Serving Winder, Auburn, Bethlehem, Statham, & Nearby Communities
When families in Barrow County entrust a loved one to a nursing home, they expect safety, dignity, and expert care. But sometimes, unfortunately, residents suffer from abuse or neglect. At Blasingame, Burch, Garrard & Ashley, P.C., we stand ready to hold these facilities accountable when abuse or neglect leads to serious harm or death.
We offer free, no-obligation case reviews and consultations. Call 706-354-4000 or fill out our online contact form and tell us about your potential case. We work on a contingency-fee basis, which means there is no cost unless we recover money for you in your case.
Understanding Abuse vs. Neglect in Barrow County Nursing Homes
- Abuse means intentional acts such as hitting, sexual assault, or emotional abuse.
- Neglect occurs when basic needs, like food, hydration, hygiene, medication, or safety, are not met due to omissions or understaffing.
Recognizing the distinction is key in holding long-term care facilities legally responsible.
Georgia Law & Barrow County Facilities
Georgia law mandates that all long-term care facilities in Barrow County must:
- Maintain sufficient staffing
- Provide proper nutrition, hydration, and hygiene
- Accurately administer and monitor medications
- Prevent falls, infections, bedsores, choking, and wandering
These standards are regulated by the Georgia Department of Community Health and CMS, but violations often go unnoticed until it’s too late.
Local Courts & Legal Process
Nursing home abuse and neglect cases are handled in the Piedmont Judicial Circuit, which includes Barrow, Banks & Jackson Counties. The Barrow County Courthouse (Superior, State & Juvenile Courts) is at 652 Barrow Park Drive, Suite B, Winder, GA 30680. Civil filings, including nursing home lawsuits, are managed through PeachCourt e-filing with filing fees around $213.
EMS Coverage & Hospital Transports in Barrow County
Barrow County EMS, operating under Northeast Georgia Health Systems, is licensed for ground ambulance and first-responder care. Winder alone accounts for about 32% of EMS calls county-wide, though the city doesn’t station its own ambulances. These rapid-response systems are critical when nursing home patients suffer serious events like choking, falls, heart attacks or strokes.
Common Types of Cases We Handle
- Choking incidents during meals or medication
- Resident-on-resident violence due to poor supervision
- Falls and drops during bathing or transfers
- Elopement, when a resident wanders off unsupervised
- Malnutrition/dehydration, bedsores, and hygiene neglect
- Medication errors, such as overdoses or omissions
- Understaffing or negligent hiring leading to serious harm
Each of these can cause catastrophic injury, and our team has the experience to seek fair compensation and hold the right people responsible.
A History of Results
We have an established track record of bringing our clients the results they expect and deserve. We have recovered millions of dollars for our clients, and we know how to fight the insurance companies.
Red Flags of Abuse or Neglect
- Unexplained bruising, fractures, or frequent injuries
- Sudden weight loss or dehydration
- Bedsores or infections
- Soiled clothes, sheets, or poor grooming
- Emotional withdrawal, anxiety, or fear around caregivers
- Confusion, wandering, or unsupervised elopement
- Repeated hospitalizations without clear justification
When something feels off, your concern matters, report it promptly and consider legal advice.
Reporting Nursing Home Abuse in Barrow County
If you suspect abuse or neglect, first voice your concern to the nursing home’s administrator and/or director of nursing. Ask them to document your complaint in writing. In emergencies or when someone is in immediate danger, call 911 right away. Beyond that, you can file an official complaint with the Georgia Department of Community Health’s Healthcare Facility Regulation Division using their online form or by calling 1‑800‑878‑6442.
You should also notify Adult Protective Services (APS) by calling 1‑866‑552‑4464. These agencies can launch investigations while you consider legal steps to protect your loved one. If you suspect abuse or neglect led to your loved ones serious injuries or death, contact one of our skilled nursing home abuse attorneys at 706-354-4000 or fill out our discreet online contact form and someone will be in touch.
Why Nursing Home Abuse Cases Are Complex
Nursing home cases in Barrow County often involve missing or altered medical records, arbitration clauses to block lawsuits, corporations denying responsibility, nursing home chains or ownership consolidation, and pre-existing condition defenses.
To succeed, we rely on:
- Medical and nursing experts
- Regulatory inspection reports
- Subpoenaed or requested documents in discovery that outline control, profit-sharing, and budget authority to determine who is responsible
- Forensic record analysis
- Detailed witness testimony
Click here to learn more about arbitration agreements and how they violate victims’ rights.
Nursing Home Star Ratings: What They Mean
Nursing homes are rated by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) based on inspections, staffing, and quality measures. Poor ratings, especially in staffing and health inspections, often signal serious problems.
See our Georgia Nursing Home Ratings Guide »
How Our Experienced Attorneys Can Help You
Our firm will:
- Review the details of your situation and determine if you have a valid case
- Conduct a strategic investigation focused on severe injuries and death
- Team with medical experts and care specialists, and other practices within our firm to build a strong case
- Manage communication with the facility and insurers
- Pursue compensation for medical bills, suffering, and if possible, punitive damages
There are never any upfront fees for our expert services. We work on a contingency basis, which means there is no cost unless we recover money for you in your case.
About Barrow County & Its Seniors
Barrow County (approx. 93,000 residents) is growing, with towns like Winder, Auburn, Bethlehem, and Statham becoming retirement hubs. With this influx, demands on nursing home care intensify, and sometimes lead to corners being cut to boost profits.
Contact our Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys
If you notice signs of abuse or neglect, don’t wait. Barrow County’s courts are equipped to handle these cases, and EMS systems are ready when emergencies occur. Our attorneys are experienced litigators local to Barrow County with the resources to take on large facility operators and complex nursing home abuse and neglect cases.
Call (706) 354‑4000 or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation.
Blasingame, Burch, Garrard & Ashley, P.C.
Dedicated to protecting Georgia’s seniors from abuse and neglect.