If you believe your loved one was neglected or abused in a nursing home, contact an experienced attorney is a step you should consider. He or she may be able to file a claim against the nursing home for physical, financial and emotional damages.
The attorneys at Phillips Law Group have been helping personal injury victims in Arizona recover from the negligence of others for over 27 years ”“ we have obtained over $1 billion on behalf of our clients. Managing attorney Timothy Tonkin is certified by the Arizona Board of Legal Specialization in injury and wrongful death litigation.
Contact a Prescott nursing home abuse attorney at the Phillips Law Group today for a free consultation. We charge no upfront fees and you are not obligated to let us represent you, even after your complimentary consultation. We do not get paid unless we help you recover fair compensation for your claim.
$
1,171,438
Personal Injury -Fall Down Stairs
$
750,000
Personal Injury
$
500,000
Personal Injury -Permanent Injuries, Fractured Arm and Ribs, Ligament Damage
$
500,000
Personal Injury -Crushed Tibia, Fibula, Contusions
Contact Phillips Law Group today at 602-222-2222 or fill out our free online form.
Am I Eligible to File a Nursing Home Abuse Claim?
The answer to this question depends on your specific situation. Our attorneys are prepared to review what happened and how negligence may have been involved.
Negligence means more than simple carelessness or mistakes. We must prove the abuser violated a duty of reasonable care owed to your loved one and link this directly to your loved one’s injuries.
Building a nursing home abuse case is a complex task that requires a detailed investigation. The dedicated legal team at Phillips Law Group, consisting of licensed attorneys, paralegals, investigators and other support staff, is prepared to get to work on your behalf, if you have a case and hire our firm.
There are several steps that may be included in the investigation, such as gathering medical records, reviewing the background of the abuser and facility records for past instances of abuse, and consulting experts to help prove negligence and the value of your loved one’s damages.
Our Prescott nursing home abuse lawyers are ready to review your situation in a free consultation. Call for answers to your legal questions.
Rights of Nursing Home Residents in Arizona
Nursing home residents in Arizona are protected by federal and state laws that grant them numerous rights related to their care and treatment.
For example, federal law says long-term care facility residents have the right to live free from abuse, neglect or mistreatment. Residents also have the right to:
- Be treated with dignity and respect
- Take part their medical treatment
- Privacy in their communication and visits with family members
State law reiterates many of the same rights. Arizona’s Office of Long Term Care Licensure has a list of rights for Arizona nursing home residents, including the right to:
- A full explanation of all facility fees and services available
- A clean, safe and comfortable living environment
- Reasonable security for personal property
- Manage their own financial affairs
- Keep personal and health records private
- Apply for Medicaid or Medicare and receive help in doing so
- Refuse to receive medical treatment
- Participate in community, social and religious activities
Residents also have the right to have a relative or legal representative exercise these rights on the resident’s behalf if he or she is unable to do so.
Our Prescott nursing home abuse lawyers at Phillips Law Group have detailed knowledge of these rights and how they are often violated by staff members and others.
Call 602-222-2222 for a confidential, free consultation. You may be eligible to pursue compensation.
Who Can Be Held Accountable for Abuse or Neglect?
Nursing home abuse and neglect are perpetrated by various individuals at facilities and even outsiders:
- Staff members ”“ This often includes people who directly care for residents, such as doctors, nurses, assistants, nutritionists and dieticians.
- Company owners ”“ Owners of these facilities may have liability because they were responsible for hiring administrators and others to run the facility.
- Third parties ”“ This may include contractors, medical device makers or individuals visiting other residents.
Some examples of negligence by these individuals/entities can include:
- Understaffing the facility, which can result in severe neglect of residents physical and psychological needs
- Inadequate security, which could allow people who are not supposed to be in the facility to come in and abuse residents
- Failure to monitor staff members who care for residents
- Negligent hiring, resulting in staff members being unqualified or inexperienced
- Failure to meet residents’ nutritional needs
If you have a valid case, our team of trusted legal professionals is prepared to launch a thorough investigation to uncover negligence and determine who may be responsible.
Signs of Abuse or Neglect to Look Out For
There are many forms of nursing home abuse or neglect. Residents are often too afraid to speak up or they may be unable to verbally communicate what is going on.
However, there are some common signs of abuse and neglect that you may want to look out for, because you may be the only one who can put a stop to it.
Below, review the main types of abuse and neglect and signs to watch for:
Neglect
Not all forms of neglect may be easily detected. Some of the more common signs to look out for are:
- Poor hygiene ”“ Filthy clothing and dirty bedsheets may be a sign of neglect.
- Malnutrition ”“ Loss of weight, dry skin and repeated infections can be signs of malnutrition.
- Dehydration ”“ Excessive thirst, dry skin and canker sores can be some signs of a dehydrated individual.
- Overmedication ”“ Too much medication can lead to prolonged sleeping, anti-social activity, hallucinations and seizures.
- Bedsores/pressure sores ”“ Red and/or discolored skin, blisters or open wounds usually means the victim has not been moved or turned for extended periods of time.
Physical Abuse
This can include any form of malicious contact including hitting, slapping, punching, kicking, shoving, slamming or biting. This activity can result in:
- Bruises
- Sprains
- Broken bones
Sexual Abuse
This is when non-consensual sexual contact occurs between the resident and someone else. Some signs may include:
- Injuries to the pelvic area
- Bruising on the arms, legs, breasts or genital area
- Difficulty walking and/or sitting
- Sexually-transmitted diseases
- Torn underwear
- Unexplained bleeding
- Agitation
- Depression
- Panic attacks
Emotional/Psychological Abuse
A common example of this could be a caretaker constantly yelling and bullying the resident. Although the signs may not always be obvious, some common characteristics of victims may include:
- Body rocking
- Thumb sucking
- Mumbling
- Social withdrawal
- Depression
- Lack of appetite
Financial Fraud
Nursing home residents can be taken advantage of financially. Sometimes caretakers do this by stealing a resident’s checkbook, debit card or credit card. Some residents may even be intimidated to sign over power of attorney to an abuser.
Another form of financial fraud is when the resident’s health care provider is billed for unusual services or medications. Caretakers may try to gain access to a controlled prescription for their own benefit.
Some common signs of financial abuse include:
- Missing personal items
- Unusual purchases
- Unexplained cash withdrawals
- Unusual treatments or medications listed on medical bills
Who Can I Notify About Abuse?
If you feel that your loved one is in a life-threatening situation, we suggest calling 9-1-1 immediately to report the issue.
Under Arizona law (A.R.S. § 46-454), health care professionals are required to report any signs of nursing home abuse and/or neglect. This applies to physicians, nurses, assistants, emergency medical technicians (EMT’s), psychologists, psychiatrists, hospital interns, home health providers and many others.
If it is not a life-threating situation, you can call the Arizona Adult Protective Services hotline.
What Our Clients Are Saying
Morgan W.
I felt they were more my friends than my personal injury lawyer and that isn't something you're taught it's something you have inside. If I ever needed a lawyer again Phillips Law Group Injury Lawyers would be my only choice. I can't recommend them enough. They are professional on every level and compassionate throughout. Thank you for everything.
Blanca D.
When in pain because of an accident all you want to do is focus on getting better and that is what did thanks to this firm. My family and I were set up with a Dr and Chiro right away. The treatment we received was great. I am extremely thankful for all the help we received and the outcome on the cases. Thanks to everyone involved on my case. A special thanks the intake specialist Rosalba who was very kind on the phone when I first called. I highly recommend this firm to anyone, they treat you like family.
Erika A.
I am so thankful for Ruthann and Maria. They both were amazing throughout the process. When Maria took over my case, I felt like I was being treated with empathy about my pain and experiences while treating. She also made sure to answer my questions. Maria always responded to my communication attempts and answered questions I had as they came up. She helped me with things I needed in regards to my case and helped ease the anxiety as bills piled up and my injuries were still being treated. I was able to contact her as I was treating and she helped find providers closer to my home to make it more accommodating for me. This helped me juggle work...
Santana D.
Ruby, Jennifer, Angela did me great over at this law firm. I will recommend them to anybody that has been in an injury in Phoenix Arizona they are awesome 😎. Got paid 6 months after my accident. Then out of the blue a couple years later they still contract me with another check $$$$$🤑😎🤑. Thank you....
Yunior R.
Philips Law Group offers outstanding customer service and a profound knowledge of personal injury law. Right from the initial call through to your office visit, they ensure you feel well-supported. A special mention goes to Ilse, the client experience coordinator. Her expertise in insurance policies is remarkable, and she articulately explains them in both Spanish and English. She skillfully navigates you through the process with empathy and understanding. A heartfelt thanks for the exceptional experience!
Art R.
Phillips was able to get me a good settlement after the first law group I called completely failed. Highly recommend you give them a call after your personal injury.
Rebecca M.
Philips was an awesome choice got me into the doctors offices for visits quickly and efficiently. I also want to give a big shout out to Michael the negotiator for Philips he went above and beyond to help my case get to the finish line! Also want to thank Jason and the friendly front staff.
Vallery A
Throughout the most stressful time Carmen and Donato managed to get me to the correct doctors and get the correct care I needed to make the whole process smooth and less stressful. They always answered any question or concern with professionalism and courtesy. They always valued my time as I valued theirs. Definitely recommend this great firm!
Martin K.
I'm sincerely grateful to my noble Phillips Law firm legal experts for their integrity n intelligent work for making my accident to not go free in my paint injuries. God richly bless them, for bring settlement big cash to me.
Latosha E.
What can I say about Phillips Law group. I was involved in a major car accident and sustained injuries. I looked up for Law Firms in Arizona and stumbled across Phillips Law Group. I decided to give them a call about my accident, and they were very respectful and took in my case immediately. They assigned me Tim LeDuc to represent me. From the beginning, he was very responsive and made sure to give me the proper care I deserved from this accident. Him and his team fought tooth and nail to give me the best settlement I deserved. I am so thankful, and I highly recommend Phillips Law Group to represent anyone who has been in any accident and...
Emily N.
My case closed yesterday and I RAN to make this review because of how exceptional my experience has been with Phillips Law Group! I received the best settlement I could've hoped for and am extremely happy with the outcome; but I especially wanted to shout out and give praise to Julianna, the Litigation Paralegal on my case. From the moment Julianna was assigned to my case almost two years ago, until the completion of the settlement process yesterday, Julianna's commitment to exceptional customer service, clear communication, and unwavering support truly stood out. I had so many questions -- from the legal process, to where to seek medical treatment, to questions about medical bills, to the negotiation process, and more --...
Ari
I am very impressed by how much care and effort this group puts into helping the homeless. That’s not something you see enough, especially in this time of increasing need for community. It’s important to me to work with companies that align with my views, and I would definitely go to Phillips for any future personal injury lawyer needs.
Rich S.
Just would like to share my experience with Phillips And Associates. Ever since my accident in the first of the year, it was a life changing event for me and I finally decided to go with a personal injury attorney. I contacted Phillips And Associates and they made me feel like I was an actual person instead of a lot of other firms try to go with me like a number, Phillips And Associates has reached out to me in a kind, courteous and caring way they fully understand on the circumstances of the accident So far, Phillips And Associates has been absolutely wonderful. I truly recommend going with Phillips And Associates. Thanks (RuthAnn), your the Best!!! And Thank you...
After reporting the abuse, there are some other steps you can take to document the situation. The evidence you collect may help your attorney in building a case:
- Take pictures or record video of any visible signs of neglect, suspicious injuries, activities or behaviors.
- Keep a journal to record the date of any odd or suspicious activity by the staff or your loved one.
- Document any important conversations with the staff members who may be responsible for the care of your loved one.
Contact a Prescott Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Today
For nearly three decades, Phillips Law Group has given a legal voice to over 155,000 consumer clients in the Arizona area.
We offer a free review of your case and you are not obligated to hire us to represent you. There are no upfront or hidden fees because we work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we help you obtain compensation for your elderly loved one’s damages.
Call Phillips Law Group anytime by phone at 602-222-2222 or fill out ourFree Case Evaluation formand someone will be in contact with you shortly.
Available 24/7 
