PHOENIX NURSING HOME ABUSE ATTORNEYS
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Experienced Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys
When Abuse and Neglect Shatter Trust in Nursing Homes, Group Homes and Assisted Living Facilities
At Miller Kory Rowe, your fight becomes our commitment. Our attorneys bring decades of focused experience in nursing home abuse and neglect cases, helping Arizona families restore dignity and security to their loved ones’ lives. From our offices in Phoenix and Tucson, we serve families throughout Arizona who face this devastating situation
Discovering abuse or neglect of your loved one shatters the trust you placed in a care facility, whether it is a nursing home (skilled nursing), assisted living or a group home.
The mix of emotions – anger, guilt, betrayal – can be overwhelming. Your family deserves justice, and your loved one deserves protection.
The Miller Kory Rowe Difference
When you trusted a nursing facility with your loved one’s care, you deserved competent, professional service. Your legal team should command that same level of trust. That’s why Miller Kory Rowe brings together attorneys whose unique backgrounds strengthen every aspect of your case.
Gabe Kory focuses extensively on elder abuse cases, serving as an assistant professor of practice at the University of Arizona College of Medicine–Phoenix, teaching medical students about elder abuse recognition.
Jeff Miller combines decades of trial experience with specialist certification in personal injury and wrongful death law. Along with Gabe Kory, he is an assistant professor at University of Arizona College of Medicine–Phoenix, helping train future doctors in advocacy for vulnerable patients.
Teri Rowe applies her engineering expertise to break down complex cases for juries, creating compelling visual evidence that helps tell your loved one’s story. Teri also regularly presents to medical students on elder abuse issues.
Understanding Nursing Home Abuse in Arizona
According to the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS), there are over 150 licensed skilled nursing facilities in Arizona caring for approximately 15,000 residents. The Arizona Adult Protective Services (APS) receives thousands of reports of suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation each year, with nursing home residents being particularly vulnerable.
Arizona Law Protects Your Loved One’s Rights
The Arizona Adult Protective Services Act provides powerful tools to hold negligent facilities accountable. This isn’t just about compensation – it’s about preventing other families from experiencing similar trauma. Unfortunately, government resources to curb such abuse and neglect are overwhelmed. This is where we can help.
Legal Protections
Under A.R.S. § 46-455, nursing homes can be held legally accountable for abuse or neglect. The law provides for:
- Civil damages against facilities and staff
- Recovery of litigation costs
- Potential punitive damages in cases of willful misconduct
Resident Rights
Arizona Administrative Code R9-10-911 guarantees nursing home residents specific rights, including:
- Safe, clean living conditions
- Proper medical care and medication
- Regular meals and hydration
- Freedom from physical restraints
- Respect and dignity
Reporting Requirements
Under A.R.S. § 46-454, healthcare professionals are mandatory reporters of suspected abuse. This law requires them to notify both:
- Adult Protective Services (within 48 hours)
- The facility’s administration (immediately)
When facilities violate these rights, they must face consequences. A strong legal response often leads to improved care standards that protect all residents. The Arizona Department of Health Services regulates nursing home standards to ensure facilities provide safe living conditions, proper medical care, and dignity to all residents.
Types of Nursing Home Abuse and Warning Signs
According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, nursing home abuse takes several forms, each with distinct warning signs that families should understand:
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse in nursing homes often leaves visible signs but may be explained away as “accidents” or “normal aging.” Key indicators include:
- Unexplained bruising, especially on both sides of the body
- Broken bones or repeated falls
- Burns or abrasions
- Sudden changes in behavior when certain staff members are present
- Signs of restraint on wrists or ankles
Emotional and Psychological Abuse
The Arizona Long-Term Care Ombudsman program reports that emotional abuse can be as damaging as physical abuse. Warning signs include:
- Withdrawal from social activities
- Unusual behavior like rocking or mumbling
- Sudden changes in mood or personality
- Anxiety or fear around specific caregivers
- Depression or expressions of helplessness
Financial Exploitation
According to the Arizona Adult Protective Services, financial abuse has increased by 40% in recent years. Red flags include:
- Unexplained withdrawals from bank accounts
- Missing personal property
- Sudden changes in legal documents
- Unpaid bills despite adequate resources
- New “best friends” among facility staff
Neglect and Substandard Care
The ADHS regularly cites Arizona nursing homes for neglect-related violations. Common issues include:
- Medication errors or missed doses
- Dehydration and malnutrition
- Poor personal hygiene
- Unsafe or unsanitary living conditions
- Lack of assistance with daily activities
What to Expect In Arizona Nursing Home Abuse Cases
We understand the urgency of protecting your loved one. Our process begins immediately:
1. Initial Response
Upon contact, we begin gathering critical information and advising on immediate protective measures.
2. Investigation
We work with APS, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman, and independent experts to document abuse or neglect.
3. Legal Strategy
Based on evidence gathered, we develop a comprehensive plan to hold the facility accountable.
4. Resolution
Whether through settlement or trial, we pursue full compensation and facility improvements.
Understanding Facility Standards and Violations
Arizona nursing homes must comply with both state and federal regulations. Common violations documented by ADHS include:
Staffing Requirements
Under A.A.C. R9-10-911, facilities must maintain specific staff-to-resident ratios:
- One registered nurse on duty for every 60 residents
- One certified nursing assistant for every 10 residents
- 24-hour licensed nursing coverage
Quality of Care Standards
The Arizona Administrative Code mandates:
- Regular assessment of residents’ needs
- Individualized care plans
- Proper medication management
- Fall prevention protocols
- Pressure ulcer prevention and treatment
Documentation Requirements
Facilities must maintain detailed records of:
- Daily care provided
- Medication administration
- Incidents and accidents
- Staff training and qualifications
- Quality assurance measures
Building Your Case Against Nursing Home Neglect in Arizona
Our approach to investigating nursing home abuse includes:
Immediate Evidence Gathering
- Photographing visible injuries
- Securing surveillance footage before deletion
- Obtaining witness statements while memories are fresh
- Reviewing staffing logs and time records
- Documenting conditions through facility inspections
Expert Consultation
We work with:
- Medical professionals to evaluate injuries
- Nursing home administrators to identify standard of care violations
- Financial experts to trace exploitation
- Life care planners to project future care needs
- Mental health professionals to assess psychological impact
Regulatory Compliance Review
Our team analyzes:
- State inspection reports
- Medicare/Medicaid evaluations
- Staff certification records
- Internal policies and procedures
- Previous complaint history
Understanding Compensation in Nursing Home Cases
Arizona law recognizes several types of damages in nursing home abuse cases:
Economic Damages
- Medical treatment costs
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Transfer to new facility costs
- Personal property losses
- Additional care expenses
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of dignity
- Reduced quality of life
Punitive Damages
In cases involving willful misconduct or gross negligence, Arizona courts may award punitive damages under A.R.S. § 46-455(H)(4) to punish particularly egregious behavior.
Proving Nursing Home Abuse And Neglect In Court
To win a judgment in a case like this, your legal team will have to prove that the nursing home in question abused or neglected a resident. It will also need to show proof these actions led to the injuries in question.
A lawsuit against a nursing home may be based on many types of abuse and neglect. Some types of abuse and neglect will be obvious even to a lay person, such as allowing the presence of bed sores, failure to feed or provide water, or sexual abuse. Some abuse and neglect may not be obvious without investigation, such as:
An Understaffed Nursing Home Can Be Problematic
When a nursing home does not have an adequate number of staff members, residents may suffer from neglect. An understaffed nursing home will also create more work for the staff that is present. This will usually lead to higher stress levels, which in turn can cause the workers to have a lack of compassion for the residents in the nursing home. A nursing home can be found liable if injuries or deaths are caused by understaffing issues.
The Nursing Home Was Guilty Of Negligent Hiring
A nursing home has an obligation to its residents to hire qualified employees to take care of their daily needs. Employees will need to pass a variety of background checks and must have no history of abuse or violence to be hired in these types of facilities. If a nursing home fails to do this type of research before hiring an employee, then it could be held liable should this employee abuse or neglect one of the residents.
Inadequate Or Improper Training
If the employees of a nursing home have not been properly trained to deal with disabled seniors, they may inadvertently injure a resident. If your loved one suffered an injury due to inadequate or improper training, call an Arizona nursing home abuse attorney at Miller Kory Rowe LLP for help. Our team will listen to the details of your potential nursing home abuse or neglect case and help you understand your best legal options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing Home Abuse Cases in Arizona
How long do nursing home abuse cases typically take?
What immediate steps should we take if we suspect abuse?
Can we move our loved one to a different facility?
How are nursing homes regulated in Arizona?
What compensation can my family receive?
Are Persistent Bed Sores A Sign of Neglect?
Additional Arizona Resources
- Arizona Adult Protective Services: Report suspected abuse
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman: Resident advocacy and rights
- Arizona Department of Health Services: Facility licensing and complaints
- Area Agency on Aging: Elder care resources and support
- Arizona Long-Term Care Ombudsman program provides additional oversight and advocacy.
Take Action to Protect Your Loved One
If you suspect nursing home abuse or neglect, don’t wait to seek help. Contact Miller Kory Rowe today for a free, confidential consultation. Our experienced team will listen to your concerns and help you understand your options for protecting your loved one.
Call [phone number] or complete our online contact form to schedule your consultation. We’re ready to help you restore safety and dignity to your loved one’s care.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION WITH AN AN EXPERIENCED ARIZONA NURSING HOME ABUSE ATTORNEY
The Miller Kory Rowe LLP team has spent decades fighting for the rights of nursing home residents. If you suspect or know a loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, please call (602) 648-4045 or contact us online. Our attorneys offer free consultations and there are no fees unless we win your case. With offices in Phoenix and Tucson, our firm is uniquely positioned to serve clients throughout Arizona. Contact our firm today!
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why choose us?
Decades of Experience
At Miller Kory Rowe LLP, our attorneys have more than 60 years of combined experience helping individuals injured by the negligence of others. We are dedicated to getting our clients the settlements they deserve to help them restore their livelihood and peace of mind.
DEDICATED TRIAL ATTORNEYS
With every case we pursue, our trial attorneys have three foundational beliefs: Dedicated. Aggressive. Principled.
EXTENSIVE RESOURCES
When you work with our law firm we put all of our extensive resources into finding evidence, interviewing witnesses, and navigating through the complexities and challenges that each claim presents.
