What are the remedies available for victims of nursing home abuse in Iowa?

Iowa City, IA – Unfortunately, some people who are staying in nursing homes may be physically harmed by their caretakers, neglected, or they may contract an infection or illness. Because the facility is tasked with a duty of care towards all of their patients, victims who deal with these kinds of problems may be able to take legal action. If they are successful in their efforts to sue a facility, there are various remedies available to them. 

Because the calculation of damages can vary greatly depending on the victim’s specific injuries and the conduct of those working in the facility, it is recommended that anyone seeking compensation get legal help. The attorney can use their investigative tools and negotiation skills to maximize the amount of compensation available to the victim. 

Compensation for victims

The main thing that civil lawsuits provide for the people filing the cases is financial compensation. After someone is abused in a nursing home, they may incur additional costs related to medical treatment, relocation, and their recovery from any injuries. This category of losses can easily be shown through bills and financial documents. These are commonly referred to as economic damages, and they are normally the focus of most accident and injury cases. 

Non-economic damages

These types of damages can be more difficult to predict, but they compensate the victim for their emotional pain, suffering, trauma, and any physical pain tied to their injuries. The jury is asked to put a price tag on the reduction in the victim’s quality of life caused by an incident of nursing home abuse. 

Punitive damages

Punitive damages may be awarded in some cases that involve extreme deviations from the type of care that is expected in a nursing home. These types of damages are awarded as a form of punishment and deterrence, rather than compensation. Iowa law requires a finding that there was a willful and wanton disregard for the safety of the victim, and conduct that specifically targeted the victim. If a jury receives an instruction related to punitive damages, they may award an amount that is large enough to discourage similar conduct or repeat offenses by the defendant.  

As a practical matter, punitive damages are most likely in a nursing home abuse case in Iowa if someone acting under a facility or provider’s authority intentionally harmed the victim. 

Legal advice is available 

Eells and Tronvold Law Offices is a firm that provides assistance to people who have been injured in the state of Iowa. Their attorneys can meet with accident victims to provide more information about compensation and lawsuits.

Firm contact info:

Eells and Tronvold Law Offices

1921 51st Street NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402-2400

319-393-1020

www.eellsandtronvold.com