How Nursing Home Negligence Attorneys Can Help You

When a loved one enters a nursing home, you trust that they’ll be treated with respect, care, and dignity. Unfortunately, nursing home negligence is a growing issue across Alabama and the rest of the country. Vulnerable residents can suffer physically, emotionally, and financially when caregivers fail to uphold their duties. That’s where experienced nursing home negligence attorneys come in—they can protect your loved one’s rights and help your family seek justice.

At Burge & Burge, PC, we stand by families in Birmingham, AL, and surrounding communities like Hoover, Homewood, Vestavia Hills, and Mountain Brook. If you suspect neglect or abuse, don’t wait—this guide will show you how legal professionals can assist and what steps you should take.

What Is Nursing Home Negligence?

Nursing home negligence refers to the failure of caregivers to meet the basic needs of residents. While abuse is often intentional, negligence usually involves carelessness or inaction. However, both can result in devastating consequences.

Common Examples of Nursing Home Negligence Include:

• Failure to provide medication on time
• Ignoring hygiene or bathroom needs
• Malnutrition or dehydration
• Lack of supervision leading to falls
• Untreated medical conditions or bedsores
• Inadequate staff training

Neglect can affect a resident’s health, self-esteem, and even survival. Whether it’s unintentional or ongoing, it’s still a violation of legal standards—and that’s where a lawyer for nursing home neglect becomes essential.

Recognizing the Different Types of Nursing Home Abuse

While neglect is one form of mistreatment, there are many types of nursing home abuse to be aware of:

• Physical Abuse: Use of force causing pain, injury, or impairment
• Emotional or Psychological Abuse: Verbal threats, humiliation, isolation
• Sexual Abuse: Any non-consensual sexual act with a resident
• Financial Exploitation: Unauthorized use of a resident’s funds or assets
• Healthcare Fraud: Billing for services not provided or unnecessary treatments

These abuses often go unreported, either because victims are unable to speak out or fear retaliation. Recognizing the signs is critical to taking action.

Warning Signs of Neglect or Abuse

If you’re unsure whether your loved one is being neglected, consider the following red flags:

• Sudden weight loss or dehydration
• Frequent infections or bedsores
• Bruises or unexplained injuries
• Fearfulness or social withdrawal
• Unsanitary conditions
• Hesitancy to speak in staff presence

If these symptoms arise, it’s time to take the next step: learning how to report nursing home neglect and involving a qualified attorney.

How to Report Nursing Home Neglect in Alabama

Suspecting neglect is serious—but knowing what to do next can be confusing. Here’s how to proceed:

• Ensure Immediate Safety: Remove the resident from danger, if necessary.
• Report to Authorities:
  
• • Contact Alabama Adult Protective Services at 1-800-458-7214
  • File a complaint with the Alabama Department of Public Health
  • Call 911 if the situation is life-threatening
• Document Evidence: Take photographs of injuries or poor conditions, keep medical records, and write down observations.
• Contact an Attorney: A skilled nursing home negligence attorney can begin investigating right away and guide you through the legal process.

Why You Need a Nursing Home Negligence Attorney

Many families feel helpless in these situations—but you don’t have to face it alone. Professional Nursing home negligence attorneys near me, like those at Burge & Burge, PC, have the experience and resources to help you hold negligent facilities accountable.

Here’s What an Attorney Will Do for You:

• Investigate the Facility: Gather documents, video footage, medical reports, and witness testimony.
• File a Lawsuit or Claim: Hold the nursing home liable for damages.
• Negotiate a Settlement: Secure compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and other losses.
• Represent You in Court: If the case proceeds to trial, your attorney will advocate aggressively on your behalf.

Legal action not only provides justice for your loved one—it also prevents the facility from harming others in the future.

Choosing the Right Lawyer for Nursing Home Neglect

The outcome of your case largely depends on the attorney you choose. Here are a few tips for finding the right legal partner:

• Experience in Elder Law: Ensure the attorney specializes in nursing home abuse and neglect.
• Local Knowledge: A local attorney familiar with Birmingham courts and regulations can be a big advantage.
• Track Record of Success: Ask about previous cases and client outcomes.
• Compassion and Communication: You need someone who treats your case with the sensitivity it deserves.

At Burge & Burge, PC, we have decades of experience handling elder neglect and abuse cases in Birmingham and surrounding cities. Our approach is personal, powerful, and proven.

Contact Burge & Burge, PC Today

If your loved one is a victim of nursing home negligence, don’t delay. Justice begins with a single phone call. Our dedicated legal team will listen to your concerns, investigate your case, and fight tirelessly for the compensation your family deserves.

Call 205-251-9000 for a FREE consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the time limit to file a nursing home negligence claim in Alabama?

A: Generally, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the incident. However, the sooner you act, the better your chances of a successful outcome.

Q: How much does it cost to hire a nursing home abuse lawyer?

A: At Burge & Burge, PC, we work on a contingency basis—you don’t pay unless we win your case.

Q: What damages can we recover?

A: You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and in some cases, punitive damages.