Hickory Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer

Nursing Home Neglect Attorney in Hickory, NC

If you’re searching for a skilled Hickory nursing home neglect lawyer, you deserve clear answers. Your legal team should understand both the legal system and the realities that families face when a loved one is harmed in a long-term care facility.

At Roberts Law Firm, P.A., our team helps families hold negligent nursing homes accountable by applying nursing home neglect laws to the specific facts of each case. Our aim is simple: protect vulnerable residents and pursue justice when the standards of care are ignored. It is important to recognize the warning signs of nursing home neglect in North Carolina to prevent further harm.

About Us

At Roberts Law Firm, P.A., we bring more than 40 years of experience when it comes to advocating for our clients across the Carolinas. Our award-winning team has successfully recovered millions of dollars through strategic, results-driven representation. We’re ready to help you pick up the pieces after experiencing a life-changing event.

How Nursing Home Neglect Happens

It’s estimated that 1 out of 6 people over 60 experience some kind of abuse each year. 2 out of every 3 long-term care facility staff admit to abuse, while only 1 in every 24 cases is reported.

Nursing home neglect can happen slowly and quietly, often without families noticing until serious harm has already occurred. Nursing homes are legally required to provide a certain standard of care under North Carolina’s nursing home neglect laws. You should remain aware of the North Carolina personal injury statute of limitations if you plan to seek damages.

When they fail to meet these standards, they lead to preventable injuries and a decline in overall health. Nursing home neglect can include:

• Chronic understaffing that leaves residents unattended for long periods of time
• Failure to assist with mobility, leading to falls and fractures
• Missed medications or improper monitoring of medical needs
• Poor hygiene and infrequent repositioning can lead to infections or bedsores
• Ignoring signs of malnutrition, dehydration, or emotional distress

Neglect isn’t usually an accident or a once-off situation, but the result of systemic failures that were never corrected. At Roberts Law Firm, P.A., we dig into those failures and help families get the justice they deserve for their loved one.

How To Prove a Nursing Home Neglect Case in Hickory, NC

Proving negligence requires more than suspicion or frustration. To proceed, your claim needs to show that the facility owed a duty of care to your loved one, that they breached that duty, and that breach caused harm. Our professional Hickory medical malpractice lawyer can help review medical records for proof of care breaches.

Nursing home neglect laws provide the framework, but evidence brings the story to life. Some of the strongest pieces of evidence include:

• Medical records showing injuries, weight loss, infections, or untreated conditions
• Staffing logs and internal policies that reveal inadequate care
• Inspection reports and prior complaints made against the facility
• Testimony from medical care providers, residents, and family members
• Photographs, videos, and timelines that document the decline or injuries

At Roberts Law Firm, P.A., we handle every nursing home neglect case with the focus and experience that families need to pursue justice. We can help you hold the facility accountable and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Compensation You Could Be Entitled To

When a loved one suffers from nursing home neglect, it can cause serious medical expenses, ongoing care needs, and a decline in their quality of life. Luckily, our Hickory nursing home neglect attorneys can help evaluate your situation.

Depending on the specifics of your case, you could be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses related to treating injuries or complications
• Costs of rehabilitation, therapy, or future care needs
• Pain and suffering endured by the resident
• Emotional distress
• Loss of dignity
• In some cases, punitive damages for egregious misconduct

At Roberts Law Firm, P.A., we carefully assess each nursing home neglect case to make sure you get the full range of damages that you’re entitled to. We advocate for families in Hickory, NC, to receive the resources they need to move forward.

Hire a Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer

When you hire a nursing home neglect lawyer, you need someone you trust. You also need someone who’s accessible and someone with experience in your community.

At Roberts Law Firm, P.A., we live and work in Hickory. This means we’re familiar with the local judges, procedures, and preferences that can play a hand in the outcome of your nursing home neglect claim.

Our team regularly appears before the Catawba County Justice Center, the Burke County Courthouse, and the Caldwell County Courthouse. We have the experience needed to anticipate challenges and adjust our legal strategies accordingly.

FAQs

What Is the Deadline for Filing a Nursing Home Neglect Claim in North Carolina?

The deadline for filing a nursing home neglect claim in North Carolina is generally three years from the date of the injury. However, this deadline could shift depending on factors like discovery rules, tolling, or whether a government entity is involved. Waiting can jeopardize the availability of records, the reliability of witnesses, and available surveillance footage.

Can I Report a Nursing Home to the State Without Filing a Claim?

Yes, you can report a nursing home to the state without filing a claim. Concerns can be reported to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. This office oversees the licensing, inspection, and investigation of nursing homes all across the state. A report could trigger corrective plans and even penalties. Families or staff can make anonymous complaints, but providing details can strengthen enforcement.

Do Arbitration Clauses Affect My Right to File a Claim?

Yes, arbitration clauses could affect your right to file a claim, but not always. Many admissions contracts include arbitration clauses that try to limit legal recourse. However, the enforceability of those clauses depends on how the clause was presented, who signed it, how capable they were of understanding at the time of signature, and general fairness.

Are Staffing Levels Regulated in North Carolina Nursing Homes?

Yes, staffing levels are regulated in North Carolina nursing homes. However, those levels can vary depending on the type of facility and the needs of the residents. Inadequate staffing is a common factor in many nursing home neglect cases. Keeping notes of observed staffing shortages, delayed responses, or missed care can help your legal team zero in on the cause.

Speak With a Hickory Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer Now

If you suspect that your loved one has suffered from neglect in a nursing home, don’t wait to get help. At Roberts Law Firm, P.A., our team is ready to stand by your side and to guide you through every step of the legal process. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.