Albuquerque Nursing Home Abuse Attorney | Protecting Your Loved One

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Placing a loved one in a nursing home is one of the most difficult decisions a family can make. You trust these facilities to provide safety, dignity, and professional care when you can no longer do it yourself. When that trust is shattered by abuse or neglect, the guilt and anger can feel overwhelming.

At Collins & Collins, P.C., our Albuquerque nursing home abuse attorneys know that sympathy cannot undo the harm caused by negligence. You need a legal team capable of moving beyond compassion to enforce strict accountability. We are not just personal injury lawyers; we are dedicated civil rights advocates who stand between your family and the corporate entities that prioritize profit over people. If your loved one has suffered in an Albuquerque facility, we provide the clear guidance and aggressive litigation required to set things right under New Mexico laws.

Contact us today to request a free, confidential case evaluation and take the first step toward accountability.

Work With Experienced Albuquerque Nursing Home Neglect Lawyers

For decades, Collins & Collins, P.C. has confronted institutional abuse across New Mexico, exposing systemic failures in long-term care facilities. We understand that effective representation requires more than just legal knowledge; it demands a forensic understanding of how facilities operate and where they hide their mistakes. 

Our approach combines compassionate advocacy with forensic legal power:

No Upfront Costs: We operate on a strict contingency basis. You pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we secure a settlement or verdict for your family.

No Upfront Costs: We operate on a strict contingency basis. You pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we secure a settlement or verdict for your family.

Regulatory Familiarity: We possess an in-depth understanding of New Mexico Department of Health regulations and federal Medicare compliance standards.

Medical-Record Mastery: Our nursing home neglect attorneys know how to audit complex medical charts to find gaps in care and falsified documentation.

Civil Rights Expertise: We approach abuse not just as a personal injury. Our firm is dedicated to protecting the civil rights of the elderly, viewing institutional neglect as a violation of a resident’s fundamental human dignity.

We have earned the trust of the Albuquerque community by consistently refusing to back down in the face of complex corporate litigation.

Types of Elder Abuse and Facility Neglect Cases We Handle

Nursing home misconduct manifests in various forms. While some firms limit themselves to simple slip-and-fall cases, our nursing home abuse lawyers in Albuquerque, NM, handle the full spectrum of institutional liability, including complex medical and corporate negligence. 

Physical Abuse & Assault 

Cases involving battery, rough handling, or use of force by staff.

Neglect & Care Failures

Injuries resulting from a failure to provide food, water, hygiene, or turning assistance.

Resident-to-Resident Assaults

Injuries caused by other aggressive residents, often stemming from a failure to supervise or segregate high-risk patients properly.

Hospital Negligence 

If a resident was injured during a transfer or admission to a hospital, we investigate the doctors, nurses, and hospital systems involved.

Pharmaceutical Negligence

Overmedication, chemical restraints, or errors in dosage administration.

Financial Exploitation 

Theft of resident funds, property, or identity by facility employees.

Wrongful Death 

Fatalities caused by untreated infections, falls, or gross negligence.

Negligent Security

Failure to prevent unauthorized visitors or protect residents from theft and attacks.

We apply the full weight of New Mexico law to every category of abuse we investigate.

Trial Attorneys Holding Negligent New Mexico Nursing Facilities Accountable

Liability in nursing home abuse cases is not limited to a single nurse making a mistake. Under New Mexico law, facilities owe a strict “Duty of Care” to their residents. When they breach that duty to save money, the entire organization is liable.

Our nursing home abuse attorneys investigate and identify responsible parties across every layer of the organization:

  • Corporate Owners (Understaffing): We hold parent companies accountable for intentionally cutting staff levels to boost profits, leaving residents helpless.
  • Administrators (Negligent Hiring): We investigate failures to properly screen, background check, and train staff members.
  • Medical Directors (Clinical Oversight): We scrutinize failures to oversee clinical standards or approve necessary medical orders.
  • Staffing Agencies: If the abuser was a temporary worker, we pursue the agency that placed an unqualified individual in the facility.
  • Supervisors (Failure to Monitor): We target management for failing to monitor floor staff, ignoring call lights, or tolerating abusive verbal communication.

By expanding the scope of liability, we ensure that the entities with the power to prevent abuse are the ones held responsible for it.

If you or a loved one has suffered severe permanent harm or death please call (505) 578-2805 or complete our Case Review Form

Recognizing the Signs: Distinguishing Physical Injuries from Evidence

Families are often told by facility staff that a sudden injury is simply an unavoidable consequence of aging. In our experience, sudden physical deterioration or behavioral changes are rarely random; they are often forensic evidence of systemic facility failure.

If you observe any of the following, you may be witnessing proof of negligence:

  • Advanced Bedsores (Stage 3 & 4): Severe pressure ulcers are often “never events” caused by a failure to follow turning schedules.
  • Unexplained Fractures: Hip, skull, or spiral fractures often indicate unassisted transfers, drops, or physical abuse.
  • Signs of Sexual Assault: New STDs, pelvic injuries, or bloody undergarments are definitive red flags for abuse.
  • Rapid Weight Loss: Severe dehydration and malnutrition are often signs of understaffing and feeding neglect.
  • Restraint Injuries: Bruising on the wrists or upper arms suggesting forceful handling.
  • Chemical Restraint: Lethargy or slurred speech indicating the resident is being over-sedated to reduce staff workload.
  • Behavioral Regression: Sudden silence, rocking, thumb-sucking, or fear of specific caregivers.
  • Financial Irregularities: Missing personal items, unexplained withdrawals, or changes to wills.

Do not dismiss these signs. If you notice any of these indicators, report them immediately and contact our nursing home negligence law firm to preserve the evidence.

Attorney-Led Review and Investigation of Institutional Abuse

When you bring your concerns to Collins & Collins, P.C., we initiate a rigorous forensic case evaluation. We do not wait for the facility to admit a mistake because they rarely do. Instead, our Albuquerque personal injury lawyers oversee a targeted investigation to uncover the truth behind your loved one’s injury.

We look for the specific evidence that proves care was neglected:

Medical Record Review: We compare the doctor’s orders against the daily care logs. If a resident was supposed to be repositioned every two hours but the logs are blank, we treat that as evidence of neglect.

Staffing Level Checks: We analyze the facility’s work schedules to see if there were enough nurses on duty when the injury happened. Often, we find that facilities were dangerously short-staffed to save money.

Witness Interviews: We speak with former employees, roommates, and visitors who may have seen what really happened when management wasn’t watching.

Prior Violations: We review the facility’s history with the Department of Health to see if they have been cited for similar failures in the past.

How We Prove Liability in Albuquerque Nursing Home Lawsuits

Finding the error is only the first step. To win a case, we must prove that the facility’s negligence directly caused the harm. We move beyond simple accusations by using legal tools and expert insight to dismantle the facility’s defenses.

  • Medical Expert Testimony: We work with independent doctors and geriatric specialists who can explain to a jury exactly how the facility broke the rules of basic medical care.
  • Uncovering Internal Communications: Through the legal process known as “discovery,” we demand internal emails and memos. These often reveal that management knew about safety hazards, like a broken door alarm or an aggressive staff member, but chose to ignore them.
  • Checking for Altered Records: Electronic health records leave a digital footprint. We look at this “metadata” to see if anyone went back and changed the patient’s file after the injury occurred to cover their tracks.
  • Proving Systemic Failure: We show that the injury wasn’t just an accident by one tired nurse, but the inevitable result of corporate decisions to prioritize profit over patient safety.

Recovering Damages: Compensation for Medical Bills & Wrongful Death

While money cannot undo the trauma, it is the only legal tool available to ensure your family does not bear the financial burden of a facility’s negligence. Our New Mexico nursing home neglect lawyers pursue every available avenue of compensation, including:

  • Medical & Therapeutic Expenses: Reimbursement for all hospital bills, surgeries, physical therapy, and prescription medications required to treat the injury.
  • Emergency Relocation Costs: Coverage for the urgent expenses of moving your loved one to a safer facility.
  • Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress your loved one endured.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Damages for the activities, hobbies, and social interactions your loved one can no longer enjoy due to their injury.
  • Legal Fees and Court Costs: In cases involving specific civil rights or statutory violations, we can often force the defendant to pay your attorney fees.
  • Punitive Damages: Additional financial penalties awarded to punish the facility for gross negligence or malicious conduct.
  • Wrongful Death: If the abuse leads to a fatality, we pursue funeral costs and compensation for the loss of companionship for surviving family members.

We work tirelessly to establish the full financial impact of the abuse to maximize the compensation your family receives.

Immediate Action Steps: Reporting Abuse to New Mexico Authorities

If you suspect abuse, taking immediate action is critical to ensure your loved one’s safety and to officially document the misconduct. Follow these steps to report the incident to the proper New Mexico agencies:

  1. Call 911 for Emergencies: If you believe your loved one is in imminent danger or needs urgent medical attention, call 911 immediately. Do not wait for facility staff to act.
  2. Report to Adult Protective Services (APS): For non-emergency reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, contact the state’s centralized intake unit.
  3. Notify Regulatory Agencies: File a formal complaint with the agencies responsible for licensing and monitoring nursing homes in New Mexico.
  4. Secure Evidence and Records: If safe to do so, take photographs of any injuries or unsanitary conditions. Request copies of the resident’s medical records and the facility’s incident report before they can be altered.
  5. Contact a Nursing Home Abuse Attorney: Once your loved one is safe, contact Collins & Collins, P.C. Filing a report starts the regulatory process, but it does not secure financial justice for your family. We will guide you through the legal steps to hold the facility fully accountable.

Why Families Across New Mexico Choose Collins & Collins, P.C.

Families choose Collins & Collins, P.C. because we combine deep local experience with a rigorous, litigation-focused approach. We understand that trusting a personal injury attorney is a significant decision, especially when your family is in crisis. Our practice is built on the following core principles:

1. Trial-Ready Advocacy: We prepare every claim as if it will go to court. Our reputation as trial attorneys signals to insurance companies and facility owners that we are committed to securing maximum accountability, not just a quick resolution.

2. Deep Knowledge of Local Facilities: We possess extensive familiarity with the operational history and regulatory records of Albuquerque nursing homes. We know which facilities have a pattern of understaffing and how to find the evidence that links corporate decisions to resident injuries.

3. Honest & Transparent Guidance: We provide clear, realistic assessments of your legal options from day one. We believe in giving you straight answers about the strength of your case so you can make informed decisions for your family.

4. Civil Rights Focus: We view nursing home abuse as a violation of fundamental human rights. Our background in civil rights law provides a unique perspective that strengthens our ability to advocate for the dignity of the elderly.

5. No Upfront Costs: We operate on a strict contingency fee basis. You never pay legal fees out of pocket; we only receive payment if we successfully recover compensation for your family.

Our goal is to provide you with clear guidance and powerful representation, ensuring your voice is heard in the legal system.

Client Testimonials Across New Mexico

At Collins & Collins, P.C., our success is measured by the justice we secure and the peace of mind we restore to families. We have built our reputation on word-of-mouth and the enduring trust of those we have helped navigate the most difficult moments of their lives.

Here is what our clients have to say about our dedication and legal advocacy:

Collins & Collins, PC are amazing attorneys! They became my top choice in Albuquerque. They truly respect your rights and work hard for you. Special thanks to Parrish and the team for supporting me through the loss of my son. I’m so grateful for their dedication and hard work on my case. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a compassionate and skilled attorney. They earned a 10-star rating in my book!

Trini Encinias

Very professional & knowledgeable. Gave a very detailed description of legal proceedings. And very positive.

Susanna Herrera

Critical Deadlines: The New Mexico Statute of Limitations for Abuse Claims

Time is a critical factor in nursing home abuse claims. In New Mexico, the general statute of limitations for personal injury is three years. However, many nursing homes in Albuquerque, NM, are affiliated with state entities or hospitals. Claims against these government-run facilities are subject to the New Mexico Tort Claims Act, which requires a Tort Claim Notice to be filed within just 90 days of the incident. Failing to act within this extremely short window can permanently bar you from seeking justice.

Schedule a free consultation today to have your situation reviewed before critical deadlines pass.

Albuquerque Nursing Home Abuse FAQs

We simplify complex legal matters by providing clear, concise, and accurate answers to your most pressing questions.

To hire a nursing home abuse attorney at our firm, you pay no upfront costs because we work on a contingency-fee basis. We only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for your family.

The right time to contact an attorney is immediately upon suspecting abuse to ensure that critical evidence and medical records are preserved before they can be altered or destroyed by the facility.

Yes, in many cases, you can still sue if you signed an arbitration agreement. Arbitration clauses can often be overturned if they were buried in fine print or signed under duress. We review admission paperwork to fight these restrictive clauses.

Yes, the deadline changes if the facility is state-run, as New Mexico law requires a Tort Claim Notice to be filed within 90 days of the injury, significantly shorter than the standard three-year limit.

The legal right to file a lawsuit belongs to the resident, their designated Power of Attorney, or the Personal Representative of their estate if the resident is incapacitated or deceased.

Yes, a claim can continue if the resident has passed away by transitioning the case into a survival action or a wrongful death lawsuit to recover damages for the estate and surviving beneficiaries.

It depends on the facility's care plan; our forensic audit will determine if the "accident" was a result of preventable negligence or if the "pre-existing" condition worsened due to a lack of care.

It varies based on the complexity of the case and court schedules, but most nursing home abuse litigation in New Mexico takes between 12 to 24 months to resolve.

The average settlement for a nursing home abuse case varies depending on the severity of the injuries, the level of negligence, and the facility's insurance policy limits. We evaluate the unique damages of your case to determine its value.

Secure Justice for Your Family: Request a Free Case Evaluation

Collins & Collins, P.C. remains steadfast in our commitment to holding negligent Albuquerque facilities accountable for the harm they inflict on vulnerable residents. Our approach is rooted in a deep understanding of New Mexico civil rights and institutional liability, ensuring that every case we accept undergoes a rigorous, attorney-led investigation. Our nursing home abuse lawyers recognize the profound responsibility of representing those who cannot speak for themselves and provide the sophisticated legal oversight necessary to navigate complex medical and corporate layers. Families across the state rely on our firm for clear guidance, relentless advocacy, and the pursuit of meaningful justice.

Contact our Albuquerque office at 505-242-5958 or complete our online case evaluation form to begin your review today.

Speak with a Legal Team That Puts Justice First