Nursing home residents have a right to be treated with dignity and respect. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case. Staff members, management, and other residents often carry out physical and emotional abuse against elderly charges. These actions are unacceptable, but the compassionate attorneys at Stark & Stark are here to help.
If you suspect abuse in your loved one’s nursing home, it’s important to seek answers and bring justice against the perpetrator. Our attorneys can help you file a lawsuit against the nursing home and hold them accountable for their actions.
Contact us at (800) 535-3425 today.
Suspect nursing home abuse? Follow these steps
If you know or suspect that your loved one is suffering abuse at the hands of their caretaker or other party, it may be tempting to lash out and accuse the nursing home immediately. However, it’s best to take a step back and evaluate the situation carefully before making any sudden decisions.
1. Speak with your loved one
Before you do anything else, speak with your loved one, preferably in person so you can check on their physical appearance. Communicate your concerns to your loved one and let them tell you their thoughts.
Of course, many elderly people have dementia or some other condition that affects their memory and judgment, so take what they say with a grain of salt. The important thing here is that you’re showing your loved one that you’re there to help them.
2. Consult a nursing home abuse attorney
Even if your loved one assures you they’re fine, if you suspect abuse you should contact an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney can help you understand your legal options and can help get your loved one out of the situation.
Of course, they can also file a complaint with the state nursing home administration, as well as a claim against the nursing home to hold them accountable for their actions or inactions.
If you have any questions or need help filing a nursing home abuse lawsuit, please contact us today. We are here to help you get the justice your loved one deserves.
What are the types of nursing home abuse?
Physical
Nursing home abuse can take many different forms, but one of the most common is physical abuse. Physical abuse can include punching, slapping, kicking, or even restraining a resident against their will.
Some signs of physical abuse are:
- Bruises, welts, or cuts
- Broken bones
- Unexplained falls
- Burns
- Rashes
Emotional
Emotional abuse can include yelling, verbal threats, intimidation, or humiliation.
Some signs of emotional abuse are:
- Withdrawal from friends or family
- Fear of people in authority positions
- Sudden changes in mood or personality
Sexual
Sexual abuse is a particularly heinous form of nursing home abuse that includes any unwanted sexual contact or activity.
Some signs of sexual abuse are:
- Bruises or other injuries around the genital area
- Torn, stained, or bloody underwear
- Sexual infections
- Sudden changes in mood or personality
Financial
Financial abuse can include stealing money or possessions from the resident, refusing to pay for necessary care, or forcing the resident to sign over their property.
Some signs of financial abuse are:
- Sudden changes in bank account or credit card activity
- Missing money or possessions
- Unexplained debts
- Signing over property or assets against their will
Common nursing home abuse injuries
Nursing home abuse can cause a variety of injuries, both physical and mental. Some common nursing home abuse injuries are:
- Bruises
- Bedsores
- Infections or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
- Sudden changes in mood or personality
- Malnutrition
- Fractures
If you think your loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse, it’s important to seek medical help right away. A doctor can help you determine the extent of the injuries, make a record of them, and treat them.
It is also important to contact an experienced nursing home abuse attorney. An experienced Pennsylvania nursing home abuse lawyer from Stark & Stark Attorneys at Law can help you file a lawsuit against the nursing home and hold them accountable for their actions.
Who perpetrates nursing home abuse?
Nursing home abuse can be perpetrated by anyone involved in the nursing home – the staff, the residents, or even family members. However, most nursing home abuse is perpetrated by staff members, including nurses and caregivers.
Frustration and emotional problems are common reasons for staff members acting out and hurting residents, but they are no excuse.
Certain conditions may make abuse more likely
If you believe that your loved one is a victim of elder abuse, Stark & Stark can help. We have a long history of successfully representing clients in abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation cases. We can fight for the justice your loved one deserves.
While any elderly resident can experience nursing home abuse, some conditions make them more susceptible to injury and mistreatment.
Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia
One of the most heartbreaking aspects of elder abuse is that it is often perpetrated against victims who are unable to protect themselves. Patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia have trouble identifying, remembering, and reporting abuse. This fact alone makes it easy for an abuser to continue hurting the resident.
Stubbornness
One of the most common reasons that elder abuse goes unreported is because the victim is too stubborn or proud to admit that they are being victimized.
They may feel like they are too old or weak to stand up for themselves, or they may be embarrassed by the situation.
It is important to remember that you are not alone. Stark & Stark Attorneys at Law is here to help you fight for the justice your loved one deserves.
Social isolation
Another common reason that elder abuse goes unreported is that the victim is socially isolated. They may not have any close friends or family members who are able to help them, and they may be afraid to reach out for help.
Stark & Stark can provide you with the support you need during this difficult time. We can fight for the justice your loved one deserves.
History of trauma or abuse
If your loved one has a history of difficulty with the law or has been a victim of abuse in the past, they may be reluctant to report the current abuse.
They may feel like they are not being taken seriously or that they are capable of handling the situation themselves. Stark & Stark is here to help you.
How soon do I need to file a nursing home abuse lawsuit?
In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations, or deadline for filing a nursing home abuse lawsuit is two years from the date you became aware of the abuse.
If you don’t file within two years, you may lose your right to file a lawsuit and receive any compensation for the abuse you suffered. This is why it is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible if you think you may have a case.
If you are considering filing a nursing home abuse lawsuit, contact Stark & Stark today for a free consultation. We can review your case and help you decide whether filing a lawsuit is the best course of action.
Stark & Stark fights for your family when you need it most
Nursing home abuse claims are complex. That’s an additional worry you don’t need when your family is already reeling from a nursing home’s breach of trust. At Stark & Stark, every case is overseen by a certified trial attorney. We’re always ready to take your claim to court, and we’re here for you every step of the way.
Our Pennsylvania nursing home abuse attorneys are here for you
Stark & Stark is a leading full service law firm in Pennsylvania. We have the experience and resources needed to hold negligent nursing homes accountable for the abuse and neglect of their patients.
If you or a loved one has suffered abuse or neglect in a nursing home, call (800) 535-3425 for a free consultation. Our team of experienced nursing home abuse attorneys can work tirelessly to get you the justice you deserve.
