Colorado Nursing Home & Elder Abuse Lawyers

Our skilled nursing home neglect lawyers in Colorado know the steps to take to successfully claim compensation for the injuries and suffering of victims. We’re ready to fight for those who cannot advocate for themselves or have been taken advantage of by nursing home staff. Contact us today to learn how we can work together.

What Is Nursing Home Abuse?

Nursing home abuse¹ is the mistreatment of a person living in an assisted care facility. Residents of nursing homes have the right to be safe and receive appropriate care. They should get necessary medical attention, food, and socialization in an emotionally and physically secure environment. If your loved one’s care falls below these standards, it could be grounds to bring a legal claim.

Elder Abuse May Be:

• Physical abuse
• Mental abuse
• Emotional and psychological abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Neglect or abandonment
• Isolation
• Financial exploitation

Remember, nursing home abuse injuries may not be apparent right away. It’s essential to check with your loved one and know the signs that could indicate your family member is being abused or neglected.

Why Choose Our Nursing Home Abuse Law Firm?

Bachus & Schanker is led by top-rated nursing home abuse attorneys recognized among the best in Colorado. With decades of experience and thousands of cases handled within Colorado and nationwide, our team brings a proven track record of results to every case. They have represented families in cases involving elder neglect and facility misconduct across Colorado and nationwide.

At our firm, hands-on case management and personalized attention are central to how cases are handled. Attorneys remain directly involved throughout the process, with a focus on responsiveness, attention to detail, and clear communication at every stage of the case.

The benefits of working with our legal team include:

• Nursing home abuse cases taken on a contingency fee basis – no legal fees unless we win your case
• Support of our victim advocates team
• Personalized attention from attorneys who understand nursing home abuse law
• Proven track record of maximizing settlements and verdicts for families
• Experience handling cases in Colorado and across the United States

When you need experienced legal representation to protect your loved ones and seek justice, choose Bachus & Schanker, recognized as some of the best nursing home abuse lawyers in Colorado.

What Are the Signs of Elder Abuse?

Discovering the abuse of a loved one is a brutal reality to face. Being aware of symptoms of abuse and changes in behavior is key to uncovering and dealing with the situation as quickly as possible.

The Following Signs May Be an Indication of Elder Abuse:

• Changes in your loved one’s behavior, either sudden or gradual
• Emotional withdraw, being unwilling to speak or freely offer information
• Bruising, bleeding, or appearance of new injuries
• The victim’s inability to explain how injuries occur
• Isolation, unwillingness to let friends or family visit
• Bedsores, an unexplained loss of mobility
• Signs of poor hygiene
• Extreme distress about being left alone or family members leaving
• A lack of access or monitoring of the person’s finances
• Illness or infection
• Changes in sleeping patterns
• Dehydration, sudden weight loss

If you see a warning sign or your loved one says something that seems off, it’s vital to follow up as they may be trying to tell you something. Any hesitancy on the part of the facility to allow visitation or provide information to the family is also a critical indicator that you should see if something serious has happened.

Colorado Nursing Home Abuse Laws

When a loved one is mistreated in a care facility, understanding Colorado law is the first step toward securing justice. While many personal injury claims in Colorado typically carry a two-year statute of limitations (C.R.S. § 13-80-102), claims based on assault or battery may have only one year (C.R.S. § 13-80-103), and potentially shorter deadlines (such as 182 days) if a government-run facility is involved — taking immediate action is critical. 

Colorado law establishes strict reporting mechanisms and protections for at-risk elders (age 70 and older) and other at-risk adults: 

• Mandatory Reporting (C.R.S. § 26-3.1-102): Certain professionals and facilities are legally mandated to report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation within 24 hours. Families should also act swiftly to document injuries and preserve evidence. 
• Filing a Complaint with the CDPHE: The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment regulates and licenses health facilities in the state. Filing an official complaint can trigger a state investigation into facility safety violations, staffing levels, and standard-of-care breaches. 
• The Long-Term Care Ombudsman: An independent ombudsman can advocate for residents’ rights, investigate complaints confidentially, and help mediate disputes between families and facility administration. 

If you suspect abuse, contacting the local police department or your county Adult Protective Services (APS) office is vital for immediate safety, followed by consulting an experienced nursing home abuse attorney to protect your legal rights and evaluate your case timeline.

What Damages Can You Recover in a Nursing Home Abuse Case?

In a nursing home abuse case, damages you can recover include economic losses and psychological suffering. Both situations can cause extensive damage, shorten life expectancy, and decrease quality of life.

Economic Losses Include:

• Medical costs and transportation
• Loss of income
• Property damage
• Theft

Non-Economic Losses Include:

• Diminished quality of life
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Pain and suffering
• Disinterest in life

Often, the emotional anguish of living with abuse can be as devastating as physical abuse. These are all damages that the victim can claim to receive compensation and help them heal.

How Can Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys Help Victims?

Personal injury lawyers help victims of nursing home abuse with every aspect of their case. When abuse is suspected, it can be hard to know what to do, and the victim may not be able to verbalize what’s happening. A nursing home abuse lawyer will know what questions to ask and how to investigate the situation.

Abuse Across Different Types of Long-Term Care Facilities 

Elder abuse and neglect can happen in any environment where seniors rely on others for daily care. Our legal team investigates and litigates cases across all types of Colorado residential care settings: 

Assisted Living Facilities 

Assisted living centers provide housing and supportive services for seniors who need help with daily activities (such as medication management, bathing, or mobility) but do not require 24-hour skilled medical care. Neglect in these facilities often stems from understaffing, lack of proper training, or failure to monitor wandering residents. 

Group Homes 

Group homes are smaller residential settings housing a limited number of residents who require supervised living. Because these facilities operate on a smaller scale, oversight can sometimes be lax, leading to isolation, inadequate supervision, medication errors, and physical or emotional mistreatment that goes unnoticed by external regulators. 

Memory Care Units 

Designed specifically for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, memory care units require specialized security and patient monitoring. Abuse or severe neglect in these settings frequently involves elopement (wandering off due to lack of secure exits), physical restraint errors, chemical over-medication, or failure to manage aggressive behaviors safely. 

Skilled Nursing Facilities (Nursing Homes) 

Skilled nursing facilities provide high-level medical care and rehabilitation. Residents here are often the most medically fragile and vulnerable to severe bedsores (pressure ulcers), dehydration, malnutrition, medication administration errors, and physical or verbal abuse by overworked staff. 

Adult Day Care and Other Care Centers 

Even in non-residential settings like adult day care programs, negligent supervision, slip-and-fall hazards, and caregiver misconduct can put vulnerable seniors at risk. No matter the facility type, operators have a legal duty to keep residents safe.

What Should You Do if You Suspect Elder Abuse?

If you suspect abuse, here are some important things to know about proving abuse, building your case, and how an attorney can help.

1. Don’t Wait. Tell Someone and Take Action.

Contact Colorado DHS² and police if necessary to get immediate assistance. If you plan to file a claim, Colorado has a time limit for nursing home abuse cases. Generally, a two-year statute of limitation applies. If the case involves a government care facility, the deadline may be limited to 180 days. Be sure to consult with an experienced attorney to see if this time limit applies to your case.

2. Collect Evidence.

Proving nursing home abuse often requires witness testimony, statements from employees, records, medical examinations, photographs, video, and tangible items that demonstrate neglect. Experts and accountants or medical care professionals may be needed to explain the abuse and how the actions of those involved amount to abuse. Attorneys can help collect and interpret important information related to the case.

3. Build a Case and Get Compensation for Damages.

Your loved one can get compensation for nursing home abuse by filing a nursing home abuse lawsuit. A nursing home lawyer can construct a case that itemizes the damage that has occurred. They resolve disputes with insurance companies or the court to win compensation to help the victim recover.

Nursing Home Abuse FAQ

Experienced Attorneys for Nursing Home and Elder Abuse in Colorado

If you feel a loved one is being abused or neglected in a nursing home, remember that you are not alone. Our Colorado nursing home and elder abuse lawyers represent individuals and their families harmed by the ones they should trust the most. It’s our passion to be a voice for victims and help them receive the financial compensation that they deserve.

At Bachus & Schanker, justice is our passion, and we’re eager to put skill and experience to work to help you and your loved ones. We are a fully-resourced legal team experienced in abuse claims, including nursing home abuse, neglect, and other harm involving seniors.

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