Georgia Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Georgia Nursing Homes Abuse Attorneys Stats
Click to Enlarge
Elder Abuse Continues to Be a Significant Problem in the U.S., Making it Essential to Know Your Legal Rights and Options for Addressing Nursing Home Abuse. Quality Care for Elders in Nursing Facilities is a Fundamental Obligation. When This Obligation is Not Met, it Opens the Door for Legal Action Against the Nursing Home and Its employees.

Victims Can Seek Financial Compensation for the Additional Medical Expenses, Emotional Pain, and Other Related Costs Incurred. the Skilled Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers at Nursing Home Law Center, LLC Have Witnessed the Long-term Consequences of These cases.

Georgia Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers: Advocating for the Vulnerable

Nursing home abuse in Georgia represents a growing concern that threatens the well-being of our most vulnerable population. As Georgia nursing home abuse lawyers, we are dedicated to combating this critical issue, ensuring that every elderly resident receives the respect and care they are legally and ethically due.

Nursing homes should be sanctuaries of care. However, the rising tide of abuse and neglect paints a different picture. With an unwavering commitment to justice, we provide a voice for those who may feel voiceless, advocating tirelessly to address and prevent the mistreatment within these facilities.

It is the role of the nursing home abuse lawyer to not only react to such instances but to be proactive in their prevention. As legal professionals, we strive to protect residents in nursing facilities from harm through rigorous legal strategies, comprehensive medical records analysis, and a deep understanding of federal government regulations and Georgia statutes.

Common Signs of Abuse and Negligence in Georgia Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities

Identifying signs of abuse and negligence in Georgia caregiving homes is essential to protect the elderly residents who reside there. Abuse can manifest in various forms, including the following:

Recognizing these signs can help families take action and ensure their loved ones receive the care they deserve.

Recognizing Signs of Neglect

Identifying signs of neglect is the first step toward intervention. Elder neglect, a pervasive form of mistreatment, is often evidenced by signs that basic needs are not being met, such as:

Nursing home employees play a crucial role in perpetuating and preventing these issues, making their vigilance and integrity essential.

State and Federal Laws Governing Elder Abuse

Georgia's nursing home regulations are undergirded by state and federal laws, such as O.C.G.A. § 30-5-8, which provides a Bill of Rights for Residents of Long-Term Care Facilities. Federally, the Older Americans Act (OBRA '87) and the False Claims Act work in tandem to enforce standards and hold nursing facilities accountable for elder abuse.

These laws empower nursing home abuse attorneys to seek monetary compensation for victims, addressing the serious injuries and emotional trauma caused by nursing home negligence. They also ensure that medical care provided in these facilities adheres to a reasonable standard, safeguarding residents from harm.

Standards Nursing Caregiving Homes Must Meet in Georgia

Nursing homes in Georgia are regulated by several chapters of the state's rules, which include but are not limited to:

  • Assisted Living Communities (Chapter 111-8-63): Establishes minimum operational standards for personal care homes licensed as assisted living communities, which provide care to adults who need help with daily living but not continuous medical care.
  • Long-Term Care Facilities: Residents’ Bill of Rights (Chapter 111-8-50): Outlines residents' rights within long-term care facilities, ensuring they are treated respectfully and receive necessary services.
  • Nursing Homes (Chapter 111-8-56): Dictates the regulatory framework for nursing home operations, focusing on resident care, staff qualifications, and facility standards to ensure the well-being and safety of residents.
  • Personal Care Homes (Chapter 111-8-62): Regulates smaller residential facilities providing housing, meals, and one or more personal services for two or more adults unrelated to the owner or administrator.

These regulations cover various operational aspects, from resident care standards to facility maintenance and emergency preparedness.

Agencies That Regulate Georgia Nursing Caregiving Homes

The primary regulatory body for nursing homes in Georgia is the Healthcare Facility Regulation Division (HFRD) of the Department of Community Health (DCH). This division oversees, licenses, and certifies various healthcare facilities and services, including Long Term Care (LTC) facilities.

Georgia Department of Community Health: Long-Term Care Information

Georgia has 364 LTC facilities (December 2023), including nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities, serving over 40,000 residents. HFRD monitors compliance with Federal and State Regulations in LTC facilities by conducting the following:

  • Initial surveys
  • Recertification surveys
  • Complaint surveys
  • Focused Infection Control surveys
  • Follow-up surveys

Regular Recertification surveys are conducted every 12 – 15 months, while Special Focus Facilities face surveys every six months.

Healthcare Facility Regulation Division: Role of Surveyors

The HFRD (Healthcare Facility Regulation Division) is crucial in ensuring the safety and well-being of elderly residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities(ALF) throughout the state.

Inspections are a vital part of identifying and addressing issues related to nursing home abuse cases, elder neglect, and other forms of mistreatment.

HFRD Comprehensive Inspections: Uncovering Signs of Mistreatment

To conduct these inspections effectively, the HFRD employs a dedicated team of professionals, including:

  • Medical experts
  • Nursing home abuse attorneys
  • Experienced surveyors

These individuals are responsible for conducting thorough assessments of nursing homes and ALF to ensure that they meet the necessary standards of care.

Investigative Approach: Gathering Evidence and Ensuring Accountability

One of the primary objectives of these inspections is to identify signs of abusive behavior, neglect, or financial abuse. Surveyors carefully examine the following:

  • Facility living conditions
  • Staff interactions
  • Medical practices

They interview witnesses, residents, and family members to gather evidence of potential mistreatment or medication errors. This investigative approach is essential in holding those responsible for elder abuse accountable.

Evaluating Quality of Care: Protecting the Elderly

In addition to assessing the physical aspects of nursing facilities, surveyors also evaluate the quality of care provided to elderly residents. They look into whether the facility has a history of nursing home employee misconduct and whether staff members are adequately trained to meet the needs of the residents.

Nursing Facility Abuse Concerns/Complaints

For individuals concerned about resident health or safety or the quality of care in nursing homes, the HFRD provides contact information for filing complaints:

How to Select a Nursing Facility

The Department offers GaMap2Care®-Find Facility, a resource where the following information can be accessed through the Find-Facility website:

  • Facility listings
  • Inspection reports
  • License verification
  • Rules and regulations
  • Complaint forms

It's advisable to schedule visits to the nursing homes you are considering. During these visits, pay close attention to the living conditions, the interaction between staff members and residents, and the overall atmosphere. Engage with the staff and medical professionals and ask questions about their training, the care provided, and their approach to handling older persons' specific needs.

When selecting a nursing home, always keep the welfare and safety of your loved one as the top priority. Consulting with a nursing home abuse attorney can also be beneficial. A competent personal injury law firm can offer legal guidance and support in the decision-making process, ensuring that you make a choice that minimizes the risk of neglect, abuse, and financial harm.

Georgia Nursing Facility Abuse Statistics and Facts

In recent years, Georgia has seen troubling incidents of nursing home abuse, as reported by investigations and journalism series. Below are some pertinent statistics and facts:

  • 600 cases of neglect and 90 cases of abuse by caregiving staff members were reported in the past four years in Georgia's assisted living communities.
  • From 2015 to 2019, 20 residents died, and more than 100 were injured due to inadequate care.
  • There have been cases where a dementia patient was burned with cigarettes, and a WWII veteran died from a suspected assault.
  • Roughly 10% of Georgia nursing homes were found to have serious deficiencies, with approximately 9% receiving payment suspensions.
  • As of December 2023, 193 Georgia facilities were ranked “ below average” or “much below average” in at least one area by Medicare’s national nursing home ranking tool.
Analyzing the Data

Georgia nursing home facilities are under increasing scrutiny as data reveals concerning trends in nursing home quality rankings and inspection outcomes. Personal injury and wrongful death cases continue to highlight the commonality of abuse and neglect within the state's long-term care facilities.

By examining these statistics, nursing home abuse lawyers and families can better understand the landscape of elder abuse and the vital need for legal and regulatory interventions.

Legal Advocacy: Seeking Justice for Victims

When abuse occurs, it can have severe consequences for the elderly person involved. This can include physical injuries, emotional trauma, and even financial exploitation.

Our nursing home abuse attorneys, specializing in personal injury cases, play a vital role in seeking justice for the victims. We have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for the elderly and family members, holding those responsible accountable for their actions.

Who is Legally Liable for Nursing Caregiving Home Abuse and Neglect in Georgia?

In Georgia, both the caretaker and the nursing home facility can be held liable for the willful infliction of harm on residents, which includes physical pain, injury, sexual abuse, mental anguish, unreasonable confinement, or deprivation of services. Furthermore, if a nursing home fails to maintain the minimum necessary caretakers for the resident population, it can also be held liable for monetary damages.

Recoverable Damages in a Georgia Nursing Facility Abuse Lawsuit

Victims of nursing home abuse in Georgia and family members can recover damages for:

  • Physical injuries such as those caused by bedrails, bone fractures, concussions, spinal injuries, and bedsores.
  • Monetary damages may also be sought against the home and its staff members if found guilty of abuse or negligence.
How to Prove Nursing Facility Abuse or Neglect in Georgia

To prove nursing home abuse or neglect, it's essential to demonstrate the intent of the caretaker or negligence of the caregiving home that resulted in the resident's harm. Legal claims may be brought against both the individual caretakers and the nursing home for monetary damages. It's also crucial to understand the specific sections of Georgia law that apply to the situation to file a claim properly.

Commitment to Care: the Role of a Nursing Home Abuse Attorney in Safeguarding Elders

Do you suspect that an elderly loved one is suffering from neglect or abuse in a nursing home or assisted living facility (ALF)? At Nursing Home Law Center, LLC 800-926-7565, our Georgia nursing home abuse lawyers understand the challenges faced by abused victims. We strive to provide peace of mind to families by ensuring that their elderly loved ones get the justice they are entitled to receive.

What we offer:

  • Professional legal representation for victims of nursing home abuse.
  • Aggressive representation for abuse in any nursing home or ALF.
  • A compassionate approach to supporting elderly persons and their families.
  • In-depth knowledge of common consequences of nursing home abuse and how to address them.
  • Local insight into Atlanta nursing home abuse claims and Georgia laws.
  • A free consultation and medical records review.

Our Georgia nursing home abuse lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis, ensuring that you don't pay unless we win your case. Protect your loved ones and secure the justice and compensation they deserve.

Client Reviews

★★★★★
Jonathan did a great job helping my family navigate through a lengthy lawsuit involving my grandmother's death in a nursing home. Through every step of the case, Jonathan kept my family informed of the progression of the case. Although our case eventually settled at a mediation, I really was impressed at how well prepared Jonathan was to take the case to trial. Lisa
★★★★★
After I read Jonathan’s Nursing Home Blog, I decided to hire him to look into my wife’s treatment at a local nursing home. Jonathan did a great job explaining the process and the laws that apply to nursing homes. I immediately felt at ease and was glad to have him on my side. Though the lawsuit process was at times frustrating, Jonathan reassured me, particularly at my deposition. I really felt like Jonathan cared about my wife’s best interests, and I think that came across to the lawyers for the nursing home. Eric