When you place a loved one in a nursing home, you trust that they will be treated with dignity and care. Unfortunately, not every facility lives up to that expectation. If you suspect your family member is being abused or neglected, you do not have to face it alone. A trusted nursing home abuse lawyer in Augusta, GA, from Ted A. Greve & Associates, can help you take immediate action. We offer compassionate support, legal guidance, and a clear path toward accountability.
According to the World Health Organization, one in six adults aged 60 or older experienced abuse in a community setting in the past year. That number is likely underreported. If something feels wrong, trust your instincts. Speak with our team today about your concerns. We are here to protect your family.
Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect in Augusta, GA
Nursing home abuse is not just a legal matter—it is a profound betrayal of trust. It happens when residents in long-term care facilities suffer harm due to intentional acts or a facility’s failure to meet basic standards of care. Abuse can take many forms, including physical, emotional, financial, or even sexual mistreatment. Neglect often appears as untreated medical issues, malnutrition, poor hygiene, or unsafe living conditions.
In Augusta and across Georgia, long-term care facilities are governed by both state and federal regulations. However, even with oversight, abuse often goes unnoticed. Understaffing, inadequate employee training, and corporate cost-cutting measures can create dangerous conditions for vulnerable residents who cannot always advocate for themselves.
Families must remain vigilant. If you notice sudden changes in your loved one’s behavior, appearance, or health, it is crucial to act quickly. Early intervention can prevent further harm and help protect your loved one’s rights, safety, and dignity in these critical environments.
Common Types of Abuse and Neglect
Nursing home abuse can take many forms, some more obvious than others. These are some of the most common:
- Physical abuse: Pushing, hitting, slapping, or improperly restraining residents. Signs may include bruises, broken bones, or visible fear around staff members.
- Emotional abuse: Verbal insults, intimidation, humiliation, threats, or isolating residents from others. Victims may seem withdrawn, depressed, or unusually anxious.
- Neglect: Failing to meet basic needs such as hygiene, nutrition, medical care, hydration, or providing clean and safe living conditions.
- Sexual abuse: Any non-consensual sexual contact, particularly targeting vulnerable residents with cognitive impairments or limited ability to communicate.
- Financial exploitation: Stealing money or property, forging signatures, coercing residents to alter wills, or gaining improper access to bank accounts or assets.
Each form of mistreatment is a serious violation of both civil and criminal laws. A skilled nursing home abuse lawyer in Augusta, GA, can help families investigate abuse claims, protect their loved ones, and hold the responsible parties fully accountable.
Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
Many nursing home residents can’t communicate about their abuse, or they may be too frightened to speak up. That’s why family members must recognize potential warning signs, including:
- Unexplained injuries such as bruises, cuts, or burns
- Sudden weight loss or signs of dehydration
- Poor hygiene, dirty clothing, or unsanitary living conditions
- Bedsores, untreated infections, or frequent illnesses
- Changes in behavior like depression, withdrawal, or aggression
- Fearfulness or anxiety around specific staff members
- Missing personal items, cash, or valuables
- Unexpected changes in legal documents or financial accounts
If something seems wrong, document everything. Take photos, write detailed notes, and track all conversations with staff. Solid documentation can strengthen your case if legal action becomes necessary.
Steps to Take If You Suspect Abuse
If you believe your loved one is being abused or neglected in a nursing home, it is important to act immediately to protect them. Here’s what to do:
- Reach out to a lawyer: An experienced nursing home abuse attorney can help secure critical evidence, investigate the situation, and protect your loved one’s legal rights. They can advise you about whether to take immediate action to keep your loved one safe or whether documenting the abuse before reporting it is best so it can’t be explained away later.
- Report your concerns: Speak directly with the nursing home administrator. Request a written explanation and document their response carefully.
- Contact authorities: In Georgia, report suspected abuse to the Department of Community Health’s Healthcare Facility Regulation Division. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
- Gather documentation: Take photos of injuries or unsafe conditions, collect medical records, write detailed observations, and, if possible, get witness statements.
- Relocate your loved one if needed: Their safety comes first. If the environment is dangerous, move them to another facility or a safe place as soon as possible.
Quick action protects your loved one’s well-being and strengthens any future legal claims you may need to pursue.
The Role of a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer in Augusta
A nursing home abuse lawyer in Augusta, GA, will be your advocate during one of the most difficult times a family can face. At Ted A. Greve & Associates, we will carry out detailed investigations, collaborate with medical experts, and work to hold negligent caregivers and facilities fully accountable.
Here’s how our legal team can assist you:
- Investigate the nursing home’s hiring practices, supervision, and safety procedures
- Review medical records, incident reports, and available surveillance footage
- Interview staff members, witnesses, and other residents
- Connect you with medical professionals who can evaluate your loved one’s injuries
- Build a strong case to pursue compensation for medical bills, emotional distress, physical harm, and other losses
- Handle all communication with the nursing home, their attorneys, and insurance companies
We have stood beside countless Georgia families seeking justice for their loved ones. If your family is facing nursing home abuse or neglect, Ted A. Greve & Associates is ready to fight for you and help protect the people who matter most.
Contact Ted A. Greve & Associates for a Free Consultation
If you suspect nursing home abuse in Augusta, do not wait for more signs to appear. Trust your instincts and contact Ted A. Greve & Associates today. We offer free consultations to help families learn about their options and take immediate action.
Every moment matters when it comes to protecting vulnerable loved ones. Our team is ready to listen, investigate, and fight for the safety and dignity your family deserves. Please fill out our contact form to get started. Someone from our team will reach out promptly to discuss your case and help you take the next steps.
