No one wants to believe that the people and facilities you trust to care for your vulnerable loved ones would mistreat or harm them. However, nursing home abuse is sadly more common than you might expect.
If you or a loved one has been harmed or mistreated by nursing home staff, you may be entitled to compensation for damages. The Seattle nursing home abuse attorneys at Seattle Injury Law are dedicated to protecting the rights of nursing home residents. Our compassionate attorneys will help guide you through the distressing process of getting justice and relief after victimization.
Call (800) 928-5486 or visit our contact page to schedule a free consultation to discuss your Seattle nursing home abuse concerns.
Why Vulnerable Injury Victims Choose Seattle Injury Law
When a loved one suffers abuse or neglect in a care facility, you need a legal team that combines compassion with fierce advocacy. Families across Seattle turn to us because we understand what’s at stake and fight relentlessly for justice. Why choose us?
- Our attorneys have protected the rights of injury victims for more than twenty years.
- We have recovered over $300 million in client compensation.
- We are compassionate and respectful with our clients while aggressively protecting their rights and pursuing the justice and compensation they deserve.
- Our Seattle nursing home abuse attorney will come to you to discuss your case.
- You pay nothing until we win compensation for you.
How a Seattle Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Can Help You
An experienced Seattle nursing home abuse attorney can explain your rights and options. They will investigate your claim and conduct discovery to identify and collect strong evidence to support your case.
Your attorney can help ensure all damages are accounted for and accurately valued to determine what would be a fair settlement of your claim. They will work to build your strongest case and help negotiate a fair settlement of your claim as quickly as possible.
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney can take your case to trial to demand justice and the compensation you deserve. Being represented by a Seattle nursing home abuse attorney greatly increases your chances of recovering maximum compensation.
What Qualifies as Nursing Home Abuse?
Revised Code of Washington §74.34.020 defines abuse as follows:
“Abuse means the intentional, willful, or reckless action or inaction that inflicts injury, unreasonable confinement, intimidation, or punishment on a vulnerable adult. In instances of abuse of a vulnerable adult who is unable to express or demonstrate physical harm, pain, or mental anguish, the abuse is presumed to cause physical harm, pain, or mental anguish. Abuse includes sexual abuse, mental abuse, physical abuse, and personal exploitation of a vulnerable adult, and improper use of restraint against a vulnerable adult…”
Common forms of nursing home abuse include:
- Sexual abuse – any nonconsensual sexual contact or behavior, including harassment, touching, or exploitation by staff
- Physical abuse – hitting, slapping, pushing, or any physical harm inflicted intentionally or recklessly
- Mental abuse – verbal or nonverbal actions that intimidate, humiliate, isolate, or threaten a resident
- Personal exploitation – manipulating a resident for personal gain, such as coercing them to give money or perform services
- Improper use of restraint – using restraints in a way that is not medically necessary, safe, or legally permitted
If a nursing home resident is mistreated by the staff, caregivers, or other residents, it likely qualifies as nursing home abuse. If you suspect abuse, you should speak up right away.
How To Know If Someone Is Suffering From Nursing Home Abuse
It is not always easy to spot nursing home abuse. However, some of the following signs may indicate that a resident is being mistreated:
- Unexplained bruises or injuries
- Recurring bedsores
- Broken bones
- Poor hygiene
- Malnutrition or dehydration
- Dirty clothes
- Unchanged bedding that has been soiled or is dirty
- Anxiety, fear, or withdrawal
- Crying or emotional upset
- Mood swings or changes in personality
- Asking for help or complaining about unkind staff
When you visit a friend or relative in a nursing home, look for clues about how they are being treated. If you see troubling signs, speak up.
What To Do If You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse
You should immediately report any suspicion of nursing home abuse. Doing so may save someone’s life and improve the quality of life for numerous nursing home victims.
You should report your concerns to the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) by calling their hotline (877-734-6277) or filing a complaint online.
What is the Deadline to File a Nursing Home Abuse Claim in Seattle?
A statute of limitations is a law that sets the deadline for filing a claim to recover compensation for damages in a personal injury case. You cannot recover compensation for your damages if you miss your filing deadline.
As outlined in the Revised Code of Washington §4.16.350, an action for nursing home abuse must generally be filed within three years of the act or omission that caused the injury or condition.
There are rare exceptions to the three-year deadline, so you must promptly consult an experienced Seattle nursing home abuse attorney to ensure that you do not miss your filing deadline.
Schedule a Free Consultation With A Seattle Injury Law Nursing Home Abuse Attorney
If you suspect that you or your loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse, speak up. At Seattle Injury Law, our nursing home abuse attorneys are ready to help you. We will fight to protect your rights and hold the at-fault parties accountable.
Our Seattle nursing home abuse attorneys have the experience, skills, and resources to help you get the justice and full compensation you deserve. Call (800) 928-5486 or visit our contact page and schedule a free consultation to discuss your Seattle nursing home abuse claim.