Finding out that your loved one has been abused or neglected while a resident in a nursing home can be one of the most difficult pieces of information to process. When you leave your parents, grandparents or other family members at a nursing home, you expect them to receive the highest level of care. After all, most people choose to go to a nursing home when they need extra care. If you discover abuse or neglect, you can submit a nursing home abuse lawsuit to receive compensation.
Consult a Lawyer
Your first task when submitting a nursing home abuse lawsuit should be to talk with a lawyer. Lawyers will be willing to explain the process of filing a lawsuit and discuss the details of the case with you. If you do have a strong case, he or she will tell you the type of proof you need and which documents to gather to ensure that you have the strongest possible case.
Gather Documents
Once you talk to your lawyer, you can set about gathering the different documents you need. First, you need to have any medical statements that explain the abuse or neglect. In addition, keep track of all medical bills and other expenses. If you have any eyewitness accounts or photographic evidence, make sure that you are ready to submit them to your lawyer. He or she will be able to use the evidence to build your case.
File the Petition
Once you have the lawyer and the evidence, you can file the petition. Your petition has to include all of the parties involved with the lawsuit. You should have the medical facility or professionals you are suing and your loved one’s name. You should also have the facts of the case in the petition.
In addition to the details of the case, you need to include the compensation that you desire. Your lawyer can help you determine the value of the lawsuit. You need to consider medical costs, financial losses, pain and suffering and any therapy that your loved one may need following the abuse.
Before you file your lawsuit, set up a consultation with a nursing home lawyer as soon as possible. Most nursing home abuse lawyers, such as those from Davis & Brusca, LLC, will provide you with a free consultation and, from that point forward, work for a contingency fee. This means that you do not pay upfront. Instead, the lawyer receives a cut of your final settlement. If you are searching for legal advice regarding a nursing home abuse case, don’t wait to reach out to an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer.