What To Do if You Suspect Nursing Home Negligence

When a loved one moves into a nursing home, you expect consistent care, respect, and safety. Most facilities work hard to provide that. Still, neglect can happen. Knowing the signs and taking quick action can protect your loved one’s well-being. This guide walks you through the steps to recognize warning signs, document concerns, report issues, and understand when to speak with an attorney.

Recognizing the Warning Signs of Nursing Home Negligence

Negligence in a nursing home often shows up in small ways at first. Trust your instincts if something feels off. As of July 2025, more than 282,000 nursing home complaints have been recorded, underscoring how common these issues are. Many families notice changes in their loved one’s appearance, mood, or physical condition. These changes may indicate a lack of proper attention.

Common red flags include unexplained injuries, repeated falls, or weight loss. Poor hygiene, soiled clothing, or unchanged bedding may also signal neglect. Pay attention to emotional shifts as well. A usually social resident may suddenly withdraw from activities or seem fearful around certain staff members. These changes can reflect underlying issues in the facility.

Pay attention to the nursing home environment. Overcrowded rooms, strong smells, or messy hallways can be warning signs. Watch how the staff acts, too. If they avoid questions, seem rushed, or look short-staffed, it may mean something is wrong. Repeated confusion, medication mistakes, or missed appointments can also point to poor care.

A clear awareness of these signs helps you protect your loved one and begin necessary conversations with the facility.

Immediate Steps to Take When You Suspect Negligence

If you suspect negligence, act quickly but stay calm. Talk with the staff who care for your loved one and ask direct questions about their routine, medications, and any recent changes. Sometimes it’s a simple mix-up, but if the answers feel vague or dismissive, it’s time to take the next step.

Next, document your concerns. Write down what you saw, when you saw it, and who was involved. This creates a timeline of events. If your loved one’s health appears to be at risk, talk with a nurse supervisor or facility administrator immediately. Request a full explanation of any unusual injuries, sudden behavioral changes, or missed treatments.

If the environment seems unsafe, consider visiting at different times of day. This allows you to see how staff members behave during busy hours or at night. If needed, arrange temporary removal of your loved one from the facility for medical evaluation. Protecting their health should stay at the center of your decisions.

These early steps help you assess the situation and gather essential details that support further action.

How to Document and Gather Evidence of Nursing Home Neglect

Thorough documentation can help you discover the scope of the problem. Start by taking date-stamped photos of visible signs such as bruises, dirty bedding, or unsafe conditions. Keep copies of medical records, care plans, medication logs, and treatment updates. These documents can reveal gaps in care or inconsistencies in reporting.

Speak with your loved one about their experiences, if they feel comfortable sharing. Record their statements in writing. Keep your notes factual and organized. If you witness concerning interactions between staff and residents, write them down as soon as possible.

Track communication with the facility as well. Save administrators’ emails, messages, and meeting notes. If the facility gives explanations that change over time, your records will help you identify those shifts.

Outside opinions can also help. Schedule independent medical evaluations when appropriate. A doctor can give insight into whether injuries or health changes align with proper care.

This documentation provides a clear picture of what happened and supports your next steps if the situation escalates.

How to Report Nursing Home Negligence to Authorities

If the facility does not address your concerns or your loved one remains at risk, report the issue. In Georgia, you can file a complaint with the Department of Community Health. This agency oversees nursing homes and investigates violations of care-related standards. Reports can be made online or by phone. Provide as many details as possible, including dates, names, and the nature of your concerns.

If you believe abuse or neglect poses immediate danger, call local law enforcement. Officers can conduct welfare checks, document concerns, or intervene when needed. Emergency medical providers should also be called if your loved one requires urgent care.

If the situation involves health-related violations, Adult Protective Services may also help. These agencies work to safeguard vulnerable adults and evaluate claims of mistreatment.

Reporting protects not only your loved one but also other residents who may be experiencing similar mistreatment. It also creates an official record of your concerns, which may support later action.

When to Consult a Nursing Home Negligence Attorney

Some situations call for legal guidance, especially when facility staff fail to address repeated concerns. You may also want to consult an attorney if your loved one suffered serious harm, such as broken bones, untreated infections, or severe weight loss.

An attorney will review your records, explain your options, and guide you on what to do next. They will gather more evidence, speak with the facility, and walk you through the legal process. If needed, the attorney will step in to protect your loved one’s interests and seek fair results for their losses.

Legal support becomes invaluable when dealing with complex medical records, conflicting reports, or facilities that deny any wrongdoing. A dedicated attorney will protect your loved one’s rights and help you move forward with confidence.

Call The Scott Pryor Law Group Today

If you suspect nursing home negligence, you do not have to face it alone. Our legal team will walk you through your options, help you protect your loved one, and guide you through each step. The Scott Pryor Law Group will review your concerns and help you decide how to move forward. Reach out today to speak with someone who understands the challenges your family is facing and is ready to help.

Image via Annabel Podevyn, used with Unsplash License

Scott Pryor

Managing Attorney | CEO

Scott is a U.S. Marine Veteran. He is a member of the State Bar of Georgia and is listed in the top 1% of trial attorneys in the nation by the Litigator Awards. He is also a member of Super Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers, the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association—Champion Level and sits on the Communications Committee of GTLA and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.