When you bring a loved one to a nursing home, you trust that the staff members will watch out for their best interests, provide a safe atmosphere, and take good care of your loved one. When nursing home facilities violate your trust and cause harm because of physical abuse or neglect, you may have legal recourse.

Pennsylvania laws provide stringent warnings against abusing, neglecting, and failing to protect residents. Many nursing homes are inspected regularly, according to state and federal regulations. However, sexual abuse is often undiagnosed and underreported because the signs are difficult to detect without consistent observations. As a family member, you may be the only one to recognize the abuse your loved one is suffering.

If you are worried about a friend or family member who may be suffering abuse in a nursing home, please don’t be afraid to act quickly. You can ask questions at the facility itself, or you may wish to report the incident to the authorities. You can also get legal assistance from nursing home abuse lawyers like those at our law firm.

When you call Andreozzi + Foote, you can rest assured that highly skilled personal injury lawyers will handle your case. We take the time to listen to you so we can align our strategies with your needs and goals. We will also answer your questions in terms you can understand so you’ll know what to expect in your nursing home abuse case.

Reach out to our team of nursing home abuse attorneys immediately to schedule a free consultation. You can contact us by calling 866-311-8640.

What Are Pennsylvania Laws Regarding Nursing Home Abuse?

Nursing home residents are protected under both federal and Pennsylvania state laws. For example, the Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987 provides standards to which assisted living facilities nationwide are required to adhere. This law addresses some aspects of long-term care, including freedom from physical abuse, freedom from neglect, including bedsores, freedom from physical restraints, the right to privacy, and the right to refuse medications and medical treatment.

Under federal laws, nursing homes must also maintain adequate staffing, provide care plans for their residents, maintain accurate records and access to medical treatment, and protect residents from abuse. If you suspect that a nursing home is not maintaining these standards, please reach out to the appropriate legal entity or to a nursing home abuse lawyer for representation.

Residents of nursing homes in Pennsylvania enjoy additional rights under their local laws. Nursing home residents in Pennsylvania have the freedom to complain without fear of retaliation, freedom of financial independence, and freedom to medical information. Please hold nursing homes accountable by exercising your right to safety for you or your loved one. Ask questions, report abuse, and protect your rights by hiring a nursing home abuse lawyer to protect you.

How Often Does Sexual Abuse Occur in Pennsylvania Nursing Homes?

Nursing homes are legally required to protect their residents from sexual assault. Unfortunately, some assisted living facilities fail to hire staff members who respect their patients. Sexual abuse is not as widely reported as physical abuse or neglect. However, these situations often don’t get reported because the person is unable to communicate about the assault or is afraid to do so.

While many nursing home abuse cases get handled quickly, too many are ignored because family members and staff members do not recognize the signs of abuse. You can protect your loved one by consistently visiting them, observing their interactions with staff members and other residents, and speaking up when something goes wrong.

Making your voice heard when someone is suffering from nursing home abuse can help with their recovery, prevent the abuse from happening again, and protect other residents who could become potential victims. Call our nursing home abuse lawyers today for the legal counsel and representation you need at this critical time.

What Are the Various Types of Nursing Home Abuse?

Nursing home abuse, also known as elder abuse, occurs in many scenarios. Any type of abuse is illegal and should be handled quickly to obtain justice for the injured parties. Abuse survivors deserve to have their stories heard and seek justice against their abusers.

Some common forms of elder abuse in Pennsylvania include:

• Sexual assault – Sexual abuse can be challenging to detect and is often underreported in Pennsylvania nursing homes. These crimes may include rape, forced nudity, kissing, groping, and other sexual contact that occurs without the person’s consent. Individuals who take advantage of the vulnerable residents of a Pennsylvania nursing home should be held accountable for their crimes. Call our law firm for help holding negligent and abusive nursing homes accountable
• Physical abuse – Sadly, many nursing home residents suffer physical injuries when staff resort to abuse out of frustration or exhaustion. Some examples of physical abuse include kicking, shoving, pinching, punching, pushing, or using illegal physical restraints. Contact a personal injury law firm right away if you suspect that your loved one has been physically abused by nursing home staff
• Financial abuse – Another common form of abuse is financial elder abuse. Financial abuse occurs when someone steals from an elderly person who may or may not control their own finances. This includes staff members stealing personal items and individuals with power of attorney who abuse their authority and use the person’s money for their own gain. Financial exploitation is another form of thievery and is answerable to the law
• Emotional abuse – Emotional abuse occurs when staff members or a family member use language that insults, degrades, or controls the nursing home resident. Emotional abuse can result in devastating psychological effects, including depression, anxiety, and social withdrawal. Protect your loved one from emotional abuse by hiring a nursing home abuse lawyer like those at Andreozzi + Foote
• Nursing home neglect – Negligent nursing homes may do as much damage as those that purposefully injure their residents. Neglect can include delaying medical care, giving incorrect medications, and giving less food or water than residents require. Some injuries that result from neglect include bed sores, malnutrition, dehydration, and other physical injuries. Hold Philadelphia nursing homes liable for the damages they cause by calling our nursing home abuse lawyers today

What Actions Constitute Sexual Abuse in a Nursing Home?

Nursing home residents who are abused may not be able to tell their loved ones what they’re going through. It is essential to understand what constitutes sexual abuse so you can detect this form of nursing home abuse. Generally speaking, any unwanted sexual contact can be considered nursing home abuse.

Some examples of actions that could be considered sexual assault are:

• Kissing
• Fondling
• Groping
• Rape
• Forced nudity

Don’t delay in seeking help if you suspect your nursing home of sexually abusing your loved one. This abuse can cause a lifetime of heartache and may even result in life-threatening injuries. Contact our Philadelphia nursing home abuse team for help identifying abuse and seeking justice on behalf of abuse survivors. We will listen carefully to your story and investigate to gather evidence that backs up your abuse claim.

What Injuries Do Nursing Home Residents Suffer when Going Through Sexual Abuse?

Nursing home residents who are sexually abused may undergo a number of severe injuries. For vulnerable elderly individuals, these injuries can rob them of a peaceful life in their remaining years. In worst-case scenarios, the victim may pass away because of their injuries. Acting quickly can make all the difference in getting your loved one the physical and emotional healing they need.

Some injuries that nursing home residents suffer following sexual abuse include:

• Broken bones
• Torn skin
• Lacerations
• Sexually transmitted infections
• Depression and anxiety
• Bruises
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Wrongful death

Loved ones may also incur damages as they miss time at work and suffer from worry and distress while trying to help their resident loved one. These injuries and more could lead to compensation in a lawsuit if the nursing home violated its legal duty to protect its residents. Contact our law firm right away to learn more about how to protect your loved one and seek compensation in a nursing home abuse case.

What Individuals Perpetuate Abuse in Pennsylvania Nursing Homes?

Many different individuals could be guilty of abuse in a Philadelphia nursing home. Family members and friends should be vigilant in observing the resident’s interactions with others to determine who is committing the abusive acts. It can also be helpful to visit at varying times to see how workers and other residents treat the patient during the daytime, at night, and on weekends. If the facility is allowing the abuse to occur, you may have a legal claim against that organization.

Some individuals who may be perpetuating abuse include:

• Visiting family members – One potential abuser is family members who have intimate access to the resident. They use their closeness to abuse the nursing home resident financially, emotionally, or sexually
• Nursing home staff members – Another possible source of sexual abuse is the nursing home’s employees. These individuals are with the patients for long periods and may engage in sexual assault or conduct because of their position of power. Family members should be vigilant in observing the interactions between the resident and varying staff members to identify the abuser
• Nursing home administrators – The facility administrators are legally required to take a nursing home abuse claim seriously. They should also take care to only hire employees without a history of abuse. The facility may also be held liable for nursing home negligence that causes your loved one to suffer severe harm or injury
• Other residents – Other patients in the nursing home might abuse the resident by engaging in unwanted sexual content. The nursing home may be guilty if they permit the abuse to go on between the two residents

Contact our legal team right away for help identifying the perpetrator and holding guilty parties accountable for the damage they cause.

What Sexual Abuse Signs and Symptoms Should Family Members Watch For?

Sexual nursing home abuse is often unreported because the victim cannot or will not come forward with details about what happened to them. Some residents lack the verbal communication skills to describe the nonconsensual sexual contact. Others are worried about the repercussions and stigma of being labeled a sex abuse victim. In any case, it is crucial for friends, family members, and staff members to be watchful and report any red flags that could signal elder abuse in the nursing home.

Some symptoms that could indicate ongoing sexual abuse include the following:

• Bruising on the person’s thighs or genitals
• Vaginal or rectal bleeding
• Torn or bloody sheets
• New sexually transmitted diseases in a person who is not sexually active
• New, unexplained depression or anxiety
• Sudden symptoms of social withdrawal
• Unexplained foul odors
• Panic attacks
• Sudden, unexplained weight loss

As the loved one of an abused nursing home resident, you may be the primary source of protection and recovery. However, you do not have to fulfill this role alone. If you suspect abuse or neglect is occurring in your loved one’s nursing home, please reach out to a nursing home abuse lawyer immediately for legal representation and support.

What Should I Do if My Loved One is a Sexual Abuse Victim?

If you suspect abuse or nursing home negligence, you should act quickly to protect your loved one. Many nursing home residents are susceptible to disease and death when injured. You can act now to stop the abuse and prevent future abuse victims from being harmed.

Some steps to take when you believe a nursing home resident is being abused are to:

• Visit the person often to observe them at different times of the day
• Question the facility administrators about the suspected abuse
• Contact the authorities, such as local police officers
• Remove the person from the assisted living facility if necessary
• Consult with a nursing home abuse attorney for legal counsel and representation

Please don’t delay if you are worried about elder abuse or nursing home negligence. Taking action now can prevent serious injury or even death for your abused loved one. Under the Nursing Home Reform Act, you have legal recourse for the nursing home abuse you’ve experienced. However, you must take action before the Pennsylvania statute of limitations expires. Speaking with a trusted personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and get quick results in your nursing home abuse case.

What Compensation Can I Receive for Damages Related to Nursing Home Sexual Abuse?

Nursing home abuse attorneys, like those at our law firm, can help you get compensation for medical malpractice, nursing home negligence, and nursing home sexual abuse. A successful nursing home lawsuit can lead to recovery of lost funds for family members who have spent time getting their loved one safe. It can also compensate for medical bills, relocation of the abuse survivor, and other damages from Philadelphia nursing home abuse.

Elderly residents and their loved ones may receive compensation for serious injuries caused by a nursing home’s negligence, including:

• Past and future medical bills
• Past and future pain and suffering
• Lost income from time missed at work
• Mental trauma
• Emotional distress
• Depression, anxiety, PTSD
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Hospital charges
• Costs of emergency transportation
• Relocation costs
• Wrongful death
• Reasonable funeral and burial expenses

If you suspect elder mistreatment in a nursing home facility, please be aware that the law is on your side. Pennsylvania nursing homes are required to provide adequate care, including protection from abuse or neglect. Contact our law firm right away to report elder abuse and get the assistance you need in your nursing home litigation case.

How Long Do I Have to Report Pennsylvania Nursing Home Abuse?

When your loved one’s nursing home staff has provided inadequate care, including allowing sexual abuse to occur from visitors, staff members, or other residents, please take action quickly. The vulnerable elder deserves your help to get to safety and make a complete and full recovery.

There are many reasons to act quickly in cases of elder neglect or abuse, including:

• Older adults are more vulnerable, meaning they could suffer severe injuries or succumb to death if they are exploited physically
• Getting compensation for inadequate care may be crucial in helping you pay for expensive medical bills and relocation of the individual
• Legal matters take time, so it is important to start now to get the financial compensation you need to cover your expenses
• Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations for nursing home abuse is only two years, so if you wait too long, you could forfeit your chance at compensation
• Taking action now can prevent the abuser from subjecting other innocent victims to the same suffering your loved one is experiencing

You don’t have long to hold the nursing home responsible for damages caused. Don’t delay. Call our law firm now for help seeking justice on behalf of victims abused in a nursing home setting.

What Are the Symptoms of Nursing Home Neglect?

The nursing home industry should be held accountable for instances of nursing home neglect. Denying residents the quality care that they deserve is both immoral and illegal. These individuals could suffer from serious illness if they do not get proper nutrition, hydration, and care. For these reasons, nursing home abuse and neglect can lead to a nursing home negligence lawsuit.

Some signs that a family member is experiencing nursing home negligence include:

• Bed sores that are left untreated
• Unexplained weight loss
• Dehydration
• Dirty living conditions
• Presence of fleas, ticks, and other pests
• Unexplained bruises or lacerations
• Broken bones
• Poor personal hygiene, including lack of dental care or bathing
• Psychological issues, such as depression or panic attacks
• Loss of mobility

If you suspect nursing home abuse or neglect, please don’t hesitate to call a Philadelphia nursing home lawyer. Our law firm offers a free case evaluation so you can get answers to your questions at no charge. Our nursing home abuse attorneys will help investigate your case to determine the cause of the abuse and hold the nursing facility responsible for suffering caused by neglect or abuse.

How Can a Lawyer Help with My Nursing Home Abuse Case?

Confronting the Philadelphia nursing home industry regarding elder abuse might seem like an intimidating task. Nursing home abuse cases are often complex, with nursing facilities refusing to acknowledge their part in the abuse. However, assisted living facilities have a duty to provide quality care for their residents. If they have failed to protect someone from sexual elder abuse, they should answer to the law. The good news is you can get help and support throughout this challenging experience.

Some benefits of hiring a Philadelphia nursing home abuse lawyer are:

• Confidence when negotiating a settlement
• Help to decide how to proceed with the case
• Legal counsel based on decades of combined experience
• Legal representation before a judge if you have to go to court
• Someone else to handle the nuances of your case, such as phone calls from the nursing home or insurance company
• Peace of mind knowing experienced professionals are on your side
• Intense investigations to uncover evidence that backs up your claim
• Emotional support during this trying time

At Andreozzi + Foote, we have extensive experience handling sexual abuse cases, especially when these cases involve large organizations like nursing homes. We are prepared to represent you with confidence and compassion. Call today to learn more about how we can help in a free case evaluation.

What Signs Indicate Potential Physical Abuse in a Nursing Home?

Certain signs are warnings that indicate an adult in a nursing home facility may be subjected to abuse, including:

• Head trauma
• Bruises, lacerations, and rope marks
• Sprains, dislocations, and broken bones
• Bed sores, especially untreated sores that affect deep tissue
• Facial or dental injuries
• Internal injuries or internal bleeding

Physical abuse is never permitted in a Philadelphia nursing home setting. Please raise your concerns immediately if a loved one is experiencing abuse symptoms. You may be eligible for compensation through an elder abuse lawsuit. You could also help potential abuse victims avoid experiencing the same damages you and your loved one are facing. Call a Philadelphia nursing home abuse lawyer like those at our law office right away for help.

What Are the Steps of Filing a Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit?

Your nursing home abuse lawyer can help you navigate the complex process of holding abusive nursing homes accountable for their actions. The legal process may seem complicated and overwhelming, but with the help of talented attorneys, you can achieve the desired results and move on toward a complete recovery.

The following are some of the steps involved in taking legal action for nursing home abuse:

• Consultation with a trusted nursing home abuse lawyer – When you speak with your lawyer, you can get an idea of what to expect during the process. Your lawyer will ask questions to understand what is happening and advise you on your legal options
• Gather information – Working with your legal team, you will collect evidence to back up your claim. This could be police reports, surveillance footage, eyewitness testimony, medical records, and more
• File the lawsuit – Your legal team will submit the necessary files and paperwork to start the legal process
• Negotiating with the nursing facility – Your lawyer will negotiate on your behalf to get a settlement without taking the matter to court
• Appear in trial – If negotiations fail, your team of attorneys will represent you before a judge to hold the negligent nursing home accountable and get you the highest compensation possible

Don’t go it alone with so much at stake. Take a stand for your abused loved one and work with our legal team to get the compensation you deserve.

Why Is Your Law Firm Different from Other Pennsylvania Personal Injury Firms?

Unlike other law firms, Andreozzi + Foote focuses solely on those experiencing sexual abuse. We are dedicated to helping abuse survivors make a full recovery, including recovering compensation and obtaining justice. We understand that each case is different, so we take the time to listen to your concerns and goals. We will work tirelessly to match our legal strategy to your unique case.

We offer our clients respect and quality care that simply isn’t seen at other Philadelphia law firms. We recognize that each individual deserves respect no matter what obstacles they’ve faced. We promise to provide a safe place where you can find peace, comfort, and justice following the abuse you’ve experienced.

Whether you are seeking legal action for yourself or a loved one, you can get the help you need at Andreozzi + Foote. Please call today to learn more about what we can do to help your family recover following nursing home sexual abuse.

Should You Hire Our Philadelphia Nursing Home Sexual Abuse Lawyers?

When you are looking for a law firm to protect your rights and fight aggressively for your best interests, you need look no further than Andreozzi + Foote. We are dedicated to holding Pennsylvania nursing homes liable for the damages they cause when they allow sexual abuse to go on unabated in their facilities. We leave no stone unturned as we search for evidence that identifies the nursing home staff member or other resident responsible for the abuse.

You and your family can rely on our personal injury law firm to fight relentlessly for justice in your nursing home abuse case. We will leverage our talent, experience, and skills to get you the best possible outcome in your case. That could mean compensation for medical expenses, loss of enjoyment of life, punitive damages, and more.

At our personal injury firm, we don’t charge unless we win. Contact us right away for a free consultation to learn more about our law firm’s unique approach, which has led to an astounding record of success. Call 866-311-8640 to speak with our caring, compassionate legal team.