Your Trusted New Hampshire Personal Injury Attorney

Elder abuse is a serious problem in New Hampshire and across the country, and seniors at nursing homes often suffer harm because of nursing home abuse or neglect. In some cases, abuse is intentional. In other circumstances, an older adult might suffer harm because of passive neglect. Regardless of the circumstances, and whether or not there is intent to cause harm, it may be possible to hold the facility accountable. This is where a New Hampshire nursing home accident lawyer can help.

At Sabbeth Law, our experienced personal injury attorneys have helped numerous clients seek justice for elder abuse, neglect, and injuries sustained in nursing homes. We understand the complexities of these cases and are dedicated to providing compassionate and effective legal representation to victims of nursing home accidents. If you or a loved one has suffered harm while residing in a nursing home, we are here to fight for your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Understanding Elder Abuse and Neglect in Nursing Homes

Elder abuse and neglect can take many forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, financial, or medical mistreatment. It can also include acts of abandonment or neglect by caregivers. According to the National Council on Aging, one in ten Americans aged 60 and older have experienced some form of elder abuse, and many cases go unreported.

Nursing home residents are particularly vulnerable to abuse and neglect due to their age, health conditions, and dependence on caregivers. Unfortunately, some nursing homes prioritize profit over the well-being of their residents, leading to inadequate staff training, understaffing, and neglectful care practices. This can result in serious injuries or even death for elderly individuals.

Types of Nursing Home Abuse Cases We Handle in New Hampshire

At Sabbeth Law, we represent older adults and their families in many different types of nursing home cases in New Hampshire. We routinely represent clients in various types of abuse, neglect, and negligence claims that may include:

  • Physical abuse claims;
  • Unnecessary restraint cases;
  • Emotional or psychological abuse cases;
  • Off-label medication use;
  • Passive neglect cases;
  • Confinement cases;
  • Intentional deprivation claims;
  • Sexual abuse cases;
  • Resident-to-resident abuse cases;
  • Malnutrition and dehydration claims;
  • Nursing home slips and falls;
  • Bedsore cases; 
  • Infection claims; and
  • Bone fracture lawsuits.

Defining Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect in New Hampshire

Nursing home abuse, neglect, and negligence can result in many different types of harm, and it can be difficult to identify certain forms of abuse or neglect depending upon the circumstances. What is nursing home abuse in general? According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), “elder abuse includes physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, exploitation, neglect, and abandonment.” The NCOA makes clear that caregivers and staff members at nursing homes can be responsible for abuse and neglect, and facilities can also be liable for the harm.

New Hampshire law expressly defines abuse at a nursing home to include any of the following:

  • “Emotional abuse,” which “means the misuse of power, authority, or both, verbal harassment, or unreasonable confinement which results or could result in the mental anguish or emotional distress of residents”;
  • “Physical abuse,” which “means the misuse of physical force which results or could result in physical injury to residents”; 
  • “Sexual abuse,” which “means contact or interaction of a sexual nature involving residents without his or her informed consent”; and
  • “Neglect,” which “means an act of omission, which results or could result in the deprivation of essential services necessary to maintain the minimum emotional or physical health and safety of any resident.”

Common Signs of Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect in New Hampshire

Since there are so many different types of nursing home negligence in New Hampshire, it can be difficult to know what to look for if you are trying to identify signs or symptoms of abuse or neglect. According to U.S. News & World Report, the following are the most significant red flags that should lead you to have concerns about abuse or neglect, and to speak with an attorney about the possibility of filing a claim:

  • Noticeable physical or emotional changes in your elderly loved one;
  • Your elderly loved one identifying a specific staff member that they do not want to see, or who they want to avoid receiving care from;
  • Nursing home staff members failing to answer questions or deflect questions about health and safety at the facility;
  • Staff members that appear frantic, suggesting that there are not enough staff members to handle patient needs;
  • High rate of nursing home staff turnover;
  • Phones or call lights that go unanswered at the facility;
  • Lack of cleanliness, poor hygiene, or bad odors at the facility;
  • Indications of dehydration or malnourishment in your loved one or other patients at the facility; and
  • Lack of updates at the facility for an extended period of time.

According to U.S. News & World Report, anytime you have a bad feeling at a facility, or something does not seem right, it is important to trust your instincts and to seek advice from an attorney about investigating abuse or neglect at the facility and taking care of your elderly loved one.

How a Nursing Home Accident Lawyer Can Help

If you suspect that your loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, it is important to seek the help of an experienced attorney. A skilled legal team can provide invaluable support and guidance throughout the entire legal process, ensuring that you and your loved one receive the justice and compensation you deserve.

Here are some ways in which a nursing home accident lawyer can assist you:

  • Investigating the facility: An experienced attorney will have the resources to thoroughly investigate the nursing home facility and gather evidence of any abuse or neglect.
  • Evaluating your case: Your lawyer will review all aspects of your case, including medical records, witness statements, and other evidence to determine the strength of your claim.
  • Building a strong case: Your lawyer will use their knowledge and experience to build a solid case on your behalf, holding the negligent party accountable for their actions.
  • Seeking compensation: A nursing home accident lawyer can help you seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, pain and suffering, and wrongful death.
  • Representing you in court: If necessary, an attorney can represent you in court and fight for your rights during the legal process. They will also handle all communication with the other party’s insurance company to ensure that your best interests are protected.

Contact a New Hampshire Nursing Home Accident Lawyer

If your elderly loved one has suffered harm as a result of nursing home abuse, neglect, or negligence in New Hampshire, you should discuss your case with a New Hampshire personal injury lawyer to determine whether you may be eligible for financial compensation.

At Sabbeth Law, we have years of experience representing clients in nursing home abuse and other personal injury cases throughout New Hampshire. We are dedicated to holding negligent parties accountable for their actions and seeking justice on behalf of our clients.

Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you fight for the justice you deserve.  We understand the importance of protecting vulnerable elderly residents from harm and will work tirelessly to ensure that your loved one receives the care and compensation they need. Don’t hesitate – contact Sabbeth Law today to discuss your case.