How To File Michigan Adult Foster Care Home Complaint

You can file a Michigan Adult Foster Care Home complaint if you or someone you care about has suffered neglect or abuse in an AFC group home.

Residents of these group homes, and their families, rely on the staff to provide a safe place to live. However, some residents experience accidental or even intentional injuries in these homes.

If you or your family member experienced neglect or harm in an AFC group home, you can file a report with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) to investigate the incident.

• How do I file an AFC group home complaint with LARA Michigan?
• What happens if violations are found against the facility?
• How do I get a copy of my Michigan LARA Complaint report?
• What are the common reasons for suing an AFC group home in Michigan?
• How do I start my claim with a lawyer?

What is a Michigan Group Home LARA Complaint?

When an AFC home resident suffers serious injury or harm, the facility is required to file a report with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). The purpose of the complaint is to determine if an investigation of the facility is necessary for possible violations of state and federal certification requirements. The State of Michigan takes these complaints very seriously.

How Do I File an AFC Home Complaint with LARA?

There are three ways to file a LARA report with the State of Michigan. You can:

• Use the online form to file your complaint.
• File the complaint form by mail, fax, or e-mail.
• Call the Complaint Hotline at 800-882-6006 and make your report.

Who Does the Investigation?

The State of Michigan has a team of highly trained investigators who understand the rules and regulations pertaining to AFC homes. They perform detailed investigations and document all issues and violations at the facility.

What Happens if Violations are Found Against the AFC Group Home?

When violations are found, the AFC home is often allowed to make necessary alterations to return to full compliance. There may be occasions when an investigation results in a recommendation to close the facility or suspend operations in the event of serious violations.

How do I get a Copy of My Michigan LARA Complaint Report?

You can request a copy directly from the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs after the investigation is completed. A copy is also sent directly to the Adult Foster Care group home.

Can a LARA Investigation Report be Used in a Lawsuit?

Our experienced attorneys obtain these reports during our investigation of a neglect and abuse claim. The investigations include interviews with facility staff and employees, reviews of policies and procedures, and an examination of the medical records and other patient materials.

The investigation reports often provide us with the basis for pursuing a negligence case or a wrongful death lawsuit. The reports may be introduced into evidence at a civil trial and can provide the basis or suing the facility for monetary compensation. However, many cases are filed even without the benefit of a LARA report as the evidence can be found in the resident chart and other records.

WHAT ARE THE COMMON REASONS FOR SUING AN ADULT FOSTER CARE HOME IN MICHIGAN?

There are many reasons that an AFC home can be sued in Michigan. The most common reasons include:

• Medication errors
• Residents wandering away or eloping from the home
• Poor or improper supervision
• Choking on food and other items
• Burns due to scalding water and hot drinks
• Sexual assaults by staff and other residents
• Wrongful death

WHAT IS THE COMPENSATION AMOUNT FOR A CASE?

Compensation payouts are different in every case. The settlement amount depends on the type of violations committed and the damages suffered by the resident. In addition, the amount of medical bills and expenses, as well as future care, are factored into the settlement amount.

For cases involving death, the surviving family members can file a wrongful death claim. These lawsuits demand compensation for pain and suffering of the decedent prior to death as well as for the loss of companionship resulting to the family members from the loss of a loved one.

HOW DO I START MY CLAIM WITH A MICHIGAN AFC GROUP HOME LAWYER?

You can start your claim by contacting our office by phone or submitting the online case review form. We respond very quickly to all case inquiries and take each one very seriously.

If you filed a LARA complaint and received the report, it is helpful if you can provide that to us after the initial contact. If you filed a LARA complaint and did not receive the report, we will get it for you and provide a copy for your review.

The Buckfire Law Firm is the leader in Michigan AFC home neglect and abuse lawsuits. We have won top settlements and jury verdicts for our clients. We do not charge any fees unless you win a settlement and we only get paid after the case has settled.

Contact us today to speak with an experienced Michigan adult foster care home injury lawyer.