Montana Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Many nursing homes and assisted living facilities across Montana, including in Billings, Bozeman, Butte, Missoula, Great Falls, and beyond, offer communities where loved ones are cared for and kept safe. Unfortunately, our nation’s elders, especially in Montana, are vulnerable to abuse and neglect.

The National Council on Aging reports that about 10 percent of Americans over the age of 60 have experienced some form of elder abuse, with up to 5 million elders abused annually nationwide. Nursing home abuse remains a largely silent issue, with only 1 in every 14 cases reported to authorities.

If you or a loved one is experiencing neglect or abuse in a nursing home, assisted living or skilled facility anywhere in Montana, the dedicated nursing home abuse lawyers at Heenan & Cook are here to explain your legal options.

Why Choose Us for Your Montana Nursing Home Abuse Case?

Our team, skilled in handling cases of nursing home neglect and abuse, is committed to supporting victims and their families in every city across Montana, ensuring justice and proper care for our elders. We have a track record of securing significant verdicts and settlements against nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

1. Courtroom Strength with Trial-Ready Lawyers: Our team of nursing home abuse lawyers isn’t just experienced in negotiations; we’re seasoned trial attorneys ready to represent you in court. With a proven track record across Montana, we’re prepared to go the distance. When settlement talks fall through, trust that we are fully equipped and ready to continue the fight for justice in the courtroom, ensuring your voice is heard and your case is presented with the utmost diligence and expertise.
2. No Fee Unless You Win: We pledge to stand by you with a clear promise: you will not incur any fees unless we win your case. Operating on a contingency fee basis, our top nursing home neglect attorneys in Montana, demonstrate our unwavering commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for you without any upfront financial burden.
3. Maximizing Results in Every Case: Our dedication extends beyond mere representation. We champion your cause, vigorously pursuing the maximum compensation you are entitled to. Our nursing home negligence lawyers are relentless in their efforts, leveraging extensive knowledge and resources to advocate for the rights and well-being of our clients in every corner of Montana.
4. Convenient Locations Across Montana: Understanding the importance of accessibility and local support, we are proud to serve you from our three office locations in Billings, Bozeman, and Kalispell. This statewide presence ensures that wherever you are in Montana, expert legal help is within reach. Our local offices stand as beacons of hope and advocacy for victims of nursing home abuse and their families.

When you search for a ‘nursing home abuse lawyer near me’ or ‘nursing home neglect attorney near me,’ know that Heenan & Cook is ready to respond.

HOW DO YOU KNOW A MONTANA NURSING HOME’S HISTORY OF CARE?

When seeking a nursing home for a loved one in Montana, whether in Billings, Butte, or Bozeman, it’s vital to review their care history. The Montana Department of Public Health provides a database listing all nursing homes in Montana, including those in Billings MT. This database includes “Complaint Surveys,” which can be a critical indicator of potential nursing home neglect or abuse. If you need assistance understanding these records, our nursing home neglect attorneys can guide you.

WHAT IS NURSING HOME ABUSE?

Nursing home abuse encompasses a range of offenses that can cause emotional, physical, mental, or financial harm to residents. In Montana nursing homes, the elderly and individuals with special needs can fall victim to such abuses. Our nursing home abuse attorneys categorize abuse as follows:

• Neglect is a form of abuse that results in possible or actual serious harm. Bed sores can be an indication of nursing home neglect, as these may occur as the result of failing to turn incapacitated patients.
• False imprisonment. This common type of abuse occurs when staff prevent a resident from leaving a certain area, such as their room. A person committing false imprisonment will keep a resident from their source of mobility, or threaten the resident if they don’t comply.
• Financial abuse. A staff member of a nursing home commits financial abuse when they steal a resident’s property or information to commit fraud. They may also coerce a resident to modify their will or deed. Excess surcharges that deprive a resident of their earnings is also a form of financial abuse. Our nursing home fraud lawyers are experienced in addressing these situations, defending the financial rights of Montana’s elders.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF NURSING HOME ABUSE?

Each case of elder abuse is unique. Some “career criminals” are so cunning they can minimize outward symptoms. Be aware of these red flags for nursing home abuse:

• Sudden or dramatic weight loss
• Suspicious injuries that might result from falls or bed sores, often a red flag in nursing homes
• Broken bones, which could indicate more than just an accident
• Medication errors, potentially pointing to issues with the facility’s care standards
• Sudden changes in behavior, such as withdrawal or agitation, that could suggest emotional distress
• Depression or anger, which may be a response to mistreatment
• False dementia symptoms like persistent rocking and mumbling
• Changes in spending habits, such as more frequent withdrawals or changes in mortgages or deeds, which could indicate financial exploitation
• Excessive fear around certain people
• Wrongful death, where the circumstances raise concerns about care and oversight

This list is not comprehensive, but it provides a starting point for identifying mistreatment. If you notice any of these signs and suspect nursing home negligence or abuse, it’s crucial to reach out to a trusted nursing home abuse lawyer.

Common Injuries from Nursing Home Abuse in Montana

Elders deserve the highest standard of care. Unfortunately, when this standard is not met, certain types of injuries become more common, highlighting the need for vigilance and, when necessary, legal intervention.

Below are the most common injuries resulting from nursing home abuse, each requiring the expertise of a seasoned nursing home abuse lawyer to address and rectify.

Bed Sores (Pressure Ulcers)

These painful injuries are telltale signs of neglect, indicating that a resident has not been moved or repositioned adequately. Bed sores can lead to severe infections and are a major concern in nursing homes across Montana. If your loved one suffers from bed sores, it’s crucial to consult with a nursing home neglect attorney who can assess the situation and advise on the best course of action.

Falls Resulting in Injuries

Falls are a leading cause of injury in nursing homes, often due to inadequate safety measures or supervision. Such incidents can result in broken bones, head injuries, and severe psychological fear of falling again. Nursing home negligence attorneys are skilled in investigating these accidents to determine if neglect played a role and in advocating for the necessary compensations and changes within the facility.

Dehydration and Malnutrition

Alarmingly indicative of neglect, these conditions suggest a fundamental failure in providing essential care. Malnutrition and dehydration weaken a resident’s health, making them more susceptible to illness and reducing their quality of life. Expertise from elder abuse attorneys is vital in holding facilities accountable for such neglect.

Infections and Sanitation Issues

Inadequate hygiene practices can lead to preventable infections, a serious concern in communal living environments like nursing homes. Legal advocates specializing in nursing home standards are essential for families navigating the aftermath of poor sanitation practices affecting their loved ones.

Inadequate Staffing Related Issues

Inadequate staffing is often at the heart of many types of nursing home abuse and neglect. When there are not enough staff members to properly care for residents, the risk of all forms of abuse increases. Nursing home law firms understand the staffing requirements and can work to ensure that facilities are held to these standards, improving care conditions for residents.

At Heenan & Cook, we are dedicated to championing the rights of Montana’s elderly, ensuring they receive the respect and care they deserve. Our team, including adept nursing home abuse lawyers, is at the forefront of legal advocacy against abuse and neglect in care facilities. We believe in justice for the vulnerable and accountability for those who fail to provide adequate care.

If you’re confronting potential abuse or neglect in a nursing home setting, our firm is here to offer expert legal guidance. Together, we can safeguard the well-being of your loved ones and pursue the accountability such situations demand.

How Can an Attorney Help with My Montana Nursing Home Abuse Case?

Nursing home abuse cases in Montana can become incredibly complicated. This complexity is often compounded by the emotional factors inherent in such cases. Unfortunately, most individuals and families lack the resources needed to conduct a comprehensive investigation into their case. This makes having a seasoned Billings or across Montana nursing home abuse attorney by your side very important. With their expertise, an attorney can utilize their resources to:

• Conduct a Complete Investigation into Allegations of Abuse: This critical step involves gathering medical records of the alleged victim, scrutinizing records of previous abuses at the nursing home, and interviewing employees and eyewitnesses, and more.
• Ensure Comprehensive Medical Evaluation: It’s vital that the abuse victim undergoes a thorough assessment by a trusted medical professional. This helps to ascertain the full extent of injuries or illness resulting from abuse or neglect.
• Leverage an Extensive Professional Network: A well-connected nursing home neglect law firm in Billings or any Montana location will tap into a wide network of experts in elder or nursing home abuse, psychological experts, and more, to bolster your case.
• Manage Communications with All Parties: Dealing with nursing home officials, law enforcement agencies, and medical professionals can be overwhelming. Your nursing home neglect lawyer will handle these communications, ensuring clarity and advocating on your behalf in locations throughout Montana.
• Negotiate for Fair Compensation: The goal is always to ensure the victim receives fair compensation for their suffering. Your attorney will negotiate diligently with the involved parties, leveraging their knowledge of Montana law to secure a just outcome.

Having an elder abuse attorney by your side is more than just a legal strategy; it’s about having a dedicated advocate for both the victim and their family. A nursing home abuse attorney in Billings, or any part of Montana, will navigate the complexities of state laws, including filing deadlines. Importantly, the Montana nursing home neglect lawyers at Heenan & Cook will have no problem preparing a case for trial if that is what it takes to secure maximum compensation.

How Much Does a Montana Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Cost?

At Heenan & Cook, we represent clients from Billings to Bozeman, and across Montana, on a contingency fee basis. Our legal team, specializing in elder abuse and neglect, understands the financial pressures families face. Choosing a contingency fee arrangement means there are no upfront or out-of-pocket costs for our clients. You will only pay legal fees after we successfully secure compensation for you through a settlement or a court verdict. If we do not win, you owe us nothing.

This approach ensures that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, has access to justice and high-quality legal representation. Whether you’re seeking a nursing home neglect lawyer in Butte or a nursing home abuse attorney in Billings, our firm is committed to advocating for the rights and dignity of the elderly and their families without adding to their financial burden.

What Compensation Can Be Claimed for Nursing Home Abuse in Montana?

In successful nursing home abuse cases, victims and their families can recover a range of compensations. At Heenan & Cook, we’re committed to helping you navigate these challenging situations with the dedication you deserve. Our approach ensures that you’re compensated for:

1. Medical Bills: Costs incurred due to abuse or neglect are recoverable. We’ll help you account for all healthcare expenses.
2. Cost of Stay: You may be reimbursed for the time spent in the facility during which the abuse occurred.
3. Relocation Costs: If moving to a new facility is necessary, those expenses can also be covered.
4. Loss of Enjoyment of Life: We recognize the profound impact abuse can have on quality of life and seek compensation accordingly.
5. Pain and Suffering: Emotional and physical distress are significant, and we’ll advocate for your right to compensation.
6. Punitive Damages: In instances of egregious conduct, additional damages may be pursued to penalize the wrongdoers and deter future abuse.

The specifics of each case, including the severity of the injury and the circumstances of the abuse, influence the total compensation. Our goal extends beyond financial recovery; we strive to hold responsible parties accountable, aiming to improve the safety and standards of care for all residents in Montana.

If you’re dealing with the aftermath of nursing home abuse, Heenan & Cook offers the support and legal expertise you need to seek justice and protect your loved ones, don’t hesitate to reach out to us to have your case evaluated. You can use our free case evaluation on the bottom and we’ll call you back or email you once we get your claim description so we can start investigating your case as soon as possible.

What Can I Do If I Suspect Nursing Home Abuse?

If you suspect a loved one is in danger, you have options.

1. Verify their story. Check with other coherent residents in the nursing home to see if they can corroborate the resident’s story. Ask for copies of medical records and take photos of injuries and current prescriptions.
2. Find them another place to stay. If you suspect abuse, remove the resident from the facility as soon as possible. If you knowingly keep an abused loved one within a dangerous situation, your case may be severely weakened.
3. Contact the authorities. Call the police or district attorney’s office and ask to file a grievance. If the D.A.’s office finds sufficient evidence, they will charge the wrongdoers with a crime.

CONTACT A MONTANA NURSING HOME ABUSE LAWYER

Elder abuse is a crime, and those who participate in financial or physical abuse of the vulnerable deserve to pay for their actions. You have legal recourse beyond criminal justice – your family may also file a civil lawsuit against the facility that employed the abuser. When you expect quality care but a loved one has fallen victim to this kind of abuse, it is in your family’s best interest to reach out to the professionals.

Contact Heenan & Cook for a free consultation, our law firm can offer legal advice and options for the next appropriate steps.