Abuse and Neglect of Elderly and Disabled Persons

Attorney John L. Norris, founding member of Norris & Norris PLC, represents the interests of elderly and disabled persons who have been neglected or abused in nursing homes, assisted living and other care facilities. He also represents family members of elderly or disabled persons who have died after such neglect or abuse.

Certain injuries frequently occur at care facilities. In cases of neglect, residents of care facilities may become dehydrated, malnourished, and develop pressure sores. Pressure sores are especially likely to develop on residents’ backsides, where relatives may never see them, or on their heels. Pressure sores, also known as decubitus ulcers, frequently lead to fatal infections. Hip fractures and other injuries often occur as the result of falls at care facilities. While not every fall is preventable, many are the result of failing to properly assess the resident, develop an appropriate care plan and implement the care plan.

Because staff salaries are the biggest expense nursing home operators face, many facilities have a strong incentive to provide insufficient numbers of adequately trained nursing staff. Many nursing homes are part of chains, and their budgets are set by the parent company. Because there is a direct connection between staffing levels and quality of care, it is critical that nursing homes and their corporate owners do not cut corners when it comes to staffing levels.

When serious injuries occur because care facilities or their corporate owners failed to perform their duties adequately, the victim is entitled to compensation for their losses. The risk of facing litigation for abuse and neglect of residents is an important force motivating care facilities and their owners to maintain sufficient nursing staff to protect vulnerable residents.

Attorney John Norris, who is certified as a Civil Trial Specialist, is experienced at obtaining all necessary records and having them reviewed by well qualified experts to find out whether resident injuries and deaths were caused by substandard care. Mr. Norris has successfully represented many residents or their family members who have suffered or died from severe pressure sores, malnutrition, dehydration, assault by another resident, medication overdose, physical injuries including bone fractures, and even smoke inhalation injuries from a fire.

If your loved one was injured or died in a nursing home or other care facility as a result of neglect or abuse, call attorney John L. Norris at (615) 627-3959.