One of the most disgraceful acts is the mistreatment or abuse of our older adults. When your loved one is in a trusted nursing home, you have faith that the staff and administration care for their welfare. When that trust is abused and the nursing home staff either intentionally abuses or neglects your family member, the resulting physical and emotional injuries are devastating.
Our Chester County nursing home abuse lawyers at the Reiff Law Firm might be able to help you if a family member or loved one suffered harm due to abuse at their assisted living facility. Our office will investigate a claim of abuse and, if possible, build the foundation for a lawsuit. If you believe your loved one suffered a physical or emotional injury while at a Chester Country nursing home, call (215) 709-6940 to schedule a free consultation.
Elderly Abuse and Neglect in Chester County Nursing Homes
Pennsylvania law outlines the rights of nursing home residents. One of the most important rights is the expectation that a resident should be free from neglect or abuse by the staff or administration of a nursing home facility. Despite the law, there are instances where Chester County nursing homes fail to meet their responsibilities and obligations. When this occurs, you have the right to pursue both criminal charges and a civil lawsuit.
When a nursing home permits abuse to occur, whether it is by the staff, doctors, or other residents, it could share liability for any harm or injuries. Nursing homes have an obligation to ensure their employees pass proper background checks are adequately trained to provide the care and services their elderly residents require. Our experienced Chester County nursing home abuse attorneys will work to form a connection between the abusive staff and the administrators or management of the nursing home.
Signs of Abuse in Chester County Nursing Homes
It is often difficult to identify signs of elderly abuse in nursing homes. In many cases, the victims are unwilling or unable to explain what they are experiencing. Some older residents are unaware that they are being abused. Mental capacity and intimidation can be roadblocks to reporting abusive behaviors. Because of these issues, it sometimes requires friends and relatives to notice signs of abuse and mistreatment.
Family members should be aware of the typical signs of abuse in a nursing home. By talking with residents and comparing their physical and mental states from visit to visit, concerned relatives could see differences that are characteristic signs of mistreatment. When you see new patterns, such as a lack of communication, lethargy, or disturbing physical changes, it could be an indication that your loved one is being abused. To help build an abuse case, you should keep a detailed record of your loved one’s condition. If there are any injuries apparent, you should request an explanation from a supervising nurse or staff member.
Some other common indicators of potential abuse include your loved one being withdrawn, having difficulty sleeping, and experiencing unexplained weight loss. Additional signs of mistreatment typically include suffering from confusion, demonstrating erratic mood swings, showing fear of the staff, and having unexplained injuries or bruises.
In other situations, the abuse is from other residents. When the staff and administration allow residents to physically harm or sexually assault other residents, they could be held accountable for the injuries that occurred.
It is important to note that not all abuse is physical. Many times, a nursing home resident could be the victim of emotional abuse or intimidation. In some cases, a staff member could attempt to access your loved one’s bank account or credit card. If you notice any unusual transactions or withdrawals from your loved one’s bank account, it could be evidence of abuse by the staff. Additionally, if your loved one is hesitant or agitated when discussing their finances, you should investigate further. Our seasoned nursing home abuse attorneys could prove invaluable in helping investigate allegations of abusive behavior.
Damages Available if Your Loved One was Abused in a Chester County Nursing Home
In cases of elder abuse in a nursing home, you are entitled to seek economic and noneconomic damages through a civil lawsuit.
Economic damages actual financial losses you have incurred or will incur due to the negligent conduct of another person. If your loved one suffered abuse at a Chester County nursing home, our office will seek compensation for medical bills, medication costs, the expense of transferring facilities, or any other expenses related to the injury.
Noneconomic damages are meant to compensate an injured person for the adverse effects on an injured individual’s life and wellbeing. Fear and intimidation are just a couple of forms of mental abuse that an older adult could experience. While more challenging to calculate, noneconomic damages could make up a substantial part of a settlement award. You and your loved one could recover for the emotional and mental distress, pain and suffering, and the loss of enjoyment of life.
Contact Our Chester County Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer for a Free Consultation
When we admit a loved one or family member into the care of a Chester County nursing home, we expect them to receive care and treatment that will enhance their later years. Unfortunately, many residents of assisting living facilities suffer harm at the hands of staff, administrators, and other residents. If your loved one was abused or neglected, contact our Chester County nursing home abuse lawyer today. Our attorneys and staff provide compassionate, confidential, and professional representation and will fight for your rights and the rights of your loved one. Call the Reiff Law Firm at (215) 709-6940 to schedule a free consultation.
