Nursing Home Abuse in Missoula, MT

What Is Nursing Home Abuse?

Did you or a loved one suffer abuse in Missoula, Montana? There are federal and state laws designed to protect nursing home patients. A nursing home should be a long-term care facility where patients can live comfortably with the care they need. However, there is still the risk of nursing home abuse or neglect. Thankfully, laws protect the rights of the abused, and competent Missoula nursing home abuse attorneys can help.

Federal Laws Protecting Against Nursing Home Abuse

Nursing Home Reform Act (1987)

The Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987 created a stringent set of protocols for Missoula, Montana nursing home facilities to maintain. This law was passed after a study conducted by the Institute of Medicine determined that there was rampant elderly abuse and neglect in nursing homes. Under this law, Missoula facilities must:

• Document and assess residents’ health status and individual needs.
• Create a written strategic plan for each resident.
• Assist residents in maintaining an active lifestyle.
• Keep accurate health records for each resident.
• Maintain the correct number of staff required to adequately care for patients and avoid neglect.
• Provide proper hygiene and nutrition.
• Maintain adequate supervision and implement devices to prevent falls and other injuries.

Nursing Home Residents’ Bill of Rights

Part of the Nursing Home Reform Act implemented a Bill of Rights for nursing home residents. This creates an outline of the benefits entitled to you or a loved one in a quality Missoula, MT nursing home and includes items such as:

• Privacy and discretion with health-related issues
• Ability to make their own decisions (if mentally sound)
• Ability to voice issues or complaints without fear of retribution or harassment
• Sufficient health care and treatment from nursing home staff

Elder Justice Act

The Elder Justice Act went into effect in 2010 to fight against elder abuse and neglect. This act mandates that the nursing home staff must report possible incidents of elder abuse and neglect. The Elder Justice Act created the following applicable provisions:

• Employee Background Check Database – Gives nursing homes the right to be more selective in their hiring process. The goal is to prevent abuse by screening potential employees for past incidents.
• 60-Day Closure Window – Nursing homes cannot close without first notifying their home state and the Secretary of Health and Human Services. The staff must also relocate all residents to proper nursing homes.
• Elder Justice Coordinating Council – This coalition meets twice annually to discuss new methods of deterring elder abuse and neglect. The Council also drafts reports with recommendations to Congress on how to improve safeguards for the elderly.

State Laws Protecting Against Elder Abuse and Neglect

Each state has its own laws pertaining to this matter. While states rely on the guidance of the federal laws mentioned above, it is entirely within a state’s rights to pass additional protective laws for elder abuse and neglect. States with a higher percentage of nursing home residents typically have more laws than those without.

The Montana Elder and Persons with Developmental Disabilities Abuse Prevention Act provides protection from abuse for Missoula residents over 60. Under the Act, an abuser in Missoula could face fines as high as $10,000 and up to 10 years in jail. Additionally, Montana has mandatory abuse reporting for certain occupations, including physicians, ambulance attendants, and social workers.

If the victim is a resident of a long-term care facility in Missoula, you should report abuse to the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman at 1-800-332-2272. If the victim lives elsewhere, you should report abuse to Montana’s Adult Protective Services. You can file a report online, by phone, or at the Missoula County Regional Office.

Can You File a Lawsuit in Missoula, Montana For Nursing Home Abuse?

Yes, you can and should seek maximum compensation. Victims of nursing home abuse or neglect (or their power of attorney) can file a lawsuit in civil and criminal court depending on the nature of the abuse. It is possible to reach a settlement and receive financial compensation before filing a lawsuit. However, if there is an argument about fair compensation or who bears responsibility, a lawsuit may become necessary.

According to the Government of Montana website, elder abuse has increased 30% since 2018 in the state. Financial exploitation of seniors is also on the rise in Montana. In fact, the average victim loses $120,000 through financial exploitation. Victims of elder abuse in Missoula can file civil actions against abuse perpetrators, including nursing homes and caregivers. Most damage awards or settlements include economic damages, such as medical bills. In addition, you may also receive compensation for pain and suffering. However, Montana Code dictates that a person who makes a good faith report of abuse required by law is immune from civil or criminal liability.

How Can You Receive Compensation Through a Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit?

Victims of nursing home abuse or neglect in Missoula can pursue compensation through a civil lawsuit, and multiple ways exist for victims to receive compensation:

• Verdict – In this case, a trial jury hears case evidence and determines whether the defendant (nursing home/nursing home staff) is at fault. If they find the nursing home liable, the jury decides how much compensation to tender to you or your family as the plaintiff.
• Settlement – A lawyer helps you avoid costly settlement mistakes. This settlement phase is when both parties agree on a compensation amount without a jury weighing in. All parties sign a legally binding document that often prevents further legal action. If the plaintiff signs this document, it ends a trial if one has started or can prevent one if it has not.
• Restitution – For criminal cases, victims will likely receive compensation through restitution. This is a way for the guilty party to make up for the harm caused through financial compensation.

The compensation awarded via a nursing home abuse or neglect lawsuit can help pay victims’ medical bills, physical therapy, mental health therapy, costs for relocating to a new nursing home, and overall pain and suffering.

Civil and Criminal Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuits

A civil court handles most nursing home abuse cases. However, there are times where victims can file both kinds of cases. For example, if a nursing home staff member pushes a victim who falls over and breaks a bone, that worker can be criminally liable. Later, they may face a suit in civil court for the same thing.

Montana’s Fourth Judicial District Court handles the majority of nursing home abuse cases in Missoula. However, if you are claiming $12,000 or less, you may choose to file in Missoula County Justice Court. An experienced Missoula attorney can help determine the best judicial venue for your case.

What Types of Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuits Exist?

Most Missoula, MT nursing home abuse lawsuits fall under two major categories: tort and breach of contract. Out of these two, tort lawsuits are the most common because victims seek compensation for direct harm whereas a breach of contract lawsuit often carries more limited compensation amounts.

Tort Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuits

Tort lawsuits are when the victim seeks compensation for pain and suffering caused at the hands of the nursing home. There are multiple types of tort lawsuits that correspond with the different types of crimes:

• Abuse – Victims are intentionally harmed; could lead to severe bodily injury.
• Medical malpractice – The nursing home health care professionals acted outside the standard procedures of their position, and their mistreatment led to the injury.
• Neglect – When the nursing home fails its duty to adequately care for a patient. Neglect specifically deals with nursing home staff being lazy, careless, or indifferent to patient care.
• Wrongful death – If a patient dies from a nursing home’s negligence, medical malpractice, or purposeful abuse, the surviving family can sue the nursing home.

Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer in Missoula, Montana.

If you plan to file a lawsuit against your nursing home for abuse or neglect, seek the assistance of a qualified Missoula attorney specializing in the rights of senior citizens. Nursing home abuse attorneys can help you collect the necessary information required, locate corroborating witnesses, draft the lawsuit, and move to trial if required.

Are you looking for an experienced Missoula nursing home abuse attorney to help your family? We can even help you connect with an attorney across Montana state lines.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!