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The Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit Process in Alabama

An attorney explains how to file a nursing home lawsuit

Thousands of people put their trust in nursing homes to care for their loved ones, but many facilities break that trust. When a negligent nursing facility causes harm to someone you love, you may have recourse through the civil justice system. A nursing home abuse lawyer can help you navigate the legal process from start to finish and look out for your family’s best interests.

Filing a lawsuit against a nursing home in Alabama can be complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. Working with an attorney can often make a meaningful difference in the outcome of your case.

At Shuttlesworth Law Firm, P.C., our legal team is dedicated to protecting the rights of families affected by nursing home abuse and neglect. We deeply understand Alabama’s laws and regulations for the nursing home industry and know what it takes to get our clients the results they deserve. If you suspect your loved one was abused or neglected in an Alabama nursing home or assisted living facility, contact us for a free consultation to review your legal rights and options.

What is a nursing home abuse lawsuit?

A nursing home abuse lawsuit takes legal action for an elder who suffered severe injuries at a nursing home facility because of the facility’s negligence, generally due to abuse or neglect. A lawsuit seeks compensation from the negligent nursing facility for the victim’s damages. In short, a nursing home abuse lawsuit allows victims to seek accountability, justice, and financial compensation for their losses.

Why file a nursing home lawsuit?

A nursing home lawsuit can hold the negligent facility accountable for what happened to your loved one and help your family cover the cost of your loved one’s medical expenses and other damages. Holding the nursing home accountable can also protect other residents from experiencing future harm due to the facility’s negligence.

Moreover, lawsuits are how victims can recover compensation for their losses. Nursing home abuse and neglect can have devasting consequences, including severe injuries and death. A successful nursing home lawsuit settlement or court verdict may include compensation for the following:

  • Your loved one’s medical bills.
  • Prescriptions and medical devices.
  • The cost of doctor visits and physical therapy.
  • The cost of moving your loved one to a different facility.
  • Your loved one’s pain and suffering.
  • In certain circumstances, punitive damages.

If your loved one died in a nursing home, their estate can pursue punitive damages through a wrongful death lawsuit. Note that under Alabama law, a wrongful death claim can only pursue punitive damages, not compensatory damages of any kind.

The key is to get an attorney involved in your case as soon as possible to ensure your losses are calculated correctly and accurately covered in the lawsuit. A lawyer will be able to provide the actual value of your claim and advocate for the maximum compensation you’re entitled to under Alabama law.

Who can file a nursing home abuse lawsuit in Alabama?

If you are the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, you may file a lawsuit. If your loved one died in a nursing home, the administrator of their estate can file a wrongful death lawsuit. Filing a nursing home neglect lawsuit is often the best way to demand justice and accountability, but only a lawyer can tell you if it’s in your interest to do so.

How to file a lawsuit against a nursing home

If you suspect a loved one has been neglected or abused in a nursing home or assisted living facility, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit. Here’s what you should do:

Call a lawyer – Although you are not required to hire a lawyer to file a lawsuit, it is in your best interest to do so. An attorney can launch a thorough investigation into what happened, review medical records, consult with other experts in the field, meet critical legal deadlines, file your lawsuit in the appropriate court, and negotiate for a settlement that meets your family’s needs. If your case goes to trial, your attorney can present a compelling case for the compensation you deserve.

Call the police – Filing a complaint and taking legal action can take a while. If you believe your loved one’s life is at risk or they are the victim of a crime, contact local law enforcement immediately.

Gather evidence – Evidence is important for any case and particularly crucial for a nursing home neglect lawsuit. With the help of a lawyer, an investigation can uncover evidence that supports your claim. Evidence may include medical records, personnel records, accident reports, photographs, and witness testimony.

Filing a complaint – Your complaint will consist of everyone involved in the lawsuit, why you are filing, and the specific claims you are bringing against the nursing home. Again, an attorney can file a formal complaint on your behalf and keep your case moving forward.

Notify the nursing home – Your attorney must inform the nursing home in writing that you will take legal action. That way, there is a record that you formally sent a complaint.

How long does a nursing home lawsuit take?

Nursing home lawsuits are often lengthy, complicated, and contested. Sometimes it’s possible to reach a relatively quick settlement. But if you have to file a lawsuit and your case moves toward trial, it can take 12 months or longer to resolve, depending on your case’s specific details and whether it goes to trial.

If you decide to take legal action, you will have limited time to pursue a nursing home abuse lawsuit. In Alabama, you have two years from the date of abuse to file a lawsuit. In a wrongful death nursing home lawsuit, you have two years from the date of the victim’s death to file.

Justice for your loved one is our top priority

Nursing home abuse and neglect cases are complicated because nursing facilities may deny responsibility and sweep evidence of wrongdoing under the rug. That’s why it is in your best interest to hire an experienced lawyer to help you find the facts that matter and navigate these obstacles.

At Shuttlesworth Law Firm, P.C., we work tirelessly to help people affected by nursing home abuse and neglect. Our goal is to hold negligent nursing facilities accountable, and pursuing legal action is one of the best ways to do that. Contact us for a free and confidential case evaluation to find out how we can help with your potential nursing home lawsuit. Our office is in Birmingham, and we serve families throughout Alabama.

Bessemer

Bessemer, located in Jefferson County, southwest of Birmingham, is a small city with a population of about 27,000. Many families choose to place their loved ones one of the four nursing homes in Bessemer, AL. The four facilities have a total of 458 residents: Oaks on Parkwood Skilled Nursing Facility, Terrace Oaks Care & Rehabilitation Center, Golden LivingCenter - Meadowood, Oak Trace Care & Rehabilitation Center. Was your loved one harmed in a Bessemer, AL nursing home? Know your rights. Talk to a lawyer now.

Hueytown

Hueytown in Jefferson County has a population of about 16,000. The city has two nursing homes - Self Health Care & Rehabilitation Center Inc., which has 131 beds, and Golden LivingCenter - Hueytown, which has 50 beds. If your loved one was harmed or you lost a loved one in a nursing home due to abuse or neglect, contact an attorney to discover your rights.

Birmingham

With more than 200,000 residents living here, Birmingham is the largest city in Alabama. Many of Alabama's nursing homes are located within the city limits. The 22 facilities, which have a total of 2,437 beds, include South Haven Health and Rehabilitation, LLC, Meadowbrook Extended Care, Civic Center Health and Rehabilitation, LLC, Fairview Health and Rehabilitation Center, and Eastview Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center, among others (this is a partial list). If your loved one was injured in a Birmingham nursing home, arrange a free consultation with an experienced attorney today.

Pell City

Pell City, AL in St. Clair County is a small city in Alabama, with roughly 13,000 people living here. The city has grown residentially and commercially over recent years. Pell City has three nursing homes with 391 beds. The facilities in Pell City include Meadowview Nursing Center, Village at Cook Springs Skilled Nursing Facility, Golden LivingCenter - Pell City. A nursing home injury can be devastating, but you can take action to protect your rights. Call an attorney today to get started.

Oneonta

Oneonta in 2010 had a population of 6,567. There's more to this small city than the Covered Bridge Festival, which attracts visitors each year who want to discover Oneonta's history and visit the remaining covered bridges in Blount County. Many Alabama Families place loved ones in one of the two nursing homes: TLC Nursing Center, which has 103 beds, and Golden LivingCenter - Oneonta, which has 120 beds. Let us hear from you if your loved one suffered abuse or neglect in a nursing home. Contact an attorney for a free consultation.

Pleasant Grove

Situated in western Jefferson County, Pleasant Grove is the city with the nickname "The Good Neighbor City." It's a place where more than 10,000 people call home. The two nursing homes are Caregivers of Pleasant Grove, Inc., with 64 beds, and Legacy Health and Rehabilitation of Pleasant Grove, with 198 beds. We urge you to speak with an attorney if your loved one was harmed in a nursing home. Call today or complete the form on this page.

Clanton

Clanton, a city in Chilton County with about 9,000 residents, has a motto that states "a good place to visit ... a better place to live." That may be one of the reasons why some Alabama families place their loved ones in Hatley Health Care Inc., a nursing home in Clanton with 201 beds. Our attorney can help you and your loved one if you suspect nursing home abuse or neglect. Contact us right now. A delay may affect your rights.

Ashville

The city of Ashville, AL in St. Clair County has just over 2,000 residents. Ashville is described as a community with many Antebellum homes, churches - a place steeped in history. The one nursing home in Ashville is Health Care Inc., with 53 beds. Nursing home abuse and neglect should never be tolerated. We can help you get justice. Contact an attorney right now.

Jasper

Located in Walker County, AL, Jasper has about 14,000 residents. Jasper, once one of the leading producers of coal in the world, is rich in history. Several places are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The nursing home in Jasper, Ridgeview Health Services, Inc., has two locations. One is a 148-bed facility and the other has 98 beds. Was your loved one injured in a nursing home? Let our attorney put experience and resources to work. The injury or neglect deserves immediate legal attention.

Gardendale

One of the northern suburbs of Birmingham, Gardendale, AL has a population of about 14,000 people. The city has grown over the years and now includes over 400 businesses, four schools and 24 churches. Gardendale also is the location of one nursing home, Magnolia Ridge Care and Rehabilitation Center, with 148 beds. A nursing home abuse or neglect case can be complex, but our attorney has experience. We know how to get results.

Alabaster

A growing city in Shelby County, Alabaster has more than 30,000 people living in the city. The two nursing homes are Shelby Ridge Nursing Home (131 beds) and Chandler Health & Rehabilitation Center, LLC (198 beds). If you see signs of nursing home abuse or neglect or suspect your loved one was injured or died because of negligence, talk to an attorney immediately.

Centreville

A small city in Bibb County, Centreville has fewer than 3,000 residents, but does include one nursing home with 131 beds, Bibb Medical Center Nursing Home. Our attorney has a proven track record of getting results for victims of nursing home abuse and neglect. We want to hear from you now. Free case review.

Trussville

Trussville in Jefferson and St. Clair counties has been described as one of the most rapidly growing city in Alabama. It now has a population of more than 20,000 people. In 2000, there were about 5,000 people living in Trussville. The city's one nursing home, Golden LivingCenter - Trussville, has 125 beds. Your loved one's injury in a nursing home deserves serious and immediate legal representation. Let us know what happened, so we can begin helping you.

Cordova

The small city of Cordova in Walker County has a population of about 2,000 people. The nursing home in Cordova, AL is Cordova Health and Rehabilitation, LLC, which has 114 beds. A nursing home resident deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. If your loved one was injured or neglected, we urge you to talk to our knowledgeable attorney.

Columbiana

Columbiana in Shelby County has about 4,000 residents and includes one nursing home, Columbiana Health and Rehabilitation, LLC, which has 63 beds. Our attorneys hold negligent nursing homes accountable. If your loved one was hurt due to negligence, we want to hear from you now. A delay may affect your rights.

Carbon Hill

Carbon Hill, a city of roughly 2,000 people, is located in Walker County. There is one nursing home in Carbon Hill - Walker Rehabilitation Center, Inc., which has 59 beds. If you believe your loved one was injured or neglected in a nursing home, you will need to get legal advice from an attorney with years of experience. Talk to us today.

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