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Pennsylvania Elder/Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Call (888) 473-4416 to speak with an attorney.

According to law enforcement officials in the state of Pennsylvania, there is an unusually high incidence of nursing home abuse in the region. Unfortunately, nursing home abuse is far too common all across America. The National Center on Elder Abuse reports that more than 50% of America's 18,000+ nursing homes are understaffed, which can lead to stress and frustration in an already delicate and stressful situation. This, coupled with numerous other factors, may lead to elder/nursing home abuse, which occurs in around 30% of all nursing homes across America.

Every year, tens of thousands of elderly Americans are abused in their own homes, in relatives homes, and even in facilities responsible for their care. You may suspect that an elderly person you know is being harmed physically or emotionally by a neglectful or overwhelmed caregiver, or being preyed upon financially.

Elder/nursing home abuse presents itself in many different forms, ranging from physical, sexual, and psychological abuse to malnutrition, financial exploitation, and pure neglect. If you have made the difficult decision to place a family member in a nursing home, you and your family member shouldn't have to suffer through any type of neglect or abuse at the hands of a caregiver or even other residents.

Some injuries are visible, and therefore will be noticed right away. Some examples include broken bones, bruises, cuts, scars, and bed sores. If you notice any of these signs, it is important to report the problem immediately. Ask the resident, attending nurse and assistant, the staff supervisor, and the attending physician about the injury. If you do not receive satisfactory reassurance, or if you suspect that abuse is taking place despite the reassurances you have been given, you should continue to pursue the matter among the hospital or nursing home administration. Most nursing homes have a patient care or relatives' liaison with whom you can discuss your concerns.

Signs of neglect include insufficient food and water, insufficient bathing opportunities, failure to change the resident's undergarments in a timely manner, failure to supply personal hygiene products, insufficient medical attention, and failure to assist in the basic functions for the resident.

Elder abuse can also take place in the victim's own home, if he or she lives independently or semi-independently. A relative or other caregiver, such as a paid companion or home health nurse, may be abusive towards the elderly person in any of the above-named ways. Additionally, someone who is charged with the well-being of an elderly person may be found liable for abuse or neglect if they fail to attend to a person who is incapable of self-sufficiency, or if they leave them alone for long enough that the person is at risk of harming their own well-being.

A Pennsylvania elder/nursing home abuse lawyer or attorney will offer a free nursing home abuse consultation where they will evaluate your case, explain your legal rights, and assess any damages they feel you are entitled to as a result of any abuse or neglect caused by a Pennsylvania nursing home. An elder/nursing home abuse lawyer or attorney will also be well-versed in Pennsylvania nursing home abuse laws, so they will be well-equipped to argue your case.

If you are ready to contact a Pennsylvania elder/nursing home abuse lawyer or attorney, visit the website of the American Bar Association (ABA). Access to the site and the lawyer locator is free.