Tennessee Nursing Home that was forced to Close by Health Department Now Facing Lawsuits
Recently the Colonial Hills Nursing Home was forced to close after losing its Medicare and Medicaid contract because of six violations with the Tennessee Health Department. The nursing home is now being faced with from the families of some of the former patients. In one case, the family of Bettye Martin filed a wrongful death lawsuit in May claiming that she suffered from injuries, neglect, and poor hygiene that led to her death.
In another case, the family of Zelma Lou Gibson filed a nursing home abuse lawsuit in January which alleges medical negligence which caused injuries that eventually led to diminished physical and mental abilities. The Life Care Centers of America which ran the nursing home stated that, “At Life Care Centers of America, residents are our highest priority. We strive to provide a homelike atmosphere in each Life Care center,” in response to these and other lawsuits.
Cases just like this one occur all too often in Tennessee as well as all over the United States. Many people do not know what signs of abuse and neglect to look for until it is too late. Here is a list of the most common signs of nursing home abuse and neglect so that you can help make sure your loved ones are being properly cared for. Nursing home abuse is physical, emotional or just plain neglect. Some of the physical signs include:
• Bed sores • Falls that occur with no explanation • Dehydration
• Loss of Weight • No appetite • Wounds, bruises, broken bones
Some of the emotional signs of abuse and plain neglect include:
• Behavioral changes
• Unexplained or unusual behavior • Withdrawn behavior or an unwillingness to communicate • Poor hygiene • Skin sores or discoloring
• Medication being withheld or an excess given • Unsanitary conditions • Poor diet • Lack of needed assistance
Knowing these signs can help you be prepared to report abuse and make sure the ones you care about are getting the care they need.
If you feel that someone you care about has shown any of the signs of abuse or neglect listed above, then we strongly recommend that you contact one of our experienced and compassionate Tennessee nursing home neglect lawyers immediately. We care about our clients and will work with you to make sure you receive the compensation you are entitled to for what you have been through.
Contact us online or call us at 800.705.2121 to set up a FREE consultation to discuss your legal options
Author Bio
Jim Higgins, founder of the Higgins Firm, is a seasoned personal injury attorney with deep roots in Nashville, Tennessee. A 4th generation Nashvillian, Jim carries on the legal legacy of his father, a judge for over 30 years. After graduating from the University of Memphis School of Law, Jim’s career began on the other side of the courtroom, defending insurance companies and learning their tactics for minimizing settlements. However, he soon realized his true calling was fighting for the rights of the injured, and for the past several years, he has exclusively represented plaintiffs in personal injury cases.
Since then, his dedication and skill have earned him membership in the prestigious Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an organization limited to attorneys who have secured million and multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for their clients. Licensed to practice in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Georgia, Jim focuses on personal injury, product liability, medical malpractice, and workers’ compensation cases. His exceptional work has been recognized by his peers, earning him a spot on the Super Lawyers list from 2021 to 2024, a distinction awarded to only a select group of accomplished attorneys in each state.
