Protecting Your Loved One from Elder Neglect and Abuse in Washington State
Placing a loved one in a nursing home is never easy. An elderly parent or relative may no longer be able to live safely or comfortably on their own. Many families trust that the nursing home or long-term care facility will provide proper care, compassion, and dignity for their loved one.
When a loved one suffers neglect or abuse in a nursing home or assisted living center, the impact is felt by all involved. Families often feel shocked, angry, and unsure of what steps to take next.
At The Cochran Firm Seattle, we represent families throughout Washington who face situations involving nursing home neglect or abuse. Our nursing home abuse attorneys work to hold negligent facilities accountable and protect the rights of vulnerable seniors. Whether the harm involves physical abuse, medical neglect, or emotional mistreatment, we are here to help you find answers and take legal action.
If you suspect abuse or neglect in a nursing home, contact our Seattle law firm for a free, confidential consultation.
What Qualifies as Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect?
Nursing home abuse and neglect can take many forms, and the warning signs are not always obvious. Families may notice subtle changes in behavior or physical health before realizing something could be off. It’s important to understand that both abuse and neglect can cause serious harm, even if they don’t always leave visible injuries.
Neglect typically refers to the failure of nursing home staff to meet a resident’s basic needs, such as:
- Food
- Water
- Medication
- Hygiene assistance
- Mobility support
- Medical care
Neglect can result in severe consequences like infections, falls, dehydration, or worsening health conditions. Abuse involves deliberate actions that cause physical, emotional, sexual, or financial harm to an elderly resident. This type of mistreatment may be carried out by staff, caregivers, or even other residents. Some of the most common forms of nursing home abuse and neglect include:
- Bedsores or pressure ulcers due to lack of movement or poor hygiene
- Unexplained bruises, fractures, or injuries
- Sudden weight loss, dehydration, or malnutrition
- Withdrawal, fearfulness, or emotional distress
- Overmedication or failure to administer medications properly
- Financial exploitation or unauthorized changes to bank accounts and wills
If any of these warning signs appear, take them seriously. At The Cochran Firm Seattle, we thoroughly investigate nursing home abuse claims and help families hold those responsible accountable for the harm they’ve caused.
Common Causes of Nursing Home Neglect in Washington
Nursing home neglect doesn’t always stem from intentional wrongdoing. From poor staffing practices to inadequate oversight, several factors can lead to unsafe conditions in long-term care facilities.
Understaffing
When facilities are short-staffed, caregivers are often stretched too thin. As a result, they may skip tasks like assisting with meals, or administering medications on time.
Inadequate Training
Elder care requires specialized knowledge and patience. When staff members aren’t properly trained, they may fail to recognize health concerns or respond to residents’ needs appropriately.
Lack of Supervision
Poor management or oversight can allow unsafe practices to go unnoticed. Without accountability, neglect can continue unchecked.
High Staff Turnover
Constantly changing caregivers can create confusion and disrupt continuity of care. It also increases the likelihood that something will be overlooked.
Negligent Hiring Practices
Failing to properly vet employees can result in hiring individuals with a history of abuse or misconduct.
At The Cochran Firm Seattle, our legal team works to uncover the failures behind each case. We don’t just look at the surface-level harm. We investigate what went wrong and why, so you can hold the right people accountable.
How to Report Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect in Washington
Take action right away if you believe your loved one is being mistreated in a nursing home. Even if you’re not completely sure, reporting your concerns can help start an investigation and protect your family member and others who may be at risk.
Start with the Facility Itself
Begin by speaking with the nursing home’s administrator or director of nursing. Ask direct questions, document the conversation, and request a formal care plan review.
Contact Adult Protective Services (APS)
Washington’s Adult Protective Services (APS) investigates reports of abuse, neglect, abandonment, and financial exploitation involving vulnerable adults. You can file a confidential report online or by phone. APS will review the information and may initiate a formal investigation. Visit Washington APS to learn how to file a report.
In Emergencies, Contact Law Enforcement
If your loved one is in immediate danger, call 911. You can also file a police report for suspected abuse or exploitation. In some cases, criminal charges may apply.
Taking Legal Action for Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
Finding out that your loved one has suffered abuse or neglect in a nursing home is overwhelming and heartbreaking for you and your loved one. Beyond ensuring their immediate safety, you deserve justice and compensation for the harm that has been caused.
Families affected by nursing home abuse or neglect can often pursue a civil lawsuit seeking damages for:
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Wrongful death (in tragic cases)
These claims require proving that the nursing home breached its duty of care through negligence, recklessness, or intentional harm. Washington state law generally requires such claims to be filed within three years of the injury or its discovery, so act quickly to protect your rights.
Nursing home abuse cases can be legally complex, with facilities often backed by experienced defense teams. That’s why having a dedicated attorney on your side matters. At The Cochran Firm Seattle, our lawyers conduct thorough investigations and work with medical experts to pursue maximum compensation. We also handle cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing unless we win your case.
If you are looking for legal help surrounding nursing home abuse or neglect, contact The Cochran Firm Seattle today for a free, confidential consultation. We’re here to help you hold negligent nursing homes accountable and protect your loved one’s dignity and rights.