types of abuse could occur at a nursing home. Whether the mistreatment was financial, emotional, physical and sexual in nature. A victim or their family could pursue compensation for damages.
However, it may be vital for you to take legal action immediately when an instance of abuse is discovered. This is because, under Nebraska Revised Statutes §25-207, the statute of limitations for filing personal injury claims is four years from the date the injury was discovered or should have reasonably been discovered.
Filing a timely lawsuit is often the only way for a nursing home abuse victim to recover compensation through civil means. Lawsuits brought forth after the statute of limitations expires are likely to be dismissed by the court. Therefore, individuals should contact an experienced lawyer from Inkelaar Law as soon as possible.
Examples of Elderly Care Neglect
While nursing home abuse could take place in numerous ways, a few common examples include:
- Severe infections due to bed sores
- Failure to provide adequate services in a residential center
- Mistreatment by staff
- Failure to assess patients for health risks
- Failure to inform legal guardians of treatment plans
Dramatic changes in a resident’s condition, mood, and behavior could all be possible indications of abuse or neglect. A Lancaster County nursing home abuse attorney could review your case to determine whether you or your loved one were the victims of such maltreatment.
Damages in a Lancaster County Nursing Home Lawsuit
A plaintiff who can illustrate that a nursing home facility was negligent or reckless in the care of residents could potentially recover damages in a civil lawsuit. Given that recoverable damages for each nursing home abuse case can vary, a victim or their family members can consult with a nursing home abuse lawyer in Lancaster County to discuss their options.
To recover damages, a plaintiff must be able to show that the nursing home owed a duty of care to the resident and, in breaching this duty, caused harm to the resident. Potential damages that could be associated with this kind of case include:
- Emotional distress
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental pain and suffering
- Costs of necessary medical treatment
Work with a Lancaster County Nursing Home Abuse Attorney
If you suspect that your loved one has been subjected to mistreatment in a nursing home, a Lancaster County nursing home abuse lawyer could help you proactively voice your concerns. Your report of complaints and possible abuse could help to protect your loved one—as well as others—from future neglect. Contact Inkelaar Law today to get the legal support and guidance you and your loved one may need.