Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer in Santa Fe

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Trusted Nursing Home Neglect Lawyers in Santa Fe, NM

If you or a loved one is experiencing nursing home neglect or elder abuse in Santa Fe, NM, it’s crucial to know you're not alone. At The Sloan Firm, our Santa Fe law office specializes in helping victims of nursing home neglect and elder abuse secure the justice and compensation they deserve.

With years of experience, our dedicated New Mexico nursing home abuse attorneys are committed to fighting for those harmed by mistreatment or negligence. We understand how sensitive these cases are, which is why we provide compassionate and professional legal support throughout the process.

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win. Our mission is to hold the responsible parties accountable and protect your loved one’s rights every step of the way.

What is Nursing Home Neglect?

Nursing home neglect occurs when a facility fails to meet a resident’s basic needs, leading to serious consequences. This includes physical signs of abuse, such as unexplained injuries, poor hygiene, malnutrition, dehydration, bedsores, and recurring infections. It also involves emotional and mental anguish, which can manifest as depression and a sense of abandonment.

At its core, nursing home neglect not only endangers a resident’s health but also undermines their dignity and well-being. Recognizing these signs is essential to ensuring that loved ones receive the care and respect they deserve.

Root Causes of Nursing Home Neglect

Nursing home neglect arises from systemic issues within the facility, jeopardizing the welfare of residents.

These foundational problems can lead to severe health complications, such as falls and exacerbated medical conditions. 

At its core, neglect signifies a failure to provide the essential care that residents rightfully deserve, indicative of a lack of commitment to their well-being.

Prominent factors contributing to nursing home neglect include:

  • Chronic Understaffing
  • Deficient Staff Training
  • Limited Resources for Ensuring Quality Care

Identifying Signs of Nursing Home Neglect in Santa Fe

Recognizing the indicators of neglect in Santa Fe nursing homes is crucial for safeguarding the well-being of residents.

Vigilance towards both physical and emotional signs is essential to preventing nursing home neglect. If you observe any of the symptoms listed below, prompt intervention is imperative:

Physical Indicators of Neglect:

  • Persistent Bedsores
  • Recurrent Falls
  • Deterioration in Personal Hygiene

Emotional Indicators of Neglect:

  • Noticeable Changes in Behavior
  • Sudden Mood Fluctuations

Environmental Red Flags of Neglect:

  • Unsanitary Living Conditions
  • Neglected Maintenance and Upkeep

Legal Protections for Victims of Nursing Home Neglect Near Espanola

If you or a loved one has experienced nursing home neglect, it can feel overwhelming, but remember—you are not without options. Legal protections are in place to help you fight back, hold the responsible parties accountable, and, in some cases, secure compensation for the harm caused.

Under 42 U.S. Code § 1395i–3, residents are guaranteed key rights to ensure their safety and dignity:

  • Right to Quality of Care: Residents have the right to care that meets their individual needs and adheres to regulatory standards. This includes access to medical care, assistance with daily activities, and a safe, clean living environment.
  • Right to Informed Consent: Residents must be fully informed about their treatment options and have the right to make their own healthcare decisions, including refusing treatments.
  • Right to Privacy: Your medical records and personal belongings must be kept confidential, ensuring your privacy is respected.
  • Right to Voice Concerns: Residents can raise concerns about their care without fear of retaliation and have the right to file formal complaints if necessary.
  • Right to Legal Representation: If neglect is suspected, residents can consult a nursing home negligence attorney to understand their rights, explore remedies, and pursue compensation if warranted.

Right to Quality of Care

Residents are entitled to care that meets their individual needs and adheres to regulatory standards. This includes access to comprehensive medical care, assistance with daily activities, and a living environment that ensures safety, cleanliness, and respect for dignity.

Right to Informed Consent

Residents possess the right to be fully informed about their medical treatment options and retain the autonomy to make their own healthcare decisions, including refusing specific treatments.

Right to Privacy

Residents have the right to maintain the confidentiality of their medical records and personal belongings.

Right to Voice Concerns

Residents are empowered to express concerns about their care without fear of retaliation. They also have the right to lodge formal complaints if necessary.

Right to Legal Representation

Should residents suspect neglect, they have the legal right to consult an attorney to understand their rights better, explore potential remedies, and pursue compensation if warranted.

Steps to Take After Reporting Neglect

When addressing nursing home neglect, being informed and proactive is vital. Neglect can have severe consequences for residents, so recognizing signs like bedsores, bruises, sudden weight loss, and changes in behavior is crucial.

Once neglect is reported, it's vital to take appropriate action. Here are some steps to follow:

  • Document Signs and Symptoms: Record neglect indicators such as bedsores or weight loss. Photographs can serve as valuable evidence.
  • Gather Medical Records: Obtain records showing a decline in health or unexplained injuries to support your case.
  • Collect Eyewitness Accounts: Statements from staff or residents can help document neglect.
  • Contact the Ombudsman or New Mexico Department of Health: If you still need to, contact these authorities for additional support and information on the steps being taken.
  • Request Follow-Up Reports: Ask for updates on the actions taken in response to your report.
  • Stay Engaged in the Process: Continue advocating for the resident's welfare to ensure their well-being.
  • Consult with an Attorney: If neglect continues, it may be time to consult a Santa Fe nursing home abuse attorney for legal action

Resources for Victims and Families in Santa Fe

If you suspect nursing home neglect in Santa Fe, NM, the process for reporting it officially is as follows:

  1. Contact the New Mexico Department of Health: You can report nursing home neglect to the New Mexico Department of Health by calling their toll-free hotline at 1-800-752-8649 or by visiting their website to complete a complaint form.
  2. File a report with Adult Protective Services (APS): You can also report nursing home neglect to APS by calling their hotline at 1-866-654-3219. APS will investigate reports of neglect and abuse of vulnerable adults.
  3. Contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman: Another option for reporting nursing home neglect is to contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman, who advocates for the rights and interests of residents in long-term care facilities.

It is essential to report any suspected nursing home neglect as soon as possible to ensure the safety and well-being of the residents.

The authorities will investigate the allegations and take necessary actions to address the neglect.

Why Choose Our Nursing Home Negligence Lawyers Near Albuquerque

Sloan Law Firm

At The Sloan Firm, we understand how difficult it is to trust a nursing home with your loved one’s care. You expect your family members to receive respectful, high-quality care, but unfortunately, stories of neglect, injuries, and even death are all too common in these facilities.

Our team of experienced Santa Fe nursing home abuse lawyers is here to hold these facilities accountable. We know the emotional toll these cases take and are committed to supporting you every step of the way, fighting for justice and results.

Contact us today at (505) 445-5000 or online for a free consultation.

Meet Our Attorneys

Your Dedicated Team at The Sloan Firm

John Sloan - New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer

John Sloan

Ray Hatcher, personal injury attorney in Longview, Texas

Raymond Hatcher

Carson R. Runge - Texas Personal Injury Lawyer

Carson Runge

Alan J. Robertson - Longview Personal Injury Lawyer

Alan J. Robertson

Nursing Home Neglect Case Results

$60.05 Million

18-Wheeler Collision

Recovered $60,050,055.00 for person injured in 18-wheeler collision.

$29 Million

Unfair Compensation Practice

Sloan Law Firm acting as co-counsel $29 million settlement for the victims of unfair compensation practices.

$4.5 Million

Medical Negligence

Settlement on behalf of clients for the death of their mother which was caused by numerous failures on the part of her primary care physician, resulting in the untimely death of client’s 73-year-old mother.

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