Washington DC Nursing Home Lawyer

Serious injuries deserve experienced attorneys

At Cohen & Cohen, we represent families who suspect mistreatment or neglect in long-term care facilities. These cases often involve vulnerable individuals who may not be able to speak up for themselves. When you entrust a loved one to a nursing home, you expect them to be safe, respected, and cared for properly. If that trust is broken, we’re here to help you act quickly and confidently. As a trusted Washington DC nursing home lawyer, our team knows how to pursue answers and accountability for families facing a difficult situation.

Nursing Home Lawyer Washington DC

When someone is hurt in a care facility, the cause isn’t always immediately clear. A fall may be blamed on clumsiness, or a pressure sore may be dismissed as an unfortunate side effect of aging. But with proper staffing and oversight, many of these outcomes are avoidable. Our work often begins with examining whether the care being provided meets legal and medical standards.

We take on cases involving:

• Repeated falls, fractures, or unexplained bruising
• Dehydration, malnutrition, or rapid weight loss
• Bedsores and untreated infections
• Overmedication or improper restraint
• Verbal, emotional, or physical abuse by staff

In many facilities, staff turnover and poor training contribute to dangerous lapses. We investigate hiring practices, staff ratios, and whether prior complaints were filed. These patterns can reveal whether a facility put profits ahead of resident well-being.

Another serious concern is neglect related to medical conditions. Failing to administer prescribed medications or monitor a known health issue may amount to negligence—especially when the result is hospitalization or permanent harm.

What Makes Our Team the Right Choice

Families come to us because they want their concerns taken seriously. At Cohen & Cohen, we listen carefully and ask the right questions. Our team has experience uncovering long-standing issues in facilities that have harmed more than one resident. We also understand how emotionally charged these cases can be. You’re not just pursuing a legal claim—you’re advocating for someone you care deeply about.

When building a case, we work with medical professionals to analyze records and evaluate the level of care provided. We also review facility inspections, complaint histories, and staff qualifications to see whether there were warning signs that went ignored.

In many cases, we’re able to resolve claims through negotiation and avoid a lengthy court process. But we prepare every case as if it could go to trial—and we don’t hesitate to escalate when it’s in your best interest. Our goal is to obtain a result that reflects the seriousness of what happened and helps your family move forward.

Take Action If Something Doesn’t Feel Right

If you’re concerned about how a loved one is being treated in a care facility, don’t wait. A confidential consultation with a Washington DC nursing home lawyer at Cohen & Cohen can help you understand the situation and what steps to take. Contact us today—we’re here to listen and help you take action when it matters most.

Types of Nursing Home Cases We Handle

When families make the decision to place a loved one in a nursing home, they do so with trust—trust that the staff will provide consistent, quality care and uphold the dignity of every resident. Unfortunately, this trust is sometimes violated. At Cohen & Cohen, we’ve worked with families across the region who discovered their loved ones were suffering harm while in the care of a facility that promised to protect them. As a Washington DC nursing home lawyer, we focus on identifying mistreatment and pursuing fair outcomes for those affected.

Physical Abuse and Assault by Caregivers

Physical abuse is among the most severe forms of harm in elder care. This may involve hitting, slapping, pushing, improper restraint, or rough handling during basic care routines. Residents with physical or cognitive limitations are especially vulnerable. When physical harm occurs, it’s not just a violation of a person’s rights—it’s often a criminal act.

We take these cases seriously and work with medical professionals to document injuries. We also assess whether the facility failed in its duty to supervise staff and protect residents from foreseeable harm.

Neglect of Basic Medical Needs

Nursing homes are responsible for helping residents manage chronic conditions and recover from illness or injury. When staff fail to monitor medications, recognize changes in condition, or respond to health issues in a timely manner, the consequences can be serious.

Common signs of medical neglect include:

• Untreated infections
• Worsening of existing health issues
• Missed medications or incorrect dosing
• Bedsores resulting from lack of repositioning

We examine whether staff training, documentation, and oversight were sufficient—and whether earlier intervention could have prevented further harm.

Dehydration and Malnutrition

Proper nutrition and hydration are essential to maintaining health, particularly for elderly residents who may already be frail. Weight loss, fatigue, confusion, and recurring illness can all be signs that a facility isn’t meeting these basic needs. These cases are often tied to understaffing or improper monitoring.

In our investigations, we evaluate meal records, intake charts, and whether dietary recommendations were followed. These details help us demonstrate how poor oversight contributed to a resident’s decline.

Fall Injuries From Lack of Supervision

Falls are a leading cause of injury among nursing home residents. While not every fall is avoidable, many happen because of inadequate supervision or failure to implement known safety measures. If a resident has a history of falls or is at high risk, staff are expected to take reasonable steps to prevent further incidents.

We handle cases involving:

• Broken hips or other fractures from preventable falls
• Improper use of mobility aids or failure to assist during transfers
• Poor lighting, unsafe flooring, or lack of bedrails

Facilities that don’t assess fall risks or follow through with safeguards may be held accountable for the results.

Let Us Help Protect Your Loved One

If you believe a loved one has been harmed in a care facility, you don’t have to face the situation alone. A Washington DC nursing home lawyer from Cohen & Cohen can guide you through the next steps. We’re here to listen, investigate, and help your family pursue justice with compassion and strength. Contact us today for a free consultation.

7 Steps Our Lawyer May Recommend After an Incident

When something goes wrong in a nursing home, it can be difficult to know what to do first. Family members often feel caught off guard, especially if a loved one is injured or showing sudden changes in behavior or health. At Cohen & Cohen, we’ve helped families through some of their most stressful moments involving care facilities. Acting quickly and documenting as much as possible can make a significant difference.

This list highlights immediate and practical steps to take after a suspected nursing home incident.

Document the Condition of the Resident

If you notice a bruise, broken bone, change in behavior, or other concerning symptoms, start by recording exactly what you see. Take clear photos of any injuries, keep notes on the date and time, and describe any changes in your loved one’s condition. These early observations can later support a claim and help identify when the problem started.

Speak to Staff About What Happened

Ask the facility’s staff for an explanation. Keep the conversation calm and focused on facts. Take notes during the discussion, including who you spoke with and what they said. If their explanation seems unclear or inconsistent, this may be a sign that more information is needed. Don’t be afraid to follow up with written communication.

Request the Medical Records

Facilities are required to maintain records about injuries, treatments, medications, and daily care. You have a legal right to request your loved one’s medical chart. This includes incident reports, treatment plans, and progress notes. Request these records in writing, and keep a copy of your request. This paper trail can be useful if the facility delays or refuses to share information.

Get a Medical Evaluation Outside the Facility

If your loved one is showing signs of distress, pain, or serious injury, take them to an outside doctor or emergency room. An independent medical evaluation can confirm the nature and severity of any injuries and determine whether the care provided was appropriate. The sooner this evaluation happens, the easier it is to document the cause and timeline.

Identify Potential Witnesses

Speak to other residents, family members, or staff members who may have seen the incident or noticed warning signs. Get names and contact details where possible. Some people may be willing to share what they saw, even if they aren’t ready to speak formally.

Report to the Proper Oversight Agencies

You can file a report with the local long-term care ombudsman, adult protective services, or the state health department. These agencies investigate serious claims and track complaints about facilities. Filing a report not only helps your individual case—it also puts the issue on record and may uncover a wider pattern of problems.

Contact a Legal Team to Review the Situation

Even if you’re unsure what happened, it’s wise to consult a legal team early. A Washington DC nursing home lawyer from Cohen & Cohen can review your concerns and help determine whether your loved one’s rights may have been violated. We know how to ask the right questions, preserve important evidence, and move quickly when needed.