The subject of nursing home abuse and neglect is not one we ever want to discuss, but it is a reality in our world and one that is unfortunately increasing as our elderly population increases. The Baby Boomer generation was the largest in U.S. history, and the aging of this group is creating massive shifts in the elderly population of this country, in the economy and society. The rapidly expanding elder population is leading to an increasing need for more nursing homes.
At Mezrano Law Firm, you can trust that we have your best interests at heart in everything we do. With more than 40 years of combined legal experience, our personal injury legal team has earned a reputation for the care and attention we offer to our clients, while still being tough and tenacious when required. If you have a loved one who is being abused, we are here to be your advocate for justice. We will hold those responsible for their injuries accountable.
The Alabama Department of Public Health reports that the elderly population of Alabama is expected to grow by 82.4 percent between 2010 and 2040, which will add 542,061 elderly people to the population. As people grow older, many will suffer from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Elderly people who are frail and suffering from dementia are unfortunately the most vulnerable to abuse and neglect.
Most nursing homes in Alabama receive federal funding from the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). There are federal health and safety standards that nursing home which receive federal funding must comply with or they can be fined. ProPublica has developed a tool that consumers can use to compare nursing homes in their state based on the deficiencies cited by federal healthcare regulators, and it tracks the penalties levied on a nursing home for the past three years.
When we entrust our loved ones to the care of a nursing home or an assisted living facility, we expect them to be cared for and protected. However, that is not always the case. Sometimes, nursing home residents are subject to terrible treatment. The following are examples of different forms of abuse and neglect that can take place in nursing homes:
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) lists the following as examples of elder abuse:
The NCOA reports that about one in ten Americans over age 60 have experienced some form of elder abuse, and estimates can range as high as 5 million elders being abused each year. Elder abuse is woefully underreported with one study estimating that only about one in 14 cases of abuse are reported to authorities.
CMS, the federal healthcare agency with oversight for nursing homes that receive federal funding has published this list of nursing home residents’ rights and protections under federal law. Nursing homes are required to list these items and give all new residents a copy of this list:
An article in NextAvenue.org lists the following six signs of nursing home neglect to look out for if you have a loved one in nursing home care:
One thing you can do when you have a loved one in a nursing home is to visit as often as possible and make some of your visits unannounced. Another thing you can do is to make sure that you report any sign of abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities.
The Alabama department of Senior Services in Montgomery has published The Elder Abuse ProtectionToolkit, which is full of information and resources for preventing elder abuse and neglect.
Alabama Attorney General’s Office Consumer Protection:
Alabama Department of Public Health:
Elder Justice and Advocacy Program:
Reports can be made anonymously
At Mezrano Law Firm, we accept nursing home abuse cases on contingency. This means that you do not pay attorney fees until we have recovered compensation for you. So, you can enjoy the benefit of working with an experienced Mobile nursing home abuse lawyer, but you do not have to pay for it up front. We get paid a percentage of your settlement or jury verdict.
If you have a loved one who is being mistreated in a nursing facility, you don’t have to worry about coming up with the money to pay for a lawyer first because we advance the costs of your case. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to discuss your case.
After learning that your loved one has suffered abuse or neglect at a nursing home, you may be wondering about what your legal options are. At Mezrano Law Firm, we are here to fight for justice for your loved one. You may schedule a no obligation consultation at one of our offices by calling 205-206-6300 or filling out our contact form to discuss your case with a compassionate Mobile nursing home abuse lawyer today.
If you have a case, you have a lawyer. Call us today to learn more about how we can help you.