Corpus Christi Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers
Protecting Elderly Victims in Texas Nursing Homes
Nursing home abuse is a prevalent issue and horrific reality for many elderly residents in assisted living facilities. With 5 million people affected by nursing home abuse every year, it's more critical than ever for elderly Texans and their families to speak up if they notice warning signs. If you suspect that you or a loved one is being abused in a nursing home, seeking sound counsel from a skilled nursing home abuse lawyer is imperative to protect against further harm and prioritize the health and safety of your family.
At Hilliard Law, our compassionate advocates have over 30 years of experience helping nursing home abuse victims and their loved ones pursue justice in Corpus Christi and beyond. Our firm is committed to bettering the lives in our community by demanding the fair compensation nursing home victims are rightfully entitled to. With decades of legal experience on your side, you can trust our determined team to fight tirelessly for the peace and healing that your family deserves during this difficult time.
If you or a loved one suffered nursing home abuse, securing trusted representation is a top priority to protect your safety.
Contact us online to discuss your case.
What Is Nursing Home Abuse?
In Texas, nursing home abuse is defined as any intentional or negligent act by a caregiver that causes harm or risk of harm to an elderly resident. Unfortunately, nursing home abuse is a prevalent issue that affects many elderly individuals who are vulnerable and dependent on their caregivers, leading to serious harm for elderly Texans and their loved ones.
There are various types of nursing home abuse that can inflict harm on elderly patients, often without the knowledge of their families and friends, with some being more difficult to detect than others. Common types of nursing home abuse include:
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse in nursing homes refers to the use of physical force resulting in bodily injury, physical pain, or impairment on an elderly resident. Although this type of abuse can be identified by the visible signs it leaves behind, this doesn’t mean that physical abuse doesn’t go unnoticed. Examples of physical abuse include striking, hitting, pushing, shaking, slapping, or kicking. More subtle forms include the inappropriate use of drugs, restraints, or confinement.
In some cases, physical abuse can be hidden or explained away by abusive caregivers or medical personnel, making it all the more vital for family members and loved ones to stay vigilant for signs of physical abuse (such as unexplained bruises, burns, or fractures). If you suspect that you or a loved one is experiencing physical abuse in a nursing home, turning to a trusted attorney is imperative to prevent further harm and seek justice.
Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse or psychological abuse is a non-physical type of abuse that can severely impact the mental and emotional health of elderly residents by inflicting fear or distress. Common examples of emotional abuse in nursing homes include:
- Threats
- Humiliation
- Harassment
- Name-calling
- Persistent belittling
- Deliberate isolation from social activities or interactions
Emotional abuse can be just as harmful as physical abuse, if not more so. The psychological effects of emotional abuse can include anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a decreased quality of life, feelings of dread or worthlessness, suicidal thoughts or actions, and other mental health conditions.
Although emotional abuse can be difficult to prove, our knowledgeable attorneys can help fortify your case with compelling evidence to hold abusers accountable. You can trust our firm to prioritize your family’s unique needs during this difficult time, allowing you and your loved ones to focus on healing.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse in nursing homes involves any form of non-consensual sexual contact with an elderly resident. This includes unwanted touching, sexual assault, and rape, as well as forcing the victim to view sexually explicit materials or acts. Like other forms of abuse, sexual abuse can be committed by caregivers, fellow residents, or visitors.
The consequences of sexual abuse can be severe, often resulting in lasting psychological, emotional, and physical trauma to victims. Elderly residents who have been sexually abused can exhibit various signs, such as unexplained infections, bruising in the genital area, sudden changes in behavior or mood, and torn or stained clothing or undergarments.
If you suspect that a loved one is being sexually abused in a nursing home, it's essential to seek representation from a trusted nursing home abuse attorney. At Hilliard Law, we provide compassionate counsel to victims of nursing home abuse and their loved ones while tirelessly fighting for the compensation they deserve, allowing families to focus on healing while we hold abusers accountable for negligence.
Financial Abuse
Financial abuse, also known as economic abuse, entails financially exploiting elderly victims by using their assets, property, or other resources without their consent. Common forms of financial abuse in nursing homes include:
- Stealing cash or valuables
- Forging signatures on checks or documents
- Using a resident's credit cards without permission
- Coercing an elderly resident to sign over power of attorney or wills for the abuser's benefit
Financial abuse can leave elderly victims without needed resources to support themselves, resulting in severe financial strain and even homelessness. If you suspect a loved one is being financially exploited in a nursing home, our experienced nursing home abuse attorneys can pursue maximum compensation for their suffering.
Elder Neglect
Neglect occurs when caregivers fail to provide the necessary care and attention to elderly residents, resulting in physical or emotional harm. This includes withholding food, water, medication, or other necessities. Neglect can also manifest in the form of inadequate supervision, leading to accidents or injuries.
The effects of neglect can be devastating for elderly victims who are frail and dependent on their caregivers for basic needs. Our Corpus Christi attorneys can fight for the justice you deserve.
Warning Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
Identifying nursing home abuse can be difficult, especially since many victims may not speak up or may not have the physical or cognitive ability to do so. However, there are some common signs that may indicate abuse is occurring.
Common warning signs of nursing home abuse include:
- Malnutrition or dehydration
- Changes in behavior or mood
- Unexplained financial transactions
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, or other injuries
- Poor hygiene or unsanitary living conditions
If you notice any of these signs, it’s critical to act quickly to prevent you or a loved one from suffering serious harm. Our compassionate nursing home abuse lawyers have more than 30 years of experience representing elderly victims of nursing home abuse, fighting tirelessly for the maximum compensation they deserve in Corpus Christi and beyond.
Nursing home abuse can leave elderly victims unsure of where to turn. Our lawyers can fearlessly protect your rights.
Real Results ReaL Justice
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Record-Setting$575Wrongful Death
Million Settlement*Hilliard Law attorneys represented numerous injury victims and the families of those killed in accidents caused by GM’s defective ignition switch and their concealment of safety defects.
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$50Class Action
Million Settlement*Mr. Hilliard was the lead class counsel in Haese v. H&R Block, a class action lawsuit involving every Texan who received a rapid refund from H&R Block (approx. 300,000 plaintiffs). He assisted other class counsel in forcing H&R Block to disclose it received kickbacks for arranging loans between its tax preparation clients and predatory lenders.
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$50Wrongful Death
Million SettlementIn September 2021, Hilliard Law attorneys secured a $50 Million settlement for the family of a man who died in a commercial trucking accident.
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$33Traumatic Brain Injury
Million VerdictThe Hilliard Law trial team won a $33M product liability case against a golf-car company, involving a golf cart that tipped over on a child causing a severe traumatic brain injury.
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$30ATV Accident
Million VerdictA jury determined that the defective design and marketing of an All Terrain Vehicle were the proximate cause of the decedent's injuries in a fatal ATV accident.
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$25Negligent Security
Million VerdictIn May 2013, Mr. Hilliard was the lead trial attorney who obtained a $25 million jury verdict in a premises liability case in Nueces County, Texas. His client, a security guard for a downtown Corpus Christi building, was severely beaten while at work.
Contact a Corpus Christi Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
Our seasoned attorneys at Hilliard Law are committed to serving our community by delivering the experienced representation our clients deserve after injustice. From prescription drug errors to birth injuries to oil field accidents, our results-driven personal injury lawyers are single-minded in their pursuit of fair compensation for the wrongfully injured throughout Texas.
Our nationally recognized firm is dedicated to protecting you in and out of the courtroom, ensuring your rights are protected from start to finish while we advocate for the favorable outcome you deserve. If you were injured by someone else’s carelessness in Corpus Christi or the surrounding area, look no further than the compassionate counsel at Hilliard Law to guide your steps with wisdom and clarity.
It’s our mission to hold the powerful accountable for their wrongdoing. Reach out to our team immediately regarding your case to schedule a free attorney consultation today.
