Nursing home abuse cases can be difficult to win, but with the right legal support, you can improve your chances. The outcome depends on the type of abuse, how much evidence is available, and how willing the nursing facility is to cooperate.
If you believe a loved one has been mistreated in a nursing home, a New Hampshire nursing home abuse lawyer at Shaheen & Gordon can help. Our team has years of experience standing up for nursing home residents and holding negligent facilities and assisted living centers accountable for abuse, neglect, and wrongful death.
What makes a nursing home abuse case hard to prove?
One of the biggest challenges is proving what happened. Studies show that only 1 in 24 cases of elder abuse is ever reported, which means much of the evidence is never documented. Many nursing home residents can’t speak for themselves due to memory loss, dementia, or other medical issues. That makes it harder to get a clear account from the person who was harmed.
Nursing homes may also deny wrongdoing or try to shift blame. They might say the resident’s injuries were due to underlying health problems or aging. Some facilities even make it difficult to access staff records or medical documentation.
That’s why it’s important to work with a nursing home abuse lawyer who knows how to collect records and build a strong case.
What kind of evidence is helpful?
To win a nursing home abuse or neglect case, your attorney needs to show that abuse happened and caused harm. Some of the most useful evidence includes:
- Medical records showing signs of neglect or injury
- Photos of injuries or unsafe conditions
- Statements from witnesses, staff, or other residents
- Facility logs showing staffing issues or patterns of neglect
- Prior complaints or inspection reports
The earlier this evidence is gathered, the stronger your claim will be. If you’re helping a family member, keep notes on any concerns and save documentation.
Does the type of abuse matter?
Yes. Some types of abuse are easier to document than others. For example, if someone has visible injuries, like bruises or fractures, or dies as a result of neglect, those cases may be more straightforward to prove. But emotional abuse or sexual abuse may not leave obvious signs, and those cases often require a more thorough investigation.
No matter what happened, an experienced nursing home abuse attorney can help determine how strong your case is and what legal steps to take.
Can you win a nursing home abuse case without going to court?
Yes, many cases settle before trial. Once your lawyer presents a strong claim, the nursing home or its insurance company may offer a fair settlement. If they don’t, your attorney can move forward with a lawsuit.
At Shaheen & Gordon, we’ve helped many families reach settlements through negotiation, but we’re always prepared to go to court if needed.
What can families do to help?
If you think your loved one is being abused or neglected, start writing down what you observe. Make note of physical injuries, changes in behavior, their living conditions, and anything that feels off. Ask questions, report your concerns to the facility, and save any documents that may help show what’s happening.
The more details you can provide, the easier it is for your lawyer to investigate and file a nursing home abuse and neglect claim.
Talk to a nursing home abuse lawyer today
Suing a nursing home isn’t easy, but it can help your loved one get justice and stop abuse from happening to someone else. If you’re thinking about taking legal action, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Call Shaheen & Gordon at (800) 451-1002 or contact us online to request a free consultation. We’re proud to help families across New Hampshire and Maine protect their loved ones and hold negligent nursing facilities accountable.
