Recognizing Abuse and Neglect
Vermont has one of the older populations in the nation, and many families rely on nursing homes and assisted-living facilities for their loved ones' care. Abuse and neglect take many forms: physical or emotional abuse, inadequate supervision leading to falls, untreated bedsores, malnutrition and dehydration, medication errors, poor hygiene, and financial exploitation. Warning signs include unexplained injuries, sudden weight loss, withdrawal, fearfulness, and unsanitary conditions.
Residents of Vermont care facilities have legal rights to be free from abuse and neglect and to receive adequate care. When a facility is understaffed, poorly trained, or negligent, residents suffer — and the facility can be held responsible.
Holding Facilities Accountable
Nursing home cases often require careful review of medical and staffing records, incident reports, and state inspection findings to establish what went wrong. Facilities and their insurers may try to blame a resident's age or pre-existing conditions, so documenting the standard of care and the facility's failures is essential.
Pursuing a claim not only seeks compensation for your loved one but can also prompt changes that protect other residents from the same harm.
Compensation and Next Steps
Depending on the circumstances, a claim may recover the cost of additional medical care, compensation for pain and suffering, and — in cases of egregious conduct — punitive damages. In the worst cases, a wrongful death claim may be available. The general three-year deadline under 12 V.S.A. § 512 typically applies. If you suspect abuse or neglect, act promptly to protect your loved one.
Injured in Vermont? Get a free, confidential case review today. There's no obligation, and you pay no fee unless you win. Call 973-566-5599.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nothing upfront. Our network attorneys work on contingency, so you pay no fee unless they recover compensation for you. The case review is always free.
Generally three years from the date of injury under 12 V.S.A. § 512. Claims involving a government entity under the Vermont Tort Claims Act can have shorter notice deadlines, so it is important to act quickly.
Vermont's modified comparative negligence rule (12 V.S.A. § 1036) lets you recover as long as you were not more than 50% at fault. Your compensation is reduced by your share of fault.
This page is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. For guidance on your specific situation, consult a licensed Vermont attorney.