Pennsylvania Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Nursing home abuse can be any intentional or negligent actions that cause harm to residents living in nursing homes or long-term care facilities. The behavior involves acts or omissions by caregivers and staff that violate legal rights and harm the well-being of vulnerable elderly residing in the facilities.

Sadly, abuse and neglect are a lot more common than most would like to believe. Families must stay diligent and know which signs to watch for. You should report suspected abuse to law enforcement immediately, then talk to a seasoned personal injury attorney. Schedule a free consultation with a Pennsylvania nursing home abuse lawyer to learn more.

Different Forms of Abuse and Neglect

There are various types of nursing home abuse, and each type has different signs to be aware of and report. Some examples of the different kinds of nursing home abuse include the following:

• Physical abuse, which involves any intentional infliction of bodily harm on the resident, including hitting, pushing, restraining, or pinching
• Emotional and psychological abuse refers to the infliction of emotional and mental distress, such as humiliating, intimidating, threatening, or belittling
• Neglect in nursing homes occurs when staff fails to provide adequate and necessary care to residents and may lead to inadequate nutrition, dehydration, lack of hygiene, and failure to supply the appropriate medication
• Financial exploitation includes the improper use of a resident’s money or assets and may involve misuse of credit cards or funds, forgery, or coercion
• Sexual abuse is any non-consensual sexual attention, activity, or inappropriate sexual conduct toward residents

Knowing the possible signs and symptoms of potential for abuse is challenging. However, recognizing the warning signs is essential for the family and friends of residents to help keep their loved ones and other residents safe. Reporting suspected abuse promptly could mean the difference in life or death.

Signs of Abuse

Signs of nursing home abuse may include:

• Unexplained injuries, such as bruises, sprains, and broken bones
• Diagnosis of a sexually transmitted disease
• Sudden changes in the expected behavior of residents, such as withdrawal from social activities they usually enjoy
• Evidence they are not receiving medicine as necessary
• Malnutrition or dehydration
• Dirty clothing or lack of daily care and upkeep

After reporting the possible signs or suspected abuse to the local authorities, a Pennsylvania nursing home abuse attorney can help you prepare for the next steps.

Resident’s Rights in Nursing Homes

State nursing home laws protect residents by enforcing the allowable standards of care and cover various aspects of nursing home operations. The statutes cover staff requirements, licensing, quality of care, and resident rights. Nursing home resident rights guarantee certain legal rights for all nursing home residents, including their right to respect and dignity, privacy, participation in their medical decisions, and the right to live life free from neglect or abuse.

The statute further protects residents from discrimination based on race, gender, or religion. A qualified nursing home abuse lawyer in Pennsylvania understands the rules and regulations and could investigate to determine if the residents are at risk of harm.

Meet With a Qualified Nursing Home Abuse Attorney in Pennsylvania

Sending a loved one to live in a long-term care facility or nursing home is usually a challenging choice to make. Learning they may be suffering harm at the hands of people you trust can be devastating. You must act promptly to report suspected abuse to protect your loved one and other residents living in the home.

Once your friend or family member is safe, you have the legal right to pursue compensation against the liable party. Meet with an experienced Pennsylvania nursing home abuse lawyer soon to review your case and options.