Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys in Louisville, Kentucky

As loved ones get older, many families make the tough decision of placing them in nursing homes. Trusting a nursing facility to care for an elderly family member can be nerve-wracking but necessary.  

Sadly, nursing home abuse is a real problem that affects many residents every year. Slechter Law Firm is dedicated to helping those who have been mistreated or abused in a nursing home setting. 

If you’re located in or near Louisville, Kentucky, contact Mr. and Mrs. Slechter today to learn how they can help you seek justice in your nursing home abuse case. They’re proud to serve victims and families throughout Kentucky, including Lexington.

What Is Nursing Home Abuse?

Nursing home abuse can take the form of various harmful actions, including physical, emotional, financial, and sexual abuse. Neglect, where a resident’s basic needs are ignored, is also a form of abuse. Each type of abuse can have significant effects on both victims and their families. Knowing the signs of abuse is the first step in protecting loved ones and seeking justice. 

10 Common Signs of Nursing Home Abuse 

Nursing home neglect and abuse can take on many forms. If you believe nursing home malpractice has occurred, look for the following indicators: 

1. Physical abuse: Unexplained injuries, bruises, broken bones, or marks. 

2. Emotional abuse: Sudden mood changes, withdrawal, fear, or anxiety. 

3. Financial abuse: Unusual bank withdrawals, missing items, or unauthorized changes to legal documents. 

4. Neglect: Poor hygiene, lack of food or water, bedsores, or dirty living conditions. 

5. Sexual abuse: Bruises around private areas, unexplained infections, or sudden behavior changes. 

6. Overmedication or undermedication: Signs of depression, lethargy, confusion, or deterioration due to incorrect medication. 

7. Social isolation: Preventing the resident from interacting with other residents or visitors, or restrictive visiting hours. 

8. Violation of rights: Not being allowed to make decisions about their care or being subjected to unnecessary restraints. 

9. Unsanitary conditions: Dirty bathrooms, soiled bedding, foul odors, or pest infestations. 

10. Frequent ER visits: An unusual number of trips to the emergency room or urgent care centers, often without clear reasons. 

Recognizing these signs early on can make a significant difference in the well-being of nursing home residents. If you notice any of these indicators in your loved one's care, act swiftly and reach out for professional help.

Kentucky's Nursing Home Abuse Laws

Kentucky has strict laws to protect nursing home residents from abuse and neglect. Under Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) Chapter 216, nursing homes must provide care that ensures the residents' safety and well-being. The laws also include regular checks and penalties for not meeting these standards. 

If nursing home abuse has occurred in Kentucky, the victims can take legal action against those responsible. This can include compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other costs.  

Steps for Filing a Nursing Home Abuse Case

Knowing what to expect when filing a nursing home abuse case can help you and your loved one approach each step with confidence. But remember, you don’t have to go through any of this alone.  

1. Consult an experienced attorney: When Slechter Law Firm takes on a nursing home abuse case, they start with a detailed consultation to understand the situation. The team then conducts a thorough investigation that includes gathering evidence, talking to witnesses, and consulting medical and industry experts to build a strong case. 

2. File a lawsuit: Once enough evidence is collected, file a lawsuit against the parties responsible with the help of your attorney. Throughout the process, Mr. and Mrs. Slechter will keep you updated to help you understand the case and remain comfortable. 

3. Discovery: After filing a lawsuit, both parties exchange information through depositions, interrogatories (written questions), and requests for documents and gather additional evidence to understand the circumstances surrounding the abuse. Expert witnesses may be called to provide knowledge on medical conditions, standard care practices, and other relevant areas. 
   

4. Mediation and negotiation: Once discovery is complete, the case may proceed to mediation or settlement negotiations. Mediation involves a neutral third party to facilitate discussions between the plaintiff and the defendant to reach a mutually agreeable resolution. Settlements are the preferred choice because they avoid the uncertainties and expenses of a trial. If negotiation fails to produce a satisfactory outcome, the case will move to trial. 
   

5. Attend trial: If a settlement cannot be reached, the case may go to trial. During the trial, both sides present their evidence and arguments before a judge and possibly a jury to demonstrate the extent of the abuse and the impact it has had on the victim's life. Cross-examinations, witness testimonies, and expert opinions play an important role in persuading the court. 
   

6. Verdict: After hearing both sides, the court will render a verdict. If the decision is in favor of the victim, the court will award appropriate damages. These may include compensatory damages for medical expenses, pain, and suffering, and punitive damages intended to punish the wrongdoers and deter future abuse.  

Regardless of the outcome, an experienced personal injury attorney, such as Slechter Law Firm, can provide continuous support and guidance to help clients through this challenging period. 

Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in Louisville, Kentucky

If your loved one has experienced nursing home abuse, it's important to take swift action. Slechter Law Firm has the experience you need to hold the responsible parties accountable. When you partner with Mr. and Mrs. Slechter, you can trust that your case will be handled with the skill and compassion it deserves. Contact their Louisville firm today to schedule a free consultation.