Your Winston-Salem Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys
Nursing home abuse is unfortunately on the rise in America. According to a June 2022 report by the World Health Organization, 2 out of 3 staff members in assisted living facilities had admitted to committing abuse in the previous year. These occurrences have gotten worse during the COVID-19 pandemic, and that same WHO article predicts that, as the global senior population drastically increases as it has been doing, this issue will continue to grow.
Now more than ever, due to understaffing and improper training of caretakers, these employees have been known to emotionally abuse, steal money and possessions from, and inflict serious harm on their elderly residents.
While all of these matters should be reported to local authorities, serious falls that cause painful injury and the overall neglect of nursing home residents often go unreported to the proper authorities.
Here at Lewis & Keller, the safety of nursing home residents is very important to us. We have the experience and resources to help you fight to protect your elderly family and friends in North Carolina nursing homes. Don’t wait — there is limited time, and the sooner we get started, the sooner we can help get your life back on track.
Here For
You 24/7
We are available day and night, every day of the week to begin your free consultation. Give us a call or fill out a quick form to get started!
Decades of
Experience
With over 150 years of combined legal experience among our team, Lewis & Keller has what it takes to be a champion for every client. We are prepared to protect your legal rights after this tragic incident.
No Upfront
Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we never collect upfront fees. We only get paid if we win compensation on your behalf, so there is no financial risk for you!
We Know How Much You’ve Suffered
We understand the profound emotional and physical toll that elder abuse and neglect can have on victims and their families. It is unconscionable that those entrusted with the care of our most vulnerable citizens could engage in such behavior, and we are committed to fighting for justice on behalf of those who have suffered mistreatment at the hands of assisted care facility staff or other perpetrators of nursing home malpractice.
The exploitation of senior citizens leaves the victims and those who care about them feeling overwhelmed and powerless, but at Lewis & Keller, we want them to know that they are not alone. Our compassionate attorneys are here to listen to their stories, offer support and guidance, and fight tirelessly to hold those responsible for their suffering accountable. We believe that everyone deserves to live with dignity and respect, and we are dedicated to helping our clients regain a sense of control and security in their lives.
See What Our Clients Say
Do You Have a Nursing Home Abuse Case?
If you are unsure if your elderly loved one is suffering from abuse or neglect in their care facility, the information below could help determine whether you have a case. Nursing home abuse can take several forms, which can be separated into four main categories: neglect, physical abuse, emotional abuse, and financial exploitation. All of these cause serious harm to the victim who, in most cases, has little ability to stand up for themselves against the abuser.
Below are some common, tell-tale signs that can help you find out if an older person you know has suffered mistreatment at the hands of their caregiver. If your loved one exhibits any of these signs, do not hesitate to contact a member of our North Carolina nursing home abuse lawyer division here at Lewis & Keller.
- Torn, stained, or dirty clothing
- Unexplained burns, bruises, cuts, and lesions
- New occurrences of depression or anxiety
- Dehydration or malnutrition
- Bedsores
- Sudden withdrawal from conversations and activities
- Uneasiness around certain nursing home staff
Our elderly injury lawyers will work hard to get your loved one the compensation they deserve and, more importantly, to put an end to the abuse they have endured.
Doing Right by Our Elderly Neighbors
North Carolina seniors deserve to feel safe and comfortable in their care homes, and when that sense of safety is violated, Lewis & Keller steps in to protect those who can’t defend themselves. Click below or give us a call to get started immediately on the path to justice.
Types of Compensation Available in a Winston-Salem Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit
In North Carolina nursing home abuse and neglect cases, victims and their families may be entitled to various forms of compensation. Examples of damages that may be recovered in assisted living malpractice cases include the following:
- Medical expenses, including hospitalization, doctor visits, and medication costs
- Pain and suffering, including physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement or disability resulting from the abuse or neglect
- Loss of consortium, companionship, or other non-economic benefits of a family relationship
- Funeral and burial expenses in cases of wrongful death
- Punitive damages designed to punish the nursing home and deter similar behavior in the future
It is important to note that the specific damages available in a given case will depend on the facts and circumstances involved, and our attorneys can help victims and their families understand their legal options to pursue the compensation they deserve.
Our Results Speak For themselves
$
7000000
Settlement For Motorcycle Accident
$
3000000
Settlement For Female Plaintiff
$
1393000
Workers’ Compensation Settlement
How Our Attorneys Can Help You
At Lewis & Keller, we have a nursing home abuse lawyer team built to ensure that your loved one is safe and receives the legal help they deserve. There are laws against taking advantage of the elderly, but it can be challenging to prove neglect or mistreatment on the part of assisted living staff. Evidence must be collected through medical reports, photos or videos, eyewitness statements, and even bank statements if your case involves the financial exploitation of vulnerable older adults.
Nursing home abuse has become even more complex to prove since the COVID-19 pandemic began. In response to the pandemic, North Carolina and many other states have granted virtual legal immunity to nursing homes, making it harder to bring cases of abuse to justice. This is true even in cases unrelated to COVID-19. This immunity shields nursing homes from lawsuits related not only to the pandemic but also to their handling of other issues, such as neglect, theft, and emotional abuse, which can all be incredibly harmful to elderly residents.
With Lewis & Keller on your side, you know that you’ll never miss a deadline, you’ll have an airtight case proving the mistreatment suffered by your older relative, and you’ll have a caring advocate who is there to hear your story and help you move forward.
Decades of combined legal experience have given our team what it takes to help you navigate the pitfalls that can arise during litigation, and we will fight for the maximum compensation benefits legally available to you.
What Comes Next?
Reviewing Your Case
If your loved one has suffered serious harm from nursing home malpractice, we can help to evaluate and assess your legal options for a compensation lawsuit at no cost. Simply fill out the free case review form on our website or call us at (336) 765-7777 to get started.
Gathering Evidence
During the evidence collection process, your lawyer will review and analyze all available evidence to determine its admissibility and relevance to the case. They may also conduct interviews with potential witnesses and work with experts to provide context to existing evidence, all with the goal of building a strong case that supports your position.
Negotiating Your Settlement
While negotiating your highest possible settlement, your lawyer will use their knowledge of the law, as well as the facts and evidence of the case, to present a robust argument for why you deserve a higher settlement amount. We won’t stop unless you get the offer you’re entitled to receive.
Receiving Your Check
Once the final settlement offer has been made in your case, your lawyer will review the offer with you and advise you on whether to accept or reject it. If you choose to accept the offer, we will work to ensure that the settlement agreement is executed correctly and that you receive the settlement check as soon as possible, often working with the other party’s attorney and insurance company to facilitate the process.
Nursing Home Abuse FAQs
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer?
As your legal advocates, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means that we only get paid if we win your case. The fee is typically a percentage of the compensation you receive, and it varies depending on the complexity of the case. We will discuss the fee arrangement with you before starting any work on your case.
How Can a Nursing Home Malpractice Lawyer Help Me?
As nursing home abuse lawyers, we can help you hold the responsible parties accountable for the abuse and seek compensation for the harm that has been done. We can investigate the case, collect evidence, negotiate with insurance companies and facility representatives, and represent you in court if necessary.
What Should I Do If I Suspect Nursing Home Abuse?
If you suspect that a loved one is experiencing nursing home abuse, it’s crucial to take action immediately. As your legal advocates, we can help you document any signs or symptoms of abuse, report the abuse to the facility’s management, and discuss your legal options.
What Rights Are Guaranteed to Nursing Home Residents?
Nursing home residents have protected legal rights, primarily the right to reside in a safe community where they feel secure in their surroundings. Below are some other legal protections afforded to those who reside in elderly care homes:
- The right to privacy and freedom from abuse
- The right to freedom from restraints or sedation
- Availability of social activities
- The right to have questions answered
- The right to see their visitors
- Equal treatment of all residents
- The right to refuse medical treatment or to be transferred to another institution
Can I Sue a Nursing Home for the Actions of its Employees?
Yes, nursing homes can be held liable for the actions of their employees if they were acting within the scope of their employment. However, nursing homes can also be held directly liable for their own negligence or failure to provide adequate care. As experienced nursing home abuse lawyers, we can help you determine who should be held liable in your case.
