- Not every injury proves abuse.
- Neglect and intentional abuse are different.
- Medication errors can be significant.
- Falls require careful investigation.
- Pressure injuries can indicate inadequate care.
- Dehydration can be an important warning sign.
- Malnutrition can be an important warning sign.
- Staffing levels can become relevant.
- Care plans should be examined.
- Incident reports may matter.
- Medication administration records may matter.
- Inspection records can reveal patterns.
- Prior complaints may be relevant.
- Facility ownership can be complicated.
- Management companies may differ from property owners.
- Insurance coverage varies.
- Government benefits can affect claims.
- Arbitration agreements may appear in admission paperwork.
- Arbitration provisions deserve legal review.
- Family members may not automatically control every legal claim.
- Documentation should be preserved.
- Photographs can be important.
- Ask about experience against nursing-home operators.
- Beware guarantees.
- Biggest mistake: accepting the facility’s explanation of an unexplained injury without independent investigation.
☐ Verify licensing.
☐ Confirm nursing-home abuse/neglect experience.
☐ Ask about facility investigations.
☐ Preserve photographs.
☐ Preserve medical records.
☐ Preserve incident reports.
☐ Identify witnesses.
☐ Ask about staffing records.
☐ Ask about facility policies.
☐ Ask about regulatory records.
☐ Ask about prior complaints where legally obtainable.
☐ Ask about insurance coverage.
☐ Identify potentially responsible parties.
☐ Understand attorney fees.
☐ Understand litigation expenses.
☐ Understand expert costs.
☐ Ask how damages are evaluated.
☐ Ask about applicable deadlines.
☐ Obtain written agreement.
☐ Review termination clause.
☐ Review expenses.
☐ Ask who actually handles the case.
☐ Establish communication schedule.
☐ Preserve all evidence.
☐ Obtain copies of important documents.
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