Nursing Home Abuse Attorney in Boston, MA
If your loved one has suffered abuse, neglect, or mistreatment in a nursing home in Boston, you have the right to take legal action. At Dolan Connly, P.C., our Boston nursing home abuse lawyers are committed to holding negligent facilities accountable and fighting for the safety, dignity, and rights of vulnerable elders.
Serving clients across Massachusetts - including Boston and Pembroke
Why Choose Dolan Connly, P.C. for Your Nursing Home Abuse Case?
Nursing home abuse cases demand more than legal experience. They require compassion, attention to detail, and an unwavering commitment to justice. Nursing home abuse attorneys at Dolan Connly, P.C. take a meticulous, client-first approach to every case. We understand the emotional weight families carry when they suspect harm to a loved one. Our goal is not only to seek compensation but to bring clarity, closure, and accountability.
This is why families in Boston and across Massachusetts trust us with nursing home abuse cases:
- Specialized Experience: We focus on Massachusetts elder law and nursing home regulations, and we stay informed on federal compliance standards under CMS and OBRA.
- Veteran-Owned Values: Integrity, responsibility, and discipline are not just our guiding principles—they are the foundation of how we advocate for you.
- End-to-End Legal Support: From gathering evidence and medical reports to navigating complex insurance negotiations, we manage your case thoroughly, allowing you to focus on your family.
- Personalized Representation: No two abuse cases are alike. We tailor our strategy to your unique situation, ensuring your loved one’s voice is heard and honored.
At Dolan Connly, P.C., we believe that every elder deserves to live with dignity, safety, and respect. When that trust is broken, we fight to restore justice. Our nursing home abuse attorneys in Boston combine legal precision with compassionate representation to help families reclaim peace of mind.
Dolan Connly, P.C.’s Nursing Home Abuse Settlements
$1,006,330.03
Greg Connly of DOLAN CONNLY represented a client who was a former MBTA trolley operator and a member of the affiliated Union. She alleged in her lawsuit filed in Suffolk Superior Court that the Union had not advocated for her by failing to take her case to arbitration after she was wrongfully terminated by the MBTA. The client was a native of Haiti and alleged that this failure by the Union to advocate on her behalf, was based on her race and national origin. The client had been the subject of egregious discrimination from some members of the Union.
The trial began on October 29, 2018 in Suffolk Superior Court. The jury found in favor of the client and awarded her $490,500.00 in emotional distress damages. Prejudgment interest of $179,771.19 and statutory costs were added to the verdict bringing the total amount of the judgment to $670,556.19. The Judge then allowed an additional award of attorney’s fees in the amount of $150,000.00 plus $8,733.40 in costs. The total amount of the judgment and fees owed to the client after the Superior Court trial was $829,289.59. The Union then appealed the verdict to the Massachusetts Court of Appeals. Greg Connly represented the client during the entire appeal process. On August 4, 2020, a decision came down from the Massachusetts Appeals Court. The Appeals Court upheld the Superior Court judgment. Further, the Appeals Court awarded attorney’s fees in the Appeals Court case in the amount of $27,355.00. Post-judgment interest that accrued during the appeal was also added.
On November 24, 2020, the Union paid to the client the amount of $1,006,330.03.
This case that was handled by Attorney Greg Connly of DOLAN CONNLY went from one on the verge of dismissal, to one in which there was a recovery in excess of a million dollars. No settlement offer had ever been made by the Union prior to the Superior Court trial.
$4,426,180.35
Greg Connly of DOLAN CONNLY tried a case in September of 2018 in the Worcester Superior Court. The case alleged chiropractic malpractice. The plaintiff/client was an 81-year-old gentleman who had a manipulation to adjust his pelvis done by the defendant/chiropractor. The negligent performance of this manipulation resulted in the breaking of his prosthetic knee. The client reported that he heard an audible popping sound and felt immediate pain at the time of the adjustment. The prosthetic knee had to be surgically repaired fourteen days later. The chiropractor testified that he had no memory of the treatment and he testified that he did not perform the adjustment described by the client. Greg Connly and Barbara Connly of DOLAN CONNLY worked on the case for over seven years. During the trial, Greg Connly put together the facts and expert testimony supporting the client’s position into a coherent credible case for the jury.
On September 14, 2018, the Worcester Superior Court jury came back with a verdict in favor of the plaintiff/client. DOLAN CONNLY’S client was awarded $750,000.00 in past and future medical expenses and $3,000,000.00 in pain and suffering. Including interest, the total judgment was $4,426,180.35. No offer had ever been made by the defense to settle the case. The verdict was appealed by the defense attorney. The case resolved during the appeal process with the 88-year-old client receiving a significant financial settlement, above and beyond any other comparable Massachusetts settlement or verdict for such injuries. Click here to see the actual court docket.
$3,680,187.78
Greg Connly of DOLAN CONNLY tried a case in the Brockton Superior Court in November of 2011. The plaintiff/client was a forty-two-year-old chef working for a third-party food service company at the defendant’s corporate cafeteria. The plaintiff sustained an electric shock when a dishwasher, provided for his use by the defendant, malfunctioned when he pressed the off button on the control panel. The machine was leaking water that came in contact with a live electrical circuit behind the control panel. Greg Connly was able to prove at trial that the defendant corporation was responsible for maintenance of the dishwasher and that it was in a hazardous and unsafe condition. It was discovered that the dishwasher had various mechanical problems after its initial installation and employees of the defendant failed to properly maintain it. The plaintiff suffered a traumatic brain injury, major depression, panic disorder, cognitive impairment and post-traumatic stress disorder. Following the electric shock, the plaintiff who had received excellent work reviews over the years, struggled at his job due to the effects of the traumatic brain injury. He never regained his previous high-level functioning in his occupation and was forced to stop working altogether.
On November 29, 2011, the Brockton Superior Court jury came back with a verdict in favor of the plaintiff/client. DOLAN CONNLY’S client was awarded $2,500,000.00 in past and future medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost earning capacity. Including interest in the amount of $1,180,187.78, the final award was $3,680,187.78. The last offer by the defendant corporation to settle the case before trial was $50,000.00. The verdict was appealed by the defense, but the judgement was paid in full after the trial transcripts were reviewed by appellate counsel. Click here to see the actual court docket.
$475,000.00
A client from Reading was injured when his vehicle was struck by another vehicle traveling in the wrong direction on a one-way street. Our client suffered a worsening of a pre-existing cervical disc protrusion that required surgical repair, as well as injuries to his lower back. He received an insurance claim settlement of $475,000.00. This amount represented the total motor vehicle insurance policy limit for the at-fault driver in the amount of $250,000.00, plus $225,000.00 from an umbrella insurance policy.
$750,000.00
A client from Windham, NH sustained a dog bite in the course of his employment as an electrician. The client was working on an electrical project outside a home when he was asked by the homeowner to enter the home to look at another project. The homeowner did not restrain his Weimaraner dog while our client was in the home, despite knowing the dog was not comfortable with unfamiliar people being present in the residence. When our client was in the process of walking from one room to another, the dog unexpectedly bit him in the back of his leg. The client tried to get the dog to unlock its grip on his leg and in the process, he twisted his back. In addition to the dog bite, the client sustained significant injuries to his low back, hip and groin, including radiating pain into his legs and feet. The client underwent treatment including fusion surgery to his back and hip surgery to repair a labral tear. We represented the client in litigation filed against the homeowner. This litigation was settled during mediation for $750,000.00.
Boston nursing home abuse lawyers at Dolan Connly, P.C. have successfully secured significant settlements for families harmed by elder mistreatment. These cases include compensation for untreated bedsores, wrongful deaths due to neglect, medication errors, and emotional abuse.
Our personal injury lawyers in Boston work tirelessly to ensure victims and their families receive compensation that reflects the full impact of the abuse, including pain, suffering, and long-term consequences.
What Damages Can You Claim in a Nursing Home Abuse Case in Boston?
In Massachusetts, nursing home residents are protected by both state elder protection laws and federal standards under the Nursing Home Reform Act. If your loved one has suffered abuse, neglect, or exploitation while in the care of a nursing facility, the law entitles you to pursue comprehensive compensation.
Our Boston nursing home abuse lawyers conduct exhaustive investigations to expose mistreatment and recover the full scope of damages your family deserves. Here are the key types of damages that may be recovered in a nursing home abuse lawsuit:
Medical Expenses
Abuse and neglect often lead to serious, sometimes irreversible injuries. You may recover compensation for emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, diagnostic testing, mobility aids, and rehabilitation services. Common conditions that may result from negligence include:
- Pressure ulcers (bedsores)
- Untreated infections or sepsis
- Recurrent falls and broken bones
- Dehydration and malnutrition
- Unaddressed chronic medical conditions
Medical damages also include future care costs when long-term recovery or assisted living becomes necessary due to facility negligence.
Pain and Suffering
This includes compensation for the emotional and psychological impact of abuse or neglect. Victims often experience:
- Anxiety or panic attacks
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Depression and withdrawal
- Loss of trust in caregivers
- Nightmares or sleep disturbances
These forms of suffering are particularly devastating for elderly residents who may already be cognitively or physically vulnerable.
Wrongful Death
If abuse or neglect results in a resident’s death, the surviving family may file a wrongful death claim. Our firm treats these cases with the utmost care, compassion, and legal rigor. Damages may include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of consortium or companionship
- Emotional distress of surviving family members
- The pain and suffering the victim experienced prior to death
- Loss of income or benefits, in rare cases involving still-working elderly individuals
Punitive Damages
In cases of egregious misconduct, such as intentional physical abuse, sexual assault, or knowing failure to provide lifesaving care, Massachusetts courts may award punitive damages.
These are designed not only to compensate the victim but to punish the facility or staff and send a message that such conduct will not be tolerated.
Loss of Quality of Life
Neglect and abuse often result in diminished enjoyment of daily life. This may include:
- Reduced mobility or independence
- Cognitive decline from isolation or neglect
- Loss of social interaction or recreational activity
- Disfigurement from untreated wounds or injuries
These damages speak to the long-term degradation of the resident’s dignity, freedom, and well-being—a tragic consequence that cannot be ignored in a claim for justice.
At Dolan Connly, P.C., we partner with board-certified physicians, geriatric psychologists, financial experts, and care specialists to document and quantify the real toll of nursing home abuse. We present meticulously detailed claims backed by evidence that speaks for those who may not be able to advocate for themselves.
If your loved one has suffered at the hands of those entrusted with their care, a nursing home abuse lawyer in Boston is here to stand with you and fight back.
Types of Nursing Home Abuse Cases We Handle at Dolan Connly, P.C.
At Dolan Connly, P.C., we are deeply committed to protecting the dignity and well-being of some of our community’s most vulnerable individuals—elderly residents in nursing homes and long-term care facilities. Abuse and neglect in these settings is often subtle, systemic, and devastating.
Our attorneys bring decades of experience and a deep sense of responsibility to every case, working diligently to expose misconduct, hold wrongdoers accountable, and help families find justice. We represent clients in a broad range of nursing home abuse and neglect cases in Boston, including:
- Physical Abuse: Injuries such as unexplained bruises, lacerations, or fractures may indicate the use of unnecessary force, rough handling, or inappropriate restraints.
- Emotional and Psychological Abuse: Verbal assaults, threats, humiliation, and intentional isolation can cause lasting emotional trauma and erode a resident’s mental health.
- Sexual Abuse: Any form of non-consensual sexual contact, especially involving residents who are unable to communicate or consent, is a serious violation requiring immediate legal intervention.
- Neglect of Basic Needs: The failure to provide adequate food, water, hygiene, medical attention, or mobility assistance often leads to preventable injuries and health complications.
- Financial Exploitation: Misuse of a resident’s finances, such as unauthorized withdrawals, forged checks, or undue influence over wills or accounts, can significantly harm both the victim and their family.
- Medical Negligence: Improper medication management, untreated pressure ulcers, delayed responses to health concerns, and other failures in care may constitute malpractice within the facility.
- Resident-on-Resident Abuse: Facilities have a legal and ethical duty to prevent harm from other residents, particularly in cases involving known behavioral issues or cognitive impairment.
Families in Boston turn to us not only for our legal acumen but for our genuine commitment to making things right. We understand the emotional toll these cases take and provide guidance grounded in empathy, discretion, and resolve. In addition to nursing home litigation, our firm is proud to represent clients in a wide range of serious personal injury matters, including:
What to Do If You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse in Boston, MA
Suspecting that a loved one is being abused is heartbreaking, and knowing what steps to take can be overwhelming. The sooner you act, the better protected your family member will be. If you suspect nursing home abuse, follow these steps:
- Seek Immediate Medical Help – Ensure your loved one receives a full medical evaluation. Ask providers to document injuries and note any signs of abuse.
- Report the Incident – File a report with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) and the local police if necessary. These reports create an official record and often trigger investigations.
- Preserve Evidence – Take photos of injuries, living conditions, and anything else that appears suspicious. Keep records of staff names, schedules, and conversations.
- Avoid Direct Accusations – Emotions run high, but confronting staff can lead to coverups. Let your attorney handle communications.
- Contact a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer in Boston – Early legal intervention is critical. Our attorneys act quickly to preserve evidence, prevent retaliation, and begin the process of holding the facility accountable.
At Dolan Connly, P.C., we take allegations of abuse seriously. Our lawyers respond quickly, discreetly, and with purpose, so your loved one is protected from further harm, and justice can begin.
How Will a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer at Dolan Connly, P.C. Handle Your Case?
Nursing home abuse cases demand a specialized legal approach. At Dolan Connly, P.C., our attorneys handle these sensitive matters with the thoroughness and care they deserve. This is what you can expect when we represent you:
Rigorous Investigation
We interview staff and residents, review medical charts, analyze surveillance footage, and examine facility records to uncover hidden abuse.
Regulatory Knowledge
We understand both Massachusetts nursing home regulations and federal CMS guidelines. If violations occurred, we use them to build a stronger case.
Negotiation with Insurers and Facilities
Many facilities are owned by large corporations. We are not intimidated by their legal teams or delay tactics, and we never settle for less than your family deserves.
Expert Partnerships
From geriatric specialists to forensic financial experts, we work with professionals who help us calculate damages and prove liability.
Tailored Legal Strategies
Whether your case involves financial exploitation or a wrongful death, we tailor our approach to your unique facts and goals.
When you decide to work with Dolan Connly, P.C., you don’t just get an attorney—you get a legal team that prioritizes results, respects your family, and fights tirelessly for your loved one’s dignity.
Statute of Limitations for Nursing Home Abuse Cases in Massachusetts
Under Massachusetts law, victims of nursing home abuse have three years from the date of the incident, or from when it reasonably should have been discovered, to file a lawsuit. However, certain circumstances, such as mental incapacity or delayed awareness, may affect this timeline.
Important evidence can be lost with time. That is why contacting an attorney should not be delayed. If your loved one has been harmed, contact Dolan Connly, P.C. immediately. Our Boston nursing home abuse lawyers ensure that all filings are completed within the legal timeframe and that your case moves forward efficiently.
How Do You File a Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit in Boston, MA?
Filing a nursing home abuse lawsuit in Massachusetts is a complex process that requires careful attention to detail and a deep understanding of both state and federal laws governing elder care.
At Dolan Connly, P.C., we guide families through each critical step to ensure that the rights of their loved ones are protected and that justice is pursued effectively. Below is an outline of the key legal steps involved in filing a nursing home abuse lawsuit:
1. Initial Case Evaluation
The first step in filing a nursing home abuse lawsuit is a thorough evaluation of the facts surrounding the case. We will review key documents, including medical records, incident reports, the nursing home’s history of violations (if any), staff qualifications, and any available witness statements.
2. Evidence Collection
To build a compelling case, we gather all pertinent evidence. This includes medical records, witness testimony, surveillance footage, regulatory and inspection reports, and expert testimony.
3. Filing the Complaint
Once sufficient evidence is gathered, we proceed with filing a formal complaint in court. The complaint outlines the specifics of the abuse or neglect, the facility’s liability, and the damages sought.
4. Serving the Defendant
After the complaint is filed, we serve the corporate owners of the nursing home with legal documents that notify them of the lawsuit. Proper service ensures that the defendants are formally aware of the legal action being taken against them and gives them the opportunity to respond.
5. Discovery and Negotiation
The discovery phase is a critical step where both parties exchange information and documents relevant to the case. During this phase, we request documents, depose witnesses, and negotiate. Using the evidence gathered during discovery, we work toward a fair settlement. Our goal is always to achieve the maximum compensation without the need for a lengthy trial. However, we are prepared to take the case to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
6. Trial Preparation
If a settlement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to take the case to trial. We will prepare evidence, engage expert witnesses, and build a persuasive narrative. We will present a clear, powerful story that explains how the abuse occurred, why the nursing home is liable, and what harm was caused.
At Dolan Connly, P.C., we approach every nursing home abuse case with the same level of rigor and attention to detail as we would for a trial. This proactive and thorough approach often encourages nursing homes and their insurers to settle the case fairly, but if not, we are fully prepared to fight for your family’s rights in court.
We understand the sensitive nature of these cases and treat every family with the utmost respect and compassion. Our goal is to provide both legal expertise and emotional support throughout this challenging journey.
Boston Nursing Home Abuse Client Testimonials
The legal council I received from Dolan Connly starting with the initial office visit to the settlement of my personal injury case was very helpful when I needed it most. They helped me navigate all the options and told me in plain English what to expect. I was a cooperative client and provided them with all the documentation they required and was patient allowing the legal process to unfold all of which they appreciated. Given the extent of damages I incurred from the accident I was pleased with the total compensation I received. Kathleen Allen has been our attorney for a few properties and we have sold and have been very happy and satisfied with her professional care in these transactions. There is a very easy way about her, as these things can be very stressful. She was always right there for any concerns or questions that we had. I would highly recommend her to my friends and family. I have closed on two houses with Dolan Connly in the past 10 years. In July 2022, I worked with Kathleen Allen on a closing and was extremely impressed with her professionalism, honestly, and attention to detail. She was the only party to notice a trust was expiring weeks before the planned closing date. Her keen eye resulted in the seller extending the trust and preventing a delay in the closing. -Sam Excellent service ! Barry McIsaac was prompt and effective in dealing my claim case. We need more attorneys like him to help hold big companies accountable. I’d recommend Barry and the Dolan Connly firm to anyone. I worked with Kathleen Allen to purchase my first home in Boston and she was incredible! The seller and I were not working with real estate agents, but Kathleen went above and beyond to make the closing process smooth. I was able to close on time due to her advocating and watching over me. I could not have bought this home without her help. I highly recommend anyone looking for a knowledgeable, quick, and advocating attorney to contact her to purchase a home.
Schedule a Consultation with a Lawyer Today
If your loved one has experienced abuse or neglect in a Boston nursing home, you don’t have to face it alone. Dolan Connly, P.C. is ready to listen, act, and fight for justice. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation with a nursing home abuse lawyer who truly cares.
FAQ: Boston Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
If your loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse in Boston, you likely have many questions about your rights, the legal process, and how to secure the compensation your family deserves. Below, we have addressed some of the most frequently asked questions to help guide you through this difficult time.
How do I prove that nursing home abuse occurred?
Proving nursing home abuse involves gathering strong evidence. Medical records showing injuries or signs of neglect are critical. Testimonies from staff, other residents, or witnesses who have observed the abuse can also play a vital role. Video footage or photographic evidence of injuries or poor living conditions, along with expert testimony from medical professionals or geriatric specialists, can strengthen the case. Additionally, reports from regulatory agencies, such as the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, documenting violations at the facility may provide further support.
What are the signs that a nursing home is mistreating my loved one?
There are several warning signs to look for when suspecting nursing home mistreatment. Unexplained injuries such as bruises, burns, or fractures may indicate abuse. If your loved one shows withdrawal or fear of certain staff members, this can be a sign of emotional or physical mistreatment. Sudden weight loss, dehydration, or malnutrition can be red flags for neglect. Poor hygiene, unclean bedding, or foul odors may indicate a lack of care. Emotional changes such as depression, anxiety, or agitation, along with the disappearance of personal items, may suggest both physical and financial abuse.
What should I do if I witness nursing home abuse?
If you witness nursing home abuse, it is important to take immediate action. Call 911 if there is an immediate threat to the safety of the resident. Report the abuse to the facility’s management and document all your observations. It is also crucial to contact the Massachusetts Department of Public Health or Adult Protective Services to file a formal complaint. Additionally, reaching out to a nursing home abuse attorney is an essential step to ensure your loved one’s legal rights are protected.
How do I know if the nursing home is financially responsible for the abuse?
In many cases, the nursing home facility is financially responsible for the abuse or neglect that occurs on its premises. Under Massachusetts law, nursing homes can be held liable for the actions of their staff, particularly if the abuse happened during the course of their duties. An attorney can investigate your case thoroughly to determine if the facility, a specific caregiver, or another third party is liable for the abuse.
Can I file a nursing home abuse claim if the abuse happened months or years ago?
Yes, you can file a claim even if the abuse occurred some time ago. However, Massachusetts law has a statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits, which is three years from the date the abuse occurred. If the abuse was not discovered immediately, the statute of limitations may begin from the date it was discovered, or should have been discovered. To ensure you don’t miss any important deadlines, it is essential to consult with an attorney as soon as possible.
Can nursing home abuse result in criminal charges?
Yes, nursing home abuse can result in criminal charges, including assault, neglect, or even sexual assault. Massachusetts law allows both criminal prosecution and civil lawsuits in nursing home abuse cases. While a civil lawsuit seeks compensation for the victim, criminal charges are meant to punish the perpetrator, and they can lead to penalties such as imprisonment, fines, and probation. It is important to work with an attorney who can navigate both the criminal and civil aspects of the case to ensure justice is served.
What is the difference between nursing home abuse and nursing home neglect?
Nursing home abuse refers to intentional harm or mistreatment by a caregiver, whereas nursing home neglect occurs when there is a failure to provide necessary care. Neglect can involve failure to provide food, medication, proper hygiene, or medical treatment. While both types of mistreatment are serious, neglect is often harder to identify and can be just as damaging as physical abuse.
Can a nursing home abuse case result in punitive damages?
Yes, in certain cases, punitive damages can be awarded in addition to compensatory damages. These damages are intended to punish the nursing home or the responsible party for particularly egregious conduct and deter future misconduct. Punitive damages are typically awarded in cases where the abuse was extreme, such as when the facility has a history of violations or the staff intentionally harmed the resident.
What is the role of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) in nursing home abuse cases?
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) oversees nursing home facilities in the state. If you report abuse, the DPH will investigate the matter and may take enforcement actions against the facility, such as imposing fines, sanctions, or even shutting down the facility. Their findings and reports can be a valuable source of evidence in a nursing home abuse lawsuit.
