On Wednesday, September 28th, the Department of Health and Human Services issued a rule barring nursing homes that receive federal funding from requiring arbitration for dispute resolution. This ruling is a win for residents who have faced nursing home abuse or neglect, and for families who are often left without any real recourse when a loved one is harmed.
Until now, many nursing home residents who have been victims of mistreatment have been prevented from taking legal action due to arbitration clauses hidden in the fine print of their contracts. These clauses further damage our most vulnerable citizens while keeping their abusers’ actions out of public view. Not only has this allowed abuse, neglect, and other forms of mistreatment to go largely unreported, it has allowed subpar and often dangerous residential facilities to operate without any real consequences. This new rule gives residents and their families the power they have long been denied – the power to hold those responsible for abuse accountable and to seek compensation for all emotional and physical damages.
At Chance, Forlines, Carter & King, PC our Atlanta nursing home abuse attorneys take claims of mistreatment very seriously. We tirelessly represent victims of nursing home abuse and neglect, and have the resources to take these cases as far as needed to help our clients get the justice they deserve. This new rule may remove obstacles that have traditionally made swift resolution impossible, clearing the way for us to quickly restore comfort, dignity, and safety to those who have faced mistreatment in their care facility.
If you suspect a loved one has been abused or neglected while living in a nursing home, please contact Chance, Forlines, Carter & King, PC online or by calling 404-760-7400 to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your rights. We serve victims of nursing home abuse living in all areas of Georgia.