Spokane Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse Lawyer
Placing a loved one in a nursing home or residential care facility should bring peace of mind, not fear. Unfortunately, neglect and abuse in care facilities are all too common, leaving residents vulnerable to serious injuries, illness, and even death. At Gustad Law Group, our Spokane nursing home neglect and abuse lawyer understands the emotional and legal challenges families face. We provide compassionate guidance while aggressively advocating for residents’ rights and holding negligent facilities accountable.
Attorney John-Paul Gustad and our experienced team approach every case with both care and determination. We know the profound impact neglect or abuse can have on a resident’s life and family, and we work tirelessly to ensure that those responsible are held accountable and that our clients receive full compensation for the harm suffered.
Nursing Home and Residential Care Neglect
Neglect in nursing homes and residential care facilities can take many forms. Residents often rely entirely on staff for daily needs, including bathing, feeding, medication management, and mobility. When these responsibilities are ignored or performed improperly, serious injuries can occur.
Common forms of neglect include:
- Bedsores (pressure ulcers) caused by inadequate repositioning or lack of mobility assistance.
- Falls resulting from unsafe conditions, lack of supervision, or failure to provide assistive devices.
- Dehydration and malnutrition due to insufficient attention or withholding food and water as punishment.
- Medication errors, including overmedication, missed doses, or administration of the wrong medication.
- Emotional or psychological neglect, such as isolation or verbal abuse.
Facilities may attempt to conceal neglect, claiming that injuries are a natural result of aging or preexisting conditions. Families often face an uphill battle when advocating for their loved ones, making experienced legal representation critical.
Residential Care Facility Negligence in Spokane
Residential care facilities, including assisted living centers and memory care units, have a duty to provide safe and appropriate care. When staffing ratios are too low or staff are inadequately trained, residents are at risk. Washington state relies on inspections and quality measures to evaluate facilities, but deficiencies persist.
Of the 19 nursing homes currently operating in Spokane, only four have a five-star rating from Medicare regarding issues such as nurse-to-resident staffing ratios, health inspections, and quality of care measures, while five of the facilities are rated only one-star. Additionally, five facilities have been cited for abuse, including a four-star-rated facility. Despite the abuse citations, all of these facilities are currently in operation.
Our Spokane nursing home abuse attorney and team investigate each facility’s history, including prior violations and complaints, to demonstrate patterns of neglect and secure accountability.
The Consequences of Neglect and Abuse on Victims and Families
Neglect and abuse in care facilities can have severe physical, emotional, and financial consequences:
- Residents may suffer permanent injuries, such as fractures, brain injuries, or chronic infections.
- Bedsores can develop into serious wounds that become infected or life-threatening.
- Emotional trauma may cause depression, anxiety, or worsening of cognitive impairments.
- Families may face mounting medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and long-term care expenses.
In the most tragic cases, neglect can result in wrongful death. Families in those instances are entitled to pursue compensation for medical costs, funeral expenses, lost companionship, and emotional suffering.
Gustad Law Group is Here for You
A nursing home abuse or neglect claim is a complex legal matter. Insurance companies and facilities often attempt to avoid liability, citing preexisting conditions or aging-related health issues. Gustad Law Group approaches these cases with a combination of empathy and aggressive advocacy. Our Spokane nursing home neglect and abuse lawyers investigate thoroughly, reviewing medical records, staffing reports, and facility inspection histories. Our team documents injuries and patterns of neglect, including photographs, expert testimony, and witness statements. We negotiate settlements with insurance companies on our clients’ behalf, ensuring that residents and families receive fair compensation. We also prepare cases for court, if necessary, to hold negligent facilities accountable and secure justice.
We understand that no amount of money can undo the suffering caused by neglect or abuse, but holding the responsible parties accountable is a critical step in protecting your loved one and preventing future harm.
Frequently Asked Questions – Spokane Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
1. How do I know if my loved one is being neglected or abused?
Common signs may include unexplained injuries, bedsores, sudden weight loss, dehydration, emotional withdrawal, or complaints from the resident.
2. Can I take legal action if the injury involved a preexisting condition?
Yes. Facilities are responsible for providing adequate care, and failure to meet this duty can constitute neglect, even if a resident has preexisting conditions.
3. How are nursing homes in Spokane evaluated for quality?
Facilities are rated by Medicare and subject to state inspections. Ratings consider staffing ratios, health inspections, and quality-of-care measures. A low rating or prior violations can support a claim of negligence.
4. What types of damages can I recover in a neglect or abuse case?
Compensation may include medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and, in wrongful death cases, funeral costs and loss of companionship.
5. How much does it cost to hire Gustad Law Group?
We work on a no recovery, no fee basis and provide a free consultation to discuss your loved one’s situation and your legal options. We don’t charge anything up front to take your case and seek compensation on your behalf.
Contact a Spokane Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse Lawyer Today
If you suspect your loved one has suffered neglect or abuse in a Spokane nursing home or residential care facility, it is critical to act quickly. Spokane nursing home negligence attorney John-Paul Gustad provides compassionate guidance while aggressively advocating for your family’s rights. We investigate thoroughly, challenge insurance companies and negligent facilities, and fight for fair compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation — remember, there is no fee unless we win your case.