Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
When you visit a nursing home or other elder care facility, you see firsthand just how vulnerable the residents of these facilities are.
Most residents are physically weak, and many are dealing with memory issues or other forms of mental impairment.
If someone you love is the victim of elder abuse or neglect, contact Santa Fe, NM, nursing home abuse lawyer Rick Sandoval.
New Mexico Law Protects Nursing Home Residents
The New Mexico Resident Abuse and Neglect Act contains broad language designed to prohibit all forms of elder abuse or neglect. New Mexico nursing home law defines abuse as any act or failure to act that causes or is likely to cause physical or psychological harm to a resident, including:
- Harmful physical contact
- Threats or other unlawful acts
- Medically inappropriate conduct
- Administration of medication in a harmful manner
- Inappropriate use of a physical or chemical restraint
- Isolation as punishment or in conflict with a physician's orders
Signs of Abuse to Watch For
Nursing home abuse may take many forms, such as physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological/emotional abuse, and improper medical treatment. Medical neglect or dietary neglect are passive forms of abuse, but abuse nonetheless. Warning signs of nursing home abuse or neglect include:
- Infections
- Repeated falls
- Malnutrition and dehydration
- Emotional agitation, leading to withdrawn behavior
- Sudden behavioral changes, like fear of being touched
- Bedsores, bruises, unexplained wounds or broken bones
- Lethargy, excessive drowsiness or sleeping (all of which can indicate overmedication)
- Excessive pain (as a possible indicator of under-medication or other forms of medical neglect)
We Can Sue For Neglect
Nursing home abuse law defines neglect to include any grossly unreasonable failure to provide the treatment, care, services or medication needed to guard the safety and health of a resident, or to supervise others in doing so. If you believe your family member has suffered due to nursing home neglect, call or write to our law firm now for a free consultation – (505) 795-7790
Important Lawsuit Information
In New Mexico, you have three years from the date nursing home abuse reasonably should have been noticed to file a civil lawsuit for compensation. If the abuse led to the wrongful death of your loved one, you have three years from the date of their passing to file suit.
There are many categories of compensation in a nursing home abuse lawsuit. Mr. Sandoval can seek damages for:
- Medical bills
- Living expenses
- Lost companionship
- Property reimbursement
- Interest on lost investments
- Funeral expenses
- Burial expenses
- Physical rehabilitation
- Mental health counseling
- Cost of changing nursing homes
"My case felt like the only one they were working on."
L. Martinez
2023
Rick and his staff worked tirelessly and professionally to obtain a positive outcome. Rick is a natural leader and kept me informed and confident throughout the entire process. I highly recommend Rick to anyone who needs an intelligent, compassionate, composed and knowledgeable attorney.
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Chris Taylor
2023
Mr. Sandoval & his wonderful staff both alleviated my fears and educated me on the process. I always felt respected, heard, and as a priority; my case felt like the only one they were working on! Lastly, regarding Mr. Sandoval's knowledge of the law and ability to produce monetary results…. the settlement money speaks for itself!
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