When decisions are made to place an elderly parent or grandparent in a nursing home, it's always with the best intentions. The brochures paint a wonderful picture of strolls on the grounds, companionship and warm, caring professionals there to meet every single need. It would be nice if we could count on that kind of care. But reality shows some residents live every day in a nightmare - isolated, ignored, physically and mentally abused, stripped of their dignity and lacking the most basic care. Nursing home abuse and neglect is a widespread and growing epidemic. It's a product of poor job screening, training and just plain neglect by owners who care more about making money than providing a pleasant existence for the elderly.

When it comes to nursing home abuse cases, we are driven by our own sense of humanity and an obligation to protect those who can't take care of themselves. The staff at the Law Office of Ryan Krebs, M.D., J.D., has years of experience in nursing home abuse cases and a team of investigators and research professionals who know how to recognize and prove abuse. We use our resources to track down former employees and research state surveys. We analyze staffing logs and hire photographic investigators to help build our case.

If you have a loved one who is suffering from nursing home abuse, we can make a difference. We will do our best to make sure your family member is never harmed again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will my case go to trial?

A: As 85%-90% of cases settle out of court, the odds are that it won't.

Q: Should I move my loved one out of the nursing home?

A: Yes, generally you should. By keeping your loved one there, he or she could be in danger of retaliation and even more nursing home abuse.

Q: What is a subrogation claim?

A: A subrogation claim is when Medicare, Medicaid or your insurance company asks to be paid back for any medical bills they incurred as a result of a negligent nursing home. Since Medicare is a federal program, you are required by law to reimburse Medicare for at least part of what it paid. As your nursing home abuse lawyers, we do our best to make the reimbursement as small as possible.

Q: Can insurance companies file a subrogation claim?

A: Yes. They are entitled to recover sums paid toward medical expenses incurred as a result of the negligence of nursing homes and health care providers. As your nursing home abuse lawyers, we do our best to ensure that reimbursement is minimized.

Q: What are the indicators of nursing home abuse or neglect?

A: Some of the most common circumstances that may indicate nursing home abuse or neglect are the following:

1) Bed sores

2) Fractures

3) Falls

4) Unexplained injuries

5) Malnutrition

6) Improper medication

7) Rapid weight gain or loss

8) Unsanitary conditions

9) Poor Staffing

10) Unexpected Death

Please be aware that this listing is not exhaustive. Any suspicious, sudden, or unexplained change in condition may also be an indicator of abuse or neglect.

Q: What should I do if I think my loved one is being abused or neglected?

A: If the circumstances require immediate medical attention, see a doctor now. If you believe the situation represents criminal abuse of the elderly, call the police or the Department of Health and Human Services.

If you'd like advice on legal action, contact us. The Law Office of Ryan Krebs, M.D., J.D. has a proven track record in nursing home abuse cases.

Q: What are the rights of a nursing home resident?

A: Among the rights guaranteed to each resident are the following:

1) Reasonable access to health and legal services

2) To be transferred or discharged only for medical reasons

3) To be free from mental and physical abuse, corporal punishment, seclusion, and physical and chemical restraints

4) To be treated courteously, fairly, and with the fullest measure of dignity

5) Privacy

6) To receive adequate and appropriate health care