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 act or negligence by a caregiver or facility staff that results in harm, injury, or distress to a resident. These acts can be physical, emotional, financial, or sexual in nature, and can have long-lasting psychological and physical consequences for victims.
Elderly individuals are often at higher risk for abuse due to physical frailty, cognitive decline, or social isolation. When a facility fails to uphold its duty of care, it may be liable under civil law. This is where a knowledgeable Taos County nursing home abuse lawyer becomes invaluable in navigating the legal system and pursuing justice.
Common Types of Nursing Home Abuse
Understanding the forms that abuse can take is essential for spotting the signs and taking action quickly. The most common types include:
- Physical Abuse: Any use of force causing bodily harm, pain, or impairment. This can include hitting, slapping, pushing, or improper use of restraints.
- Emotional or Psychological Abuse: Includes verbal assaults, threats, intimidation, isolation, or humiliation. Victims may become withdrawn, anxious, or depressed.
- Sexual Abuse: Non-consensual sexual contact of any kind. This abuse often goes unreported due to the victim's fear or cognitive impairments.
- Neglect: Failure to provide adequate care, including food, hygiene, medication, or medical treatment. Neglect is one of the most prevalent and dangerous forms of abuse.
- Financial Exploitation: Unauthorized or improper use of a resident’s funds or property, including theft, forging signatures, or coercing changes to wills or financial documents.
Common Causes of Nursing Home Abuse
Nursing home abuse is often systemic, stemming from problems at the organizational level. Common causes include:
- Understaffing: A major issue in many facilities, leading to inadequate care and increased chances of neglect or abusive behavior.
- Lack of Proper Training: Staff members who are not trained to handle patients with specific medical or psychological needs may resort to abusive behavior.
- Poor Hiring Practices: Inadequate background checks can allow individuals with a history of violence or abuse to work in caregiving roles.
- Negligent Supervision: Failure to monitor staff or investigate complaints can perpetuate abusive behavior.
- Profit Over People: Some facilities cut corners on care to maximize profits, putting residents at risk.
At Harvey, Foote & Baker Law Firm, our legal team investigates the root causes of abuse to build strong cases against negligent institutions.
FAQs About Nursing Home Abuse in Taos County, NM
What are the warning signs of nursing home abuse?
Signs may include unexplained bruises or injuries, weight loss, emotional withdrawal, poor hygiene, sudden financial changes, or fear around certain staff members.
Who can be held liable in a nursing home abuse case?
Liability can extend to individual caregivers, nursing home administrators, the facility itself, and even third-party contractors, depending on the circumstances.
What should I do if I suspect abuse?
Report your concerns to New Mexico’s Adult Protective Services and contact a Taos County nursing home abuse attorney immediately to begin an investigation and preserve evidence.
Can I sue on behalf of my family member?
Yes. If your loved one is unable to advocate for themselves, you may be able to file a lawsuit as their legal representative or next of kin.
What compensation is available in a nursing home abuse case?
Compensation may include medical expenses, therapy costs, relocation fees, pain and suffering, and in severe cases, punitive damages.
How a Taos County Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Can Help
Our attorneys offer compassionate, personalized service while aggressively pursuing justice for your loved one. We can assist by:
- Investigating the abuse or neglect thoroughly, including reviewing medical records, facility policies, and staff histories.
- Filing claims against responsible individuals or entities for damages, including medical costs, pain and suffering, and punitive damages.
- Working with medical experts and elder care professionals to support your case.
- Negotiating settlements or representing you in court to ensure full accountability.
Call (505) 295-2245 or fill out our online contact form today to schedule a free, confidential consultation with a qualified Taos County nursing home abuse attorney.
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.
