Making the decision to put your loved one into a nursing home can be incredibly difficult. We know you do not want to do it, but it becomes necessary when we are no longer able to care for the person we love. We know that you want what is best for them.
But what happens if you find out that your loved one is being abused in a nursing home?
It can be shocking to discover and you will have many questions about what to do next. When you need a Philadelphia nursing home abuse attorney, you can count on the Weitz Firm to be by your side.
Lifespans in the United States has continued to rise thanks to medical advances. This means that many of us will be facing the decision to put out loved ones in nursing homes. There are nearly 16,000 nursing homes in the US, a number that will continue to rise. Unfortunately, elder abuse is underreported but prevalent.
Elder abuse, as defined by the CDC, is the intentional act, or failure to act, by a caregiver or another person in a relationship involving an expectation of trust the creates a risk of arm to an older adult.
The abuse takes many forms:
Any abuse that someone suffers in a nursing home is wrong and should not be tolerated. If you suspect this is happening to your loved one, contact police immediately. Then, seek legal assistance.
Nursing home and elder abuse are widespread problemsin our society. Unfortunately, the number of incidents of elderly people being abused in nursing homes is so high that many people are discouraged from getting their parents and grandparents into nursing homes.
According to Nursing Home Abuse Guide, more than 2 million cases of elder abuse in the U.S. are reported each year. Other disheartening statistics show that one out of every ten elderly people has experienced some form of elder abuse.
In fact, ask any Philadelphia nursing home abuse attorney, and they will tell you that the vast majority of elder abuse incidents remain unreported.
While nursing homes are supposed to provide a home-like setting for elderly individuals, many of them contribute to the national epidemic of elder abuse in the U.S.
Pennsylvania law prohibits any form of verbal, physical, sexual, financial, emotional, or mental abuse of elderly people, including those who live in a nursing home. A resident in a nursing home has the right to be free of any physical or chemical restraint used to discipline or comfort him or her.
Such restraints can be imposed by the nursing home only to treat a medical condition and must be used upon the written order of a qualified doctor. These restraints cannot be imposed unless the safety of the resident or other residents is at risk.
In fact, nursing home residents have their rights under both federal and state laws, which means an elderly individual is protected by law even if the care facility is not regulated by federal statute.
While nursing home abuse can be defined as engaging in actions that intentionally harm or create a risk of harm to an elderly resident of a nursing home, what qualifies as “neglect”?
In the nursing home setting, neglect is defined as a failure to provide an elderly individual with services and care that is essential to health and safety, including but not limited to food, medical care, supervision, shelter, and clothing.
Depending on whether such actions or inaction are intentional or careless, the nursing home and its staff members will be held responsible for neglect or abuse.
Although Pennsylvania has a system for reporting allegations and complaints of nursing home abuse, neglect, and exploitation, complaining through this system rarely results in a speedy investigation of the matter.
That is why elderly residents of nursing homes benefit from seeking the help of a Philadelphia nursing home abuse lawyer who can investigate the allegations right away and, if necessary, pursue legal action against the nursing home or another care facility.
When a lawyer representing an abused or neglected elderly individual gathers sufficient evidence proving that the complaints are founded, the lawyer can pursue compensation for the injury, humiliation, or indignity suffered by the elderly resident. In some cases, an elderly abuse case can turn into a criminal case.
Some families of elderly individuals who were abused or neglected in nursing homes wonder how their case would be addressed in legal proceedings.
Depending on the circumstances of your elder abuse case, a lawyer can launch an investigation in cooperation with an adult protective service agency, file a civil claim to recover damages or begin formal criminal proceedings to punish the harmful conduct.
Speak to our lawyers at The Weitz Firm, LLC, to figure out which legal proceedings is the most appropriate in your case.
Yes, you have options. At the Weitz Firm, we believe that the elderly deserve respect and will not stand for their abuse. We want to help you hold those responsible accountable. When you need a medical malpractice lawyer in Philadelphia, let us be there for you. Our knowledgeable and experienced team will work tirelessly to secure compensation for your loves one’s pain and suffering. You can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling 267-587-6240.
