It is disturbing to think that abuse of nursing home residents is relatively common. The elderly are among the most vulnerable people and cannot easily defend themselves. If you or a loved one suffered from nursing home abuse, do not hesitate to reach out to a Philadelphia personal injury lawyer.
Nursing Home Abuse Is a Serious Problem
According to the organization Nursing Home Abuse Justice, there are as many as 5,000,000 nursing home residents who are abused every year. An estimated one out of every ten elderly people aged 60 or more have suffered from some type of abuse. Many of these cases occur in nursing homes, places where you expect your loved ones to be safe and healthy.
You left your elderly loved ones in a nursing home, expecting them to live peacefully, safely, and happily as they age. Unfortunately, the reality of their experience can be much different. If you or a loved one experienced nursing home abuse, you may be entitled to pursue the recovery of damages.
Connect with a Philadelphia personal injury lawyer at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 842-6336 for your free consultation.
Potential Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
Nursing home abuse can cause residents to suffer from many kinds of illnesses and injuries. It can ruin a patient’s health condition, particularly if the abuse or neglect persists for days or weeks. Different injuries from nursing home abuse that your family member may suffer include physical abuse, neglect, or sexual abuse.
Physical Abuse
Your family member may be suffering from chronic physical abuse if they exhibit injuries that include:
- Chronic pain
- Broken bones and fractures
- Bruises
- Cuts and lacerations
- Burns
- Welts
- Skin tears
- Dental injuries
- Head injuries
- Gangrene
The physical and mental strain of persistent abuse may also cause residents of nursing homes to develop new illnesses. Not only that, but the injuries they suffered can cause their pre-existing health conditions to worsen.
Neglect
Neglect may not seem like abuse, but it is. If staff members neglect to provide proper care to a resident, it can lead to:
- Malnutrition
- Dehydration
- Weight loss
- Improper medication
One of the most obvious signs that your loved one is being neglected is inadequate hygiene. If they do not have proper hygiene, it does not only result in a dirty appearance or bad smell. It can also lead to tooth decay and persistent infection, among other serious health concerns.
Psychological/Emotional Abuse
Abuse does not only take the form of physical abuse but can include emotional or psychological abuse as well. Without physical symptoms, it can be hard to diagnose emotional or psychological abuse. Some of the common signs that your loved one may have suffered from psychological trauma include:
- Aggression
- Anxiety
- Fear
- Substance abuse
- Low self-esteem
- Learned helplessness
- Suicidal thoughts
These signs are not all-inclusive, as every individual is different. Emotional abuse can manifest in unexpected ways, making it essential that you recognize its important signs.
Sexual Abuse
The signs that a resident has suffered from sexual abuse while in a nursing home can mimic emotional and physical abuse. Some of the indicators that may tell if your loved one is suffering from sexual abuse can include:
- Breast injuries
- Genital injuries
- Mouth injuries
- Urinary tract infections
- Sexually transmitted diseases
It is crucial that when you notice any of these signs, you report them immediately. Immediate action is vital to remove your loved one from the abuse they suffer before it is too late. You can also rely on a Philadelphia personal injury lawyer for help.
For a free legal consultation with a Philadelphia Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer serving Pennsylvania, call (800) 842-6336
What to Do in a Nursing Home Abuse Case
Nursing home abuse is a concern for many family members. There are many cases of nursing home staff abusing their residents on a personal level as well as on various media sources. It is horrific that this type of abuse occurs, which makes it all the more crucial that you stay vigilant. The Nursing Home Abuse Center advises to keep in mind these risk factors when choosing a nursing home:
- Lack of abuse prevention policy
- Poor staff oversight and training
- Stressful working conditions
- High turnover among staff
- High resident to staff ratio
- Outdated and inadequate facility
- Infrequent visits from family members
- Resident’s functional dependence on the staff
- Poor health of the patient or resident
- Dementia or cognitive impairment of the resident
- History of abuse or neglect
These things can be an indicator that a particular nursing home may not be a good choice for your loved one.
Pennsylvania Philadelphia Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Near Me (800) 842-6336
How Pintas & Mullins Law Firm Can Help
If you or a loved one experienced nursing home abuse, a nursing home abuse lawyer at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can help. We can provide valuable legal advice and help in the claims process.
In addition, your lawyer can help collect the evidence you need to build a strong case. We can help gather medical records, witness accounts, and medical evidence for use in your case.
We know in trying times like this, you must only want to focus on taking care of your loved one. Find peace of mind in having a lawyer from Pintas & Mullins Law Firm handle the details of your case. We can help you:
- Get financial compensation for the medical expenses or funeral of your loved one
- Seek justice for any wrongdoings that occurred to your family member
- Ensure that no other nursing home resident will be a victim in the future
- Hold the nursing home accountable for their neglect and abuse
Click to contact our Philadelphia Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers today
Speak with a Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyer
If you or a loved one suffered from nursing home abuse, you may feel vulnerable and left injured. You may be entitled to compensation for your damages. A Philadelphia personal injury lawyer can help you through the legal process and offer support while you recover from your emotional and physical injuries.
Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 842-6336 for your free consultation.
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