Since 1982, Odom Law Firm has represented families whose loved ones suffered abuse and neglect in nursing homes and long-term care facilities throughout Arkansas and nationwide. Our Fayetteville personal injury attorneys bring more than 100 years of combined legal experience to every case. Multiple team members hold Martindale-Hubbell AV ratings and Super Lawyers recognition. We understand the devastating impact nursing home abuse has on families. We pursue determined legal action to hold facilities accountable.
Our founding attorney’s background as an insurance adjuster gives us a strategic advantage. We know how insurance companies evaluate claims and defend nursing homes. This knowledge allows us to build stronger cases and negotiate more effectively on behalf of our clients. When families contact us, they receive a free consultation with no upfront fees. We represent clients on a contingency basis—we only get paid if you win or settle your case.
Why Families Choose Odom Law Firm for Nursing Home Abuse Cases
Since 1982, Odom Law Firm has helped Arkansas families secure justice for loved ones harmed by nursing home abuse or neglect. Our team brings over 100 years of combined injury experience, deep knowledge of facility standards, and compassionate support to every case.
Families and victims trust us because:
- We have a proven track record, including a $675,000 settlement for a choking incident and a $250,000 settlement for bedsores leading to sepsis in nursing home patients.
- Extensive work recovering compensation for cases involving neglect, catastrophic injury, elder abuse, and wrongful death in care facilities.
- Every case is handled on a contingency fee basis. No attorney fees unless we win compensation for your family.
- Local roots with a co-counsel network, prepared to pursue justice statewide and beyond.
- Ongoing communication and guidance to help families navigate emotionally challenging cases.
We’re here to support you through every stage of your claim, with a focus on protecting elders and holding nursing homes accountable.
Types of Nursing Home Abuse We Handle
Nursing home abuse takes many forms. Our attorneys have experience pursuing claims involving all types of mistreatment. We investigate thoroughly to identify exactly what happened to your loved one and who bears responsibility.
Physical Abuse includes hitting, pushing, inappropriate use of restraints, or any intentional physical harm inflicted by staff or other residents. These incidents often result in catastrophic injuries requiring immediate legal intervention.
Emotional and Psychological Abuse involves verbal abuse, intimidation, isolation, or threats designed to control residents and undermine their dignity.
Sexual Abuse and Assault represent serious criminal conduct that demands immediate legal action and investigation.
Financial Exploitation occurs when staff or facility operators misappropriate resident funds, assets, or benefits.
Neglect is the failure to provide adequate care. This includes proper hygiene, nutrition, medication management, and supervision. Neglect often results in bedsores, malnutrition, dehydration, and preventable medical complications.
How to Recognize Abuse in Your Loved One
Physical Warning Signs:
- Unexplained injuries or bruises in various stages of healing
- Poor hygiene or signs of malnutrition despite facility care
- Discrepancies in medications or confusion about their medical condition
Behavioral Changes:
- Sudden anxiety, depression, or withdrawal from activities they once enjoyed
- Emotional distress when certain staff members are present
- Reluctance to discuss facility activities
- Fear when facility staff approach
Family members often notice these warning signs before facility staff acknowledge problems. Regular visits and close observation are critical. If you observe these signs, contact an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer immediately.
Common Causes of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
Abuse and neglect in nursing homes rarely occur in isolation. Systemic failures in facility management, staffing, and oversight cause these problems. Understanding the root causes helps us identify all responsible parties and build comprehensive cases.
Understaffing forces remaining employees to care for too many residents. Adequate supervision becomes impossible. Stress increases, which can lead to abusive behavior. This is a form of premises liability where the facility fails to maintain safe conditions.
Inadequate Training leaves staff unprepared to handle challenging situations. Staff may not recognize their own abusive behavior. They may not understand proper care protocols.
Lack of Proper Supervision means no one monitors staff conduct or resident welfare. Misconduct continues unchecked.
Failure to Conduct Background Checks allows individuals with histories of violence or abuse to work in facilities.
Poor Facility Management creates environments where misconduct goes unaddressed. Complaints receive no response.
Insufficient Funding leads facilities to cut corners on staffing, training, supplies, and maintenance.
Additional Contributing Factors:
- Pressure on staff to meet unrealistic care demands with inadequate resources
- Lack of accountability systems for staff misconduct and violations
- Minimal consequences for violations or complaints, enabling repeat offenders
- Failure to implement safety protocols and evidence-based best practices
Warning Signs Your Loved One May Be Experiencing Abuse
Family members are often the first to notice something is wrong. Regular visits and close attention to your loved one’s physical and emotional condition can reveal signs of abuse. Facility staff might overlook or conceal these signs. If you suspect nursing home abuse, contact us immediately.
Physical Indicators:
- Unexplained injuries, bruises in various stages of healing
- Poor hygiene despite facility care
- Significant weight loss or malnutrition
- Torn or soiled clothing
- Signs of struggle or restraint marks
Behavioral Changes:
- Fear or anxiety around staff
- Agitation or anger
- Withdrawal from family and activities
- Depression or hopelessness
- Reluctance to discuss facility activities
- Emotional distress during or after facility visits
Financial Red Flags:
- Sudden changes in bank accounts
- Missing jewelry or belongings
- Unauthorized withdrawals
- Confusion about financial matters or missing funds
What to Do If You Suspect Abuse
Take These Steps Immediately:
Document all observations with specific dates, times, and details of what you observed.
Request medical records, incident reports, and care plans from the facility. You have a legal right to this information.
Report your concerns to facility management in writing and to state regulatory agencies such as the Arkansas Department of Human Services.
Contact an experienced nursing home abuse attorney immediately to protect your legal rights and preserve evidence.
Preserve all evidence, including photographs of injuries, medical records, witness statements, and written documentation of your observations.
Do not delay. The statute of limitations for nursing home abuse claims in Arkansas is three years from the date of discovery. Evidence can disappear or become unavailable over time.
How Odom Law Firm Pursues Justice for Nursing Home Abuse Victims
We conduct thorough investigations into facility practices, staff records, and the circumstances surrounding your loved one’s injuries or neglect. We obtain expert medical evaluations to document the extent of harm. We connect this harm directly to facility failures.
We review facility compliance with state and federal regulations. We identify negligent policies and procedures. We determine which staff members and facility operators bear responsibility. Our approach mirrors premises liability investigations, ensuring comprehensive documentation of all contributing factors.
Our attorneys negotiate with determination with insurance companies and facility representatives. We work to secure fair compensation. When settlement negotiations fail to produce adequate results, we litigate to protect your family’s interests.
Our founder’s background as an insurance adjuster means we understand the tactics insurers use to minimize payouts. We know how to counter them effectively. We have presented on nursing home negligence and elder abuse cases at professional conferences. These presentations demonstrate our recognized knowledge and commitment to this practice area.
Our Approach:
- We understand insurance company tactics and negotiation strategies
- We pursue determined legal action to maximize damages
- We provide compassionate representation throughout the entire process
- We keep families informed and involved in all decisions
Damages Available in Nursing Home Abuse Cases
Families who successfully pursue nursing home abuse claims can recover multiple categories of damages.
Medical Expenses cover past treatment for injuries and future care needs resulting from the abuse. This includes rehabilitation, therapy, and ongoing medical management. For severe injuries, these costs can be substantial, particularly in catastrophic injury cases.
Pain and Suffering compensates your loved one for physical pain, emotional trauma, and reduced quality of life.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life addresses the diminished ability to participate in activities and relationships they once enjoyed.
Emotional Distress and Trauma recognizes the psychological harm caused by abuse. This includes anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Loss of Consortium allows family members to recover for the loss of companionship, support, and guidance.
Punitive Damages punish facilities for gross negligence or willful misconduct. They also deter future abuse.
Wrongful Death Damages are available when abuse results in death. Families can recover for funeral expenses, lost income, and the loss of their loved one.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing Home Abuse Claims
What is the statute of limitations for nursing home abuse in Arkansas?
Arkansas law provides a three-year statute of limitations from the date of discovery of the abuse. This deadline is critical. Waiting too long can eliminate your right to pursue a claim. If you suspect your loved one has been abused, contact an attorney immediately. This protects your legal rights and ensures evidence is preserved.
How much does it cost to hire Odom Law Firm?
We offer free initial consultations with no obligation. We represent clients on a contingency basis. This means we only get paid if you win your case or reach a settlement. You pay nothing upfront. There is no financial risk to your family. We advance all costs and expenses. We recover them only if we succeed in obtaining compensation for you.
What evidence do we need to prove nursing home abuse?
Strong cases require several types of evidence:
- Medical records documenting injuries and their connection to abuse
- Photographs of injuries or facility conditions
- Witness statements from staff members, residents, or family
- Facility incident reports
- Expert medical testimony connecting injuries to abuse
- Evidence of violations of state and federal care standards
Our attorneys know what evidence is most persuasive and how to obtain it through discovery and investigation.
How long does a nursing home abuse case take?
The timeline varies based on case complexity and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Settlement negotiations typically take six to eighteen months. Litigation may require additional time. We keep families informed throughout the process. We work efficiently to resolve cases while maintaining quality representation and pursuing maximum compensation.
Can we pursue a case if our loved one has passed away?
Yes. Families can pursue wrongful death claims when abuse contributes to a resident’s death. Odom Law Firm has secured significant wrongful death settlements for families who lost loved ones to nursing home negligence and abuse. Your family’s right to pursue justice does not end with your loved one’s death. We can help you hold the facility accountable.
What makes Odom Law Firm different from other nursing home abuse attorneys?
Odom Law Firm has represented families in nursing home abuse cases for more than four decades since our establishment in 1982. We bring 100+ years of combined attorney experience. Multiple Super Lawyers and Martindale-Hubbell AV-rated attorneys work on our team. Our founder’s insurance adjuster background provides a strategic advantage in negotiations with insurance companies. We have secured significant settlements and verdicts. We approach every case with compassion and determination to hold facilities accountable for the harm they cause.
Contact Odom Law Firm Today
If you believe your loved one has been abused or neglected in a nursing home, contact Odom Law Firm for a free consultation. Call us at 479-442-7575 or visit our website to schedule your appointment. We serve families throughout Arkansas and nationwide through our co-counsel network. Let us help you pursue justice and hold nursing homes accountable.
