Nursing home abuse and neglect is something that many elderly or disabled individuals are faced with each day. Roughly two million Americans reside in nursing homes or long-term care facilities and sadly, many receive poor care. If you or a loved one were abused or neglected at a nursing home or long-term care facility, know you are not alone. The attorneys at Berger and Green are here to help protect your rights and integrity. Abuse and neglect can happen in a lot of different ways. It is important to understand these issues to ensure you or your loved one is being cared for in the proper way.
Types of Abuse and Neglect
- Falls
- Assault or battery
- Emotional abuse
- Lack of care for existing medical problems
- Sexual assault or harassment
- Unreasonable restraint or seclusion
- Malnutrition
- Medication errors
- Failure to observe and report changes in condition
If you suspect that your loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, here a few signs to look out for.
- Obvious signs of an injury including broken bones or bruises
- Dehydration/malnutrition
- Sudden changes in alertness or physical problems
- Bedsores
- Infections
- Reluctance to speak with staff members
- Unusual or sudden changes in behavior
- Unsanitary conditions
- Unexplained death
- Emotional distress
Some of the most serious types of injuries may include:
- Death
- Brain damage
- Broken bones
- Permanent change in mobility
- Permanent organ damage
These are only a few types of abuse and neglect signs to look out for. Ultimately you, the family member, know your loved one better than anyone else. If you feel that something is not right, do not feel alone.
It is important to consult an experienced attorney to help with your case. There may be a number of people responsible for the abuse or neglect of your loved one and it is important to understand who should be held accountable.
The personal injury attorneys at Berger and Green accept nursing home abuse and neglect cases on an affordable, contingent-fee basis, which means that you will not pay us any money if we do not win your case. Have you or a loved one been injured or abused at a nursing home facility and are unsure whether you have a claim? Contact Berger and Green today for a free no obligation consultation.
40+ years of experience from strong, knowledgeable, compassionate attorneys.
Start A Free EvaluationPittsburgh Nursing Home Abuse FAQs
Determining how to look for signs of abuse and what to do once you find evidence of it can be challenging. You have questions that need answers, and our nursing home abuse lawyers are here to help.
What Does Elder Abuse Look Like?
When Can You Sue a Nursing Home?
We know you’re hurting. We can help. Free case evaluations, home and hospital visits.
Contact Us Now For HelpWhat Does Elder Abuse Look Like?
Elder abuse can occur in a variety of ways. When it comes to mistreatment in nursing home facilities, any staff member, other residents, or anyone with access to the facility can potentially harm the residents there.
If you’re able to understand the warning signs early enough, you might be able to recognize if and when your loved one is in danger so that you can intervene. If you suspect that your loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, here are a few signs and red flags to look out for:
- Obvious signs of an injury, including broken bones or bruises
- Dehydration/malnutrition
- Sudden changes in alertness or physical problems
- Bedsores and bleeding
- Unexplained infections or diseases
- Reluctance to speak with staff members
- Unusual or sudden changes in behavior
- Unsanitary conditions
- Unexplained death
- Emotional distress and withdrawal
- Sudden financial problems
- Changes in your loved one’s legal documents, like power of attorney or will
Nursing homes must employ qualified, well-trained staff to deal with any situation that may occur on the premises. There might be situations where nursing home negligence occurs because of administrative understaffing, which can put all residents at risk of injury or even expose them to disreputable staff members with little to no oversight.
You need an attorney with the experience and dedication to give your case the care it deserves.
Start A Free EvaluationWhen Can You Sue a Nursing Home?
Once you believe or have evidence that nursing home abuse is taking place, you can file a claim. If you suspect your loved one is being victimized, a lawyer can help to investigate. But it’s important to do so as quickly as possible. You may never know how long it’s been going on.
Each state has a statute of limitations that gives claimants a deadline to file for personal injuries. If you wait too long, and the deadline expires, you might never be able to pursue compensation through a lawsuit. Under 42 Pa. C.S. § 5524 in Pennsylvania, the time limit is two years.