The trust you place in a nursing home to care for a loved one is profound. When that trust is betrayed, and you suspect abuse or neglect, the immediate emotional response can be one of shock, anger, and fear. The most important thing to remember is that you must act quickly and strategically. The steps you take in the first few hours and days are critical to ensuring your loved one’s safety and building a strong foundation for any future legal action.
With over two decades of experience helping families in Georgia, Holbert Law has guided countless individuals through this exact process. The firm understands that your primary concern is your loved one’s well-being, and a legal team can help you navigate the system while you focus on their care.
Here is a clear action plan for what to do if you suspect nursing home abuse in Georgia.
Step 1: Ensure Your Loved One is Safe
Your first priority is to remove your loved one from harm’s way. If they are in immediate danger—for example, if they have suffered a serious injury, are in a life-threatening situation, or are experiencing a medical emergency—do not hesitate.
- Call 911 immediately.
- Transport your loved one to the nearest hospital or emergency room.
- Make sure to inform the medical staff of your suspicions.
If the situation is not an emergency but you are still concerned for their safety, you have the right to visit and, if possible, move them to a different, safer location, such as your home or another family member’s residence.
Step 2: Document Everything You See
Evidence can be fleeting, and what you document now could become invaluable later. As soon as you have a moment alone with your loved one, begin the process of evidence preservation.
- Take photographs and videos. Use your phone to take pictures of any visible injuries, such as bruises, cuts, bedsores, or unexplained marks. Also, photograph the living conditions, including unsanitary rooms, soiled linens, cluttered spaces, or signs of poor hygiene.
- Write everything down. Keep a detailed, dated log of events. This should include:
- The dates, times, and descriptions of incidents or observations that raised your suspicions.
- The names and titles of any staff members involved.
- Summaries of conversations you have had with staff or administrators.
- Notes on your loved one’s physical condition or behavioral changes (e.g., sudden weight loss, withdrawal, agitation)
- Keep all paperwork. Save all medical records, bills, and any written communications from the facility.
Holbert Law knows that a thorough, well-documented account is one of the most powerful tools in a legal case. The firm can help you organize this information and identify crucial details you may not have realized were significant.
Step 3: Report Your Suspicions to the Authorities
Formal reporting creates an official record of your concerns and triggers an investigation by state agencies. In Georgia, you should contact the appropriate government offices:
- Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH): The DCH’s Healthcare Facility Regulation Division investigates all complaints against licensed healthcare facilities, including nursing homes. You can file a complaint by calling their hotline or submitting a report online. This is the primary agency for investigating claims of neglect or abuse in licensed facilities.
- Adult Protective Services (APS): If your loved one is a victim of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, APS can launch an investigation. You can report your concerns by calling the Georgia Aging and Disability Network at 1-866-552-4464.
- Local Law Enforcement: If you believe a crime has been committed, such as physical assault or theft, you should contact your local police department.
It is important to file these reports as quickly as possible. When you call, ask for a case number for your records. This documentation can serve as important proof that you notified the proper authorities in a timely manner.
Step 4: Contact an Experienced Georgia Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
After you have taken these critical steps, the next action is to seek legal counsel. The legal process can be complex, involving a deep dive into state and federal regulations, medical records, and facility-specific policies. An experienced attorney can not only advise you on your rights but also take on the burden of the legal battle.
Holbert Law has spent more than 20 years fighting for the rights of the elderly in Atlanta and across Georgia. The firm’s team will act as a partner, ensuring all deadlines are met, all evidence is properly collected, and all legal avenues are explored. They can help you determine if the nursing home’s actions constitute negligence and pursue compensation for your loved one’s injuries, medical expenses, and pain and suffering.
Do not wait. The statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit in Georgia is often two years from the date of the incident or death, so time is of the essence. By following this action plan, you are taking the most important steps to protect your loved one and hold the negligent parties accountable.