Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer in Lexington, NC
When you entrust a nursing home with the care of a loved one, you expect them to be treated with dignity and respect. Unfortunately, nursing home abuse is a growing concern, especially as Baby Boomers and Gen Xers age past 65. If you suspect neglect or mistreatment, a local nursing home abuse lawyer can help you take action. Our firm* is here to help protect your loved one’s rights and hold negligent facilities accountable.
*We are likely to associate counsel on these cases.
We Make
It Easy
We make getting help with your nursing home abuse case easy. All you have to do is contact us and tell us what happened. If an attorney can help, we’ll make sure you get the counsel you need.
Your Loved One Deserves Justice
Hold wrongdoers accountable with the help of a skilled nursing home abuse lawyer who can build a strong case to get compensation for your loved one.
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We Win
Working on a contingency-fee basis allows our clients to retain our services without worrying about hourly legal fees. You won’t owe us a penny unless we win!
Table of Contents
- Understanding Nursing Home Abuse
- Legal Rights of North Carolina Nursing Home Residents
- What to Do if You Suspect Abuse in Lexington, NC
- How a Lexington Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Can Help
- Why Choose Lewis & Keller if You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse
- Lexington Nursing Home Abuse FAQs
- Talk to a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer in Lexington Today
Understanding Nursing Home Abuse
When a loved one enters a nursing facility, we expect them to be safe, cared for, and treated with dignity. Unfortunately, abuse and neglect are more common than most people realize–even in Lexington facilities. Abuse can be physical, emotional, financial, or result from neglect. No matter the form, it is never acceptable.
Common Types of Elder Abuse in Nursing Homes
Elder abuse in nursing homes can take many forms. The most common types include:
- Physical abuse: Intentional acts causing physical harm, such as hitting, slapping, or improper use of restraints.
- Emotional or psychological abuse: Verbal insults, threats, isolation, or other behavior that causes emotional distress.
- Neglect: Failure to provide basic needs like food, hygiene, medical care, and safety.
- Financial exploitation: Unauthorized use of a resident’s funds, coercion, or theft of personal property.
- Sexual abuse: Non-consensual or inappropriate sexual contact, often perpetrated by staff or other residents.
Signs of Nursing Home Abuse to Watch For
Family members and friends should regularly observe for signs that may indicate abuse or neglect. Many warning signs are subtle and easy to overlook, especially if the resident is unable or afraid to speak up.
PHYSICAL INDICATORS
Bruises, cuts, scars, broken bones, signs of restraint, or pressure sores that have no clear explanation. Frequent injuries with vague or inconsistent explanations, or sudden fearfulness around certain staff, may also be warning signs.
EMOTIONAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ABUSE
This can manifest in behavioral changes like withdrawal, anxiety, sudden mood swings, or fearfulness around staff. Residents may also appear unusually quiet or hesitant to speak in front of caregivers.
NEGLECT
Neglect is often visible in the form of poor hygiene, malnutrition, bedsores, or untreated medical conditions. Dirty clothing, soiled bedding, or a general lack of cleanliness in the resident’s environment may signal inadequate care.
SEXUAL ABUSE
This can be difficult to detect but may include unexplained injuries to private areas, bruised genitals, bloodstained clothing, or signs of sexually transmitted infections. Emotional indicators such as fear of being touched or unusual aggression can also be present.
UNUSUAL FINANCIAL ACTIVITY
Be alert to missing personal items, unexplained withdrawals from bank accounts, sudden changes in wills or powers of attorney, or confusion about finances. Residents might seem unusually secretive or distressed about money.
SUSPICIOUS PROVIDER ACTIVITY
Vague explanations of care, belittling, controlling, or even threatening from the caregiver. Leaving the patient in a public area unattended, allowing unsafe living conditions, or improperly dressing the patient are also potential signs of abuse.
Loved ones are often the first line of defense against nursing home abuse. Staying involved, visiting frequently, and asking direct questions can help detect issues before they escalate. If you have noticed these signs, talk to a Lexington nursing home abuse lawyer to determine your next steps.
Legal Rights of North Carolina Nursing Home Residents
Residents of nursing homes are protected under both federal and North Carolina state laws. The Nursing Home Residents’ Bill of Rights ensures access to adequate care, respect, and protection from abuse.
North Carolina law requires that when anyone suspects elder abuse, they must report it to local authorities. This includes if you suspect the abuse was caused by caregivers, medical professionals, and even family members. If you have to report elder abuse, your name will be kept confidential, and you will be protected from civil and criminal liability for good faith reports.
What to Do if You Suspect Abuse in Lexington, NC
Steps to Take Immediately
- Report the suspected abuse to local authorities.
- Ensure the resident’s immediate safety and seek medical attention on their behalf.
- Document injuries and gather evidence.
- Contact an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer in Lexington.
How to Document Abuse and File a Complaint
- Take photos of visible injuries or unsanitary conditions.
- Keep detailed notes of conversations and behaviors.
- File a formal complaint with the Davidson County Department of Social Services or the NC Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
A Lexington nursing home abuse lawyer can guide you through each of these steps, helping ensure that evidence is preserved, reports are filed correctly, and your loved one’s legal rights are fully protected.
Statute of Limitations
Don’t wait to pursue a claim. If you suspect nursing home abuse, you have a limited amount of time to pursue a case. In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including nursing home abuse cases, is 3 years from the date the injury or abuse occurred.
If the abuse was not immediately discovered, the clock may begin ticking from the date the injury was reasonably discovered. All of that said, you should talk to a nursing home abuse lawyer in Lexington as soon as possible.
How a Lexington Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Can Help
Each case begins with a comprehensive investigation into the nursing home facility. This includes reviewing past citations and inspection records from the North Carolina DHHS, scrutinizing internal documents such as staffing logs and training protocols, and examining employee backgrounds for any signs of prior misconduct or inadequate qualifications.
Interviews with current and former staff, other residents, and family members often provide critical insights into recurring issues or systemic neglect. An attorney will also collect evidence such as medical records, caregiver notes, and eyewitness statements to build a strong case.
An attorney will work with medical experts to determine whether injuries align with signs of abuse or neglect. When needed, forensic specialists are brought in to analyze the timeline and nature of harm. This multifaceted approach helps us present a compelling, evidence-based claim that can stand up to legal scrutiny.
Pursuing Compensation for Medical Costs, Pain, and Suffering
Victims of nursing home abuse may be entitled to substantial compensation. Your lawyer will pursue every avenue to ensure your family receives justice and financial recovery. This includes damages for:
- Medical expenses: Emergency care, ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, or psychological counseling.
- Pain and suffering: Physical discomfort, emotional trauma, and mental anguish caused by abuse.
- Emotional distress: Impact on quality of life, including anxiety, depression, or fear caused by neglect or mistreatment.
- Relocation and alternative care costs: Expenses related to moving the resident to a safer facility and any upgrades in care needed due to the abuse.
- Punitive damages: In extreme cases, we may seek additional damages to punish especially reckless or malicious behavior and deter future misconduct.
Our Lexington Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys
Why Choose Lewis & Keller if You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse
Local Experience in Elder Law Cases
At Lewis & Keller, we’ve been standing up for injured and mistreated individuals across North Carolina for decades. We proudly serve Lexington and understand the particular needs and concerns of local families when it comes to nursing home abuse. Our team* has a deep commitment to providing personalized, accessible legal guidance that truly makes a difference in people’s lives.
*We are likely to associate counsel on these cases.
Track Record of Holding Facilities Accountable
Our firm has a proven reputation for going head-to-head with large corporations, including negligent long-term care providers. We’ve secured millions in settlements and verdicts for clients who have suffered due to the wrongdoing of others. When your loved one has been abused or neglected, Lewis & Keller brings the skill, tenacity, and compassion needed to pursue justice on their behalf.
Lexington Nursing Home Abuse FAQs
What qualifies as nursing home abuse in North Carolina?
Abuse can include physical harm, emotional mistreatment, neglect, financial exploitation, or denial of necessary medical care.
How can I report suspected elder abuse in Lexington, NC?
You can contact Adult Protective Services through Davidson County DSS or call the NC Department of Health and Human Services.
Can I sue a nursing home for negligence?
Yes. If a facility’s negligence caused harm, you may be entitled to file a civil claim for compensation.
What evidence should I collect to support an abuse claim?
Medical records, photographs of injuries, witness statements, and facility reports can all support your case.
How much does a nursing home abuse lawyer cost?
At Lewis & Keller, we understand how overwhelming it can be to seek legal help when your loved one has suffered abuse or neglect. That’s why we don’t charge any upfront fees. We work on a contingency fee, so you won’t owe us anything unless we win. Our fee comes as a percentage of the final settlement or verdict, which means you can pursue justice without worrying about the financial burden.
Talk to a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer in Lexington Today
You deserve an attorney who will be your champion when facing down negligent facilities and providers. Our law firm boasts over 130 years of combined experience and millions of dollars recovered for hundreds of clients. You don’t have to face the legal complexities of nursing home abuse cases. Don’t wait to get the help you need to recover from devastating injuries caused by a nursing facility.
Call today or use our online form to schedule your free consultation—we’re here to help protect your loved one and hold negligent facilities accountable.
