If you are here, it may be because someone you love has suffered in a nursing home. Maybe you have seen signs of mistreatment. Maybe you are worried and unsure what to do next. We want you to know that you are not alone. We understand how confusing and overwhelming this time can be. You may feel hurt, angry, and afraid for your family member. It is normal to feel this way. At our firm, we work hard to help families just like yours. We want to help you find answers and take the right steps to protect your loved one. Filing a nursing home abuse claim in Tennessee is not always easy, but with the right guidance, it can be done, and justice can be found.
What Nursing Home Abuse Looks Like in Tennessee
Nursing home abuse can happen in many ways. Sometimes it is physical, like bruises or broken bones. Other times, it is emotional, like yelling or threats that make your loved one afraid. There can also be neglect, which means the staff is not giving proper care. This can lead to bed sores, dehydration, or infections. Some residents are not given the medicine they need. Others may be left in dirty clothes or not helped with food. In some cases, people are taken advantage of financially. It can be hard to spot these things, especially if the person cannot speak up. That is why it is important to look for changes in their behavior, their mood, or their health.
Knowing Your Rights and Your Loved One’s Rights
In Tennessee, people in nursing homes have rights. They should be treated with kindness and respect. They have the right to be safe and live in a clean place. If a nursing home breaks those rules, the law allows families to take action. Tennessee law protects nursing home residents through the Tennessee Adult Protection Act and other state and federal laws. These laws say that staff must take care of residents properly and must not hurt them in any way. If you think these rights have been violated, it is important to act fast and start gathering information.
First Steps to Take if You Suspect Abuse
If you believe your loved one is being abused, the first thing you should do is make sure they are safe. That may mean moving them to a different facility or getting medical help right away. Next, start writing down what you see. Take photos if you notice injuries or bad living conditions. Save any documents or notes from the nursing home that seem strange. If possible, talk to your loved one and ask them what happened. You can also speak with other residents or staff if you feel comfortable doing so. The more information you collect now, the stronger your claim will be later.
Reporting the Abuse to the Right Agencies
In Tennessee, you can report nursing home abuse to Adult Protective Services. You can also file a complaint with the Tennessee Department of Health. These agencies will look into the situation and may visit the nursing home to check on things. It is also possible to contact your local police if you believe a crime has happened. While these reports are important, they do not take the place of filing a legal claim. Government investigations may take time and may not lead to justice for your loved one. That is why many families decide to file a lawsuit as well.
- Jeremy Forgey
- Chris Griffin
Understanding What a Legal Claim Involves
A nursing home abuse claim is a legal case that says the nursing home or its staff hurt your loved one or did not take care of them properly. In Tennessee, these cases usually fall under personal injury or wrongful death law. This type of claim can help you get money to cover medical bills, pain and suffering, or funeral costs if your loved one has passed away. It also holds the nursing home responsible for their actions. Filing a claim sends a message that abuse will not be ignored. It can also help protect others from being hurt in the same way.
Time Limits for Filing a Claim in Tennessee
Tennessee has something called a statute of limitations. That means you only have a certain amount of time to file your claim. In most cases, you have one year from the date you found out about the abuse. If you wait too long, the court may not allow your case to move forward. This is why it is so important to act quickly. Even if you are not sure you want to file a lawsuit, it is a good idea to talk to a legal professional right away. They can help you understand your options before time runs out.
How Evidence Can Help Your Case Succeed
Strong evidence is key to making your case successful. That can include medical records, photos of injuries, witness statements, and facility inspection reports. It also helps to show that the nursing home had a history of problems or had broken safety rules before. Some families do not realize how helpful even small pieces of information can be. Things like a note from a nurse, a text message, or a change in medication records can all make a difference. When we work on these cases, we take the time to look at every detail to build the strongest case possible.
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Filing a claim takes time, patience, and knowledge of the legal process. It involves filling out forms, filing documents with the court, and sometimes going to hearings or trials. It is not something most people can do alone. That is where we come in. Our job is to help families through this process step by step. We talk with doctors, review records, speak with witnesses, and present your story in a way the court can understand. We also deal with the nursing home’s lawyers so that you do not have to. This lets you focus on helping your loved one heal.
What Can Happen After Filing the Claim
Once your claim is filed, the nursing home may choose to settle the case. That means they offer money to resolve it without going to court. Many families choose this because it can be faster and less stressful. Other times, the case goes to trial, and a judge or jury decides what happens. In either case, the goal is to get justice for what happened. We work to make sure your voice is heard and your family’s pain is not ignored. Every case is different, but with the right support, there is hope for a fair outcome.
Why This Step Matters for You and Others
Filing a claim is not just about money. It is about making things right. It is about standing up for your loved one when they cannot stand up for themselves. It is also about preventing others from being harmed in the future. When families take action, it forces nursing homes to pay attention and make changes. It helps create safer places for the people we care about most. It is not an easy road, but it is one worth taking.
We Are Ready to Stand With You
If you are reading this and wondering what to do next, we want you to know that we are here. You do not have to face this alone. At Best & Brock, we take the time to listen and to help. We are ready to guide you through every part of your nursing home abuse claim. Let us help you take the next step toward justice. Reach out today to talk about your case and how we can help your family find peace and protection.