If your loved one has faced abuse or neglect of any kind in a nursing home, it is in your best interest to report the behavior and consider your legal options. Read on and give our firm a call today to discuss any questions you may have with one of our nursing home abuse attorneys.
What are the common signs of neglect and abuse in nursing homes?
Those residing in nursing homes have the right to live a life with pride, respect, and privacy, in addition to other basic human rights. However, this is not always the case and some of those who work in assisted living facilities may take advantage of elderly or frail residents and deny them of these rights. Abuse and neglect in nursing homes can be witnessed in various forms, all of which can be extremely devastating to victims and their families. There are several ways that our firm has seen these incidents occur including, and not limited to, the following:
- Physical abuse
- Bedsores from not being moved often enough
- Malnutrition
- Sexual assault and abuse
- Verbal abuse and harassment
- Medication Errors
- Infections
- Dehydration
- Broken bones
Our firm recognizes the heartbreak felt after learning your loved one has been abused or neglected. Fortunately, our legal team has the experience and dedication required to ensure that your loved one’s rights are protected and that they are taken away from harm immediately. Give us a call today to get started.
How can I establish the burden of proof?
Keep in mind that all allegations of nursing home abuse and neglect should be reported to the appropriate administration and/or authorities. Nursing home facilities are regulated by the Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare and Medicaid. These agencies also accept reports of alleged neglect and/or abuse in nursing homes. Before bringing a lawsuit, you should file the proper report or complaint with the appropriate agency. This authorizes the family member and loved one to create a paper trail that can indicate the proof needed for a lawsuit.
In the event that the loved one is cognizant of unsanitary or alarming conditions or has evidence of abuse (like bruises, bite marks, or welts) in a nursing home, it is important to preserve any evidence of the shocking conditions. This can be key information presented to the nursing home administrator, who then has an obligation to investigate. While these steps may be cautious in determining negligence, it is critical to contact an attorney to discuss the issue. Frequently, nursing homes are lax in their investigations and may not follow the protocol set by the state and federal agencies that govern their operations. In cases where a loved one’s life may be in danger, family members should report the abuse or neglect to law enforcement as soon as possible.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED PENNSYLVANIA FIRM
Friedman Schuman is an experienced and dedicated legal resource for clients throughout Pennsylvania. Contact Friedman Schuman today to schedule a consultation.
