Elder Abuse & Neglect

Atlanta Elder Abuse Lawyer

Legal Help When A Loved One Is Harmed

If you suspect that an elderly parent or relative is being mistreated in a nursing home, assisted living facility, or other care setting in the Atlanta area, you are not alone. Many families see troubling changes, such as unexplained injuries or sudden decline, and are unsure where to turn. In that moment, you may be searching for an elder abuse lawyer Atlanta families can trust to listen and guide you.

At McHugh Fuller Law Group, we have spent more than 20 years fighting negligence and wrongful conduct that hurts vulnerable people. Our attorneys take on powerful entities, including nursing homes and medical providers, and work to hold them accountable when they fail to protect seniors. We understand how overwhelming this situation feels, and our goal is to help you understand your options and protect your loved one.

You can reach our team to talk about what is happening and discuss possible next steps. A conversation can help you decide whether legal action is right for your family and how to move forward safely.

Contact us today at (601) 255-0240 to schedule a free consultation.

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What Is Considered Elder Abuse?

Elder abuse refers to any intentional act—or failure to act—that causes harm or distress to an older adult. Abuse can occur in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospitals, private residences, or other care settings. Unfortunately, many cases go unreported because victims may fear retaliation or be unable to communicate what is happening.

Common types of elder abuse and neglect include:

Physical abuse: Hitting, pushing, restraining, or improperly medicating an elderly person
Emotional or psychological abuse: Verbal threats, humiliation, intimidation, or isolation
Sexual abuse: Any non-consensual sexual contact involving an elderly individual
Neglect: Failure to provide adequate food, hydration, hygiene, medical care, or supervision
Financial exploitation: Theft, fraud, coercion, or misuse of an elder’s money or property
Medical neglect: Ignoring medical needs, medication errors, or failure to treat serious conditions

Warning signs may include unexplained injuries, sudden weight loss, bedsores, poor hygiene, fearfulness, withdrawal, or unusual financial activity. An Atlanta elder abuse lawyer can help investigate these signs and determine whether legal action is warranted.

Georgia Elder Abuse Law

Georgia law provides important protections for elderly and disabled adults. Under the Disabled Adults and Elder Persons Protection Act (O.C.G.A. § 30-5), elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation are recognized as serious offenses. The law also requires certain professionals—such as healthcare providers and caregivers—to report suspected abuse.

Depending on the circumstances, elder abuse cases in Georgia may involve:

Civil claims for personal injury or wrongful death
Criminal charges against abusive caregivers or facility staff
Regulatory violations involving nursing homes or assisted living facilities

Victims and their families may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other losses. A knowledgeable Atlanta elder abuse lawyer can explain how Georgia’s laws apply to your case and guide you through the legal process.

Who Is Liable for Elder Abuse?

Elder abuse cases often involve multiple liable parties. Identifying who is responsible is a critical step in building a strong claim. Depending on the facts, liable parties may include:

Nursing homes or assisted living facilities
Administrators or management companies
Caregivers, nurses, or medical staff
Home health agencies
Individual family members or guardians

Facilities can be held accountable for negligent hiring, inadequate training, understaffing, or failure to supervise employees. At McHugh Fuller Law Group, our Atlanta elder abuse attorney conducts thorough investigations to uncover systemic failures and hold all responsible parties accountable.

What to Do If Your Elderly Loved One Is Being Abused

If you suspect elder abuse or neglect, taking prompt action can protect your loved one and preserve critical evidence. Consider the following steps:

Ensure immediate safety: If your loved one is in danger, seek emergency medical care or remove them from the abusive environment if possible.
Document signs of abuse: Take photographs, keep records of injuries, medical visits, and concerning behaviors.
Report the abuse: Contact Georgia Adult Protective Services or local law enforcement to report suspected abuse or neglect.
Request medical evaluation: A healthcare professional can identify injuries or conditions linked to neglect or mistreatment.
Contact an Atlanta elder abuse lawyer: Legal counsel can protect your loved one’s rights, investigate the abuse, and pursue compensation.

Early legal involvement can make a significant difference in the outcome of an elder abuse claim.

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How Our Attorneys Help Families

When you contact our firm, we focus on understanding what has happened to your loved one and how the facility or provider may have failed in its duties. Over more than two decades, we have handled complex negligence cases involving vulnerable people and have taken on large nursing home chains, medical providers, and product manufacturers. That experience helps us recognize patterns of neglect and abuse that may not be obvious at first glance.

Our attorneys review available information carefully and consider how staffing levels, policies, training, and supervision may have contributed to harm. Facilities and medical providers often have detailed records and corporate structures that can be difficult for families to navigate. An elder abuse attorney who is used to taking on powerful entities can help families make sense of these relationships. We work to examine what happened in a methodical way and to identify where legal responsibilities may have been violated.

We also understand that families need more than legal analysis. They need clear communication and a sense of partnership. Our team strives to answer your questions in everyday language, explain how the legal process generally works, and keep you updated as your matter progresses. We know that many clients are balancing work, caregiving, and other responsibilities, so we aim to make communication straightforward and respectful of your time.

When we pursue a case, our goals typically include holding negligent parties accountable and seeking financial recovery that can help with medical care, ongoing support, and other losses that result from harm. An elder neglect attorney Atlanta families choose may also be able to pursue claims that encourage safer practices at facilities in the future. While no legal action can undo the past, it can help provide resources and a measure of justice for your family and for your loved one.

Call (601) 255-0240 to talk with our team today.

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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Elder Abuse Claim FAQs

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

Georgia’s statute of limitations varies depending on the type of claim. In most personal injury cases, the deadline is two years, but exceptions may apply. An Atlanta elder abuse lawyer can evaluate your specific timeline.