Best Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in Athens, GA

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Athens, Georgia?

  Dial 706-613-3345 to request a non-emergency response from the police in Athens.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Athens, Georgia?

  Go to the police station or send mail addressed to Athens-Clarke County Police Department 3035 Lexington Road, Athens, GA 30605. Contact the Records Unit at 762-400-7000. Requests can also be done online at https://accpd.govqa.us/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(xurtd1bvy2k52rchpqehjonm))/SupportHome.aspx.

• In which situations can you sue a nursing home in Athens?

  If you or a family member was injured in a nursing home due to neglect or abuse, you may be able to file a lawsuit in Athens. Nursing homes can also be sued if a resident was placed in a dangerous situation, received substandard care, or was exploited by staff. They can be held accountable for poor hiring practices or care protocols. The lawsuit must be filed within two years of the date of the abuse.

• Is it better to accept a settlement offer for a nursing home abuse claim in Athens?

  Initial settlement offers from insurance companies or nursing homes may not cover all of the expenses required to treat the victim's injuries in most cases. It is also likely that the victim will require medical attention in the future. Once a settlement agreement in Athens is signed, there is no other way to recover compensation, even if medical bills remain unpaid. As a result, it is critical to carefully evaluate the offer and not rush into accepting it.

• Are bed sores in Athens nursing homes preventable?

  Yes. Bed sores can be prevented with staff involvement, thorough screening, and early detection. If prevention is not a priority in a nursing home in Athens, residents are more prone to bedsores. Because each resident's needs are assessed upon admission, care plans for those prone to bedsores should include preventative measures. Those at risk for bedsores are those who have limited mobility, are bedridden, or are incontinent. Using pressure-relieving mattresses, periodically changing bedsheets, and repositioning bedridden patients every two hours are methods of prevention.

• What can a representative from the Georgia Long-Term Care Ombudsman do for nursing home abuse victims and their families in Athens?

  The Georgia Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program assists nursing home residents and their families in a variety of ways. A representative can conduct abuse investigations, assist with nursing home problems, assist with relocation, and provide access to other benefits. Contact the Community Council on Aging's East Ombudsman Program. It can be found at 135 Hoyt Street, Athens, GA 30601-2646. You can reach a coordinator by phone at 706-549-4850 or by email at achavous@accaging.org.

• What can a resident do if a grievance notice filed with an Athens nursing home is not resolved?

  If the nursing home administration does not resolve the resident's complaint within three business days, the administration is required to respond in writing. If the resident or family member is dissatisfied with the response, they can file a complaint with the Long-Term Care Ombudsman in Athens. If no resolution is reached, the case can be referred to the Georgia Department of Human Resources, Office of Legal Services.