Nursing Home Liability

Nursing homes, including retirement, and convalescent and assistant living facilities, are intended to provide people with a safe and comfortable residence or environment for convalescence from accidents or surgeries, or residential alternative for their golden years. These facilities are required to provide a basic level of medical care as well as assistance with day-to-day activities such as dressing, hygiene, and meals. A failure of these facilities to provide adequate medical care, to follow medication instructions, or to provide security for their residents, can result in catastrophic and tragic consequences. There are statutes in Washington that protect specific classes of residents including elder care and elder abuse statutes. Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC has handled many cases involving death and serious harm due to nursing home negligence.

Nursing home negligence can range from physical and sexual abuse to medication errors and mistakes involving feeding. In addition, failures and breakdowns in security of the premises can result in harm from other residents, from outsiders, and even from the resident himself who may be suffering from dementia or incompetence. Inadequate supervision may result in residents wandering into hazardous areas or even off the nursing home premises.

Nursing home negligence can arise for many different reasons including inadequately trained employees, insufficient supervision, employee fatigue and unqualified staffing. In addition, problems with the physical facility itself such as an unsafe bed, unsafe bathroom facility or other dangerous or inappropriately maintained equipment can cause resident injury and even death. See our premises liability section for more information regarding unsafe facilities.

Elderly patients may not be able to communicate about abuse or may be afraid to do so. Thus, people who have loved ones in nursing homes must be on the lookout for signs of abuse. You have reason to be concerned if a patient has bruises or burns, unexplained weight loss, infections, pressure sores or medication is inconsistent or erroneous. There are many instances when residents of these kinds of facilities either cannot communicate or are afraid to communicate the problems and issues they are experiencing. Negligent care or supervision may support a claim for monetary compensation.

If you or a member of your family has been injured or has died because of inadequate or inappropriate care at a nursing or assisted living facility, please contact Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC at (253) 383-5388 or (253) 383-5388 or click here to submit a simple case form to receive more information.

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At Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC we have the skill and experience to take on a wide range of personal injury cases throughout Washington state. From motor vehicle accidents to workplace injuries – our reputation and success rates keep opposing counsel on edge.

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$490,000
Negligence claim against an Adult Family Home where Client developed pressure sores which were not properly treated.
$362,500
Elderly client was a resident at an assisted living facility. Client died as a result of the negligence of the facility.
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  • Our experience with Dan Kyler and Vern Harkins was excellent from the beginning and we were very satisfied with the end results.
  • Dan Kyler and Mike Fisher were professional and dedicated throughout the entire process. I would recommend this law firm to anyone.
  • Vern Harkins perseverance and hard work made it possible to get the maximum settlement from the insurance company. I know he had my interest in mind as demonstrated by his actions.
  • Dan Hannula’s hard work helped to settle my auto accident case.
  • Michael was outstanding. He was always professional, prepared, available for questions, and on top of my case. I highly recommend him and will always consider him to be my first choice for legal matters I need resolved.
  • Mr. Fisher has helped me in the past and is very trustworthy and sincere. I would recommend Michael and of course anyone else at Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler.
  • My father was sick and dying, I needed assistance and I need it fast. With a single call to Mr. Fisher’s office, I was warmly welcomed, swiftly assisted and free of the concerns... I am forever grateful to Mr. Fisher for his exquisite services in my time of need.
  • The office staff were courteous, pleasant and kept me informed as to what was going on throughout the whole ordeal.
  • I am extremely satisfied with the service I experienced with this firm and I would recommend them to anyone that needs legal representation. Michael Fisher and his staff are great people.
  • John Wilson demonstrated his professionalism by keeping us current on our case, explaining our options, giving us realistic expectations and demonstrating the highest level of ethics and integrity beyond reproach. We have the highest confidence that we were well represented.
  • I have been a client of Dan Kyler’s since 1996. Having had numerous car accidents, I rely upon the Tacoma auto accident attorneys at RHHK to help me through them. The most obscure questions have been answered and help is given on all levels.
  • Mr. Fisher has helped me in the past and is very trustworthy and sincere. I would recommend Michael and of course anyone else at Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler.
  • Our experience with Dan Kyler and Vern Harkins was excellent from the beginning and we were very satisfied with the end results.
  • The office staff were courteous, pleasant and kept me informed as to what was going on throughout the whole ordeal.
  • Having a motorcycle accident was bad enough, let alone dealing with insurance companies. John Wilson and his staff made everything easy to understand and hassle free.
  • John Wilson demonstrated his professionalism by keeping us current on our case, explaining our options, giving us realistic expectations and demonstrating the highest level of ethics and integrity beyond reproach. We have the highest confidence that we were well represented.
  • Michael was outstanding. He was always professional, prepared, available for questions, and on top of my case. I highly recommend him and will always consider him to be my first choice for legal matters I need resolved.
  • Mr. Fisher is an outstanding lawyer. He’s knowledgeable, responsive, and kept me informed at all times. I would definitely recommend him to anyone in need of a good attorney.
  • My father was sick and dying, I needed assistance and I need it fast. With a single call to Mr. Fisher’s office, I was warmly welcomed, swiftly assisted and free of the concerns... I am forever grateful to Mr. Fisher for his exquisite services in my time of need.
  • Mike Fisher is an example of a quality attorney who sets high standards in servicing his clients in the highest regard as an attorney and he is part of a great firm.
  • Vern Harkins perseverance and hard work made it possible to get the maximum settlement from the insurance company. I know he had my interest in mind as demonstrated by his actions.
  • I am extremely satisfied with the service I experienced with this firm and I would recommend them to anyone that needs legal representation. Michael Fisher and his staff are great people.
  • Having a motorcycle accident was bad enough, let alone dealing with insurance companies. John Wilson and his staff made everything easy to understand and hassle free.
  • Dan Hannula’s hard work helped to settle my auto accident case.
  • John Wilson demonstrated his professionalism by keeping us current on our case, explaining our options, giving us realistic expectations and demonstrating the highest level of ethics and integrity beyond reproach. We have the highest confidence that we were well represented.
  • I have been a client of Dan Kyler’s since 1996. Having had numerous car accidents, I rely upon the Tacoma auto accident attorneys at RHHK to help me through them. The most obscure questions have been answered and help is given on all levels.
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