Beckley Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer

Beckley Nursing Home Neglect Attorney

People who put their loved ones in a nursing home trust that their family member is in a place with dedicated medical attention, adequate supervision, and empathetic care. Unfortunately, however, not all nursing homes and care facilities are up to that standard. Considering the aging populations and economic hardships in Beckley, West Virginia, nursing home neglect is becoming a growing concern – necessitating a skilled Beckley nursing home neglect lawyer.

At Wooton, Davis, Hussell & Johnson, PLLC, our knowledgeable legal team understands just how traumatic it can be to have your loved one treated poorly in a care facility. Whether your loved one has inexplicable injuries, has had their medication mismanaged, and it led to serious complications, or if a lack of oversight led to a devastating fall, we have the skills and tools necessary to help you get the compensation you deserve.

Beckley’s Aging and At-Risk Population

According to recent census data, roughly 22% of the population in Beckley is of the age of 65 or older, which is a bit higher than the statewide average of 21%. What is particularly concerning, however, is that 14% of seniors in Beckley are living in poverty, which can put people at risk of being in generally vulnerable situations when they are situated in long-term care settings.

People who are older and living in poverty commonly have fewer options for health care, minimal family support, and more difficulty being able to advocate for themselves. These on-the-ground realities enhance the risk of being neglected – particularly in poorly regulated or understaffed nursing homes.

For families and legal advocates, it’s crucial to recognize and understand this demographic.

What Is Considered Nursing Home Neglect?

Nursing home neglect is considered to be a failure to meet a nursing home resident’s basic needs. Examples of nursing home neglect include:

• A lack of adequate medical care, such as missed medications or untreated infections
• Unsanitary conditions or poor hygiene
• Dehydration or malnutrition
• Inadequate supervision that leads to wandering or falls
• Emotional abuse, such as isolation and neglect

If you’ve noticed changes in your loved one – such as a sudden loss of weight, bruises, bed sores, an unexpected hospitalization, or emotional withdrawals – it might be time for you to start speaking with a knowledgeable nursing home neglect attorney.

Legal Options in Beckley and Where to File a Claim

Instances of neglect in care facilities can result in civil lawsuits for subsequent damages. The victims or their families may choose to seek compensation for damages such as pain and suffering, medical costs, and, in extreme cases, wrongful death. Such cases tend to be handled at Raleigh County Circuit Court.

This court oversees civil litigation, such as personal injury cases like elder abuse. A dedicated attorney from our team is deeply experienced in handling these court processes and interacting with local legal stakeholders. We can leverage this deep experience to help make your process as efficient as possible and ensure that you meet all deadlines laid out under West Virginia law.

How Can a Beckley Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer Help?

When it comes to getting justice for your loved one, a dedicated attorney from our firm in Beckley can help you fiercely advocate for your family. As soon as you have a suspicion that there’s been any nursing home neglect, they can launch a deep investigation, looking through facility records and incident reports to collect evidence that supports your case.

We can also leverage our local network of medical experts to secure testimony that underscores your side of the story, as well as subpoena internal staffing logs and inspection results. Furthermore, our dedicated team has experience working with state regulators like the West Virginia Office of Health Facility Licensure & Certification (OHFLAC).

We are prepared to throw all of our resources and knowledge behind your case to help you secure justice.

FAQs

Q: What Qualifies as Nursing Home Neglect in Beckley, WV?

A: In Beckley, West Virginia, nursing home neglect occurs when a care facility is not able to provide the necessary services that are needed to ensure that a resident is healthy and safe. Examples of nursing home neglect include poor hygiene, malnutrition, dehydration, ignoring medical needs, and allowing preventable injuries to happen, such as nursing home falls or bed sores. These actions in Beckley could lead to civil liability or even criminal charges.

Q: How Common Is Elder Neglect in Beckley?

A: As Beckley has a senior population that is aging, meaning that 22% of its residents are of the age 65 and older, and 14% of these seniors are living in poverty, this group has become more vulnerable to inadequate care and neglect. As there are multiple long-term care centers in the area, it’s important for families to stand guard and actively report any concerns they may have.

Q: What Are Common Warning Signs of Neglect in Beckley Nursing Homes?

A: Common warning signs of neglect in Beckley nursing homes may include unexplained injuries like bed sores, bruises, and scratches. Further signs could be poor hygiene, preventable infections, a rapid change in weight, or a sudden and unexplained fearfulness or change in behavior. If staff are restricting visitation or failing to provide clear answers about what happened, this could indicate that it’s time to launch a further investigation.

Q: Can I Sue a Nursing Home for a Loved One’s Death?

A: Yes, you can file a claim against a nursing home for a loved one’s death if their neglect ends up causing the death. Compensation could include medical bills, emotional distress, and funeral and burial costs. A dedicated attorney can look into your case and help you understand whether the facility in consideration breached its duty of care under West Virginia law. They can also help you understand the specific compensation you may be entitled to.

Act Now to Protect Your Loved One – Contact Us Today

If you believe that your loved one is receiving maltreatment, it’s crucial not to wait, as the impact of nursing home neglect can be long-lasting or even fatal. Contact a compassionate nursing home neglect lawyer from Wooton, Davis, Hussell & Johnson, PLLC, today. We can help you collect evidence, understand your rights, and fight for justice during this challenging time.