Nursing homes play a vital role in the health and well-being of hundreds of thousands of elderly people throughout the country. Unfortunately, nursing home abuse is a common problem that negatively impacts the lives of many of the people residing in these facilities. If you or a loved one was the victim of abuse, an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer in Bridgeport can help.
At Claggett, Sykes & Garza, we have been helping the victims of nursing home abuse and their families get justice for years. Our team of experienced Bridgeport personal injury lawyers will use every available resource to ensure a favorable outcome for your case. Reach out to us today to set up a free case evaluation with a member of our staff.
Get Started on Your Case as Soon as Possible by Hiring an Experienced Nursing Home Abuse Attorney in Bridgeport
When attempting to secure compensation after you or a loved one suffered nursing home abuse, it’s critical to understand that you have a limited amount of time to take legal action. The Connecticut personal injury statute of limitations generally grants nursing home abuse victims two years to file a lawsuit.
If you miss the deadline, you will likely be out of options for recovering compensation. However, exceptions may apply to your case that can alter the amount of time you have to file. Hiring a nursing home abuse lawyer in Bridgeport shortly after the abuse is the best way to ensure you are aware of the deadline for your case and that all your paperwork is filed on time.
Another benefit of hiring an attorney soon after the abuse occurs is that it will improve their chances of securing evidence before it is corrupted or lost. In addition, any eyewitness testimony will be more reliable closer to the time of the incident.
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Nursing Home Abuse Can Take Many Forms
Many of us rely on nursing homes to provide our loved ones with the care they need that we are not able to give them. Unfortunately, the elderly are among the most vulnerable and, far too often, are victimized. Nursing home abuse can take many forms, including:
- Physical abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Financial abuse
Physical Abuse
Some nursing home workers physically abuse those in their care because they are easy targets. The most vulnerable include those who are single, have few visitors, have memory problems, and have communication issues.
Physical abuse can vary in severity. It can range from small slaps that don’t leave any physical evidence to severe damage made to look like accidents, such as knocking a victim over and claiming they fell on their own.
Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse can come in many forms. A nursing home worker may repeatedly physically berate a patient. Alternatively, they could steal letters or packages intended for the nursing home residents to leave them feeling cut off from loved ones.
Financial Abuse
The elderly are especially vulnerable to financial abuse. Elderly people are often the targets of financial fraud. Some common forms of financial fraud committed by nursing home workers include:
- Convincing the resident to invest in a fraudulent business
- Stealing account passwords or convincing the resident to give the passwords so the worker can “help” them with their money
- Manipulating the resident into leaving their savings to the worker when they die
- Directly stealing cash from the resident’s room
The best way to protect your loved one against abuse is by visiting frequently and paying close attention to any changes in the behavior of your loved one.
If you or your loved one fell victim to abuse, an experienced nursing home abuse attorney from Claggett, Sykes & Garza can help you build a case and hold the nursing home and your abuser accountable. If your loved one was killed as a result of nursing home abuse, an experienced Bridgeport wrongful death lawyer can help you file a wrongful death claim.
Nursing Home Abuse Cases Are Typically Resolved Through Out-of-Court Settlements
When attempting to recover damages after nursing home abuse, it’s important to understand that the odds of your case going to court are low. Most of these cases end up settling out of court because it is usually the best option for all parties involved.
Settling means recovering money much more quickly than would be possible by going to trial, which can be especially important for older clients. Meanwhile, the nursing home can avoid the bad publicity that would likely accompany a trial. However, this does not mean you should rush into a settlement. It is still critical to have a lawyer review any deal before you accept it.
You should also always prepare as though a trial is inevitable. By being ready and willing to take your case to court, you will put pressure on the other party to agree to more favorable terms to settle the matter. Furthermore, a small percentage of cases can not be resolved out of court. By preparing for court from the start, you will be ready should a settlement prove necessary.
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Get to Work Building Your Case With Help From an Experienced Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Serving Bridgeport Today
After you or a loved one suffers damages from nursing home abuse, recovering compensation from the at-fault party can prove critical. Hiring an experienced nursing home abuse attorney in Bridgeport will significantly improve your chances of getting the money you deserve.
At Claggett, Sykes & Garza, our team of experienced legal professionals are always prepared to take any case to court to ensure our clients recover fair compensation. Contact us by phone or through our website to schedule a free initial case review today.