If your elderly loved one was neglected or abused at a long-term care facility, your family may be able to sue for damages. While filing a lawsuit won’t undo the trauma your relative suffered, it may yield enough compensation to provide him or her with the highest quality of care moving forward.
The first step to building a strong nursing home abuse claim is to consult a seasoned attorney. After evaluating the evidence you’ve compiled and the facts of your case, an experienced lawyer can help you determine the most strategic way to proceed.
To ensure your case gets off to a strong start, you can prepare for your first meeting with the legal team by doing the following:
1. Gather All the Evidence You’ve Obtained
Do you have any evidence of the abuse or the resulting damages? If so, compile it all before the initial consultation so your attorney can review it. Evidence worth bringing to this meeting includes:
- Photographs of any bedsores, bruises, lacerations, or other visible injuries;
- Medical records;
- Statements from other nursing home residents or visitors about what they have witnessed;
- Any video footage you’ve managed to obtain; and
- Any correspondence you’ve already had with the nursing home administrators or insurance company.
2. Prepare Your Answers to Specific Questions
You will spend a significant portion of the consultation answering the lawyer’s questions. If you prepare your answers in advance, you can avoid leaving out any pertinent details.
Naturally, the specific questions will depend on the situation, but generally speaking, you should be prepared to answer the following:
- When did you first suspect nursing home abuse, and why?
- Who do you think is responsible for the abuse?
- How has your loved one suffered as a result of the abuse?
- Do you have reason to believe other residents have suffered similar abuse?
- What is the victim’s condition now, and where is he or she living?
- What kinds of expenses were incurred as a result of the abuse?
3. Compile a List of Your Own Questions
At the end of the consultation, you will have the opportunity to ask your own questions. To ensure you don’t forget any, write them down in advance. Questions that may be worth asking include:
- What should I do (and not do) moving forward to contribute to the strength of the claim?
- What is your fee structure?
- How can I reach you if I have any questions or concerns?
Discuss Your Case with a Nursing Home Abuse Attorney in New York
If you want to sue a long-term care facility in New York because your loved one was neglected or abused, contact LoTempio P.C. Law Group. Our team is available 24/7 to take your call.
Backed by more than 200 years of experience, our attorneys know what it takes to go up against even the largest corporations and insurance companies. Call 716-855-3761 or fill out our Contact Form to schedule a free case evaluation with a nursing home abuse lawyer in New York.