Elder Abuse & Neglect

Athens Elder Neglect Attorney

Legal Help For Families Worried About A Loved One

If you are concerned that an elderly parent or relative is being mistreated in a nursing home or care facility, you may not know where to turn. As an elder neglect attorney, McHugh Fuller Law Group helps families take action when neglect or abuse harms the people they love most.

Families across this part of Georgia trust us to stand up when facilities ignore basic standards of care. With more than 20 years of experience handling negligence cases against medical providers, long-term care companies, and other powerful entities, we understand how these businesses operate and how their choices can endanger seniors.

If you suspect elder neglect, elder abuse, or senior abuse involving a facility in or around Athens, GA, you do not have to face it alone. Our team is available to listen to your concerns, explain your options, and discuss how we work to protect vulnerable residents.

Contact us today to request a free consultation.

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We fight for the rights of those who cannot fight for themselves. Let us help you.

What Is Considered Elder Abuse?

Elder abuse refers to intentional acts or failures to act that cause harm or create a serious risk of harm to an elderly person. Abuse can occur in many settings, including nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospitals, and private residences. It may be committed by caregivers, medical professionals, family members, or other trusted individuals.

Common forms of elder abuse and neglect include:

Physical abuse: Hitting, slapping, pushing, restraining, or improperly administering medication.
Emotional or psychological abuse: Verbal threats, humiliation, intimidation, isolation, or manipulation.
Sexual abuse: Any non-consensual sexual contact involving an elderly person.
Financial exploitation: Theft, fraud, coercion, misuse of funds, or unauthorized changes to wills or accounts.
Neglect: Failure to provide adequate food, hydration, hygiene, medical care, or supervision.
Abandonment: Deserting an elderly person who requires care or assistance.

An experienced Athens elder abuse lawyer can investigate the circumstances, identify signs of abuse, and determine whether legal action is warranted.

Georgia Elder Abuse Law

Georgia law provides important protections for elderly individuals. Under Georgia statutes, elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation are recognized as serious offenses, and certain professionals are mandatory reporters, meaning they are legally required to report suspected abuse.

Key aspects of Georgia elder abuse law include:

Criminal liability for individuals who abuse, neglect, or exploit elderly persons
Civil liability allowing victims and families to pursue financial compensation

Enhanced penalties when abuse results in serious bodily harm or death

Regulations governing nursing homes and long-term care facilities, including staffing, safety, and resident care standards

Our Athens elder abuse lawyer can explain how Georgia law applies to your situation and whether you may have grounds for a civil claim against a caregiver, facility, or other responsible party.

Who Is Liable for Elder Abuse?

Liability for elder abuse and neglect depends on who caused the harm and under what circumstances. Potentially liable parties may include:

Nursing homes and assisted living facilities for understaffing, poor training, negligent supervision, or unsafe conditions
Individual caregivers who commit acts of abuse or neglect
Medical professionals who fail to meet accepted standards of care
Facility owners or management companies responsible for policies that put residents at risk
Third parties, such as contractors or visitors, in certain situations

At McHugh Fuller Law Group, our Athens elder abuse attorney thoroughly investigates each case to identify all responsible parties and pursue maximum compensation for victims and their families.

What to Do If Your Elderly Loved One Is Being Abused

If you suspect elder abuse or neglect, taking swift action is critical to protect your loved one’s safety and well-being. Consider the following steps:

Ensure immediate safety: If your loved one is in immediate danger, call 911 or local law enforcement.
Seek medical attention: Have injuries or health concerns evaluated and documented by a medical professional.
Report the abuse: Contact Georgia Adult Protective Services or the appropriate state agency.
Document everything: Take photos, keep records, and write down observations, statements, and dates.
Consult an Athens elder abuse lawyer: Legal guidance can help you understand your options and next steps.

Damages Available in an Elder Abuse Claim

A successful elder abuse or neglect claim may allow victims and families to recover compensation for:

Medical expenses related to injuries or neglect
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress and mental anguish
Costs of relocation to a safer facility
Financial losses due to exploitation
In severe cases, wrongful death damages

Our Athens elder abuse lawyer will work to ensure that all current and future losses are fully considered.

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How We Help Families

When families contact us, they are often exhausted from trying to get answers from a nursing home or assisted living facility. Our role is to step in as a steady advocate. We handle cases where seniors are harmed by neglect, physical or emotional abuse, or unsafe conditions in long term care settings.

At McHugh Fuller Law Group, we focus on challenging powerful institutions such as nursing homes, hospitals, and large medical providers. These entities often have significant resources and legal teams of their own. We draw on decades of experience in negligence and harm cases to investigate what happened, identify decision-makers, and pursue accountability on behalf of injured seniors and their families.

From the first conversation, we take time to listen carefully. We ask about your loved one’s medical history, recent changes, and what you have seen at the facility. We then talk with you about whether the facts suggest possible neglect or abuse and what legal options may be available. Our goal is to provide clear information so you can decide what is best for your family.

To talk with our team about a potential elder neglect case, call (601) 255-0240.

What Types of Compensation Can I Recover in a Georgia Nursing Home Abuse Case?

If you or a loved one has suffered from nursing home abuse in Georgia, you may be entitled to various types of compensation to address the harm caused. Economic damages often cover tangible expenses, such as medical bills for treatment related to the abuse, rehabilitation costs, and any necessary future care. If a resident experiences financial exploitation, recovery may also include compensation for stolen assets or mismanaged funds. Non-economic damages can address the emotional impact of the abuse, covering pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life. Additionally, in cases of extreme negligence or malicious intent, punitive damages might be awarded to hold the responsible parties accountable and to act as a deterrent against similar future misconduct. We can help accurately calculate your damages so that we can help you seek every dollar you are entitled to under the law.
Can Nursing Home Staff Be Held Criminally Responsible for Abuse in Georgia?

Nursing home staff can be held criminally responsible for abuse under certain circumstances, particularly when their actions violate laws designed to protect residents. Criminal prosecution involves the state or federal government bringing charges against the accused, focusing on punishing unlawful behavior through fines, incarceration, or both. This type of legal action aims to address wrongdoing that disrupts public order and safety.
Criminal prosecution is distinct from a civil lawsuit, which is the form of legal action our Georgia nursing home abuse lawyers can assist you with. Civil legal action is brought by the victim or their family and focuses on compensating the victim for the harm they have suffered, such as physical injuries, emotional distress, or financial losses. These two legal procedures operate independently from one another, follow different procedures, and have differing burdens of proof.
We can answer any questions you may have about the differences between criminal prosecution and civil lawsuits. Our team can also explain your rights and legal options.
How Long Do I Have to File a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit in Georgia?

In Georgia, the statute of limitations for filing a medical malpractice is generally two years from the date the injury or death that occurred due to the alleged malpractice. However, there are exceptions under the discovery rule, which allows for cases to be filed within two years of when the injury was discovered – or reasonably should have been discovered – if the harm was not immediately apparent. However, Georgia law also imposes a statute of repose, which places an absolute deadline of five years from the date of the negligent act or omission, regardless of when the injury was discovered. These time constraints make it critical for individuals considering a medical malpractice claim to get legal advice quickly to protect their rights.

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Successfully resolved more than a thousand cases for our clients
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Decades of combined experience taking cases all the way to trial, if necessary

$1.2 Million Arbitration Nursing Home Abuse
$91,500,000 + Verdict Wrongful Death Case

Elder Abuse Claim FAQs

How common is elder abuse?

Elder abuse is significantly underreported, but studies suggest that millions of seniors are affected nationwide each year.

Can I file a claim on behalf of my parent or loved one?

Yes. In many cases, family members or legal representatives can pursue a claim on behalf of an elderly victim.

How long do I have to file an elder abuse lawsuit in Georgia?

Georgia has statutes of limitations that restrict how long you have to file a claim. Speaking with an Athens elder abuse lawyer as soon as possible is crucial.