Top Dearborn, MO Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers Near You

What Can I Do About My Loved One’s Nursing Home Abuse?

If you or a loved one is subjected to physical, psychological, or emotional abuse by nursing home personnel, you can take action to protect your legal rights. The nursing home may offer to compensate you in return for not reporting the abuse to authorities and ask you to sign a release form in an attempt to prevent you from suing.

Will I Need a Nursing Home Abuse Attorney?

When faced with nursing home abuse allegations, the nursing home is certain to be represented by an attorney to protect its interests. Nursing home laws and regulations are complicated and vary from state to state, so it is advisable to obtain legal counsel from a lawyer in Dearborn experienced in nursing home abuse cases to protect your loved one’s rights.

Top Questions to Ask When Hiring an Attorney

• How many years have you been practicing law? How long have you practiced law in the local area?
• How many cases similar to mine have you handled in the past?
• What is the likely outcome for my case?

In legal practice, experience matters. An experienced attorney will likely have handled issues similar to yours many, many times. Therefore, after listening to your situation, the attorney should have a reasonable idea of the time line for a case like yours and the likely resolution.

How to Prepare for Your Initial Consultation

Prepare for your consultation by writing down notes of your understanding of the case, jot down questions and concerns for the attorney, and gather your documents. Remember that you are trying to get a sense of whether the attorney has your trust and can help you address your legal issues. Questions should include how the attorney intends to resolve your issue, how many years he/she has been practicing law and specifically practicing in your area, as well as how many cases similar to yours the attorney has handled. It can also be helpful to broach the subject of fees so that you understand the likely cost and structure of your representation by a specific attorney and/or legal team.

Does firm size matter?

For most consumer legal issues, the size of the practice is much less important than the experience, competence, and reputation of the attorney(s) handling your case. Among the most important factors when choosing an attorney are your comfort level with the attorney or practice and the attorney’s track record in bringing about quick, successful resolutions to cases similar to yours.

Common legal terms explained

Plaintiff – a person or party who brings a lawsuit against another person(s) or party/parties in a court of law. Private persons or parties can only file suit in civil court.

Judgment – A decision of the court. Also known as a decree or order. Judgments handed down by the court are usually binding on the parties before the court.