{"id":807,"date":"2021-03-08T15:17:04","date_gmt":"2021-03-08T15:17:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cochranfirm.com\/dothan\/?post_type=practice_areas&#038;p=807"},"modified":"2026-10-20T19:41:34","modified_gmt":"2026-10-20T19:41:34","slug":"nursing-home-abuse","status":"publish","type":"practice_areas","link":"https:\/\/www.cochranfirm.com\/dothan\/practice-areas\/nursing-home-abuse\/","title":{"rendered":"Nursing Home Abuse"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 id=\"headline-18-545\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Your Dothan Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When we place our elderly loved ones in the care of others, it is hard to fully trust that the facility staff will treat them with the same care and attention that they deserve. All too often, we hear stories in the news or from friends about horrific conditions or treatment by nursing home administrators or staff. Our loved one's well-being is not only in the hands of individual caregivers who may \"have a bad day\" and do something terrible but also in the corporate culture of the facility, which will often put profits ahead of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What is Nursing Home Abuse?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nursing home abuse happens when a caregiver or staff member intentionally or carelessly harms a resident physically, emotionally, or financially. This can include physical or sexual abuse, verbal and emotional mistreatment, financial exploitation, or neglect, such as not providing enough food, water, medication, or basic hygiene. Nearly two million Americans live in nursing homes, and studies have found that almost 90% of these facilities are understaffed, often because profit is prioritized over patient care. The Cochran Firm-Dothan helps victims and their families when poor care leads to injury or death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The National Center on Elder Abuse conducted a survey that reported those who had experienced elder abuse in nursing home facilities had a 300% heightened risk of untimely death as opposed to elders who had not suffered abuse. (National Center on Elder Abuse)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Signs of Nursing Home Abuse<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Abuse in nursing home facilities can manifest itself in many different forms. It is essential to observe and look for warning signs. If any red flags come up, it is crucial to act immediately. These signs can look like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sudden death that cannot be explained<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Noticeable infections such as ulcers or bedsores<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mysterious falls<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Injuries such as broken bones, bruising, abrasions, and cuts that cannot be explained.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Prescription medicine errors and or overdoses<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dehydration<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Malnutrition<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Unsanitary living conditions in or around the exterior of the facility<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Behavioral changes such as agitation, anxiety, or disassociation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Emotional outbursts, such as crying.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Verbal complaints of wrongful treatment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Do You Report Nursing Home Abuse in Alabama?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your loved one is in immediate danger, call 911 right away. Once they are safe, you can report suspected nursing home abuse or neglect to the Alabama Department of Public Health's Bureau of Health Provider Standards. You can also contact the Alabama Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program through the Alabama Department of Senior Services. Reporting to the state will start an investigation into the facility. This does not replace legal action. A nursing home abuse attorney can review your loved one\u2019s situation and help you seek compensation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What laws must Nursing homes follow in the state of Alabama?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The injury lawyers of The Cochran Firm- Dothan have decades of experience in helping families find justice for their loved ones who have suffered elder abuse in nursing home facilities. When this happens, it is essential to know the laws that nursing homes must follow in the state of Alabama. Ultimately, this can be broken down into two subjects: the federal regulations of the NHRA (Nursing Home Reform Act) and the AMLA (state of Alabama Medical Liability Act).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>NHRA:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 1987, the U.S. Congress passed the NHRA as part of a bill known as the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA, 1987). One of the most critical sections of the NHRA (432 CFR Section 483) states numerous requirements for nursing home facilities: to provide a professional standard of quality care, adequate treatment, and proper assistance to nursing home residents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If a nursing home facility does not abide by these regulations, it can lead to citations by the Alabama Department of Public Health or the ADPH. The ADPH is responsible for the investigations and inspections of nursing homes to evaluate inadequacies that lead to corrective actions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>AMLA:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 1987, the Alabama State Legislature passed the AMLA, making it significantly more challenging to pursue successful lawsuits against healthcare providers, including nursing homes, in the state of Alabama. If the plaintiff does not meet the \"burden of proof,\" the lawsuit will be unsuccessful. \"Burden of proof\" under the AMLA is considered substantial evidence\u2013greater than the burden of proof in regular negligence cases. The plaintiff must prove through substantial evidence that the nursing home facility in Alabama did not uphold the standard of care. An expert witness is typically required in such cases as well. The personal injury attorneys of the Cochran Firm-Dothan have decades of experience and access to the collective knowledge it takes to succeed in cases against nursing home facilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Nursing Home Abuse lawyers of The Cochran Firm-Dothan are integral to a nationwide network of Cochran Firm offices and attorneys. This network provides our clients with an invaluable pool of the collective experience and resources of all our Cochran Firm partners. Our attorneys across the U.S. have collectively secured over $30 billion for our clients, showcasing our commitment to achieving justice. Our attorneys frequently contribute to the legal community by sharing their knowledge with other attorneys and law firms by lecturing at CLE (Continuing Legal Education) seminars. This instruction helps trial attorneys nationwide better represent their clients and get the justice they deserve.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Areas We Serve<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"text_block-189-601\">From our office in Southeast Alabama (Houston County), nursing home abuse attorneys at The Cochran Firm Dothan are ready to serve clients in South Alabama, Southwest Georgia, and the Florida Panhandle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the difference between nursing home abuse and neglect?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Abuse happens when a caregiver intentionally causes harm, whether it is physical, sexual, verbal, or financial. Neglect means not providing enough food, water, medication, supervision, or hygiene. Both can cause serious harm and may be grounds for a legal claim in Alabama.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How long do I have to file a nursing home abuse lawsuit in Alabama?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Usually, you have two years from the date of the injury, according to the Alabama Medical Liability Act. It is best to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cochranfirm.com\/dothan\/contact-us\/\">talk to an attorney<\/a> soon, since there are only a few exceptions to this deadline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How do I report nursing home abuse in Alabama?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your loved one is in immediate danger, call 911 right away. If not, you can report the facility to the Alabama Department of Public Health or reach out to the Alabama Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do I need a lawyer to file a complaint with the State against a nursing home?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No, you can file a complaint with the state on your own. However, a state complaint only triggers a facility investigation. To file a lawsuit to pursue compensation for your loved one's injuries, medical costs, and suffering, you should consult a lawyer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What compensation can I recover in a nursing home abuse case?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Depending on your situation, you may be able to recover damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and, in wrongful death cases, other damages allowed by Alabama law. An attorney can help you understand what applies to your case.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":246,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_seopress_titles_title":"Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in Dothan | The Cochran Firm","_seopress_titles_desc":"Attorneys representing victims of nursing home abuse and neglect. 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