Honolulu Nursing Home Abuse Attorney

Experienced Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys in Honolulu, HI

Honolulu nursing home attorneyWhen you entrust the care of your loved one to a nursing home in Honolulu, you expect them to receive compassionate and professional attention. Sadly, nursing home abuse and neglect are serious issues that can cause devastating physical and emotional harm. Our Honolulu Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys at Shim Chang Lawyers  understand the unique challenges faced by families in Hawaii and are dedicated to holding negligent facilities accountable. If you suspect your loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse, we are here to provide experienced legal guidance and support.

There are over 4,000 nursing home beds in Hawaii. Of these up to 75% are in facilities that aren’t good enough. The problem is that more than half of Hawaii’s nursing homes are understaffed. This puts residents at risk of neglect, falls, bone fractures, joint dislocations, head injuries, bladder infections, bed sores, and even death. Medications are mismanaged, food is mishandled, catheters are not changed, and physical and mental abuse does occur. State agencies are supposed to be inspecting these facilities, but unfortunately, the agencies are also understaffed. One year, the State was found to be delinquent for not even inspecting over a third of all nursing homes, and was subjected to a significant fine.

Understanding Nursing Home Abuse

Nursing home abuse can take many forms, each with its own warning signs and consequences. However, there are a few common types that are manifested in particular ways and require immediate critical action. With our extensive experience investigating these cases, we’re here to help you uncover the truth and hold negligent parties accountable.

Physical abuse occurs when a caregiver inflicts intentional harm through actions like hitting, pushing, shaking, or any other form of violence. This type of mistreatment can leave visible marks, such as unexplained bruises, fractures, lacerations, or burns. In some cases, residents may be restrained improperly, leading to injuries. If your loved one shows signs of physical trauma or seems hesitant to explain their injuries, it could indicate abuse. Our team has successfully investigated numerous physical abuse cases in Honolulu, working with medical experts to document evidence and build strong claims.

Emotional or psychological abuse is less visible but equally damaging. It includes verbal abuse, intimidation, isolation, or humiliation designed to degrade or frighten a resident. Signs of emotional abuse may include sudden withdrawal, fearfulness, anxiety, or depression. For example, if your once-outgoing loved one becomes unusually quiet or fearful around staff, it’s a red flag. As Honolulu nursing home abuse attorneys, we understand the emotional toll this takes on victims and their families, and we’re committed to pursuing justice for these subtle yet severe harms.

Neglect happens when a nursing home fails to provide the basic care a resident needs, such as food, water, medication, or hygiene assistance. This can lead to serious health issues like bedsores (pressure ulcers), dehydration, malnutrition, or untreated infections. Neglect is often a result of understaffing or inadequate training—issues we’ve seen in facilities across Hawaii. If your loved one’s personal hygiene or health has declined without explanation, it’s time to investigate. Our expertise in uncovering neglect ensures families get answers and compensation for the harm caused.

Sexual abuse is any non-consensual sexual contact with a resident, including assault, inappropriate touching, or coercion. This heinous act often goes unreported due to shame, fear, or cognitive impairments like dementia. Signs may include physical injuries in private areas, sexually transmitted infections, or sudden behavioral changes like agitation or fear of certain caregivers. As Honolulu nursing home abuse attorneys, we approach these sensitive cases with compassion and urgency, ensuring victims receive the justice and support they deserve.

Recognizing The Signs of Nursing Home Abuse

Recognizing the signs of nursing home abuse is crucial for protecting your loved one. Elders may not always speak up due to fear of retaliation, mental incapacity, or a desire not to burden their families. That’s why it’s up to you to stay vigilant. Look for:

  • Unexplained injuries or frequent “accidents”
  • Changes in mood, such as withdrawal or aggression
  • Poor hygiene, weight loss, or untreated medical conditions
  • Missing money or unusual financial activity
  • Fearful reactions to specific staff members

If you notice any of these indicators, don’t wait—take action immediately. Our team has decades of experience investigating nursing home abuse cases in Honolulu, and we know how to dig deep to uncover the truth. From reviewing medical records to interviewing witnesses, we leave no stone unturned.

Hawaii-Specific Regulations on Nursing Homes and Elder Abuse

Hawaii takes elder care seriously, with laws and regulations designed to protect nursing home residents. Under Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) Section 346-222, abuse of a “vulnerable adult” includes physical harm, psychological abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, and sexual abuse. The state’s Department of Health oversees nursing homes through Title 11, Chapter 90 of the Hawaii Administrative Rules, which mandates proper staffing, resident care standards, and safety protocols.

Additionally, Hawaii’s Adult Protective Services (APS), part of the Department of Human Services, investigates reports of elder abuse and neglect. You can report suspected abuse to APS at their Oahu office (808-832-5115) or visit their official website for more resources. Despite these protections, enforcement can fall short, and some facilities in Honolulu fail to report incidents as required. Our Honolulu nursing home abuse attorneys are well-versed in these regulations and uses them to strengthen your case, ensuring nursing homes face consequences for violations.

Why Choose Shim & Chang Law Firm?

At Shim Chang Lawyers, we are committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation to victims of nursing home abuse in Honolulu and throughout Hawaii. Here’s why you can trust us:

  • Local Expertise: We understand the unique legal landscape of Hawaii and have a proven track record of success in handling personal injury cases.
  • Dedicated Advocacy: We prioritize our clients’ well-being and fight tirelessly to protect their rights.
  • Personalized Attention: We provide personalized attention to each client, ensuring they receive the support and guidance they need.

Proven Case Results

Our attorneys have years of experience dealing with the specific challenges of nursing home abuse cases, especially cases that have involved residents falling, either because the facilities did not have proper safety devices or because the staff were not available to adequately assist them. Other cases our Honolulu nursing abuse lawyers have handled include undiagnosed and untreated infections, bed sores (which can be life-threatening if not addressed), and medication errors, all of which were preventable.

$7 million

$7 million in a medical malpractice settlement for the death of a mother due to hospital error.

$1,950,000

In adverse weather conditions, an unfortunate accident occurred involving our client, a visitor to Hawaii, who was waiting at a bus stop. Our client required multiple medical procedures to address the injuries sustained.

$1.35 Million

$1.35 Million settlement in an explosion and fire wrongful death case

$6.5 Million

$6.5 Million settlement for a teen who suffered a brain injury in a motor vehicle accident.

$885,000

$885,000 settlement for our client who suffered herniated discs in neck from a rear-end collision in a car accident.

$135,580

$135,580 judgment for our client who tripped and fell on an uneven sidewalk which resulted in a knee replacement.

We are dedicated to holding nursing homes accountable for their negligence, ensuring they face the consequences of failing to protect vulnerable residents. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case, providing you with clear guidance and answers tailored to your situation.

What to Do If You Suspect Abuse

If you suspect your loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse, it’s important to take the following steps:

  • Document Everything: Keep detailed records of any incidents, injuries, or changes in behavior.
  • Report the Abuse: Contact the appropriate authorities, such as the Hawaii Adult Protective Services or the Honolulu Police Department.
  • Seek Medical Attention: Ensure your loved one receives prompt medical care for any injuries.
  • Contact an Attorney: Consult with an experienced nursing home abuse attorney at Shim Chang Lawyers to discuss your legal options.

Do not confront the nursing home staff without first consulting with an attorney. This can compromise your case.

What Compensation Can You Expect?

The Shim & Chang Law Firm will guide you through the legal process, which may include:

  1. Investigation: Gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing medical records.
  2. Negotiation: Negotiating with the nursing home’s insurance company to secure a fair settlement.
  3. Litigation: Filing a lawsuit and representing you in court if a settlement cannot be reached.

You may be entitled to compensation for:

  • Medical Expenses: Past and future medical bills related to the abuse.
  • Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical and emotional pain caused by the abuse.
  • Punitive Damages: In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the nursing home for its egregious conduct.

Seek Justice with our Honolulu Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers Today

Don’t let nursing home abuse go unpunished—your loved one deserves better, and we’re here to make sure their voice is heard. Contact Shim Chang Lawyers today for a free, no-obligation consultation with our experienced Honolulu nursing home abuse attorneys. We’re committed to helping you protect your loved one, uncover the truth, and seek the justice and compensation they deserve, all with the compassion and dedication you can rely on.

We’re available to guide you through every step, answering your questions and easing your concerns, so you can focus on what matters most: your family. Proudly serving Honolulu and all of Hawaii, we bring local expertise to families across the islands, from Oahu to the Big Island. No matter where you are, Shim Chang Lawyers is here to fight for you.