Phoenix Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys
Experienced Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers
When Abuse and Neglect Shatter Trust in Nursing Homes, Group Homes and Assisted Living Facilities
At Miller Kory Rowe, your fight becomes our commitment. Our attorneys bring decades of focused experience in nursing home abuse and neglect cases, helping Arizona families restore dignity and security to their loved ones’ lives. From our offices in Phoenix and Tucson, we serve families throughout Arizona who face this devastating situation.
Arizona-Wide Representation
Offices in Phoenix, Tucson & Globe
AZ Board Certified Specialist*
in Personal Injury and Wrongful Death
No Cost or Fees
Unless We Win
“Nursing home abuse cases are devastating – they involve our vulnerable loved ones being harmed by those trusted with their care. After twenty years handling these cases and teaching medical students to recognize elder abuse, I know these aren’t just about negligence – they’re about broken trust. MKR is dedicated to securing justice and improving elder care standards.”
Gabriel Kory
Nursing Home Neglect Attorney
What to Expect When Working With Us
Discovering abuse or neglect of your loved one shatters the trust you placed in a care facility, whether it is a nursing home (skilled nursing), assisted living or a group home. Your family deserves justice, and your loved one deserves protection. Our team will guide you through every step of the process.
1. Initial Consultation
We’ll listen to your story, review available documentation, and provide an honest assessment of your case. This consultation is free, and there’s no obligation to proceed.
2. Investigation Phase
Based on evidence gathered, we develop a comprehensive plan to hold the facility accountable. We work with APS, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman, and independent experts to document abuse or neglect.
3. Claim Development
We’ll calculate the full extent of your damages and prepare comprehensive settlement demands or legal filings.
4. Negotiation or Litigation
We’ll pursue fair compensation through negotiation when possible, but we’re always prepared to take your case to trial if necessary.
Record-Setting
$28 Million
Psychiatric Malpractice Case in Arizona
With decades of experience and a deep understanding of complex litigation, Miller Kory Rowe stands beside families facing life-altering cases.
Details Specific to our Phoenix Location
- District of Arizona | United States District Court
- Maricopa County Superior Court
- Phoenix Municipal Court
- Arizona Judicial Branch
Our Phoenix office: 650 N. 3RD Ave, Phx, AZ 85003
Understanding Nursing Home Abuse in Arizona
According to the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS), there are over 150 licensed skilled nursing facilities in Arizona caring for approximately 15,000 residents. The Arizona Adult Protective Services (APS) receives thousands of reports of suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation each year, with nursing home residents being particularly vulnerable.
Arizona Law Protects Your Loved One’s Rights
The Arizona Adult Protective Services Act provides powerful tools to hold negligent facilities accountable. This isn’t just about compensation – it’s about preventing other families from experiencing similar trauma. Unfortunately, government resources to curb such abuse and neglect are overwhelmed. This is where we can help.
Legal Protections
Under A.R.S. § 46-455, nursing homes can be held legally accountable for abuse or neglect. The law provides for:
- Civil damages against facilities and staff
- Recovery of litigation costs
- Potential punitive damages in cases of willful misconduct
Resident Rights
Arizona Administrative Code R9-10-911 guarantees nursing home residents specific rights, including:
- Safe, clean living conditions
- Proper medical care and medication
- Regular meals and hydration
- Freedom from physical restraints
- Respect and dignity
Reporting Requirements
Under A.R.S. § 46-454, healthcare professionals are mandatory reporters of suspected abuse. This law requires them to notify both:
- Adult Protective Services (within 48 hours)
- The facility’s administration (immediately)
When facilities violate these rights, they must face consequences. A strong legal response often leads to improved care standards that protect all residents. The Arizona Department of Health Services regulates nursing home standards to ensure facilities provide safe living conditions, proper medical care, and dignity to all residents.
Types of Nursing Home Abuse and Warning Signs
According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, nursing home abuse takes several forms, each with distinct warning signs that families should understand:
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse in nursing homes often leaves visible signs but may be explained away as “accidents” or “normal aging.” Key indicators include:
- Unexplained bruising, especially on both sides of the body
- Broken bones or repeated falls
- Burns or abrasions
- Sudden changes in behavior when certain staff members are present
- Signs of restraint on wrists or ankles
Emotional and Psychological Abuse
The Arizona Long-Term Care Ombudsman program reports that emotional abuse can be as damaging as physical abuse. Warning signs include:
- Withdrawal from social activities
- Unusual behavior like rocking or mumbling
- Sudden changes in mood or personality
- Anxiety or fear around specific caregivers
- Depression or expressions of helplessness
Financial Exploitation
According to the Arizona Adult Protective Services, financial abuse has increased by 40% in recent years. Red flags include:
- Unexplained withdrawals from bank accounts
- Missing personal property
- Sudden changes in legal documents
- Unpaid bills despite adequate resources
- New “best friends” among facility staff
Neglect and Substandard Care
The ADHS regularly cites Arizona nursing homes for neglect-related violations. Common issues include:
- Medication errors or missed doses
- Dehydration and malnutrition
- Poor personal hygiene
- Unsafe or unsanitary living conditions
- Lack of assistance with daily activities
Understanding Compensation in Nursing Home Cases
Arizona law recognizes several types of damages in nursing home abuse cases:
Economic Damages
- Medical treatment costs
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Transfer to new facility costs
- Personal property losses
- Additional care expenses
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of dignity
- Reduced quality of life
Punitive Damages
In cases involving willful misconduct or gross negligence, Arizona courts may award punitive damages under A.R.S. § 46-455(H)(4) to punish particularly egregious behavior.
Proving Nursing Home Abuse And Neglect In Court
To win a judgment in a case like this, your legal team will have to prove that the nursing home in question abused or neglected a resident. It will also need to show proof these actions led to the injuries in question.
A lawsuit against a nursing home may be based on many types of abuse and neglect. Some types of abuse and neglect will be obvious even to a lay person, such as allowing the presence of bed sores, failure to feed or provide water, or sexual abuse. Some abuse and neglect may not be obvious without investigation, such as:
An Understaffed Nursing Home Can Be Problematic
When a nursing home does not have an adequate number of staff members, residents may suffer from neglect. An understaffed nursing home will also create more work for the staff that is present. This will usually lead to higher stress levels, which in turn can cause the workers to have a lack of compassion for the residents in the nursing home. A nursing home can be found liable if injuries or deaths are caused by understaffing issues.
The Nursing Home Was Guilty Of Negligent Hiring
A nursing home has an obligation to its residents to hire qualified employees to take care of their daily needs. Employees will need to pass a variety of background checks and must have no history of abuse or violence to be hired in these types of facilities. If a nursing home fails to do this type of research before hiring an employee, then it could be held liable should this employee abuse or neglect one of the residents.
Inadequate Or Improper Training
If the employees of a nursing home have not been properly trained to deal with disabled seniors, they may inadvertently injure a resident. If your loved one suffered an injury due to inadequate or improper training, call an Arizona nursing home abuse attorney at Miller Kory Rowe LLP for help. Our team will listen to the details of your potential nursing home abuse or neglect case and help you understand your best legal options.
Understanding Facility Standards and Violations
Arizona nursing homes must comply with both state and federal regulations. Common violations documented by ADHS include:
Staffing Requirements
Under A.A.C. R9-10-911, facilities must maintain specific staff-to-resident ratios:
- One registered nurse on duty for every 60 residents
- One certified nursing assistant for every 10 residents
- 24-hour licensed nursing coverage
Quality of Care Standards
The Arizona Administrative Code mandates:
- Regular assessment of residents’ needs
- Individualized care plans
- Proper medication management
- Fall prevention protocols
- Pressure ulcer prevention and treatment
Documentation Requirements
Facilities must maintain detailed records of:
- Daily care provided
- Medication administration
- Incidents and accidents
- Staff training and qualifications
- Quality assurance measures
Additional Arizona Resources
- Arizona Adult Protective Services: Report suspected abuse
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman: Resident advocacy and rights
- Arizona Department of Health Services: Facility licensing and complaints
- Area Agency on Aging: Elder care resources and support
- Arizona Long-Term Care Ombudsman program provides additional oversight and advocacy.
Take Action to Protect Your Loved One
If you suspect nursing home abuse or neglect, don’t wait to seek help. Contact Miller Kory Rowe today for a free, confidential consultation. Our experienced team will listen to your concerns and help you understand your options for protecting your loved one.
Call [phone number] or complete our online contact form to schedule your consultation. We’re ready to help you restore safety and dignity to your loved one’s care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arizona Nursing Home Abuse
Q: How long do nursing home abuse cases typically take?
Most cases resolve within 6-24 months, depending on complexity. Under Arizona law, you generally have two years from discovery of the abuse to file a claim, but certain circumstances may extend this timeline.
Q: What immediate steps should we take if we suspect abuse?
First, ensure your loved one’s safety. Report concerns to the facility administrator, Arizona Adult Protective Services (877-SOS-ADULT), and the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program. Document everything and contact an experienced attorney.
Q: Can we move our loved one to a different facility?
Yes. Under Arizona law (A.A.C. R9-10-911), residents have the right to transfer to another facility.
Q: How are nursing homes regulated in Arizona?
The Arizona Department of Health Services licenses and inspects nursing homes under A.R.S. § 36-401. Facilities must meet both state and federal standards for care, staffing, and resident rights.
Q: What compensation can my family receive?
Arizona law allows recovery for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and in cases of willful misconduct, punitive damages. Each case is unique, and we can provide a detailed evaluation during your consultation. When a wrongful death has occurred, certain survivors of the lost loved one can make claims for their own damages.
Q: Are Persistent Bed Sores A Sign of Neglect?
Bedsores are generally caused by seniors not getting the care they need. When a person is immobile due to injury, they will need the help of nursing home staff members to get out of bed. If this help is not given, then bedsores will usually start to form. Neglecting to act in a situation like this can lead to a senior getting an infection and possibly dying as a result. File a claim for bed sores in Arizona
Real Client Testimonials
Our dedication to achieving successful outcomes for our clients is reflected in the authentic stories they share in our testimonials.
Many of these families came to us after discovering neglect in a nursing home or care facility.
“Teri Rowe and the team at MKR are highly recommended. My family and I went to Teri under the worst of circumstances and she was always kind, comforting, and helpful. Our case was complicated, sad, confusing and frustrating. She managed everything wonderfully. Our family lawyer referred us to Teri because Teri has a reputation for being the best. She definitely lives up to her reputation.”
— Michael Stenoien
“My sisters and I couldn’t have made a better choice by choosing Miller Kory Rowe to represent us. From day one to the end, their empathy, their professionalism and their confidence in our case never wavered. We were given the faith and they kept it. Their approach was completely professional but their concern for our case was equally personal. They took into account every little detail. They valued for us, our family values and ensured justice was done. We now have complete closure that this lawsuit is behind us, we can move forward knowing that we got some measure of justice for the harm done to our mother. Thank you so much Liz, Gabe and Stephanie.”
— Sherrie Dudek
“From our initial consultation to our final settlement. Miller, Kory and Rowe was with us every step of the way. Gabe and team kept us abreast of any updates on the case in a timely fashion and were always, often within minutes of an email, to walk us through what was happening in our case or clarify any questions we may have.
MKR’s compassion and thoughtfulness was genuine and was able to ease our minds in what was a difficult time with the passing of our mom. Gabe’s experience with these cases was very evident in our interactions and we had the utmost confidence in his representation. I would highly recommend MKR if you are ever in need of an attorney.”
— Joseph Shown
At Miller Kory Rowe, we are not afraid to take cases to trial. We are Arizona litigators with deep experience handling serious injury and wrongful death claims for families across the state.
Every case is prepared with the courtroom in mind. That level of preparation strengthens our strategy, builds trust with our clients, and puts pressure on the defense. We work with respected experts, craft compelling exhibits, and uncover the details that help juries understand the truth.
Whether your case involves medical negligence, elder abuse, or another form of life-changing harm, our focus stays the same: clear answers and meaningful results.
Request a
Free & Confidential
Consultation
Take the First Step Toward Compensation For You or a Loved One