About Us

Focused on Helping Victims of Nursing Home Neglect

Nursing home malpractice cases are complicated.  That is why The Higgins Firm has a division of attorneys and staff that only handle nursing home abuse cases. Although our main office is in Nashville, we handle cases throughout the south east.  We have lawyers licensed in Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia and Texas. 

If your loved one has been abused or neglected by an elderly care facility, a nursing home lawyer Tennessee residents trust may be able to help. The Higgins Firm has a team of skilled lawyers equipped with a firm understanding of the laws associated with nursing home abuse. Through precision focus and steadfast determination, we will stand by you and fight for your legal rights. 

What is Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect?

Abuse or neglect can happen in a number of different ways. Generally those being cared for do not speak out for fear of retaliation or the unknowing of where they will go. Often, it is the family of the resident to realize there is a serious problem. Even more disconcerting is the very fact that in many instances, the abuse or neglect has been happening for quite some time.

A Nashville TN nursing home lawyer may carry out a thorough investigation of the claim to determine the extent of the abuse. If you have noticed any of the following signs, it’s prudent to seek the counsel of a nursing home lawyer in Tennessee. 

Physical Signs of Nursing Home Abuse

• Bruises, cuts, or abrasions
• Bed sores or ulcers
• Bloody or torn clothing
• Restraint marks on the wrists and/or ankles
• Sprained or broken bones
• Malnutrition or dehydration
• Weight loss

Emotional Signs of Nursing Home Abuse

• Intimidation through threats or yelling
• Humiliation or belittlement
• Behavioral changes
• Crying or falling completely silent
• Rocking back and forth
• Isolation of the resident
• Instilling fear into the resident

Financial Exploitation a Nursing Home

• Misuse of credit cards, bank accounts, or checks
• Stealing money, belongings, or social security income
• Forging signatures
• Unauthorized withdrawals or bank transfers 
• Identity theft
• Coercing a resident to sign over power of attorney
• Sudden changes in a resident’s Will  

Other Types of Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect

• Misadministration of medications or overdose
• Unhygienic living areas
• Lack of, or under-trained, staff 
• Strained relationships with the facility
• Residents left unattended for long periods of time

To build a solid legal case, a Tennessee nursing home lawyer may conduct various interviews or call upon witnesses. Medical and financial records might be pulled and reviewed to establish wrongdoings or confirm the alleged action. For further information, please consult with The Higgins Firm. 

What You Should Do When You Suspect Nursing Home Neglect

Realizing your loved one may be in a place of harm could be disheartening and lead to a number of emotions like anger or fear. If you suspect a problem, without putting yourself or your loved one at risk, make an effort to document obvious evidence or alleged proof. Pictures, videos, photocopies, or receipts are a few examples which may help to establish your claim. 

Even if you lack proof, but are sure something is going on, your next step should be to contact a Tennessee nursing home lawyer. He or she might provide you with the guidance you’re looking for including a recommendation of moving your loved one to a safe location. In the case of nursing home abuse and neglect, your attorney may contact government agencies including the Department of Health. These officials are required to conduct their own investigation of these serious matters and may proceed with their own course of action. 

Who May Be Held Responsible

When you chose a nursing home facility to care for your loved one, you trusted them to provide nursing support and medical care. If these basic needs were not met, and replaced with irresponsibility and neglect, there is a cause for concern. Your Tennessee nursing home lawyer may analyze the claim to discern who might have been involved, directly or indirectly, in the abuse. These parties could include:

• Nurses
• Nursing assistants
• Physical therapists
• Doctors
• Misc. staff
• Administrators
• Other residents

In addition to parties who may have been actively participating in the abuse or neglect, anyone who knew about the issue, but choose to ignore it, could be held liable. Your nursing home lawyer in Nashville TN should discuss this personal issue in further detail during your consultation. 

What Compensation Might Be Available for Nursing Home Abuse

Each legal claim is completely unique and will have its own factors to be considered. Determining what may be eligible for monetary compensation is part of the lawyer’s objective. An evaluation of the seriousness, the injuries or damages incurred, and length of time may be considered to establish a value. Generally, compensation for nursing home abuse could include:

• Ongoing and future medical costs
• Emotional pain and suffering
• Re-locating costs
• Lost wages on behalf of family member
• Wrongful death

Receive Advice from a Nursing Home Lawyer Nashville TN Families Trust

Although state and federal regulations have been put into place to protect the elderly of America, nursing home abuse remains an ongoing problem. By filing a legal claim, you not only may seek damages for pain and suffering, but also will enable the facility to take responsibility for their harmful actions and carelessness. 

You and your loved one deserve justice. For a free and confidential consultation please contact The Higgins Firm today at 800-705-2121.