Nursing Home Abuse in Newport, RI

The care and well-being of your elderly family member should be in the hands of people you can trust. The unfortunate reality is that nursing home abuse is a growing concern.

Nursing home abuse is not only emotionally devastating but can also bring a range of legal complexities. Seeking justice requires expertise, empathy, and experience. Hiring a local Newport nursing home abuse attorney can help you tackle the legal challenges.

The sooner you consult a lawyer, the better your chances are of holding the responsible parties accountable. Consider your options under state and federal law below, and ask us for a referral today.

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 Newport, Rhode Island 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, Newport 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 Newport, RI 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 Rhode Island Elderly Abuse Prevention Act punishes physical harm, sexual abuse, exploitation, neglect, or emotional mistreatment. In addition to criminal penalties, Rhode Island law allows for civil remedies, such as restraining orders. The state also mandates reporting from healthcare providers and others who suspect abuse.

Can You File a Lawsuit in Newport, Rhode Island 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.

In Rhode Island, the law mandates that nursing homes have sufficient staff-to-resident ratios to ensure adequate care. Failure to meet this standard can result in a lawsuit for neglect or abuse. The state also has strict regulations around medication administration and record-keeping. Any lapses in these areas could also justify legal action.

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

Victims of nursing home abuse or neglect in Newport 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

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.

The Newport County Superior Court, located in Newport, would be the likely venue for your case. However, speak to your attorney if you have questions about where to attend hearings.

What Types of Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuits Exist?

Most Newport, RI 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 malpracticeThe nursing home health care professionals acted outside the standard procedures of their position, and their mistreatment led to 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 deathIf 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 Newport, Rhode Island.

If you plan to file a lawsuit against your nursing home for abuse or neglect, seek the assistance of a qualified Newport 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 Newport nursing home abuse attorney to help your family? We can even help you connect with an attorney across Rhode Island 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!

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