When the trust placed in a nursing home to care for our elderly loved ones is broken, the consequences can be devastating. At Senior Justice Law Firm, we dedicate ourselves to defending the rights and dignity of those harmed in long-term care facilities. As experienced Lexington nursing home abuse lawyers, we understand the emotional and physical toll abuse can take on families. Our firm stands as a relentless advocate for victims of nursing home abuse and neglect.
If you suspect mistreatment or have witnessed concerning signs of abuse in a Lexington facility, speak with a Lexington nursing home abuse lawyer at Senior Justice Law Firm right away.
Contact Our Lexington Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys for a Free Case Consultation
Senior Justice Law Firm
710 E Main St, Lexington, KY 40502
502-206-2076
888-375-9998
What Are the Signs of Nursing Home Abuse?
Physical signs often include unexplained injuries such as bruises, cuts, or broken bones. Additionally, signs of poor hygiene, sudden weight loss, or untreated medical conditions can indicate neglect. Emotional signs are sometimes less visible but equally significant. These might manifest as sudden changes in behavior, withdrawal from social interactions, or fearfulness around certain staff members or residents. Financial abuse, another critical area, involves unexpected changes in financial documents or unexplained withdrawals from accounts.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it is crucial to take immediate action. As your dedicated Lexington nursing home neglect attorney, Senior Justice Law Firm is equipped to assess and address these troubling signs with the urgency and seriousness they warrant.
Why Should I Choose Senior Justice Law Firm?
Choosing the proper legal representation can significantly impact the outcome of a nursing home abuse case. The Senior Justice Law Firm is uniquely focused on nursing home abuse and neglect. We have successfully represented numerous families in Lexington, achieving justice through substantial settlements and verdicts. Clients choose us for our compassionate approach and sharp legal strategies, backed by a track record of holding negligent facilities accountable. Testimonials from our clients highlight the personal attention and dedication they received during their cases, reflecting our commitment to exceed their expectations.
If you are seeking a Lexington nursing home abuse attorney who understands the complexities of elder abuse law and treats every client with the respect and attention they deserve, look no further than Senior Justice Law Firm.
Common Types of Nursing Home Abuse
Nursing home abuse encompasses a range of harmful behaviors that jeopardize the health, dignity, and well-being of elderly residents. The four main types of nursing home abuse are physical, emotional, sexual, and financial.
- Physical abuse in nursing homes can include anything from striking or shoving a resident to improper handling that causes injury;
- Emotional abuse often involves verbal assaults, threats, or other actions that cause distress and mental pain;
- Sexual abuse, a particularly heinous form of mistreatment, includes any unwanted sexual attention or acts forced upon a resident; and
- Financial abuse involves the unauthorized use of an elderly person’s funds or assets, often without their knowledge or consent.
If you suspect such incidents at a nursing facility, consult a Lexington nursing home negligence lawyer.
Recoverable Damages
Victims of nursing home abuse and their families may seek compensation for a variety of damages. Medical expenses incurred due to abuse, including hospital stays, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical treatments, can be significant and are recoverable in a lawsuit. Pain and suffering compensation acknowledges the physical and emotional distress caused by the abuse.
As your Lexington nursing home negligence attorney, Senior Justice Law Firm can help identify all potential damages and advocate for the maximum compensation deserved. Understanding the full scope of recoverable damages is essential in making informed decisions about how to proceed with legal action.
Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Statistics
Nursing home abuse is a significant concern both in Lexington and across the United States. Nationally, research shows that approximately 1 in 10 people aged 60 and older who live at home experience some form of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. When it comes to institutional settings like nursing homes, the statistics are equally alarming. A report from the National Library of Medicine suggests that over 50% of nursing home staff admitted to mistreating (including physical violence, mental abuse, or neglect) older patients within the prior year.
In Kentucky, reports indicate that many nursing facilities fall below national standards, with some local homes frequently cited for deficiencies in care. Medicare rates many facilities in the Lexington area, and around half of them have an overall rating of “below average” or “much below average.”
Relationship Between Understaffing and Abuse
Understaffing in nursing homes is a critical issue that directly contributes to increased incidents of abuse and neglect. When there are not enough staff members to adequately care for the number of residents, the quality of care inevitably suffers. Understaffing often leads to:
- Delays in responding to resident needs,
- Medication errors,
- Inadequate supervision, and
- Physical neglect.
Understaffed facilities may also experience higher turnover rates, leading to a workforce that lacks experience and proper training.
Understaffing has significant legal implications. It can be viewed as negligence, as facilities fail to meet the standard of care required by law. Senior Justice Law Firm specializes in identifying and proving cases where understaffing has led to harm. By meticulously analyzing staffing logs, patient records, and other documentation, the firm builds compelling cases to hold facilities accountable for their negligence.
What to Do If I Suspect Nursing Home Abuse
If you suspect that a loved one is being abused or neglected in a nursing home, taking swift and decisive action is crucial. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do:
- Document everything. Keep detailed records of any signs or incidents of abuse. That includes taking photographs of any physical injuries, keeping a diary of behavioral changes, and noting any unusual financial transactions.
- Speak with your loved one. Talk to your loved one about your concerns. They may be able to provide details about their experiences in the facility.
- Report your concerns. Contact the nursing home’s management to report your concerns. If the issue is not resolved satisfactorily, escalate your complaints to higher authorities such as the local ombudsman, the state Department of Health, or Adult Protective Services.
- Seek legal advice. Contact a Lexington nursing home abuse lawyer. A skilled attorney can guide you on how to proceed legally and help protect your loved one from further harm.
- Consider moving your loved one. If you believe your loved one is in immediate danger, consider a different facility or a home environment where they can receive the care they need.
The Senior Justice Law Firm is experienced in handling these delicate situations. They can help navigate the complex legal landscape of elder abuse and offer both the legal support and compassion needed to deal with these distressing circumstances. By reaching out to a skilled Lexington nursing home abuse lawyer at Senior Justice Law Firm, you ensure that your concerns are taken seriously and that your loved one’s rights are vigorously defended.
Contact Senior Justice Law Firm
If you suspect that a loved one is suffering from abuse or neglect in a nursing home, it’s crucial to take immediate action. At Senior Justice Law Firm, we are dedicated to fighting for the rights of the most vulnerable members of our community, and we stand ready to help you. Our focus on nursing home abuse cases in Lexington means that we have the experience and dedication necessary to navigate these complex issues effectively.
Don’t let your loved one suffer in silence. Contact Senior Justice Law Firm today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a seasoned Lexington nursing home abuse lawyer. We understand the sensitivity of these matters and ensure that each case is handled with the utmost care and professionalism.
What to Know About Lexington’s Nursing Homes
Kentucky’s nursing homes have been rated by many reputable sources (Medicaid, the AARP, and Families for Better Care, to name a few) as some of the nation’s worst, with the federal government ranking as many as 43% of them at a rating of below or well below average. The city of Lexington follows this same pattern experienced at a statewide level.
Lexington’s metropolitan area includes 22 nursing homes, or 29 within a radius of 25 miles from city center. Fourteen of these facilities were reported as having at least one serious deficiency. This means that nearly two-thirds of Lexington’s nursing homes have caused a resident to unnecessarily suffer in some way.
While any nursing home—even one rated at five stars—can be the source of abuse or neglect, some locations are more prone to citations than others. Based on a consistent track record of citations, certain facilities in Lexington stand out. Do your research and check a facility’s rating prior to admitting your loved one. Ratings and citations constantly change.
The following Lexington nursing homes have a 1 or 2 star rating, indicating a below average rating per Medicare’s Care Compare page, as of September 2022:
| Facility Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Homestead Post Acute | 1608 Versailles Road Lexington, KY 40504 |
| Mayfair Manor | 3300 Tates Creek Road Lexington, KY 40502 |
| Northpoint/Lexington Healthcare Center | 1500 Trent Boulevard Lexington, KY 40515 |
| Nicholasville Nursing and Rehabilitation | 100 Sparks Avenue Nicholasville, KY 40356 |
| Harborview Dover, LLC | 112 Dover Drive Georgetown, KY 40324 |
| Bluegrass Care & Rehabilitation Center | 3576 Pimlico Parkway Lexington, KY 40517 |
| Sayre Christian Village Nursing Home | 3775 Belleau Wood Drive Lexington, KY 40517 |
| Telford Terrace | 1025 Robert L Telford Drive Richmond, KY 40475 |
Of course, these Lexington nursing homes are not the only ones that have citations. No matter where your loved one or family member lives, it is critical that you keep an eye out for signs of abuse or neglect. If you suspect that someone you love is a victim, you have options. Contact a Lexington nursing home abuse attorney to learn more about your legal rights.
Disclaimer
*The inspection results are provided from public government agency surveys, and based on information published as of July 1, 2022. The state Department of Health conducts a survey of all nursing home facilities at least once every 15 months. The deficiencies listed on this page may have been corrected after the date of the inspection and date of publishing this material. Citations, ratings, statistics, and deficiencies are current as of the date of this post and will change later on. The inspection findings published are not complete. You may find the most up to date information at medicare.gov. This material is not endorsed by the facility noted or by any governmental agency. Speak with an attorney immediately if you believe you have a viable case against a nursing home, assisted living facility, or medical facility.
