If you have a loved one staying in a Texas nursing home, you are likely worried about the threat of COVID-19. The coronavirus has proven to be particularly dangerous for elderly patients, and nursing homes have been hotspots for its spread. You may suspect that the nursing home is not doing everything it can to protect your loved ones and other residents from a dangerous illness, and you may be wondering if you have any options.
Fortunately, Texas nursing home COVID-19 exposure lawyers are available to help. Carabin Shaw’s team of personal injury attorneys has extensive experience pursuing negligence and malpractice claims against nursing homes. For a free consultation by phone with no obligation, call us today at 1-800-862-1260.
Why Should I Pursue a COVID-19 Nursing Home Claim?There are many reasons people choose to pursue personal injury claims against nursing homes. There is a financial incentive. You may need to cover medical bills for your relative, cover the cost of rehoming them, and possibly lose wages due to missing work to care for them. There are also noneconomic reasons—if your loved one is experiencing ongoing pain and suffering or a lack of enjoyment in life as a result of the disease, you may want to see it financially addressed. Finally, you may want the nursing home to be held responsible for its negligence through punitive damages. Texas injury lawyers specializing in nursing home negligence can help you determine what types of damages you stand to earn.
How Will My Case Proceed?Your case will likely begin as a claim presented by your attorney to the nursing home, laying out your complaints and requesting a monetary settlement. If you are unable to reach a settlement, your lawyer might advise you to file a lawsuit. A lawsuit differs from a claim in that it is a legal complaint that will go to court and be decided by a judge, rather than negotiated between the two parties on their own. As court dates are scheduled far in advance, parties usually settle out-of-court in the meantime. It is unlikely that your personal injury claim will make it to court.
If My Case Isn’t Going to Court, Why do I Need a Lawyer?You may think you have a clear case, you want to save money on legal fees, and it will be less of a hassle to file a claim with your COVID-19 nursing home on your own rather than contacting Texas injury lawyers to help. However, you should have a lawyer represent you in all cases above the level of small claims.
A lawyer will help you do the legwork in collecting medical records and other necessary information, organize your evidence compellingly, negotiate an appropriate settlement with the nursing home’s legal team, and generally navigate a complex legal system on your behalf. Without representation, you may be lowballed or denied entirely by experienced corporate legal opposition taking advantage of your lack of experience with the legal system.
How Can I Find Texas Nursing Home COVID-19 Exposure Lawyers?The best way to decide on an attorney that’s right for you is through scheduling free consultations. Think of these meetings as a chance for you to interview a potential representative: they will explain to you whether your case seems viable and give you a general idea of how they might pursue it. A consultation lets you get to know a lawyer before deciding whether or not you want to work with them. There is no obligation implied in a consultation; it is up to you whether or not to hire.
Look for someone with experience handling nursing home negligence claims in Texas. Carabin Shaw offers free, no obligation consultations by phone at 1-800-862-1260.