Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Attorney in Macon & Savannah, Georgia

The prospect of facing nursing home abuse and neglect is shocking and upsetting. Suspecting a loved one is facing nursing home abuse and neglect is reason enough to seek legal counsel before acting. It's important to understand that there are options available to you and your loved one. At our firm, The Law Office of Peter Meyer, P.C., we advocate for the protection of your loved ones in Macon and Savannah, Georgia, and the surrounding areas of Houston, Dodge, Wheeler, Candler, and more, so reach out to schedule a consultation.

What Is Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect in Georgia? 

Nursing home abuse and neglect is a form of abuse that elderly adults face in assisted living and long-term care facilities. This type of abuse constitutes a breach of duty or poor care that causes elderly residents to suffer. Some ways that it is expressed include: 

• Leaving a resident with mobility issues locked in their room unattended for hours 

• Providing low-quality (bad tasting, cold, or spoiled) food 

• Missing medication schedules 

• Harsh or severe treatment 

• Verbal, physical, and emotional abuse (hitting, yelling, or taunting) 

• Slow response times to help requests 

Please note that these situations may get progressively worse over time. Therefore, spotting them early on can prevent serious incidents. Elderly residents are encouraged to speak out at the first sign of any incidents. 

What Are Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect? 

The signs of abuse and neglect can be short-term or long-term, but all of the signs can have lasting consequences on the victim. The earlier that the signs can be caught, the earlier a victim can be protected and healed. Some of the telltale signs of nursing home abuse and neglect include the following:  

• Progressively worsening bed sores 

• Fractures or broken bones 

• Skin injuries (rashes, burns, bruises, and welts) 

• Cuts or lacerations 

• Persistent dehydration 

• Malnutrition 

• Facial or dental lesions 

• Serious falls leading to mild or severe injuries 

• Worsening infections leading to sepsis 

• Inexplicable sexually transmitted diseases 

• Uncontrolled weight loss 

These signs are cause for concern and must be addressed immediately. Seeking legal counsel may be necessary, especially if the severity and frequency of the injuries are great.

Proving Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect 

In Georgia, proving nursing home abuse and neglect by nursing home staff is of the utmost importance. If you suspect that abuse or neglect is happening to your loved one, there are crucial steps you need to consider: 

• Report any suspected neglect and abuse to the nursing home or assisted living facility administrators.  

• Call 911 if you spot a life-threatening situation and seek police intervention. 

• Contact your long-term care ombudsman in Macon and Savannah, Georgia. An ombudsman is an official that investigates administration complaints.  The ombudsman’s office can help you address nursing home neglect issues and assist you with legal matters if needed.  

• Contact a nursing home abuse attorney. An attorney will provide information on the options available to protect your loved one’s rights. 

Please note that liability for nursing home abuse may fall on one or several of the following: 

• Attendants 

• Nurses 

• Doctors 

• Administrators 

• Facility owners  

Criminal charges may be filed depending on the abuse’s nature, severity, and intent. Please remember that liability falls on perpetrators and enablers. As such, administrators cannot claim they “didn’t know” about the abuse as it is their job to supervise care. Similarly, facility owners may be liable for abuse incidents due to their legal responsibility to ensure a safe environment for residents. 

Filing a Nursing Home Abuse Claim 

Firstly, call 911 if your loved one has been in a serious nursing home accident and needs immediate attention. 

Next, contact a nursing home attorney who can help you file your claim. Nursing home claims generally fall within these categories: 

• Breach of contract 

• Wrongful death 

• Medical malpractice 

• Negligence 

Your chosen nursing home abuse and neglect attorney will review the case and file the appropriate paperwork. Also, contacting your local ombudsman is important to help document your claim. It is crucial to file the right claim, as the wrong claim may get your case dismissed immediately.