Who Can Report Nursing Home Abuse?

Anyone who suspects abuse in a nursing home can report it. That includes residents, family members, or healthcare workers.

If a loved one may have been abused, you have a right to report it. You might also need to speak with a nursing home abuse attorney.

How to File a Formal Complaint Against a Nursing Home

There are a few ways to complain about nursing home abuse or neglect:

• Call the Healthcare Facility Regulation (HFR) office in the Georgia Department of Community Health or file a complaint online.
• Contact the Department of Human Services Division of Aging Services. You can call or file a report online.
• Call 9-1-1 to report the abuse to the police.

If a nursing home resident is in immediate danger, don’t wait to call the police. It’s important to address abuse or neglect as soon as possible.

After someone reports abuse, authorities should investigate. If you’re worried about someone taking the complaint seriously or want to learn your legal options, contact a lawyer for help.

Reporting Negligence in a Nursing Home

Nursing homes must follow the Department of Community Health’s regulations at all times. That includes providing safe premises and housing for residents.

If a nursing home fails to provide adequate care, it’s a type of negligence. Negligence is a legal term for carelessness.

A nursing home could be negligent for:

• Hiring unfit employees
• Not providing proper training
• Being understaffed
• Failing to investigate reports of neglect or abuse

If a loved one suffered abuse, they might have a personal injury claim. Family members can often bring legal action on behalf of the abused resident.

The abuser or assault will likely face criminal charges. However, the family can also seek compensation for damages.

Damages are the losses a victim experiences, such as:

• Medical costs
• Hospitalizations
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish

An experienced lawyer can determine what damages you can recover. At John Foy & Associates, we can make sure you’re seeking recovery for all of your losses.

Resident abuse is very serious. If you or a loved one were victims, reach out today. We’ll get you started with a free, no-risk consultation.

Where do Nurses Report Abuse?

Sometimes, nurses or other healthcare providers first notice signs of abuse. Nurses receive training to look for these signs and report them.

If a nurse suspects abuse, they should report it to a doctor or physician assistant and their supervisor. If the alleged abuser is with the patient, the nurse should perform an exam without the abuser present.

In some cases, nurses should also report the abuse to the police and provide a written report.

Family members might first learn about potential abuse from a nurse or doctor. Unfortunately, healthcare professionals can also sometimes be the abusers.

Reporting Abuse to a Long-Term Care Ombudsman

The Office of the State Long-term Care Ombudsman in Georgia works to improve nursing home residents’ quality of life. When there are concerns about living conditions, an ombudsman can help to resolve issues. An ombudsman can intervene when there is an abusive situation with a resident.

Residents and family members can report abuse to the state’s ombudsman office. The office will also usually have resources for all involved.

Will the Nursing Home Know About an Abuse Report?

Most of the time, reports of abuse will be kept confidential. The only exceptions are if the resident gives permission or the law requires a release of the report.

What to Expect After Reporting Abuse

Each agency might have different methods for handling abuse reports. Most of the time, the process involves:

• Observing the facility for abuse or neglect
• Reviewing records from the facility
• Interviewing the person who filed the complaint
• Speaking with residents, family members, staff, and other people who might be involved or have witnessed wrongdoing

The person who made the report can usually expect a written or phone update. If you don’t hear anything after making the report, you can check-in for an update. It’s also a good idea to call a lawyer who has experience with nursing home abuse.

How a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Can Help

Abusive behavior is never okay. It’s especially awful when vulnerable people like nursing home residents are the victims.

If a loved one has suffered from abuse or neglect, a lawyer can help. Nursing home abuse attorneys know how to seek justice.

Here’s what a lawyer can do for you:

• Investigate the abuse
• Gather documents and records to support your case
• Interview other residents, staff, healthcare providers, or other witnesses
• Calculate your total damages
• Building a strong civil claim for compensation
• Fight for what you and your family deserve

Our lawyers know how to hold abusers accountable. If someone has caused harm, they are liable for the costs. The abuser should face the consequences, including paying the victim for what the victim has lost.

The Cost of Hiring a Lawyer

We understand that many families are worried about the cost of hiring an attorney. Thankfully, our nursing home abuse lawyers make the process risk-free for our clients.

We always work on contingency, which means:

• We only collect a legal fee if we win your case.
• The fee is simply a percentage of what you win.
• There is no charge unless you get a settlement or court award.

You can get started today at no cost. Plus, the consultation is 100% free. We’ll discuss what happened and your legal options without you worrying about upfront costs.

Our attorneys have been helping injury victims and their families for over 20 years. We have won over $1 billion in settlements and verdicts for our clients. When you work with us, you can expect the power of the Strong Arm.

Contact us today if you or a loved one suffered from elder abuse. We’ll begin fighting for your rights and the recovery you deserve.

Statute of Limitations for Abuse Claims

You have limited time to take action after abuse happens. In most cases, you must file a claim within two years of the incident, according to OCGA §9-3-33. You’ll also need time to gather evidence and build a strong case.

To make sure you stay on track, call an experienced lawyer today. Your attorney can ensure you file well within the deadline and build the most substantial claim possible.

Speak with a Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Today

Learn your legal options and start taking action today. Contact us online for a free consultation.