Entrusting the care of a loved one to a nursing home should provide peace of mind. Unfortunately, some families discover that this trust has been broken due to abuse or neglect. If your loved one has been mistreated in a nursing home, the compassionate team at Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman is here to help. Our experienced Pittsburgh nursing home abuse attorneys are ready to fight for justice, ensuring your loved one’s safety and pursuing the compensation your family deserves.
Identifying Nursing Home Abuse
Nursing home abuse is any act—or failure to act—that causes harm or puts an older adult at risk. While many nursing homes operate with professionalism and care, abuse occurs more frequently than many realize. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines elder abuse as an action, or lack of action, leading to harm or increased risk for an older adult.
Abuse can take various forms:
- Physical Abuse: Any deliberate act that causes pain or injury, such as hitting, shoving, burning, or restraining a resident unnecessarily.
- Sexual Abuse: Any unwanted or forced sexual interaction between a resident and staff, volunteers, or other residents.
- Emotional or Psychological Abuse: Verbal or nonverbal actions that inflict stress or fear, including intimidation, insults, isolation, or threats.
- Neglect: Failing to meet a resident’s basic needs for food, water, hygiene, clothing, safety, or medical care.
- Financial Exploitation: Theft or misuse of a resident's personal funds, property, or financial accounts, often by staff or those with access to sensitive information.
Symptoms of abuse can be subtle or glaring. Look for signs such as unexplained injuries, sudden changes in behavior, withdrawal, or unsanitary living conditions. If you suspect abuse, act immediately to protect your loved one.
How to Prevent Nursing Home Abuse
Frequent visits and communication are key to ensuring your loved one’s well-being in a nursing home. During visits, pay close attention to their condition and surroundings. Watch for red flags, such as:
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, or injuries
- Poor hygiene or filthy living conditions
- Behavior changes, such as fearfulness or withdrawal
If you notice troubling signs of abuse—especially physical or sexual—you should contact local authorities immediately and work to remove your loved one from harm. Seeking legal guidance early ensures the abuse is properly investigated and addressed.
Nursing Homes in the COVID-19 Era
The COVID-19 pandemic brought immense challenges to nursing homes, creating an environment of fear, isolation, and heightened vulnerability for residents. Families were heartbroken as visitation restrictions left them unable to monitor their loved ones’ well-being, often feeling helpless and distant during an already uncertain time. Meanwhile, overworked and understaffed facilities struggled to meet basic care standards, placing residents at greater risk of neglect and harm.
Filing a Nursing Home Abuse Case in Pennsylvania
If your loved one has been harmed in a nursing home, it’s crucial to understand the legal steps. Pennsylvania law allows families to file a personal injury claim for abuse or neglect. Key details include:
- Statute of Limitations: You have two years from the date an injury occurs to file a claim. Acting promptly ensures evidence is preserved and legal deadlines are met.
- Documenting Abuse: Gather evidence such as photos, medical records, and witness testimonies to support your case. Reports from health departments or law enforcement can also strengthen your claim.
- Seeking Compensation: Victims of nursing home abuse may be entitled to compensation for damages, such as medical costs, emotional distress, relocation expenses, and punitive damages against the abuser.
Our team will guide you through every step of the legal process to build a strong case and protect your loved one’s rights.
Protecting Our Most Vulnerable in Nursing Homes
No one deserves to suffer from mistreatment, especially in a place meant to provide care and comfort. This behavior is unacceptable, and your loved one deserves the highest level of care and respect.
If abuse or neglect has occurred, the legal team at Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman is here to support and advocate for you. With decades of experience, our attorneys know the complexities of nursing home abuse cases and will fight tirelessly for justice.
Reach out to our team for a free consultation. Call (412) 391-7610 or fill out our online contact form to begin your case. At Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, we stand with you and your family, determined to bring justice and restore dignity to those who have been wronged.
