Firm Overview

Seattle Lawyer Focusing on the Rights of the Elderly

A registered nurse and an attorney

I use my legal education and my years as an RN caring for the elderly to provide dedicated counsel and advocacy to seniors and their families. My goal is to protect the rights of the elderly in care facilities such as nursing homes, assisted living centers and veteran’s homes. State and federal law requires these institutions and any others that provide treatment and housing for the elderly to maintain certain standards.

A lawyer with a combination of nursing experience and a dedication to the rights of nursing home residents

My combination of nursing experience and legal knowledge allows me to review medical records effectively and quickly. Most law firms hire a nurse or physician to analyze medical records to determine whether an elderly person was receiving inadequate care and treatment. At the law office of Catherine S. Strong, clients benefit from my ability to do this work myself. Contact my Seattle office to learn how I can help you.

Your rights in a nursing home

In addition to my legal knowledge and practical experience, I offer clients an understanding of their situation, their concerns and their rights. If you or a loved is in a nursing home, it is important to understand your rights. In 1987 Congress enacted the Nursing Home Reform Act, which established a comprehensive set of resident’s rights that applies in all Medicaid and Medicare certified nursing homes in the U.S. In 1994, Washington extended these rights to all residents living in boarding homes, assisted living facilities, state veteran’s homes, and adult family homes. These include the right:

• To receive full information about their case
• To be involved in their own care
• To chose what care they wish to receive
• To be treated with dignity and respect
• To be secure in their property and person
• To receive notice of special rights related to transfer or discharge
• To complain or file legal action
• To receive visits from family and friends

In addition to the above laws, Washington State has passed a law for the protection of vulnerable adults who have been abused, neglected, abandoned, or exploited. (RCW 74.34.200) This law allows the vulnerable adult to sue individuals or companies in the business of providing long-term care for damages; and if they prevail, receive compensation for damages, costs, and attorney’s fees. The suit can be brought by the vulnerable adult, a family member or other representatives, and can be maintained after the death of the abused or neglected person.

Legal practice

These and other nursing home rights are at the heart of my legal practice. I help the elderly and their families when they have experienced substandard care in nursing homes and other institutions. Cases involve matters such as

• Pressure Sores/ Bedsores
• Malnutrition/Dehydration
• Physical and Sexual Abuse
• Injuries and Falls

If you or an elderly loved one have questions or concerns about treatment and care in a nursing home or about an elder law matter such as Medicaid planning, contact my Seattle law firm. It costs you nothing to learn about your rights.