Nursing Home Abuse

Dedicated Savannah Nursing Home Lawyers Pursuing Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Cased Against Abusive Facilities

As Georgia’s elderly population grows, the need for 24-hour care provided by nursing homes becomes increasingly vital. It is imperative that efforts to improve the quality of care in these facilities persist. Despite considerable work at federal and state legislative levels, concerns surrounding the quality of care in Savannah nursing homes persist among consumers, government agencies, and researchers alike.

With a commitment to upholding the rights of older people, the Savannah nursing home abuse attorneys at Suthers & Harper stand as advocates for those who have suffered neglect or abuse in nursing homes across the state. Our firm specializes in navigating the complexities of nursing home abuse cases, ensuring that justice is served and that victims receive the compensation they deserve. If you or someone you know has suffered injuries at a nursing home, contact our experienced team of attorneys at 800.320.2384 to schedule a free consultation with a Georgia nursing home abuse lawyer on our team.

Georgia’s Nursing Home Laws

Stringent oversight and accountability are critical in Georgia, where 360 certified Medicare and Medicaid nursing homes operate. Nursing home abuse is governed by state laws that aim to protect older residents from mistreatment and neglect. These laws encompass various forms of abuse, including physical, emotional, financial, and sexual abuse, as well as neglect. The Georgia Department of Community Health oversees the state’s licensing and regulation of nursing home facilities, ensuring compliance with these laws.

Georgia law defines nursing home abuse as any intentional or negligent act that causes harm or distress to an elderly resident. Perpetrators of abuse can face criminal prosecution, civil lawsuits, and professional disciplinary actions. Victims and their families can pursue legal remedies to hold responsible parties accountable and seek compensation for damages. Reporting suspicions of nursing home abuse is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of elderly residents.

Types of Nursing Home Abuse in Savannah

Under Georgia law, nursing home abuse encompasses various forms of mistreatment inflicted upon elderly residents in long-term care facilities. Understanding these types of abuse is crucial for safeguarding the well-being of vulnerable individuals.

Physical Abuse and Assault

This includes any form of bodily harm inflicted upon a resident, such as hitting, kicking, or excessive restraint. It also covers the inappropriate use of physical restraints.

Emotional Abuse

This involves inflicting mental anguish or distress through verbal threats, intimidation, ridicule, or isolation. Emotional abuse can have severe psychological effects on residents.

Neglect

Nursing home neglect occurs when caregivers fail to meet residents’ basic needs, such as providing food, water, hygiene, medical care, or assistance with daily activities. Neglect can lead to serious health complications and deterioration.

Financial Exploitation

Financial exploitation involves unauthorized or improper use of a resident’s funds, property, or assets by caregivers or staff members. This can include theft, coercion, or deceitful practices.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse involves any non-consensual sexual contact or behavior inflicted upon a resident. This includes unwanted touching, sexual assault, or coercion.

Medical Negligence

Medical negligence occurs when caregivers fail to provide adequate medical care or treatment to residents, leading to harm or worsening medical conditions.

Georgia law provides legal remedies and protections for victims of nursing home abuse. Victims or their families can pursue civil lawsuits against staff members and facilities responsible for allowing abuse to occur. It’s essential for families to remain vigilant, recognize the signs of abuse, and take prompt action by contacting a Savannah nursing home abuse attorney to ensure the safety and well-being of their loved ones in nursing homes.

Who Is Responsible for Nursing Home Abuse in Savannah

Under Georgia law, various parties can be held liable for nursing home abuse, including staff members, administrators, and the facility itself.

Staff Members

Individuals directly involved in the abuse, such as caregivers, nurses, or aides, can be held personally responsible for their actions.

Administrators and Supervisors

Those in leadership roles within the nursing home facility in Savannah may be liable if they were aware of the abuse or failed to take appropriate measures to prevent it.

Nursing Home Facility

The Savannah facility itself can be held vicariously liable for the actions of its employees under the legal principle of respondeat superior, which holds employers responsible for the wrongful acts of their employees committed within the scope of their employment.

Third-Party Contractors

If the abuse is perpetrated by individuals or entities contracted by the nursing home, such as outside healthcare providers or service vendors, they may also bear liability.

By holding all potentially liable parties accountable, Georgia’s legal framework aims to protect vulnerable Savannah nursing home residents and ensure that those responsible for abuse are held accountable.

Has Your Loved One Been Abused in a Savannah Nursing Home?

If you recently had to remove your family member from a nursing home out of fear that they were physically, sexually, or emotionally abused, reach out to the dedicated Savannah nursing home abuse attorneys at Suthers & Harper. At Suthers & Harper, we have decades of combined experience aggressively pursuing claims against abusive staff members and administrations. In recent years, we’ve recovered tens of millions of dollars on behalf of our clients and their families, and we look forward to discussing how we can help connect your family with fair compensation for what you’ve been through. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation today, call 800.320.2384. You can also reach us through our secure online contact form.