Our law firm has handled thousands of New Mexico nursing home abuse claims and is ready to help your family. We offer free consultations.
What is Nursing Home Abuse?
Nursing home abuse refers to any intentional or negligent act by caregivers or staff members that causes harm, distress, or death to a resident. Abuse can take many forms—physical, emotional, sexual, financial, or neglectful—and it often goes unnoticed until serious harm has occurred.
Residents in nursing homes are among the most vulnerable members of our society. Many are elderly, disabled, or suffer from medical conditions that make it difficult for them to report abuse or defend themselves. That’s why it’s crucial for family members and legal advocates to remain vigilant and take swift action when abuse is suspected.
At Harvey, Foote & Baker Law Firm, we have the experience and resources necessary to investigate abuse claims thoroughly and pursue compensation on behalf of harmed individuals and their families.
Common Types of Nursing Home Abuse
Understanding the various forms of abuse can help families recognize warning signs and take action. Common types of nursing home abuse include:
- Physical Abuse: This includes hitting, slapping, pushing, or using excessive restraints. Signs of physical abuse may include unexplained bruises, broken bones, or a sudden change in behavior.
- Emotional or Psychological Abuse: Caregivers may humiliate, intimidate, threaten, or isolate residents. Victims may appear withdrawn, depressed, or fearful, especially around certain staff members.
- Sexual Abuse: Non-consensual sexual contact with a resident, particularly those who cannot consent due to cognitive impairments, constitutes sexual abuse. Indicators may include unexplained infections, injuries in private areas, or changes in demeanor.
- Financial Exploitation: This occurs when a staff member or caregiver steals money, manipulates residents into changing wills, or misuses access to financial accounts.
- Neglect: Failure to provide adequate care, such as food, water, hygiene, medication, or medical attention, constitutes neglect. Dehydration, bedsores, poor hygiene, and weight loss are common red flags.
Common Causes of Nursing Home Abuse
There are many contributing factors that can lead to abuse or neglect in nursing homes. Understanding these causes can help pinpoint liability and promote systemic change:
- Understaffing: Many facilities are chronically understaffed, leading to rushed care or skipped tasks altogether.
- Inadequate Training: Caregivers who are not properly trained may inadvertently cause harm or fail to recognize signs of distress.
- Poor Supervision: Lax management or lack of oversight can allow abuse to go unchecked or unreported.
- Caregiver Burnout: High-stress environments and long hours can lead to frustration and mistreatment of residents.
- Profit-Driven Policies: Some for-profit nursing homes prioritize cost-cutting over quality care, compromising resident safety.
FAQs About Nursing Home Abuse in Alamogordo, NM
What should I do if I suspect nursing home abuse?
If you suspect abuse, report it immediately to the facility’s management. If the danger is urgent, contact law enforcement or Adult Protective Services. Then, contact a skilled Alamogordo nursing home abuse lawyer to help you investigate and file a claim.
Can I sue a nursing home for abuse or neglect?
Yes. You may be able to file a civil lawsuit against the facility, its staff, or its administrators for damages related to pain and suffering, medical bills, relocation expenses, and wrongful death if applicable.
Who can file a nursing home abuse lawsuit?
Typically, the resident or their legal representative (such as a family member or guardian) can file a lawsuit. In cases involving wrongful death, the resident’s surviving family members may have legal standing.
How long do I have to file a nursing home abuse claim in New Mexico?
In New Mexico, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including nursing home abuse, is generally three years from the date the injury was discovered or should have been discovered. However, specific circumstances may affect this timeline, so it's best to consult an attorney as soon as possible.
How can an Alamogordo nursing home abuse lawyer help?
An experienced attorney can gather evidence, consult medical experts, obtain facility records, interview witnesses, and build a strong case to hold negligent parties accountable. At Harvey, Foote & Baker Law Firm, we fight aggressively for the compensation your loved one deserves.
Why Choose Our Firm?
At Harvey, Foote & Baker Law Firm, we understand the deep betrayal that occurs when a trusted facility fails to protect your loved one. Our compassionate and tenacious legal team brings years of experience advocating for victims of nursing home abuse in Alamogordo and throughout New Mexico. We provide:
- Free consultations
- No upfront legal fees
- Thorough case investigations
- Aggressive representation
- Personal attention every step of the way
Your family deserves justice. Let us help you get it.
Contact us today at (505) 295-2245 today to schedule your free consultation with a trusted Alamogordo nursing home abuse lawyer.
What Sets Us Apart
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You Deserve Maximum CompensationOur team is committed to standing up for the injured in New Mexico. When you or your loved one have been harmed because of someone else's negligence, you don't just deserve compensation, you deserve justice.
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You Deserve an Experienced Legal TeamOur attorneys have handled thousands of cases and are true legal innovators when it comes to pursuing cases. We have the tools, resources, and knowledge to properly obtain maximum compensation on your behalf.
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You Deserve New Mexico AdvocatesAt Harvey, Foote & Baker Law Firm we are New Mexico-based attorneys who understand how scary and difficult this time can be. When you work with us, we can guarantee that you, your family, and your case are of the highest priority to us.
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You Deserve Dedicated RepresentationSince 2005 our team has been solely dedicated to protecting the rights of those injured and mistreated in nursing homes throughout the state. We know and understand how the system works and how to obtain the best possible outcome on your behalf.
Real Clients. Real Stories.
Hear From Past Clients Who Have Worked With Harvey, Foote & Baker Law Firm
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There are no words to express my appreciation for everyone at the Harvey, Foote & Baker Law Firm. You gave my mom her dignity back and made sure she wasn't just a number. Of course, we would rather her still be with us but you enabled her to leave a legacy to her grandchildren. You helped us through the worst time of our lives and got justice for my mom. I always knew that I had the best team on my side!!Carla S.
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Our lives were changed by tragedy in December 2012, but the team at Harvey, Foote & Baker were a sight for sore eyes. We were lucky to have such smart and talented attorneys and staff who fought hard for us. I will never forget the professionalism, care, and sincere attention you always gave us. You've made a huge difference in my life, and I am grateful to all of you!Lydia S.
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The team at Harvey, Foote & Baker is wonderful and compassionate. They worked hard to help us after losing our father due to neglect of care. They continue to fight for our family, and we appreciate them so much. Highly recommend.Michael C.
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Harvey, Foote & Baker Law Firm is the team you want looking out for your best interests. You can rest assured knowing they are on your side. The many obstacles facing your case will be met by their dedicated team of professionals.Norberto G.
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“Having the BEST attorneys on our side brought about an even better than expected outcome. Thank you, Dusti, Jennifer, and all of your amazing staff!!”Mara H.
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“We were astounded by how thorough you were, delightful towards us, but tough against the other side. We were shocked that you were able to recover so much money for our family.”Cindy
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“Ms. Dusti Harvey and Ms. Jennifer Foote and their staff were an AMAZING firm to work with!!! Their staff kept me in the loop through the entire process.”Tammi L.
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“Dusty and her crew were there to pick up the pieces and made sure that they kept us informed from the smallest thing to the biggest. I will forever be grateful to you.”Hermelinda P.
