Coker Law is proud to announce the addition of attorney Steve Watrel as the newest member of the firm. Mr. Watrel is the only personal injury law attorney fighting nursing home abuse for the past 25 years in Jacksonville. His proven approach to elder law is heralded nationwide for its integrity in court, designating him as one of the leading trial lawyers in the field of nursing home and assisted living facility litigation.
Mr. Watrel’s dedication to helping victims of nursing home abuse and neglect stems from a very personal reason. “Both my grandmother and father were victims of neglect in a nursing home. Advocating for victims of nursing home abuse is my way of helping ensure we get change in bad facilities,” said Watrel.
Although researching nursing homes on the internet is the easiest and most convenient option, it doesn’t provide the full picture. Watrel advises to take a tour of the facility to see firsthand how it’s being operated, and the level of care being provided to residents. Here are three important things to remember when searching for the right nursing home:
Before touring a nursing home, create a list of questions to ask before you go. Being prepared will help you identify any markers the facility must meet in order to be sufficient for your loved one. When you schedule a tour, ask for one of the key department heads, administrator of care, director of nursing, or director of therapy to be your guide. The people in these positions are in direct contact with the residents and will be the best person to ask these questions. Watrel says there are three questions that are the most important to ask while on a tour:
If you find yourself in a situation where you believe your loved one is being abused or neglected, first call 1-800-96-ABUSE and the Department of Children and Families will come out within 24 hours to investigate. They will interview multiple residents and staff to create a report and determine whether signs of neglect or abuse are present. However, the nursing home will typically retain a lawyer soon after the investigation begins, which means the staff won’t be able to give much more information. You don’t need to wait until then to call an attorney. Give Coker Law a call at (904) 356-6071 or click here to schedule a free case consultation and find out how we can help protect your loved one’s rights and safety.