Nursing home settlements for abuse typically compensate victims or their families for both economic damages and non-economic damages, including pain and suffering, emotional distress and a loss of enjoyment of life.

Determining the value of a nursing home abuse case involves evaluating several factors which are unique to each situation. According to a widely cited study in the journal “Health Affairs,” the average settlement for nursing home abuse in the U.S. in 2001 was $406,000. In 2024, that figure would be equivalent to $727,016. Because these cases are so complex and affect myriad parts of the victims’ and their loved ones’ lives, the nursing home abuse lawyers at Solomon Relihan typically see settlements upwards of $1 million and higher. Each case is unique and has its own value.

Seeking legal advice is critical to accurately assessing and pursuing appropriate compensation in nursing home abuse cases.

When seeking compensation for nursing home abuse, individuals may be faced with the decision of whether to settle or go to trial to obtain a verdict. A settlement involves an agreement between the victim (or their representatives) and the responsible party (or their insurance company), which often helps avoid a lengthy trial.

Settlements provide a quicker resolution and a guaranteed payout, and are negotiated by the parties. In a trial, a jury decides the verdict after listening to all the evidence presented at trial. While a trial can be more time-consuming and uncertain, it offers the potential for greater compensation, especially if punitive damages are awarded.

What are punitive damages? Punitive damages are additional compensation awarded separately from the event’s actual damages. These are typically awarded when it’s determined the defendant has acted in a particularly harmful way, such as with reckless or grossly negligent behavior. These punitive damages, awarded in addition to compensatory damages, are awarded to deter the misconduct from happening in the future.

The decision to settle or go to trial may depend on the specific circumstances of the case, the strength of the evidence, and the preferences of the victim and their legal counsel. Each option has its advantages and considerations.

A free consultation with nursing home abuse lawyers is the best place to start to learn which option may work best for you and your family based on the individual circumstances of the nursing home abuse case.

Nursing home abuse compensation refers to the legal remedies and financial restitution sought by individuals who have experienced harm, neglect, or mistreatment within nursing home facilities. This type of compensation is designed to address the physical and emotional damages inflicted upon elderly residents of these nursing home facilities.

Compensation may include reimbursement for medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and other financial losses incurred as a result of the abuse.

Nursing home abuse compensation is available to individuals and/or their loved ones who have been subjected to abuse, neglect, or harm within an nursing home setting.

In cases where the victim is unable to pursue legal action on their own, their legal guardian, family member, or representative may act on their behalf to seek nursing home abuse compensation.

Seeking legal counsel from a nursing home abuse attorney is a critical step in the process of recovering compensation for nursing home abuse. An experienced nursing home abuse lawyer who specializes in elder abuse cases can provide invaluable guidance and support. Legal professionals can assess the strength of the case, help gather evidence, and give advice on the appropriate damages to pursue.

Nursing home abuse lawyers navigate the complexities of the legal system and ensure that all necessary steps are taken, from filing the initial complaint, to negotiating with opposing parties or representing the victims in court. Nursing home abuse attorneys are also adept at communicating with relevant authorities such as law enforcement and regulatory agencies, to strengthen the case. The nursing home abuse attorney’s expertise in these types of cases greatly increases the likelihood of a favorable outcome, whether it’s through nursing home abuse settlement negotiations or a nursing home abuse trial.

While pursing compensation for nursing home abuse through legal channels is essential, reporting to authorities also plays a critical role in holding those responsible for nursing home abuse accountable and to protect the well-being of vulnerable nursing home residents. If you suspect or have evidence of nursing home abuse, contact local law enforcement and file a report with your jurisdiction’s adult protective services or elder abuse hotline.

Keep a record of all communications and follow up with authorities to track the progress of the nursing home abuse investigation.