ANDREOZZI + FOOTE
NURSING HOME SEXUAL ABUSE
Reviewed by:
Benjamin D. Andreozzi, Esq.
- Last Updated: April 7, 2025
On This Page
- How Common Is Sexual Abuse in Nursing Homes?
- What Types of Abuse Occur in Nursing Homes?
- What Injuries Do Elderly Individuals Suffer After Going Through Abuse?
- How Does the Law Protect Elder Abuse Victims?
- What Should I Do If I Suspect that My Loved One is an Abuse Victim?
- Who Are Common Perpetrators in Nursing Home Abuse Cases?
- What Compensation Can I Recover for Damages from Nursing Home Abuse?
- How Long Can I Wait to Report Nursing Home Sexual Abuse?
- What Are Specific Types of Sexual Abuse in Nursing Homes?
- Are Bed Sores a Sign of Nursing Home Abuse?
- What Are Some Signs that an Elderly Person is Being Sexually Abused?
- Why Do I Need a Lawyer to Fight My Nursing Home Sexual Abuse Case?
- What Makes Your Law Firm Different?
- Should You Hire Our Nursing Home Sexual Abuse Lawyer?
Sexual abuse is despicable, no matter who is involved. However, unwanted sexual contact is even more insidious when the victim is unable to speak up to stop the advances or discuss the abuse or neglect with someone who can help. Sadly, elderly residents at nursing facilities often suffer emotional abuse, neglect, mental abuse, and sexual abuse that go unreported.
When you are facing such a challenging situation, a nursing home abuse attorney can be an excellent source of support, counsel, and representation. Our nursing home abuse lawyers are ready to stand up for your loved one and fight nursing home abuse in all its forms. We are especially skilled at handling sexual abuse cases that occur in nursing homes.
If you or a loved one has experienced nursing home neglect or abuse, please reach out to our skilled legal team right away. We will listen compassionately to your story and help you understand your legal options. We give honest legal counsel based on our decades of combined experience. We also make ourselves available so clients can get answers when needed.
You don’t have to go through this troubling experience alone. Please rely on our team of nursing home abuse lawyers to resolve matters of sexual and physical abuse in a nursing home. We won’t charge a thing unless we win. Call (866) 311-8640 to schedule your free consultation today.
How Common Is Sexual Abuse in Nursing Homes?
Even one case of sexual abuse in a nursing home is one incident too many. Unfortunately, sexual abuse occurs all too often in nursing homes in the United States. Recent studies show that, although sexual abuse is less likely in a nursing home than other forms of nursing home abuse, these cases often go unreported by victims and their loved ones.
Some reasons for failing to report sex crimes in a nursing home include being afraid of retaliation from the abuser and a fear of the social stigma that comes from being abused. Additionally, some family members may not know what symptoms or signs to look for to prevent physical abuse. Finally, some victims lack a support system or anyone to talk to about what they’re experiencing. Some elderly victims cannot communicate about the abuse they’ve gone through.
Fortunately, there is something you can do if you suspect neglect or abuse of a loved one. You can observe for signs and symptoms of abuse when you visit a nursing home resident. You can also notify the police and contact a nursing home abuse attorney like those at Andreozzi + Foote. We can help you understand your rights as a family member of an abuse victim. We will seek justice relentlessly so you get compensated for injuries, and so the perpetrator cannot harm anyone else.
Nursing home abuse does not have to continue unabated. We can work together to stop this dreadful crime and protect the innocent who are suffering. Call our law firm right away if you suspect an employee or resident of abusing your loved one.
What Types of Abuse Occur in Nursing Homes?
We trust nursing homes to take care of our loved ones when they can no longer do so for themselves. Sadly, some organizations abuse this trust by failing to keep residents safe from criminals, employees, and other residents. Nursing home abuse occurs in several forms, some of which are more obvious than others.
Some of the most common types of nursing home abuse include:
- Physical abuse – Nursing home staff members may engage in physical abuse if they are tired or frustrated. However, there is no excuse for intentionally harming another human being. Physical abuse may include pushing, shoving, restraining with straps, punching, kicking, and biting. These actions can lead to severe injuries and even death. Some signs of physical abuse include unexplained injuries, bruises, broken bones, and lacerations. If your loved one undergoes physical harm in a nursing home, you may have an elder abuse case. Call our law firm immediately for help
- Nursing home neglect – Neglect differs from abuse because it does not involve intentional physical harm. Residents who are victims of nursing home neglect may be harmed because of the carelessness of providers. They may have injuries from medication errors, bed sores from poor personal hygiene, or suffer from malnutrition or dehydration
- Sexual abuse – Sexual crimes committed in an assisted living facility or nursing home include unwanted sexual contact, groping, rape, and unwanted touching. These actions can cause the victim severe emotional distress but are often unreported and unresolved because the victims cannot speak up for themselves. Some signs of sexual abuse include sudden unexplained depression, bruises on the thighs and genital areas, and new sexually transmitted diseases. Sexual assault victims deserve compensation for the trauma and pain their abusers cause. Organizations that do not prevent sexual abuse, such as nursing homes, should also be held accountable. Call our nursing home abuse lawyers for help seeking justice and compensation
- Emotional abuse – Emotional, verbal, and mental abuse occur when a resident is insulted, controlled, or threatened by staff members, visiting family members, or other residents. These injuries can be painful and long-lasting. Some victims develop severe mental illness because of emotional abuse. If your loved one experiences sudden mood or behavior changes in a nursing home, please consider whether they are a victim of emotional abuse
- Financial abuse – Another form of elder abuse is financial abuse, or when someone misuses their authority in order to steal the person’s money. This may include housekeepers who rob the individual of cash and valuables or trusted family members with power of attorney who take funds without permission. Financial abuse causes anxiety and robs the individual of their personal property. If your loved one has experienced nursing home abuse, including financial abuse, call a nursing home abuse attorney right away
What Injuries Do Elderly Individuals Suffer After Going Through Abuse?
Some nursing home abuse victims suffer minor injuries. Others experience traumatic events that leave them suffering for years. Severe injuries may lead to death when victims are already frail. Other injuries are psychological, which are just as important as physical damage.
Some examples of injuries caused by abuse and neglect cases in a nursing home facility include:
- Bruises, scratches, and welts
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Broken bones
- Bed sores
- Malnutrition
- Dehydration
- Improper medical care, leading to unnecessary side effects and illnesses
- Emotional distress
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Loss of funds
If your loved one has experienced nursing home abuse, they may worry about the repercussions of reporting the abuse. However, a nursing home abuse claim can help recover vital financial compensation for injuries, medical care, mental distress, and more. One of the most essential parts of reporting nursing home negligence and abuse is that it might prevent future victims from suffering. Call our law firm right away for help starting your nursing home abuse case and making a full recovery.
How Does the Law Protect Elder Abuse Victims?
The federal government, state governments, and local laws provide protection against elder abuse, including abuse and neglect that occurs in a nursing home. Violating a person’s rights to property and safety should not be left unaddressed. It can be intimidating to report nursing home abuse, but you don’t have to do so alone.
Your nursing home abuse lawyer can help you identify ways the nursing home violated your loved one’s rights. They can help gather evidence, including proof of bodily injury, evidence of mental health issues, testimonies from witnesses, surveillance footage, and more to back up your case. Your nursing home abuse attorneys will also document this evidence through images, medical records, and more to get you the full compensation you deserve.
Please don’t delay in seeking justice when a loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse. Depending on where you live, you may be prohibited from collecting compensation if the statute of limitations expires. This may be as little as two years from the date of the abuse, depending on your location. Act now to protect your loved one and future nursing home residents from suffering similarly. Reach out to our legal team for help.
What Should I Do If I Suspect that My Loved One is an Abuse Victim?
If you suspect that your loved one is suffering abuse at a nursing home, you should not let them suffer in silence. You may have legal options, including reaching a settlement with the organization or bringing a nursing home abuse lawsuit. If the person is in immediate danger, you should notify the police right away.
In some cases, a nursing home abuse attorney can help victims settle with the at-fault organization. The assisted living facility should protect its residents from harm, including physical abuse from frustrated staff or inappropriate actions from other residents. If the nursing home allows someone to be abused, they may owe the victim and their family members compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more. Your nursing home abuse lawyer can help negotiate a settlement that resolves the matter without going to court.
However, sometimes the issue cannot be resolved without taking the case before a judge. Having nursing home abuse lawyers on your side is crucial in these cases. Your nursing home abuse attorneys can represent you using their skills, experience, and attention to detail. Hiring an abuse lawyer can ensure the case is backed up by solid evidence to give you the best chances of success. Your attorney can prove you deserve compensation in full by demonstrating the extent of damages in the abuse case.
Contact Andreozzi + Foote immediately for a free consultation where you can learn more about how we protect vulnerable nursing home residents by winning abuse and neglect cases time and again.
Who Are Common Perpetrators in Nursing Home Abuse Cases?
Senior citizens may be abused by various individuals, such as:
- Nursing home staff member – Staff often become frustrated in a nursing home setting, which can lead to cases of physical abuse. In other situations, a staff member takes advantage of an innocent nursing home patient who lacks the awareness or capacity to fight off unwanted sexual advances
- Nursing home administrator – A nursing home administrator may be guilty of nursing home abuse if they hire workers without performing a background check. If the administrator did not properly train their staff or provide safe premises for residents, they may also be responsible for the abuse of their nursing home patients
- Other resident – Another resident with easy access to a victim’s room or personal space may commit sexual abuse
- Family member – If a patient files a complaint about an abusive family member, the nursing home should take this seriously and intervene to prevent future abuse. Furthermore, the assisted living facility should be aware of signs and symptoms of abuse when a family member visits
What Compensation Can I Recover for Damages from Nursing Home Abuse?
Nursing home abuse and neglect of a nursing home resident can make the victim and their family members eligible for compensation. The compensation varies depending on the unique circumstances of the case. However, most victims recover compensation for economic, non-economic, and punitive damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages include items that are easily calculable.
Some examples of economic damages in nursing home abuse cases are:
- Past and future medical bills
- Medications
- Therapy services
- Lost wages for family members who missed time at work
- Modifications to the victim’s home
- Relocation costs
- Hospital stays
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are harder to calculate but are equally important in an abuse case. These may include:
- Emotional trauma
- Past and future pain and suffering
- Distress
- Depression and anxiety
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are not always awarded in nursing home abuse cases. However, the organization may be criminally charged if the nursing home acted with malice, intention, or fraud. In these cases, the victim and their family may receive additional compensation, known as punitive damages.
How Long Can I Wait to Report Nursing Home Sexual Abuse?
The amount of time you have in which to report the nursing home abuse and seek compensation depends on where you live and the nature of the acts. Typically, victims are limited to a number of years following the incident, depending on local laws. For example, in Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations is two years following the day the abuse occurred.
For the best chances of holding nursing home employees and other abusers accountable for their actions, you should speak with a nursing home abuse attorney right away. Your lawyer can help you get compensation to cover medical bills, reimburse you for time missed at work, and more.
These legal matters are typically quite complex and time-consuming. You should not delay in seeking justice. Call our legal team right away for assistance in bringing a successful nursing home abuse suit against the negligent nursing home and preventing abusers from creating more future victims.
What Are Specific Types of Sexual Abuse in Nursing Homes?
Any unwanted sexual contact can be defined as abuse, especially in assisted living facilities where many patients are not able to communicate consent. If a nursing home employee, family member, or another resident takes advantage of an elderly person in a sexual way, this may result in legal action.
Some examples of types of sexual abuse include:
- Kissing
- Fondling
- Rape
- Assault
- Production of pornography
- Forced nudity for reasons beyond hygiene
If you or your loved one has gone through any of the above in a nursing home, you need immediate legal assistance to stop the abuse and prevent future serious injuries. Some warning signs include unexplained bruising or mood changes, new sexually transmitted diseases, and depression. Please help suspected victims get medical treatment and then contact a personal injury law firm for help with the legal process.
Are Bed Sores a Sign of Nursing Home Abuse?
Bed sores are a unique type of abuse that often occur as a result of nursing home neglect. Identifying bed sores quickly can prevent infection and possibly even death. This form of nursing home abuse occurs when the individual remains in the same position for long periods at a time, such as for weeks.
Bed sores develop in four general stages:
- Stage 1 – Skin irritation or redness
- Stage 2 – Skin loss and blistering
- Stage 3 – Full skin loss and damage to fatty tissue
- Stage 4 – Deep wounds affecting muscles, tendons, and bones
The nursing home staff should provide proper care for residents to prevent bed sores. This includes repositioning sedentary patients frequently and checking on high-risk patients often. Patients should also be provided pillows to adjust position and maintain variety in how they recline.
If your loved one is suffering from bed sores, you should consult with a trusted nursing home abuse lawyer right away. Your attorney can help you understand your rights and how to take action.
What Are Some Signs that an Elderly Person is Being Sexually Abused?
As the loved one of someone in a nursing home, you may be the only one who is able to identify warning signs regarding sexual or physical abuse. These cases are often unreported because family members don’t know what to look for, and victims are not able to report the abuse on their own.
Some warning signs of elder abuse, including sexual abuse, include:
- Sudden weight loss
- Unexplained depression or anxiety
- Bruises on the thighs and genital area
- Foul odors
- Untreated sores, including bed sores
- Dirty facilities, including the presence of bed bugs, lice, or fleas
- Rules that don’t permit you to be with your loved one alone
If you suspect that someone you care for is being abused in a nursing home, please act quickly. You should complain to management and see immediate change in the conditions. If matters are not resolved, you may need to call the police or remove the nursing home resident from the facility.
After taking appropriate measures to protect your loved one, you should learn about your legal options. At this point, you can contact trusted nursing home abuse lawyers who will advise you on the pros and cons of taking legal action. At Andreozzi + Foote, we promise to listen to your story compassionately. We will investigate every detail and seek justice on behalf of you and your loved one.
Why Do I Need a Lawyer to Fight My Nursing Home Sexual Abuse Case?
Dealing with nursing home abuse can be frustrating and discouraging. If your loved one is an abuse victim as a nursing home resident, you probably already have a lot on your plate, such as helping them recover and finding them a safe place to live. The last thing you need to deal with is a legal battle.
A nursing home abuse lawyer can help you by taking this tremendous burden off your shoulders. Nursing home abuse lawyers like those at our law office have vast experience with the legal process. We can advise you on your options and handle the minutiae involved so you can focus on your daily life. We will answer your questions and help you know what to expect at each step of the process.
When you hire a nursing home abuse lawyer, you get the following benefits and more:
- Legal counsel based on years of experience
- Help to file a claim with the insurance company
- Assistance with investigating to uncover evidence that backs up your claim
- Recommendations on a safe living facility for you or your loved one
- Legal protection if the nursing home attacks you
- Emotional support at this challenging time
Confronting a nursing home about abuse can be intimidating. Many large facilities employ professionals to protect their money and company image. You also deserve legal professionals to back you up, provide support, and investigate the incident to prove the truth about what happened. You can rely on our team of nursing home abuse lawyers for excellent advice and representation as you seek justice for nursing home abuse victims.
What Makes Your Law Firm Different?
At Andreozzi + Foote, you will find an instant group of allies who are on your side and are prepared to fight for you. Our team of lawyers is renowned for the compassion and level of care clients receive when they are facing sexual abuse cases. We promise to listen carefully to your story and provide emotional support as you face legal proceedings over nursing home abuse.
Our legal team is different from other law firms because we focus exclusively on sexual abuse cases. We believe our laser-like focus on this unique branch of personal injury law gives us the experience and background necessary to provide our clients with excellent representation. We have helped countless individuals and families recover following horrifying accounts of abuse, and we will apply that knowledge and skill in your case.
Call our law firm right away to take advantage of our legal team’s skill and compassion. We also offer a free consultation, so you won’t pay anything for specific advice regarding your unique situation.
Should You Hire Our Nursing Home Sexual Abuse Lawyer?
Choosing a law firm can be challenging, especially with the many personal injury firms available. You need a group of nursing home abuse attorneys that has extensive experience with nursing home cases. This is especially true if you or your loved one was sexually abused at an assisted living facility. This branch of law is highly emotional and requires delicacy for victims and their families.
When you are ready to hire a nursing home abuse lawyer, look no further than Andreozzi + Foote. Our team of legal representatives is prepared to pursue justice relentlessly for your loved one who is a victim of abuse or neglect at a nursing facility. We promise to leave no stone unturned as we uncover evidence to support your story. We will also answer your questions and concerns with compassionate, straightforward answers that are easy to understand.
If you suspect that a loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse and neglect, you have a legal duty to speak up and protect their safety. You can do so by consulting with our caring, capable team of nursing home abuse attorneys. We offer a free, confidential case review where you can get answers and learn more about your legal options at no risk. Moreover, we charge on a contingency basis, so you won’t pay us a thing unless we win your case.
Please don’t delay in seeking help on behalf of abuse victims. Call (866) 311-8640 immediately to speak with our talented nursing home neglect and abuse lawyers.
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We understand the courage it takes to reach out for help, and we are here to listen. At Andreozzi + Foote, our trauma-informed attorneys are dedicated to providing compassionate, confidential support every step of the way. With extensive experience in advocating for survivors of sexual abuse, we are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where your voice is heard and your rights are fiercely protected. Contact us today for a free, in-depth consultation and take the first step toward justice.
