Pennsylvania law strictly regulates nursing homes to ensure that they offer competent and caring services for loved ones who can no longer live on their own. When you choose one for your family member, you hope that it is safe and comfortable, freeing you from worry that your loved one will fall and break a hip, fail to eat, or suffer from isolation.
Unfortunately, abuse does occur, either neglectful or intentional, and it is important to visit your family member often and stay vigilant for signs. If you suspect physical, emotional, or financial mistreatment by a caregiver or another patient, a Fort Washington nursing home abuse lawyer from our firm can uphold the patient’s rights and hold the perpetrator and the nursing home accountable. Our medical malpractice attorneys take cases across Pennsylvania to help you when your loved one has been harmed and are available to schedule a consultation.
Defining Nursing Home Abuse
Many people think of abuse as physical or sexual attacks, but the broader definition includes mental badgering, careless neglect, and emotional control. Abuse is often difficult to pinpoint when helpless patients are threatened with retaliation if they report it. Subtle signs of abuse can include if your loved one:
- Withdraws and repeatedly refuses to speak about specific caregivers, which could signify they have been threatened, verbally abused, or sexually abused
- Is diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease
- Has unexplained bruises or broken bones that can indicate physical abuse
- Has wedding rings, keepsake jewelry, or other valuables that go missing
- Has fraudulent transactions on bank or credit card statements
- Experiences unexplained weight loss that could mean they are malnourished
- Has rashes, bedsores, or poor hygiene that could mean they are not being cleaned and turned enough
- Has leftover medications that could mean they are not receiving them as often as they should
Even if there is a benign explanation, you should still report any observations to the nursing home administration. If your loved one confides that abuse is occurring, our Fort Washington long-term care abuse attorneys can provide immediate information to report the abuse and get your loved one to safety.
Your Loved One May Be Entitled to Compensation for Abuse
If your loved one is being abused by a staff member or another patient, the nursing home’s administration should be held accountable. Federal and Pennsylvania law prohibit abuse and mistreatment, and require nursing home patients to be treated with respect and dignity. Facilities must make their policies available to residents and the public, including a statement of residents’ rights.
Failing to safeguard patients who are harmed is considered negligence. Our compassionate attorneys are experienced negotiators and can work with a facility’s insurer or file a lawsuit on your loved one’s behalf to seek damages. Depending on the situation, we can recover compensation for:
- Medical costs
- Relocation fees to another facility
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Loss of the enjoyment of life
Call our lawyers today if you suspect your loved one is being abused in a Fort Washington assisted living facility.
Contact a Fort Washington Attorney for Help After Mistreatment in a Nursing Home Facility
You hope that your loved one’s care facility is staffed by dedicated and compassionate employees, but sometimes an employee or another patient can become abusive. If your loved one has experienced abuse, you should immediately report it to the facility’s administration and involve law enforcement if necessary.
After reporting, a Fort Washington nursing home abuse lawyer at our firm is ready to support you in making a claim for compensation. We are here to help protect your family’s welfare and help you seek a rightful settlement or trial verdict. Call today for a consultation about your potential case.