Kitsap County Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Has your loved one experienced neglect or abuse at a nursing home? If so, it’s time to call a Kitsap County nursing home abuse lawyer for a free case evaluation.

During that evaluation, one of our dedicated attorneys can listen to what happened to you and inform you of your legal options. Should we end up working together, rest assured – we only charge a fee if we win you a settlement.

Preventing Elder Abuse at Nursing Homes

Unfortunately, elder abuse is on the rise here in Washington State. Even so, there are a few steps you can take that reduce the chances your loved one will suffer harm at a long-term care facility.

Visit frequently. Abuse is less prevalent among residents with strong support systems. Besides this, you’ll be able to notice if something’s not right sooner. Make sure to visit at different times of the day and days of the week.
Befriend staff and caretakers. Get to know the people that are caring for your loved one.
Know what to watch for. Small things that seem “off” can indicate larger problems. How is the room kept? Have you noticed a subtle shift in your loved one’s mood? Take notes and pay attention.
Don’t be afraid to speak up. Remember, you may need to be prepared to advocate for your loved one.

The most important thing you can do is stay well connected to the day-to-day life of your loved one.

Signs of Elder Abuse to Watch For

Maybe you’ve found our webpage today because you are concerned your loved one might be in harm’s way. Elder abuse can take many forms and be either subtle or overt.

Some common signs of abuse include:

Bedsores
Unexplained bruising or laceration
Unkempt appearance or poor hygiene
Sudden mood or personality changes
Withdrawal from activities
Unusual weight loss
Unsanitary living conditions

Unfortunately, sometimes the abuse or neglect is so severe the result is fatal. If this describes your situation, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of your loved one.

Can you File a Lawsuit Against your Loved One’s Nursing Home?

Yes. A nursing home can be held legally responsible for negligence or abuse. This means that if your loved one has suffered harm you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit for the financial and emotional damages incurred. Further, Washington State law prohibits nursing homes from requiring residents to sign away their rights to recover in a personal injury claim (RCW 70.129.105).

However, the process of filing a lawsuit against a nursing home or long-term care facility is usually a complicated one. It’s not always easy to prove who’s at fault, nor is it always obvious what happened. For these reasons, it’s important to hire a qualified personal injury lawyer who handles nursing home abuse cases. A skilled lawyer becomes your advocate, investigating the facts of the claim and representing your best interest. Through our investigation, we might uncover that the nursing home had inadequate hiring practices or failed to supervise residents. These discoveries can strengthen our case and your ability to win your family compensation.

Need Help? Call to Schedule a Free Case Evaluation

We encourage you to reach out to a skilled Kitsap County nursing home abuse lawyer to discuss your situation. If you’re worried about the cost, don’t be. It’s always free to speak with one of our lawyers and we only charge a fee if we win you a settlement. For additional information on this topic, please read our blog post entitled Elder Abuse on the Rise in Washington State.