It’s a heartbreaking reality that nursing home abuse occurs in facilities that are supposed to care for our loved ones in their later years. When you trust a nursing home with the care of a family member, the last thing you expect is negligence or abuse. Unfortunately, these incidents happen, leaving families devastated and victims in need of support and justice. Suppose you suspect or know that nursing home abuse has occurred in Carbondale, PA. In that case, having experienced and compassionate legal support on your side is crucial. Contact our Marzzacco Niven & Associates law office today at (717) 995-8810 to get help from our Carbondale nursing home abuse lawyers.
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How Marzzacco Niven & Associates Can Help After Abuse in Carbondale
Situated in the heart of Carbondale, PA, Marzzacco Niven & Associates has earned a reputation for being a relentless advocate for victims of nursing home abuse. Our team brings years of experience backed by notable certifications and awards. We have successfully recovered substantial monetary compensation for our clients, helping them to move forward after traumatic experiences.
What sets us apart is decades of combined legal experience in personal injury and nursing home abuse cases, recognition and awards from leading legal organizations, a compassionate approach tailored to each client’s unique situation, and a proven track record in recovering millions of dollars for abuse victims.
The service you can expect from us:
- Conduct thorough investigations into the abuse allegations.
- Gather and analyze evidence to build a strong case.
- Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
- Pursue litigation aggressively if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
- Keep you informed and involved throughout the process.
If you need a Carbondale personal injury attorney, our dedicated team is here to fight for you. Contact us for a confidential consultation.
What is My Nursing Home Abuse Case Worth?
Determining the value of a nursing home abuse case can be complex. Several factors need consideration, including:
- The severity and type of injury sustained.
- Medical expenses incurred and anticipated future care costs.
- Emotional distress and psychological impact.
- Impact on the individual’s quality of life.
- Any punitive damages applicable to the case.
Each case is unique, and we at Marzzacco Niven & Associates work assiduously to ensure thorough evaluation and maximum compensation for our clients.
What Kind of Damages Are Available to Abuse Victims?
When someone suffers from abuse in a nursing home, they have the right to seek compensation for the harm they’ve experienced. This compensation is often referred to as “damages,” it is typically categorized into two main types: economic and non-economic damages. Let’s break down what each of these means.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover the actual financial losses that the victim or their family may face as a result of the abuse. These are the tangible costs, meaning they can be quantified in terms of money. Here are some examples:
- Medical bills: If your loved one needs medical treatment due to injuries sustained from abuse, the costs of doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and any other related expenses can be included as economic damages.
- Rehabilitation costs: Sometimes, an abused resident may require physical therapy or other types of rehabilitation to recover fully. The expenses for these services are also considered economic damages.
- Cost of relocation: If the abuse makes it necessary to move your loved one to a different facility, the costs associated with the relocation can be part of the claim.
These damages focus on reimbursing the victim or their family for the money spent or lost due to the abuse.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages, on the other hand, are a bit more complex because they relate to the non-tangible aspects of harm. Even though you can’t put a precise dollar amount on these experiences, they’re just as important. Here are some examples:
- Pain and suffering: This refers to the physical pain and emotional distress that the victim endured during and after the abuse. It can be tough to measure, but it reflects the suffering experienced and helps ensure the victim is fully compensated.
- Loss of enjoyment: This loss can be compensated if the abuse has affected the victim’s ability to enjoy life as they did before—such as participating in activities or socializing with others. It’s about recognizing the diminished quality of life.
- Emotional distress: Abuse can cause significant psychological harm, leading to anxiety, depression, fear, or other emotional issues. These psychological impacts are included as non-economic damages.
While economic damages seek to cover specific financial costs, non-economic damages aim to acknowledge the emotional and personal toll of the abuse, providing a more comprehensive framework for justice and compensation.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer?
One of the most common concerns is the cost of legal assistance. At Marzzacco Niven & Associates, we operate on a contingency fee basis. This means that you pay no upfront fees, and we only receive a payment if we successfully recover your compensation. This approach ensures that all victims have access to justice, regardless of their financial situation.
Can I Recover Compensation If I’m Being Blamed for Nursing Home Abuse in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania follows a comparative fault model, so being partly blamed doesn’t automatically preclude you from recovering compensation. The key is understanding your degree of fault and how it affects your claim. If you are 50% or less responsible, you can recover, but your award will be reduced proportionally. If you are more than 50% responsible, you will not be able to recover at all. Our Carbondale nursing home abuse lawyers are skilled at countering these claims and fighting for your right to fair compensation.
We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation For All Of Your Injuries
At Marzzacco Niven & Associates, our mission is to ensure that residents who suffer from nursing home abuse receive the total compensation they deserve for all types of injuries. When people think of abuse, they often think only of physical harm. Still, the reality is that abuse in nursing homes can lead to a wide variety of injuries, both visible and invisible.
Here are some of the more common injuries that can result from such abuse and neglect:
- Physical injuries: These can include anything from bedsores and painful skin ulcers resulting from prolonged pressure on the skin to fractures from falls or improper handling. Unexplained bruises or cuts might also be signs of rough handling or other forms of physical abuse.
- Emotional and psychological trauma: Beyond physical harm, the emotional impact of abuse can be devastating. Victims may experience fear, anxiety, depression, or a deep sense of betrayal and hopelessness. Such trauma can affect their ability to trust others and significantly diminish their quality of life.
- Dehydration and malnutrition: This occurs when a resident is not given enough food or water. This neglect could be due to insufficient staffing or intentional withholding, leading to serious health issues like weakened immune systems or severe weight loss.
- Worsening of chronic conditions: When a nursing home neglects its duty of care, existing health conditions like diabetes or heart disease can worsen. This neglect can lead to additional complications and potentially life-threatening situations for the victim.
Marzzacco Niven & Associates handles each case with meticulous care and respect. We work tirelessly to consider all aspects and impacts of the abuse, aiming to provide a holistic approach to justice and compensation.
What Causes Most Nursing Home Abuse in Carbondale?
Understanding what leads to nursing home abuse is crucial in addressing the problem and holding the right parties accountable. Several factors often contribute to these unfortunate situations:
- Understaffing leading to neglect: When a nursing home doesn’t have enough staff to adequately care for all its residents, it can lead to neglect. Essential tasks such as feeding, bathing, and administering medication may be overlooked or rushed, harming residents.
- Inadequate training for caregivers: Proper training is vital for caregivers to perform their jobs effectively. Inadequately trained staff may not know how to handle residents safely or may misinterpret signs of distress or medical needs, leading to neglect or accidental abuse.
- Poor facility management: Poor facility management can significantly affect the quality of care residents receive. Poor management decisions, like cutting costs at the expense of resident care or neglecting staff concerns, can create an environment where abuse is more likely to occur.
- Lack of background checks: Hiring staff without conducting thorough background checks can lead to hiring individuals who are ill-equipped for the job or have a history of abusive behavior, placing residents at risk.
- Failure to maintain proper facility practices: Nursing homes need established routines and practices to ensure resident safety and care.
Neglecting these practices can result in unsafe environments where abuse or neglect is more likely to happen.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After Nursing Home Abuse in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits, including nursing home abuse, is generally two years from the date of discovery. Act promptly and consult with a knowledgeable attorney to preserve your right to file a lawsuit, which is crucial.
Contact Our Carbondale Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers For a Free Consultation
If you suspect or have evidence of nursing home abuse in Carbondale, PA, time is of the essence. The compassionate team at Marzzacco Niven & Associates is here to support you every step of the way. We understand the emotional turmoil these cases bring and are committed to fighting for the justice you and your loved ones deserve. Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation with a Carbondale nursing home abuse lawyer and take the first step towards holding the responsible parties accountable for their actions.