Best Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys in Austin

Frequently Asked Questions

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

  Individuals in Austin with non-emergency concerns can call the Austin Police Department at 311. If calling outside of Austin, call 512-974-2000.

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

  You can obtain police reports by using the Austin Police Department Incident Report Database at https://services.austintexas.gov/police/reports/index.cfm. If you have additional questions or need information regarding purchasing police reports, contact the Austin Police Department at 512-974-5212 or 512-974-5499.

• What does the Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987 require for nursing homes in Austin?

  In Austin, the Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987 instructs nursing homes to thoroughly evaluate and record each resident's health and specific needs. It's compulsory for them to create an individualized care strategy for everyone. These establishments are bound to keep residents actively involved, maintain accurate health records, staff sufficiently, ensure cleanliness and proper diet, and take steps to prevent accidents or injuries.

• Who manages and oversees nursing homes in Austin?

  In Austin, the Department of Aging and Disabilities (DADS) plays a pivotal role in monitoring nursing homes, ensuring they adhere to strict health and safety protocols. Residents with concerns about these facilities can directly approach DADS. Importantly, retaliation against those filing complaints is prohibited. If serious violations are found and remain unaddressed, DADS may collaborate with the Attorney General's Office, potentially leading to actions like facility closures or relocating residents.

• Can families of Austin nursing home residents report suspected nursing home abuse to the Department of Aging and Disability Services anonymously?

  Yes, families of Austin nursing home residents can anonymously report suspected abuse to the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services. After making such a report, an agency representative will conduct an unannounced investigation at the facility. The investigation's results will be relayed in writing or over the phone and can be used to support a nursing home abuse lawsuit.

• Why is emotional abuse difficult to recognize in Austin nursing homes?

  Identifying emotional abuse in Austin nursing homes presents challenges, as it lacks overt physical indications. Such abuse can manifest through actions like consistent neglect, subjecting older people to humiliation, or deliberately excluding them from familial or social interactions. While direct physical evidence may be absent, behavioral shifts—such as the onset of despair, apprehension towards caregiving personnel, or a tendency to isolate—may be significant indicators of emotional maltreatment.

• In Austin, when should individuals initiate a nursing home abuse lawsuit?

  In Austin, individuals must adhere to the "statute of limitations" to initiate a nursing home abuse lawsuit. This timeframe spans two years from when the abuse or negligence was discovered or when such a discovery should have been reasonably made. Failure to commence legal proceedings within this two-year window will result in the inability to pursue the claim further. Timing holds significance in seeking legal recourse.