FAQs About Pennsylvania Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit and Neglect Claims
Thousands of elderly and incapacitated adults are abused and neglected in nursing homes each year. Sadly, many cases of nursing home abuse go unreported because patients are unable to speak for themselves or signs of abuse and neglect go unnoticed by family members or friends. You can make a difference by filing a nursing home lawsuit for your loved one.
You can do something about nursing home abuse and neglect. If your loved one is the victim of abuse or neglect in a nursing home, filing a personal injury claim can hold the facility and staff members responsible for their actions. Our Pennsylvania nursing home abuse lawyers believe that patients and their families deserve respect and justice. We fight for the rights of nursing home patients by assisting families in their pursuit of a claim against the parties responsible for the abuse or neglect.
Differences Between Nursing Home Abuse and Elderly Neglect
In most cases, nursing home abuse falls within one of five broad categories of elderly abuse:
- Physical Abuse
- Verbal Abuse
- Sexual Abuse
- Emotional Abuse
- Financial Abuse
The signs and symptoms of nursing home abuse vary depending on the type of abuse. The National Institute on Aging provides a detailed explanation of each type of abuse and the signs to look for if you suspect elder abuse.
Elder neglect can be a form of nursing home abuse. However, neglect can also be unintentional. For example, neglect often occurs in nursing homes that are understaffed or have poorly trained staff. Signs of neglect may include bed sores, infections, weight loss, poor hygiene, dehydration, and unsanitary conditions.
Neglect, even unintentional neglect, is unacceptable. A nursing home may be held liable for injuries and damages caused by neglect just as they can be held liable for nursing home abuse.
How Do I Report Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect?
If a patient is in immediate danger of being harmed, call 911 to report the abuse. You may also call the statewide elder abuse hotline at 1-800-490-8505 if you suspect an older person is being abused or neglected. The hotline is available 24 hours a day. Complaints regarding nursing homes can be made to the Division of Nursing Care Facilities. You can file a complaint online or by contacting the office directly at 1-800-254-5164.
Filing a Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit
In addition to filing a complaint and reporting the abuse to the authorities, you may also want to consider filing a personal injury lawsuit. A nursing home abuse attorney in Erie can help you investigate the allegations of abuse and prepare a lawsuit against the nursing home and other parties responsible for the abuse or neglect.
Proving the legal elements of negligence and wrongdoing can be challenging. It is best to work with an experienced Erie nursing home abuse attorney who understands what evidence is required to prove each element.
If you are successful, your loved one may receive compensation for injuries and damages. Examples of damages in a nursing home abuse case include medical expenses, physical pain, mental anguish, and emotional suffering.
Contact an Erie Nursing Home Abuse Attorney for More Information
If you have questions about a nursing home abuse claim, please reach out to our office to discuss your concerns. Call The Travis Law Firm at (800) 401-2066 to schedule a free consultation with an Erie nursing home abuse lawyer.