Danbury Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

When families send their senior loved ones to nursing homes, they expect the facility to provide a certain standard of care and attention. Unfortunately, many nursing home facilities and staff shirk these duties and cause residents harm through abuse and neglect. Physical, mental, sexual, and financial abuse from nursing homes can cause lasting medical and emotional complications.

Nursing home neglect and abuse are serious concerns in the US, especially in states like Connecticut that have a relatively high percentage of seniors. If you suspect you or your loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse in Danbury, contact the attorneys at D’Amico Pettinicchi.

Elder exploitation is a serious crime, and victims may be able to recover financial compensation through a nursing home abuse lawsuit. Those responsible for elder care must be held to a high standard, and we can hold them accountable when their negligent or irresponsible actions cause harm to those in their care.

Contact D’Amico Pettinicchi today to speak to a Danbury nursing home abuse lawyer. Your initial consultation is free and without obligation, and we charge nothing unless we successfully resolve your case.

Why Choose Our Law Firm for Your Danbury Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit?

D’Amico Pettinicchi has been a mainstay in the Connecticut legal community for over 35 years. Our attorneys collectively share over 100 years of experience and have received substantial recognition for our services in personal injury law. We combine the resources and experience of a large firm with the personalized care and attention of a small practice.

Our lawyers have extensive experience pursuing elder abuse cases and have recovered millions of dollars in restitution for victims. Much of our caseload comes from referrals from other attorneys who trust us to handle these cases with competence and compassion.

We are empathetic to those whose loved ones have been victimized by negligent nursing facilities and staff. If we can take on your case, our attorneys will conduct a thorough investigation to uncover injustice and hold the responsible parties accountable for their wrongdoing.

How a Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Can Help Your Family

The central challenge of nursing home abuse cases is showing that the facility provided substandard care and caused harm. To that end, a significant portion of these cases involve investigations to determine whether the nursing home violated state elder law or engaged in negligent practices.

A nursing home abuse lawyer in Danbury can help gather all relevant evidence to prove abuse happened, including:

  • Medical documentation of injuries due to abuse
  • Photos and video recordings
  • Eyewitness statements
  • Expert testimony and analysis
  • Records of facility complaints
  • Staff hiring and training records
  • Medication dispensing records

Your lawyer can serve as a mediator between you and insurance companies to negotiate settlements. If necessary, a Danbury elder abuse attorney can also bring your case to formal litigation in a lawsuit.

What Is Elder Abuse and How Often Does It Happen?

Nursing home abuse or neglect occurs when nursing homes and other long-term care facilities provide substandard or abusive care and cause harm. Seniors are among the most vulnerable populations in society, which unfortunately means people prey on them, even in facilities where they are supposed to receive care. Some studies estimate that nearly 1 in every 10 seniors is subject to elder abuse, with rates higher in long-term care facilities like nursing homes.

Common examples of elder abuse in nursing homes include physical abuse, such as the following:

  • Hitting, striking, or slapping
  • Rough handling and transfers
  • Using unnecessary restraints
  • Withholding medication or food
  • Intentionally creating discomfort (e.g., removing blankets)
  • Neglecting bathing and grooming
  • Abandonment of care
  • Sexual assault and abuse

Residents in nursing homes may also be subject to emotional and financial abuse, such as the following:

  • Yelling and belittling
  • Isolation from family and other residents
  • Name-calling and intimidation
  • Limiting freedoms and activities
  • Stealing cash or possessions
  • Identity theft
  • Unauthorized credit card use

Nursing home abuse and neglect can happen for several reasons, many of which relate to understaffing and poor training. Facilities with insufficient or untrained staff might not be able to adequately meet each resident’s needs. Nursing home care is also a highly stressful position, and disgruntled employees may take their anger and frustrations out on the patients they are supposed to care for.

Regardless of the reason, elder neglect and abuse in nursing facilities is a serious matter that deserves a legal response.

Who Could Be Held Responsible for Nursing Home Abuse?

Nursing home regulations in Connecticut impose strict rules that govern aspects such as patient care, drug dispensing, hiring practices, staff training, and record-keeping. Violating these standards and causing harm can expose them to legal liability for injuries. Parties that can be liable in an elder abuse claim include the following:

  • Nursing home staff, who must obtain a specific level of training and abide by state-level and facility procedures. Nursing staff typically have the most direct contact with residents, so it is relatively easy for caregivers to take advantage of them.
  • Nursing facilities, which can be liable if their policies or practices contributed to the harm. For instance, facilities can be held liable if they hire untrained staff who subsequently harm residents.
  • Third parties contracted by nursing homes to provide services, such as food, cleaning, and security. These third parties can sometimes be held liable for abuse if they negligently or intentionally cause harm.

When you meet with an elder abuse attorney at D’Amico Pettinicchi, we can assess your situation to determine who could hold liability for your abuse and neglect claim.

Potential Compensation for Nursing Home Negligence

Nursing home negligence and abuse can cause medical complications and injuries that incur a high treatment cost. Families may also have to manage the costs of moving their loved one to another facility. Pain and trauma from abusive care can cause anxiety, PTSD, and a reduced enjoyment of life.

Through an elder abuse lawsuit, victims can recover compensation for their injury-related losses, such as the following:

  • Medical treatment for new injuries or illnesses
  • Cost of relocation to a new facility
  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish and emotional distress
  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Property replacement
  • Restitution for stolen funds

If nursing personnel exhibit especially reckless or malicious behavior, courts may award punitive damages to punish the offenders. Our strategy at D’Amico Pettinicchi is to pursue the maximum possible elder abuse compensation in your case. That way, there are sufficient funds to recover financial losses and create a stable economic foundation for the future.

How Long Do I Have to File a Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit in Connecticut?

Connecticut’s nursing home abuse statute of limitations places a two-year time limit on lawsuits for long-term care facility abuse. The two-year timer starts from the date the abuse occurred or the day when the victim reasonably discovered they were a victim of abuse. However, in no case can one bring a lawsuit for nursing home abuse after three years, regardless of the victim’s knowledge of the abuse.

Two years is not a long period, so it’s in your best interest to start as early as possible. A Danbury elder abuse lawyer from D’Amico Pettinicchi can begin investigating and promptly initiate the claims process. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to gather evidence proving neglect or abuse. Starting early with an attorney increases the chance of a successful resolution of your case and lowers the chance of payment delays or interruptions.

How Can I Tell If My Loved One Is Being Abused or Neglected?

If you plan to send a loved one to a care facility, it’s important to know how to recognize elder abuse. The following are common warning signs of nursing home abuse and neglect:

  • Worsening symptoms or medical complications
  • Unexplained illness or injury
  • Bruising or welts
  • Signs of restraint (e.g., wrist ligature marks)
  • Bedsores and abrasions
  • Changes in emotion, appetite, or sleeping habits
  • Torn or bloody clothing
  • Confusion or disorientation
  • Weight loss or dehydration
  • Unsanitary living conditions
  • Inattentive staff
  • Missed or incorrect medications
  • Missing money and property
  • Unexpected bank account charges or withdrawals
  • Changes in life insurance policies, power of attorney, etc.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to know how to report nursing home neglect or abuse. Connecticut’s Department of Public Health has a portal for reporting poor care in nursing homes. After reporting, the state will review your claim and determine whether an investigation is appropriate.

You may also:

Violations of Connecticut’s nursing home abuse laws can result in heavy fines, facility license suspensions, and even criminal charges. You can talk to a nursing home abuse attorney from D’Amico Pettinicchi if you have further questions on how to file a nursing home complaint in Connecticut.

Contact a Reputable Danbury Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Today

Society has an obligation to protect and respect our elders, and we have a duty to ensure their care. At D’Amico Pettinicchi, our lawyers understand the immense toll that nursing home abuse and neglect can have on individuals and families. We dedicate ourselves to serving Danbury residents who are faced with the consequences of abuse. Our law firm promises to use every available resource and strategy to address wrongdoing and strive to make you and your family whole again.

If you or a loved one has been subjected to neglect or abuse in a care facility, then It’s Time to Fight the Good Fight℠. Contact our offices online or call today for a free case consultation with a Danbury nursing home abuse attorney. Let D’Amico Pettinicchi help you pursue justice and closure.