Tennessee Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers
When families place their loved ones in nursing homes or assisted living facilities, they trust that caregivers will provide safety, respect, and proper medical attention. Unfortunately, that trust is sometimes broken. Neglect and abuse in long-term care facilities can cause serious injuries, emotional trauma, and even death. At Fox, Farley, Willis & Burnette, we stand up for vulnerable seniors and their families across the state. As experienced Tennessee nursing home abuse lawyer advocates, we fight to hold negligent facilities accountable and protect the rights of those who can’t protect themselves.
Understanding Nursing Home Abuse in Tennessee
Nursing home abuse can take many forms—some visible, others hidden behind closed doors. Tennessee law requires that all nursing homes provide residents with adequate care, supervision, and safety. When staff or administrators fail in those duties, victims and families have the right to pursue justice through a civil claim.
Our firm represents clients in cases involving:
- Physical abuse or use of excessive force
- Neglect leading to falls, bedsores, or dehydration
- Emotional or verbal abuse from staff
- Financial exploitation or theft
- Medication errors or overmedication
- Sexual abuse or inappropriate contact
- Inadequate staffing and lack of supervision
We investigate each claim thoroughly to uncover evidence of wrongdoing and hold both individual caregivers and corporate owners responsible.
What to Do If You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse
Recognizing abuse or neglect can be difficult, especially when facilities attempt to cover it up. If you suspect your loved one is being mistreated, take immediate action to protect them.
- Ensure your loved one is safe and receives necessary medical care.
- Report the suspected abuse to facility management and local authorities.
- Document visible injuries, unsanitary conditions, or concerning behavior.
- Speak with your loved one privately, if possible, about their experience.
- Contact our attorneys to begin investigating the situation.
We act quickly to secure medical records, photographs, witness testimony, and facility inspection reports to strengthen your claim.
Common Signs of Abuse and Neglect
Nursing home abuse often goes unnoticed because residents may be afraid or unable to speak up. Family members should watch for warning signs such as unexplained bruises or fractures, sudden weight loss, poor hygiene, emotional withdrawal, untreated infections, or frequent hospital visits. Behavioral changes, such as fear of specific staff members, can also indicate abuse. If you notice anything unusual, trust your instincts and seek legal advice immediately.
Compensation for Nursing Home Abuse Victims
Victims of nursing home abuse and their families may be entitled to compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial harm suffered. Recoverable damages can include:
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation costs
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Relocation and care expenses
- Loss of companionship or quality of life
- Wrongful death damages for fatal neglect or abuse
Our attorneys ensure that your claim reflects both the human and financial toll of nursing home neglect.
Proving Liability in a Nursing Home Abuse Case
To win a nursing home abuse claim, it’s necessary to show that the facility or its employees breached their duty of care. We gather internal records, staffing logs, inspection reports, and testimony from healthcare professionals to prove negligence. Many facilities are part of large corporate networks that prioritize profits over care—we have the experience and resources to confront them. Whether your case involves individual misconduct or systemic neglect, we pursue accountability at every level.
Why Choose Fox, Farley, Willis & Burnette
Selecting the right Tennessee injury lawyers is critical when your loved one’s safety is at stake. Our firm has decades of experience handling nursing home abuse and neglect cases statewide. Families choose us because we offer deep knowledge of Tennessee elder care law, personalized and compassionate advocacy, open communication, proven results in complex litigation, and unwavering dedication to protecting vulnerable residents. We believe every senior deserves dignity and safety, and we fight tirelessly to uphold those rights.
Time Limits for Filing a Nursing Home Abuse Claim
Tennessee law generally allows one year from the date of the injury—or discovery of abuse—to file a lawsuit. Because evidence such as staffing records or video footage can disappear quickly, it’s important to act fast. Our attorneys handle all legal filings, preserving your claim and ensuring your loved one’s rights are protected from the start.
Holding Facilities and Corporations Accountable
Nursing home abuse often stems from corporate negligence—understaffing, poor training, and cost-cutting policies that put residents at risk. We hold not just the individual caregivers but also the management and ownership accountable for allowing unsafe practices to continue. By pursuing justice for your family, we also help improve safety standards for future residents.
Tennessee Nursing Home Abuse FAQs
How do I report nursing home abuse in Tennessee?
You can contact the Tennessee Department of Health, Adult Protective Services, or local law enforcement. Our firm can guide you through this process.
Who can file a nursing home abuse claim?
Victims, family members, or legal guardians may bring a claim on behalf of the resident.
What damages can be recovered?
Compensation may include medical bills, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and in some cases, punitive damages.
How long do I have to file a claim?
Most cases must be filed within one year of discovering the abuse or neglect.
Can I sue the facility even if the abuser was an employee?
Yes. Nursing homes are responsible for the actions of their employees and for maintaining safe environments.
What if my loved one passed away due to neglect?
You may be able to file a wrongful death claim for the loss of your family member.
Do you charge upfront legal fees?
No, our firm works on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for your case.
Serving Clients Across Tennessee
- Clinton
- Gatlinburg
- Knoxville
- LaFollette
- Maryville
- Pigeon Forge
- Sevierville
- Nashville
- Chattanooga
- Oak Ridge
- Memphis
- Kingsport
- Johnson City
Contact Our Tennessee Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers
If you believe your loved one has suffered neglect or abuse in a Tennessee nursing home, don’t wait to seek help. At Fox, Farley, Willis & Burnette, we fight for seniors and their families with compassion and determination. Contact us today for a free consultation with a skilled Tennessee nursing home abuse attorney who will protect your loved one’s rights and pursue justice against those responsible.