Depositions are a crucial aspect of a nursing home negligence claim. Depositions provide an opportunity to test and probe the nursing home’s sworn explanation of the circumstances leading to the injury. Depositions also lock staff and administrators into a position on a topic, thus providing impeachment material if the witness seeks to change his or her testimony at trial. Put simply, the attorney must depose the right people to maximize the value of any plaintiff’s nursing home negligence claim.
First, it is important to depose the nursing home staff that cared for the resident. Finding these caregivers may be difficult because the turnover rate for nursing home employees is so high. That being said, if the caregiver no longer works for the nursing home they are more likely to provide truthful testimony regarding both the plaintiff and the nursing home’s standard practices. Regardless of their employment status, caregivers interact with residents on a regular basis and should be able to provide essential information about the circumstances leading to the plaintiff’s injuries.
Second, the charge nurses, director of nursing and nursing home administrator should all be deposed if possible. Luckily, turnover rates for these positions are much lower so the proper person is easier to locate. Conducting each of these depositions permits the attorney to compare and contrast each nurse’s account of the events in question. In addition, the nursing home director and administrator can likely provide important information regarding staffing, the standard of care and hiring policies.
Nursing home negligence claims involve many complex legal and medical issues. Having the right attorney is essential to recovering what you deserve. Our Kansas City nursing home abuse law firm will do everything possible to assist you in obtaining the maximum compensation you deserve. More importantly, our Kansas City nursing home abuse law firm will serve as an ally that will give you and your family the respect and compassion it needs. Contact us for your free consultation today.
