Our compassionate Vermont nursing home abuse lawyers step in when a nursing home fails to protect a resident from abuse, neglect, or exploitation. For example, a resident who develops a severe bedsore because staff never repositioned them may have a case rooted in ongoing neglect, not a single bad moment. These lawyers review the resident’s medical records, staffing patterns, and other evidence to piece together what actually happened.
Vermont’s Adult Protective Services received 815 reports in State Fiscal Year 2025 involving alleged maltreatment in a nursing home or similar facility, according to the Vermont Agency of Human Services. That is a disturbing statistic, but help can be found. At Kramer Law, P.C., our elder abuse lawyers in Vermont represent families across the state, including those near Brattleboro, who are dealing with a facility’s failure to provide safe care.
Common warning signs of nursing home abuse and neglect include:
Go to the hospital as soon as possible and talk with the treating doctor about what caused the injury or sudden decline. Take photos of any visible injuries and ask the hospital to preserve its records. Report the incident to Vermont Adult Protective Services if abuse or neglect seems likely, and keep notes on dates, names, and conversations with staff at the nursing home.
Vermont law gives nursing home residents the right to be free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation, along with the right to dignity, privacy, and proper medical care. Residents also have the right to review their own records and to voice a complaint without fear of retaliation from staff. A nursing home neglect lawyer Vermont families can contact can explain how these rights apply to a specific situation.
“Liability” can fall on the nursing home itself if understaffing or poor training led to a resident’s injury, since facilities have a duty to provide safe care. Individual staff members can also be liable for direct abuse or neglect; in some cases, a management company overseeing multiple facilities may share responsibility.
Suspected nursing home abuse in Vermont can be reported to Adult Protective Services by phone, email, or through its online reporting system – all accept reports from family members, staff, and the public. A report can also go to local law enforcement if immediate danger exists. Once a report is filed, a Vermont nursing home abuse lawyer can help a family document concerns while it moves through the review process.
Neglect in a nursing home can lead to:
Falls are also common in understaffed facilities, which can cause fractures or head injuries in older adults with limited mobility. In more serious cases, untreated medical conditions can lead to lasting harm or death.
Vermont law generally allows three years from the date of injury to file a personal injury claim. Claims involving a “wrongful death” instead follow a two-year deadline, while claims against a government-run facility may involve additional notice requirements under the Vermont Tort Claims Act. Missing any of these deadlines can end the right to pursue compensation in court.
Vermont nursing home abuse lawyers can advise you about filing a report with Adult Protective Services and keep you apprised of what happens next. Remember, an investigation does not automatically lead to a claim and compensation. A lawyer can gather additional evidence, speak with witnesses, and pursue a separate civil claim while a state investigation continues. This separate path often gives a family more control over the pace and direction of a case.
A nursing home negligence lawyer at Kramer Law, P.C. typically starts by reviewing medical records, staffing logs, and inspection history to build a clear picture of what happened to a resident. This process often includes consulting outside professionals who can speak to standard nursing care practices and where a facility fell short. The firm then works to pursue compensation through negotiation or, when necessary, through a civil lawsuit.
Yes, a family can generally file a civil lawsuit against a nursing home for neglect that caused injury or death. The case is separate from any Adult Protective Services investigation and follows its own timeline in civil court.
No, reporting abuse to Adult Protective Services does not replace the option to file a civil lawsuit. APS handles state oversight and investigation, while a lawsuit addresses compensation for the harm caused.
A wrongful death claim may still be possible if neglect or abuse contributed to a resident’s death. Vermont law allows certain family members to pursue this type of claim on behalf of the estate.
If your loved one was injured by a nursing home team member and you are seeking legal recourse, contact our Vermont nursing home abuse lawyers at Kramer Law, P.C. To schedule an initial consultation, call today at 802-257-2221 or contact us online. Located in Brattleboro, Vermont, we proudly serve clients in the surrounding areas.
Office Location
Our Brattleboro Offices
42 Park Place
Brattleboro, Vermont 05301
Phone: 802-257-2221
Cell: 802-380-2335
Email: [email protected]
