Nursing Home Abuse

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When Do You Need a Houston Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer?

Families place their loved ones in nursing homes to provide them with on-site medical care, attention, and social stimulation. When that trust is betrayed due to neglect or abuse, the consequences can be devastating. A Houston nursing home abuse attorney can help you recover.

Our team of experienced and compassionate lawyers is committed to seeking justice for families and holding negligent nursing home facilities accountable.

With a proven track record in handling nursing home abuse cases, we have witnessed the profound physical and emotional toll such abuse can inflict on the elderly. Our relentless pursuit of justice aims to ensure that those responsible are held liable and that victims and their families receive the compensation they deserve. 

We handle a wide range of abuse cases, including neglect, physical assault, emotional abuse, and financial exploitation. When you work with us, you can rest assured that we will prioritize your loved one's well-being and tirelessly fight for their rights.

As Houston personal injury lawyers, we possess an in-depth understanding of the state's laws and regulations concerning nursing home facilities. Our legal team will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the abuse, gather crucial evidence, and build a compelling case on your behalf. Moreover, we approach each case with empathy and sensitivity, recognizing the delicate nature of these matters. 

If your loved one has suffered from nursing home abuse, don't hesitate to reach out to us at (832) 690-7000 for a free, confidential consultation. Let us handle the legal matters while you ensure your loved one is properly cared for with dignity as a valued member of the community.

What Is Nursing Home Abuse?

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), disabled adult and elder abuse in nursing homes can come in the form of neglectful, financial, emotional, physical, or sexual harm.

Examples of nursing home abuse include:

  • Neglect: This is when staff either incompetently or intentionally neglect residents, including late or missed medications, failure to respond when called for assistance, and inattention to the cleanliness of their environment or their bodies.
  • Financial exploitation: Stealing, overcharging, or unfairly withholding money from nursing home residents is an abuse of their trust and may be a crime. Similarly, visitors or other staff may help themselves to a resident’s data or documents — these are also legally acknowledged violations.
  • Emotional injury: Taunting, insulting, or belittling elders is a disgusting form of psychological abuse. Such harm may easily go unreported or denied in cases of Alzheimer’s or dementia patients — their calls for help may be deemed unreliable due to their condition.
  • Physical abuse: Physical abuse can range from forcing residents to remain in uncomfortable positions, to outright attacking or beating them. Nanny cams have captured egregious incidents of elder abuse on camera, which is one way to gather proof of abuse.
  • Sexual assault: Molestation, rape, and sexually-based humiliation or mockery are forms of sexual assault, and should have no place in a home for elders, the infirm, the vulnerable, or anywhere.

Nursing home abuse could stem from individual staff members, as is common in cases of physical abuse. It could also come from the facility’s management, as in cases of neglecting abuse between residents, overcharging families for care, or under-medicating patients to save costs. Whatever the source, such treatment is unacceptable.

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What Kind of Settlement Can a Houston Nursing Home Negligence Lawyer Help You Secure?

Some common types of settlements that a nursing home negligence lawyer may seek to secure include:

  • Compensation for medical expenses: If your loved one has suffered injuries due to nursing home negligence, the lawyer may seek compensation to cover medical expenses, including hospital bills, doctor's fees, medication costs, rehabilitation, and any ongoing medical treatment needed.
  • Pain and suffering damages: In cases of emotional distress or physical pain caused by nursing home abuse or neglect, a lawyer may pursue damages to compensate for the victim's pain and suffering.
  • Punitive damages: In certain cases where the negligence was particularly egregious, the court may award punitive damages, which are intended to punish the nursing home for their misconduct and serve as a deterrent for others.

A lawsuit can help reform the nursing home practices you’re dealing with, or fund a move to a proper facility as well as any care or support needed to heal. The specific amount of any settlement will depend on the evidence presented, the extent of the damages, and the strength of the case built by your nursing home negligence lawyer. 

Choose an experienced law firm like Pierce Skrabanek in Houston that will work diligently to ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible under local statutes.

According to a report by Crime Stoppers, Texas was ranked 50th in nursing home quality in one recent year. There were approximately 5,000 elder abuse cases reported each month in Texas, and Houston specifically ranked 2nd in Texas for most elder abuse investigations

The U.S. Department of Justice estimates that only 1 in 20 cases of physical abuse to elders is reported. By reaching out to Pierce Skrabanek online or by calling (832) 690-7000, you can help stop the silence around elder abuse and possibly prevent future harm.

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What Kind of Injuries Can a Houston Nursing Home Negligence Attorney Handle?

A nursing home negligence attorney can handle a wide range of injuries and harm caused by the negligent actions or omissions of nursing home facilities and their staff, including:

  • Physical abuse and neglect injuries: Physical violence or excessive use of force by staff or other residents is unacceptable. Malnutrition, dehydration, and bedsores are also potential signs of neglect or improper care, as are preventable falls which can cause devastating hip injuries.
  • Medication errors or manipulations: Harm caused by administering the wrong medication, the incorrect dosage, or withholding medication can lead to adverse reactions or medical complications.
  • Emotional and sexual abuse: Harm caused by verbal abuse, intimidation, or isolation, leading to emotional distress and mental health issues. This includes sexual abuses ranging from using nudity to cause humiliation, to physical molestation or sexual assault.
  • Wandering and elopement: Injuries that occur when residents with cognitive impairments, such as dementia, are not adequately supervised and wander off the premises.
  • Financial exploitation: Cases involving the misuse or theft of a resident's finances, identity, credit history, or personal property by staff or others within the nursing home.

Our nursing home negligence attorneys at Pierce Skrabanek are experienced in investigating these types of cases, gathering evidence, and building strong legal claims to seek compensation. Our Houston-based firm will work to hold individuals and the nursing home institution itself accountable for their harmful actions or negligent inactions. 

In severe cases of abuse where the injuries are fatal, our attorneys can also provide wrongful death support. By filing a claim for funeral and burial expenses, you also have the opportunity to address the profound emotional injury of needlessly losing a loved one before their time.

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Testimonials

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Daryl M.

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“My experience with Mr. Skrabanek was honestly far better than all expectations that we had. He took care of us like we were family, making sure me and my wife always felt like a priority and walked us through all of the concerns that we had. If you are looking for a professional who truly cares for his clients you can stop the search. You won’t be disappointed.”

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“Mike and his team helped me settle an injury claim case. I was informed and helped through every step and they were always professional and very responsive. I really enjoyed working with them.”

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“My attorney, Michael, did an amazing job with my case. He’s a straight shooter and has a vast knowledge of the law combined with an extensive amount of experience, making him a fantastic attorney. I fully recommend this firm.

Thank you Pierce Skrabenek!”

Gabriela C.

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“Paul Skrabanek of the law firm Pierce Skrabanek was very professional and went above & beyond in handling my daughter's case. Very dedicated, worked diligently, and got justice for my family. If I could give a higher rating than 5 stars I would. Thank you and your firm for such tenacity.”

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“These guys are awesome, they were very informative from the beginning to end, working with them was super smooth, and I had all questions answered thoroughly. The whole team at this firm works to help in every way they can. They were able to get me the compensation I deserved and exceeded my expectations. If you’re ever in need of a stellar team to stand behind you and work for you, these guys are the ones you would want in your corner.

Thank you very much Paul and thank your team for me.”

Cam F.

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“Working with Paul Skrabanek was a very positive experience. He helped me understand the legal process as someone who has never been a part of a lawsuit, and was able to get me settled quickly and painlessly! Loved working with Pierce Skrabanek law firm!”

Michele R.

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Michael Pierce and his team, especially Krystle, were very professional, always available (even on weekends), and very knowledgeable. We appreciate their hard work on our case and the time they took to explain every detail as our case progressed. Mike is a phenomenal attorney and we highly recommend them for your legal needs.”

Beverly C.

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“I found Mr. Skrabanek to be very trustworthy, creditable, and genuinely concerned about my well-being while I was going through this very difficult process. He showed constant concern for me being completely satisfied before making any final decisions.”

Diane T.

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“Fantastic team of attorneys and staff dedicated to their clients. Michael Pierce is an outstanding trial attorney for personal injury cases.”

Deborah S.

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“We watched, participated & listened to Paul Skrabanek fight for a settlement which we could be happy with. Just this month the case has been put to rest.”

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Contact Houston Nursing Home Neglect Attorneys

If you suspect your loved one has suffered from nursing home abuse, priority one is removing them from the abusive environment. When it comes to filing a report to the relevant authorities, gathering evidence, and filing a lawsuit, let your lawyers handle these tasks on your behalf while you care for yourself and your family.

Why Hire Pierce Skrabanek

At Pierce Skrabanek in Houston, we have years of experience in fighting for the rights of vulnerable and injured clients. Our experienced team of compassionate lawyers understands the profound impact that neglect and mistreatment can have on elderly nursing home residents and their families. We stand as unwavering advocates, determined to hold negligent facilities accountable for their actions.

Don't wait to take action. Contact us today at (832) 690-7000 for a free, confidential consultation, and let us fight for a safer and more compassionate environment for our elderly community here in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my loved one is a victim of nursing home neglect?

Signs of neglect may include unexplained injuries, sudden weight loss, poor personal hygiene, medication errors, emotional changes, and insufficient fund notices from banks regarding unpaid bills. If you suspect neglect, document any concerns and seek immediate medical attention. Consult an experienced attorney for guidance on how to proceed.

What steps should I take if I suspect nursing home neglect?‍

Prioritize your loved one's safety and well-being by reporting the issue to the nursing home management and regulatory authorities such as a state Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) or the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). Document any evidence, take photographs if possible, and seek medical attention for your loved one. Contact our law firm to discuss your case, what kind of evidence is important to secure, and to take legal action.

How much will it cost to hire a nursing home neglect lawyer?‍

We understand the financial strain you may be facing. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won't pay attorney fees unless we win your case. Initial consultations are also provided free of charge, and we will outline any payment arrangements clearly so you can make an informed decision on whether legal action will be beneficial to you.

How long do I have to file a nursing home neglect lawsuit in Houston?

The statute of limitations for nursing home neglect lawsuits in Texas is generally two years from the date of the injury. However, that deadline can vary depending on the circumstances of your case (such as the discovery of the injury being delayed because the elderly individual has a compromised mental state or cannot communicate). It is crucial to act promptly to preserve your legal rights. Contact our firm immediately at (832) 690-7000 to avoid potential time limitations.