Massachusetts Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
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Client Reviews

We would just like to thank you so much for everything you have done to make this deeply emotional and stressful experience go as smoothly as possible. From our first call to you three years ago until the final one last month, you have consistently been thoughtful, kind, respectful and caring. We have always felt that our mothers estate was in good hands.
Donna and George D’lorio

Rick and David – I know both of you worked very hard on Kelly’s case. We would all like to thank you both. We couldn’t have done it without you. You hung in there and didn’t give up. It was our pleasure to work with you. I would give it all up just to have Kelly back but we all know that is not going to happen. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Keith, Susan, Keith Jr. and Kristen

Attorney David. J. Hoey
Our attorney believes that everyone deserves to be treated with compassion and dignity to live and work safely. When corporations, owners, and professionals fail to meet this responsibility, David J. Hoey stands ready and prepared to help the community find justice.
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Massachusetts Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
At HoeyLaw, we understand that finding out your loved one may be suffering from abuse or neglect in a nursing home is devastating. As a Massachusetts Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer, we are deeply empathetic towards the emotions you are experiencing—confusion, worry, and concern about the wellbeing of your loved one. We want you to know that you do not have to navigate this difficult time alone. Our team is here to help you seek justice and ensure your loved one’s safety and dignity are restored.
Types of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
Nursing home abuse or neglect can take many forms. While you may associate abuse with physical violence, it often includes various forms of mistreatment that affect the mental, emotional, and physical health of your loved one. Some common types of abuse include:
- Physical Abuse: Injuries resulting from staff hitting, pushing, or improperly handling patients.
- Emotional Abuse: Verbal mistreatment such as yelling, insults, and intimidation that can have long-lasting psychological effects.
- Sexual Abuse: Any non-consensual sexual act directed at a nursing home resident.
- Neglect: Failing to provide necessary care, including inadequate hygiene, nutrition, and medical attention.
- Falls and Fractures: Incidents where residents fall due to improper supervision or failure to maintain a safe environment.
- Pressure Sores: The failure to rotate bedridden patients, leading to painful and dangerous sores.
- Home Healthcare Abuse/Neglect: Mistreatment from caregivers providing at-home nursing care.
- Transportation Abuse: Mistreatment during transportation, such as ambulance or other medical transport incidents.
No matter the form of abuse, if you suspect that your loved one is being mistreated in a nursing home, it is crucial to take immediate action.
Steps to Take After Noticing Abuse or Neglect
Ensure Immediate Safety
- If you believe your loved one is in immediate danger, contact local authorities or emergency services. The priority is to ensure their safety and well-being.
Document Everything
- Keep detailed notes of any signs of abuse or neglect you observe, including photographs of injuries, pressure sores, or unsafe living conditions. Also, make a note of any conversations you have with staff or management regarding the issue.
Report the Abuse
- Notify the nursing home management immediately and file a formal complaint. Report the abuse to local Adult Protective Services (APS) and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH).
Seek Medical Attention
- Take your loved one to a trusted healthcare provider to assess any injuries or health issues resulting from the abuse or neglect. Medical documentation can serve as vital evidence for any legal claims.
Contact HoeyLaw for Help
- At HoeyLaw, we offer free consultations to discuss your case and provide guidance on the legal steps necessary to protect your loved one. Our team is ready to investigate the situation, gather evidence, and represent your family in a legal action against the responsible parties.
Why Choose HoeyLaw?
Dealing with nursing home abuse or neglect is a sensitive and overwhelming experience. At HoeyLaw, we understand how difficult this time is for you, and we are committed to helping you get the compensation and justice your loved one deserves. Our firm will work tirelessly from the moment you hire us to pursue a successful outcome in your case.
We understand that no amount of money can undo the pain your loved one has suffered, but we are here to hold negligent parties accountable and ensure that the facility or individual responsible is held responsible for their actions.
Our legal team will:
- Investigate the circumstances surrounding the abuse or neglect.
- Work with healthcare professionals to determine the extent of the harm caused.
- Advocate for your loved one’s rights and ensure their safety.
- Fight for full and fair compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and more.
Common Mistakes to Avoid if You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect
If you’ve noticed signs of abuse or neglect in a nursing home where your loved one resides, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. However, it’s essential to take the right steps to protect your loved one and pursue justice. At HoeyLaw, we understand that these situations can be emotionally taxing, and we’re here to guide you through the process. To ensure the best possible outcome, avoid making the following common mistakes when dealing with suspected nursing home abuse or neglect.
Not Hiring a Trial Lawyer
When it comes to nursing home abuse cases, hiring the right lawyer is crucial. Many people make the mistake of hiring a lawyer who doesn’t have experience in the courtroom or in trial settings. Unfortunately, this can weaken your case. Insurance companies and nursing homes are familiar with which lawyers are willing to go to trial and which ones aren’t. They will often take advantage of lawyers who settle cases quickly without fighting for a full and fair outcome in court.
How HoeyLaw Can Help:
At HoeyLaw, we are seasoned trial lawyers who are not afraid to take your case to court if necessary. We are committed to fighting for your loved one’s rights and securing the compensation they deserve. You can trust that we won’t settle for less than you are owed.
Failing to Document the Abuse or Neglect
One of the most significant mistakes people make when they notice signs of abuse or neglect is failing to properly document the situation. Without clear records, it becomes much harder to build a strong case. If your loved one is being abused or neglected, the evidence you gather could make all the difference in holding the responsible parties accountable.
How HoeyLaw Can Help:
We can guide you through the process of documenting the abuse or neglect properly. This includes taking photos of any physical injuries like bruises, falls, or pressure sores, keeping a detailed log of events and conversations, and gathering any medical records that show signs of neglect or harm. The more evidence we have, the stronger your case will be.
Speaking with the Insurance Company Without a Lawyer
If you notice signs of abuse or neglect in a nursing home, the facility’s insurance company may contact you. It’s important to avoid speaking with them without legal representation. Insurance companies are skilled at minimizing claims and may try to get you to settle for less than you deserve. Any conversation with an insurance company can be used against your case, so it’s best to consult with a lawyer before engaging with them.
How HoeyLaw Can Help:
When you hire HoeyLaw, we handle all communications with the insurance company on your behalf. We know how to protect your rights and ensure that you are not taken advantage of. We will negotiate with the insurance company to ensure that you get the compensation your loved one deserves.
Waiting Too Long to Take Action
Many families hesitate to take action when they notice signs of abuse or neglect because they feel unsure about what to do or worry about retaliation. The longer you wait, the harder it can be to collect evidence, and the nursing home may try to cover up their mistakes. In some cases, important legal deadlines may expire, limiting your ability to file a claim.
How HoeyLaw Can Help:
At HoeyLaw, we understand how urgent these matters can be. We encourage families to take action as soon as possible to ensure their loved one’s safety and preserve important evidence. Our team will work quickly to investigate your case and pursue justice on your behalf.
Thinking You Can’t Afford a Lawyer
Many people are hesitant to hire a lawyer because they worry about the cost. However, in nursing home abuse cases, most lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay unless we win your case. Our goal is to ensure your loved one receives the compensation they deserve, and we won’t charge you upfront fees.
How HoeyLaw Can Help:
At HoeyLaw, we offer free consultations to answer any questions you may have about your case. We operate on a contingency fee basis, so there are no upfront costs. You only pay if we successfully secure a settlement or verdict on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
If you suspect that your loved one is being abused or neglected in a nursing home, it’s natural to have many questions. At HoeyLaw, we understand how overwhelming and emotional this time can be, and we are here to provide the support and guidance you need. Below are some of the most common questions people have when dealing with nursing home abuse or neglect in North Reading, MA, and the surrounding areas.
If you believe your loved one is experiencing abuse or neglect, the first thing you should do is ensure their immediate safety. Contact local authorities or emergency services if there is any immediate danger. After ensuring their safety, document any signs of abuse or neglect, including taking photos of injuries, keeping detailed records, and gathering any medical reports. Then, report the abuse to the nursing home management, Adult Protective Services (APS), and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH). It’s also important to contact a Massachusetts Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer to discuss your legal options.
Signs of nursing home abuse or neglect can vary, but some common red flags include:
- Physical abuse: Unexplained bruises, cuts, or fractures.
- Emotional abuse: Withdrawal, depression, or anxiety.
- Sexual abuse: Unexplained injuries in the genital area or sexually transmitted infections.
- Neglect: Unclean living conditions, weight loss, dehydration, or untreated medical conditions.
- Pressure sores: Bedsores due to lack of movement or improper care.
- Falls and fractures: Unexplained falls or injuries resulting from inadequate supervision.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s essential to take immediate action and consult with a Massachusetts Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer.
Yes, you can sue a nursing home for abuse or neglect if it is found that they failed to meet their duty of care to your loved one. This can include physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, or failure to maintain a safe environment. A Massachusetts Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer can help you understand the legal options available to you and pursue compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other damages related to the abuse or neglect.
Compensation in nursing home abuse and neglect cases can cover a variety of damages, including:
- Medical costs: Including the cost of treating injuries caused by abuse or neglect.
- Pain and suffering: For the physical and emotional trauma endured.
- Emotional distress: For the mental anguish caused by the abuse or neglect.
- Punitive damages: In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the nursing home for gross negligence.
A Massachusetts Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer can help you pursue the maximum compensation your loved one deserves.
In Massachusetts, the statute of limitations for nursing home abuse or neglect cases typically gives you three years from the date the abuse occurred to file a lawsuit. However, there may be exceptions depending on the specifics of the case. It’s important to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure that your case is filed within the required time frame.
While you are not required to hire a lawyer, having legal representation can significantly strengthen your case. Nursing home abuse and neglect cases can be complex, and having a lawyer with experience in these types of cases ensures that your loved one’s rights are protected. A Massachusetts Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer can help investigate the situation, gather evidence, negotiate with the insurance company, and, if necessary, take the case to trial to seek justice.
At HoeyLaw, we offer free consultations for nursing home abuse cases, so you don’t have to pay anything upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case. Our goal is to get your loved one the compensation they deserve without adding financial stress.
Abuse or neglect by a home healthcare worker is just as serious as abuse in a nursing home setting. If a home healthcare worker is responsible for mistreating your loved one, you may be able to file a claim against both the healthcare provider and the worker. Document any signs of abuse or neglect, report the situation to the healthcare agency, and contact a Massachusetts Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer to discuss your options.
If your loved one’s injuries were caused by negligence or improper care at a nursing home, the facility may be held liable. This includes failing to provide appropriate medical care, inadequate supervision, or unsafe living conditions. A lawyer can help investigate the circumstances of the injury and determine whether the nursing home is at fault.
Massachusetts Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Client Story
This client story is for educational purposes only.
Robert sat quietly in the waiting room, his fingers nervously tapping the armrest of the chair. His mind kept returning to the image of his mother, once full of life, now confined to a nursing home bed. She’d been there for a while, and Robert had always been hopeful that she would receive the care she needed. But when he visited last month, something was different—something was wrong. His heart sank when he saw the deep bed sores on her back. The kind of sores that don’t just happen by accident, but by neglect.
Robert knew his mom deserved better. She was a kind woman who had raised him with love and care, and now, she was suffering. He felt powerless. How could this happen in a place that was supposed to provide comfort and safety for elderly people like his mom? It felt like a betrayal.
The anger and sadness were overwhelming, but there was a glimmer of hope when Robert reached out to HoeyLaw. He wasn’t sure what to expect, but from the moment he spoke to David Hoey, he felt a weight lifted. David listened carefully, empathized with his situation, and assured him that they would fight for his mother’s dignity and well-being.
“They can’t just get away with this,” David said firmly. “We’ll make sure they’re held accountable.”
But the road wasn’t easy. The nursing home’s insurance company quickly moved to deny the claim, claiming that the bed sores were simply a part of aging and couldn’t be avoided. They suggested that Robert’s mother was too fragile for the kind of care she needed, implying it wasn’t the facility’s fault.
It would have been easy for Robert to give up. The insurance company was powerful, and their defense seemed so convincing. But David Hoey wasn’t about to let them sweep this under the rug. He told Robert that the case wasn’t about money—it was about justice. It was about ensuring that no one else would go through what his mother had endured.
David and his team dove into the case. They gathered medical records, spoke with experts, and investigated the nursing home’s practices. They found evidence that the facility had failed to properly monitor Robert’s mother, failed to turn her regularly, and failed to provide the care she needed to avoid such painful injuries. David’s team built a solid case, and when the insurance company continued to push back, David was ready to take the case to trial.
The courtroom was intense. Robert could barely hold back the tears as David passionately presented the case. David spoke about the heartache of seeing his mother suffer when she should have been cared for in her final years. He highlighted the neglect that led to those bed sores, making it clear that this was not just an unfortunate event—it was a failure on the part of the nursing home.
In the end, the jury saw the truth. They awarded Robert and his mother a settlement that helped cover the medical costs, pain and suffering, and the emotional toll this experience had taken. More importantly, it was a victory for justice. Robert knew that by taking the fight to trial, they had forced the nursing home to be held accountable.
When it was over, Robert stood outside the courtroom with David, feeling a sense of peace he hadn’t felt in a long time. “Thank you,” Robert said, his voice filled with gratitude. “I don’t know what would have happened if I hadn’t called you.”
David gave him a reassuring smile. “We’re here to make sure people like your mom get the care and respect they deserve.”
Robert’s mother may not have been able to witness the victory, but Robert knew she was with him in spirit, knowing that her suffering hadn’t been in vain. It was a hard-fought battle, but one that changed the way Robert viewed justice—and the way he viewed HoeyLaw.
If you or a loved one are facing a situation like Robert’s—where nursing home neglect or abuse is a concern—remember, you don’t have to fight this battle alone. HoeyLaw, led by David Hoey, is here to help. We’ll fight for your loved one’s rights, ensuring they receive the care and respect they deserve. You can trust us to be your guide, just as we were for Robert.
Contact HoeyLaw if You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect
If you’ve noticed signs of abuse or neglect in a nursing home where your loved one resides in North Reading, MA, it’s important to take action quickly. Whether it’s nursing home neglect, elder abuse, sexual abuse, falls and fractures, pressure sores, or any other form of mistreatment, you have the right to hold the responsible parties accountable.
At HoeyLaw, we understand how overwhelming it can be to navigate these situations, and we are here to guide you through the process. We offer free consultations so that you can speak with a compassionate attorney who will listen to your concerns and help you understand your options.
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will never owe us any money unless we are successful in securing compensation for you. Our goal is to ensure your loved one gets the justice they deserve without the added worry of upfront legal fees.
Our team is ready to help you investigate the situation, gather evidence, and take the necessary legal steps to hold the nursing home or healthcare provider accountable for their actions. No matter how complex or challenging the case may seem, we are committed to getting the best possible outcome for you and your loved one.
Don’t wait—if you suspect nursing home abuse or neglect, contact HoeyLaw today. Let us fight for your loved one’s rights so you can focus on their well-being. Reach out for your free consultation and take the first step toward justice.
Client Reviews

“I would be remiss if I didn’t take a few moments and properly thank you for all the effort and work you did in my mother’s case. There were trying moments for me, but you always calmly reassured me and answered my sometimes desperate questions with reason and compassion. Your confidence and competence in the handling of the case always gave me hope.”


