If your loved one has been a victim of abuse or neglect in a nursing home, it is only natural to want justice. Whether or not criminal charges will be brought against the caregiver or facility administrators will depend on the circumstances, but even if no such charges are filed, you may still be able to recover monetary damages from the liable caregiver and/or nursing home.
Unfortunately, the defendant’s insurance company will likely go to great lengths to challenge your claim. They might argue that the injuries were caused by something else, or that the damages are less extensive than you’re claiming. There have even been incidents of facility administrators withholding or altering evidence to avoid liability.
The best way to protect your rights is to enlist the help of a well-credentialed nursing home abuse attorney; however, not all lawyers offer high-quality legal services. Many are overworked or lack the competence or experience to provide effective representation.
Below are a few characteristics that separate the best nursing home abuse lawyers from the rest:
1. The Right Experience
Has the attorney handled claims that are similar to yours? Did they involve the same kinds of injuries and the same types of abuse or neglect? What were the outcomes of those cases?
These questions will help you determine whether the lawyer has sufficient knowledge of the relevant case law, statutes, and procedures. If the attorney has won substantial settlements and verdicts in cases like yours, there’s a good chance that he or she will be able to:
Anticipate disputes before they arise;
Take the necessary steps to avoid and overcome disputes;
Account for all damages incurred;
Gather all relevant evidence; and
Help you avoid mistakes that would harm your claim.
2. A Limited Caseload
Even the best attorneys may not be able to provide effective representation if they’re overworked. Ask the lawyer how many cases he or she is currently handling. Also, find out if you will be given the attorney’s personal cellphone number and whether you will be able to contact him or her after office hours and on weekends. Working with an accessible attorney is far less stressful since you will receive prompt answers to your questions and updates on your case.
3. Excellent Reviews from Past Clients
Some attorneys sound confident and committed during the initial consultation, but once hired, they fail to devote the time and effort needed to provide the best possible advocacy. You may be able to weed out these lawyers by reading reviews from their past clients. If you see a lot of dissatisfied testimonials, it may be best to look elsewhere for representation.
Call 855-585-2969 for a Free Consultation with a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer in New York
At Leitner Varughese, we have won more than $100 million for clients in nursing home negligence and malpractice cases. Our attorneys intentionally limit their caseload so each client receives the individual attention they deserve. You will have access to your attorney’s personal cellphone number, and any messages will be returned promptly.
Our lawyers have won numerous accolades including the Top 10 Attorney Award for the State of New York, Super Lawyers, and National Top 100 Trial Lawyers. To schedule a free consultation, call 855-585-2969 or send us a message.
