Tacoma Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse Lawyer
Protecting Vulnerable Seniors from Neglect, Abuse, and Substandard Care
When a loved one enters a nursing home or residential care facility, families place their trust in the staff and management to provide safe, compassionate care. Unfortunately, many seniors and vulnerable adults experience neglect or abuse, often hidden behind closed doors. At Gustad Law Group, we understand how devastating it is to discover that the very people entrusted with care have failed their residents. Our Tacoma nursing home neglect and abuse lawyer is here to stand up for your loved one, hold negligent facilities accountable, and fight for justice on behalf of those who cannot advocate for themselves.
Tacoma and Pierce County are home to dozens of nursing homes and residential care facilities. According to Medicare, of the 56 nursing homes in Tacoma, one-fourth of them have a one-star (out of five) rating, and another ten have only two-star ratings based on staffing, health inspections, and quality-of-care measures. At least one facility has been cited for abuse, yet it continues in operation.
Common Types of Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse in Tacoma
Neglect and abuse take many forms, from obvious physical harm to more subtle failures that have long-term effects. Common issues include:
- Bedsores (pressure ulcers): Often a sign of inadequate repositioning or monitoring. Left untreated, bedsores can become infected, lead to sepsis, and cause permanent tissue damage.
- Falls: Resulting from poor supervision, inadequate staffing, or unsafe facilities. Many falls cause fractures, head injuries, or permanent disability.
- Dehydration and malnutrition: Signs that residents are not receiving adequate meals, fluids, or monitoring. Malnutrition exacerbates other health conditions and weakens overall resilience.
- Medication errors: Overmedication, missed doses, or incorrect prescriptions can have life-threatening consequences.
- Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse: Some residents suffer direct harm from staff or other residents. Abuse may be concealed or misrepresented as part of normal aging or confusion.
Facilities often attempt to cover up neglect or abuse, blaming the resident’s age, frailty, or preexisting conditions. Families are told injuries are “normal” or unavoidable. Insurance companies and facility administrators may resist accountability, hoping families will accept low settlements or give up entirely.
Holding a nursing home or residential care facility accountable is a complex and challenging process. Facilities employ experienced legal teams whose sole purpose is to minimize liability and protect the business. Without proper advocacy, families often face uphill battles trying to obtain medical records, incident reports, staffing logs, and other critical evidence.
Gustad Law Group works proactively to uncover the truth. We investigate every aspect of a facility’s care practices, document lapses or violations, and consult with medical experts to quantify the harm done. We know how to interpret and apply regulatory standards, Medicare inspection reports, and state licensing requirements to build a compelling case. Our approach combines compassion with determination, treating families with empathy while taking an aggressive stance against negligent institutions.
Signs Your Loved One May Be Experiencing Neglect or Abuse in a Tacoma Nursing Home or Residential Care Facility
Recognizing abuse or neglect can be difficult, especially when residents have cognitive impairments or limited communication. Families should watch for signs like the following:
- Unexplained injuries such as bruises, fractures, or burns
- Weight loss, dehydration, or signs of malnutrition
- Recurrent bedsores or untreated infections
- Sudden withdrawal, anxiety, depression, or behavioral changes
- Medications not being administered correctly or consistently
If you notice any of these signs, it is critical to act quickly. Delays in reporting can worsen harm and reduce the effectiveness of legal action.
How Gustad Law Group Advocates for Victims
We approach nursing home and residential care cases with meticulous attention to detail. Our process includes:
- Comprehensive investigation: Collecting medical records, staff schedules, incident reports, and photographs.
- Expert consultation: Collaborating with doctors, nurses, and elder care specialists to establish the standard of care and document how the facility failed to meet it.
- Legal strategy: Determining all responsible parties, which may include the facility, staff members, contractors, or corporate management.
- Advocacy in negotiations or court: Presenting the full scope of the harm, ensuring the facility cannot hide behind excuses or paperwork.
We aim not only to secure financial compensation but also to hold the responsible parties accountable to prevent future harm to other residents.
Families who pursue legal action may be entitled to recover compensation for a wide range of legal damages, including medical costs, both past and future, related to injuries or neglect. Washington law also recognizes compensation for pain and suffering caused by abuse, neglect, or inadequate care, as well as emotional distress experienced by the resident. Costs of additional care, therapy, or rehabilitation are recoverable as well. In cases of wrongful death, we help families seek justice and compensation for costs such as funeral expenses and harm such as loss of companionship.
Every case is unique. Gustad Law Group evaluates the full impact of neglect or abuse on the resident’s life and builds a strategy tailored to achieve the maximum possible recovery.
FAQ: Tacoma Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse
How can I prove neglect or abuse in a nursing home?
We gather medical records, incident reports, witness statements, photographs, and expert opinions. Documenting a pattern of harm and deviations from standard care is key to building a strong case.
My loved one is non-verbal or has dementia. Can we still pursue a claim?
Absolutely. The law recognizes that vulnerable adults may be unable to speak for themselves. Our team can advocate on their behalf using medical records, staff logs, and expert analysis.
What if the facility tries to blame the injury on aging or preexisting conditions?
Facilities often attempt this defense. We document the standard of care and show how neglect or abuse directly caused or worsened the resident’s condition.
How long do I have to file a claim?
Washington state has strict legal deadlines known as statutes of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases. Acting promptly preserves evidence and strengthens your claim.
Can I get compensation for emotional suffering as well as physical harm?
Yes. Courts and insurers recognize emotional distress as part of the damages in abuse and neglect cases.
Call Gustad Law Group Today
No one should have to endure abuse or neglect in a place that is supposed to provide safety and care. If your loved one has suffered in a Tacoma nursing home or residential care facility, John-Paul Gustad and our team are ready to advocate for justice. We offer a free consultation, and you pay no fee unless we win the case.
Contact Gustad Law Group today to protect your loved one’s rights, hold negligent facilities accountable, and ensure your family receives the support and compensation it deserves.