Nursing Home Neglect: When Care Fails

For many families, placing a loved one in a nursing home is one of the most difficult decisions they’ll ever make. It’s a choice rooted in trust—trust that the facility will provide the care, dignity, and safety their loved one deserves. But when that trust is broken and neglect occurs, the consequences can be devastating.

At Beasley Allen, we believe no one should suffer in silence. Our attorneys are committed to holding negligent nursing homes accountable and helping families seek justice.

What Is Nursing Home Neglect?

Nursing home neglect can tragically lead to wrongful deaths, particularly when residents suffer preventable falls or develop severe bed sores. This is especially heartbreaking in cases where individuals were previously living at home with minimal assistance and experienced a rapid decline after entering a facility. Neglect may include:

• Failing to provide adequate food, water, or hygiene
• Ignoring medical needs or delaying treatment
• Allowing residents to suffer from bedsores, infections, or falls
• Emotional neglect, such as isolation or verbal abuse

Unlike abuse, which is often intentional, neglect is typically the result of understaffing, poor training, or systemic mismanagement. But the harm it causes is just as real—and just as actionable under the law.

Legal Protections for Nursing Home Residents

In Georgia, residents are protected under several key statutes, including the Bill of Rights for Residents of Long-Term Care Facilities, which guarantees dignity, privacy, freedom from abuse, and proper medical care. Georgia law also mandates that healthcare professionals report suspected abuse or neglect under the Adult Abuse Reporting Act. The Georgia Department of Community Health oversees licensing and inspections of nursing homes, and violations can lead to civil liability, including compensation for medical costs, pain, and suffering.

In Alabama, nursing home neglect cases are governed by the Alabama Medical Liability Act (MLA), which sets specific legal standards for filing a claim. These include strict requirements for expert testimony, detailed pleadings, and shorter statutes of limitations than general negligence cases. That’s why it’s critical to work with a legal team that understands the nuances of these laws.

Federal regulations also play a role. Nursing homes that receive Medicare or Medicaid funding must comply with federal standards under 42 U.S.C. § 1396r, which outlines residents’ rights and care requirements. Violations of these standards can strengthen a civil case and may also trigger regulatory penalties.

What to Do If You Suspect a Loved One Is at Risk

If you believe your loved one is being neglected in a nursing home, take these steps:

1. Document everything – Take notes, photos, and keep records of conversations.
2. Report your concerns – Notify the facility’s management and file a complaint with your state’s health department.
3. Seek legal advice – Contact an experienced attorney who can evaluate your case and guide you through your options.

Why Choose Beasley Allen?

Beasley Allen has a proven track record and decades of experience advocating for the rights of the elderly and vulnerable. We combine compassionate client service with strong legal representation.

A recent example includes securing a six-figure verdict for the family of a man who suffered a rapid decline and died due to the negligent actions of  the nursing staff at a Wilcox County facility. The jury found the nursing home responsible for failing to provide proper care, marking a significant victory for the family and a powerful message to the industry.

When you work with Beasley Allen, you’re not just hiring a lawyer—you’re gaining a team that will stand with you every step of the way.