How To Find A Nursing Home Lawyer In Tulsa

If your loved one has been mistreated or neglected in a nursing facility, it’s time to seek legal help. It’s important to find a lawyer who has both experience with nursing home abuse cases and empathy for families who are facing these difficult situations. The right legal representation can make all the difference in ensuring that your case is handled expertly and you get the accountability you and your loved one deserves.

Many people aren’t sure where to start once they decide to seek legal counsel. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you find an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer in Tulsa:

1. Get Word-of-Mouth Recommendations

According to the CDC, there were 1.6 million licensed nursing home beds in 2020, and that number is skyrocketing as the Baby Boomer generation ages. As an increasing number of elderly are admitted into long-term care, it’s more likely that families you know have advice or experiences to share regarding nursing homes. Ask your friends and neighbors if their loved ones faced abuse or neglect in a care facility, and get their recommendations for Tulsa nursing home abuse lawyers. Word of mouth is often the most trustworthy and reliable source of information.

2. Research Lawyers Online

In addition to personal recommendations, search online for lawyers who specialize in health care malpractice or specifically nursing home abuse. You can use several resources to find potential lawyers, including the Bar Association, legal directories, and more.

3. Check Credentials and Experience

Once you have a list of potential lawyers, check their credentials and experience. Key things to consider include:

Specialization: Ensure that the lawyer specializes in nursing home abuse cases. This specialization often means they are familiar with the relevant laws and procedures, and give you the best chance at a positive outcome in your case. If the lawyer you are considering handles many different types of practice areas, that is a reg flag.

Experience: Look for a lawyer who has a proven record of handling nursing home negligence, neglect, abuse, and similar cases successfully. Ask the lawyer if he has ever filed a lawsuit against a nursing home and if they have ever taken a nursing home to trial. If the lawyer mentions bringing in another attorney to help them with your case, that is another red flag.

Reputation: Check online reviews and testimonials. But, be careful. Many lawyers and law firms use reviews from family, friends, or networking partners, not actual clients.

4. Interview Potential Lawyers

After narrowing down your list, set up consultations with each attorney. Most Tulsa nursing home abuse lawyers offer free initial consultations, so this won’t cost you anything but time. Be prepared to share the details of your case, including any documentation you’ve collected, and ask questions such as:

• What is your experience with nursing home abuse cases?
• How many similar cases have you handled and what were the outcomes?
• Who in your firm will handle my case, and how accessible are you?
• What is your fee structure?

These questions will help you gauge the lawyer’s expertise and determine whether they are a good fit for your needs.

5. Assess Their Fit For Your Family

During your initial consultations, assess the lawyer’s approach and communication style. It’s important that they are empathetic, attentive, patient, and responsive. They should be willing to explain legal terms and processes clearly, and have a plan to keep you informed about the progress of your case. You should feel like they listen to you and will make your family a priority.

6. Discuss Legal Strategies and Costs

Understand the legal strategies they propose to use in your case and discuss all costs involved. Most nursing home abuse lawyers in Tulsa work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win the case. Make sure you understand what percentage of the recovery they will claim if you do win, and any other potential costs, fees, and payments to medical care providers or reimbursements to health care insurers from any settlement or verdict.

7. Make Your Decision

After meeting with a few lawyers, think about which one seemed the most competent, who you felt most comfortable with, and who offered a clear plan of action. Trust and communication are as important as expertise and experience in such sensitive cases.

8. Stay Involved

Once you’ve hired a lawyer, stay involved in the process. Keep copies of all documents related to the case and stay in touch with your lawyer to keep up-to-date on any developments.

Get Help Today

Finding the right nursing home abuse lawyer in Tulsa can seem like a daunting task, but you’re likely reading this article because you’ve already decided it’s time to hold a nursing home accountable for its treatment of your loved one. By taking these steps, you can find an attorney who is well-equipped to handle your case with the seriousness and sensitivity it deserves.

GT Law Firm has over 30 years of experience successfully resolving nursing home abuse cases and has nothing but 5-star reviews from our clients. Contact us today for your free case evaluation.