Nursing homes are supposed to be safe havens for elderly people who require assistance completing everyday activities. Sadly, nursing home residents may sometimes experience abuse in the form of neglect, mistreatment, and medical malpractice.
A Philadelphia nursing home abuse lawyer may be able to help you if you or a loved one suffered an injury due to nursing home abuse. A seasoned Philadelphia personal injury attorney will also work with the family members of nursing home residents to investigate unexplained injuries and hold negligent nursing homes liable for abuse.
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Preventing Nursing Home Abuse
PA Gen. Stat. §201.29 outlines the law concerning the rights of nursing home residents. Chief among these rights is the expectation that all residents should be free from any harm that results from staff neglect or abuse. Unfortunately, the law does not prevent all Philadelphia nursing homes from ignoring their responsibilities.
A nursing home which allows abuse to occur shares liability with the actual abuser. Since abusers tend to be employees of the nursing home, the facility has the obligation to perform proper background checks and provide proper training to eliminate any possible risk of abuse. A Philadelphia nursing home abuse lawyer could help to make the connection between abusive staff and negligent nursing home administrations when seeking compensation for injuries.
Common Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
Instances of nursing home abuse could be difficult to identify. Many of the victims are unable or unwilling to speak up for themselves. Many events involving nursing home abuse go unreported, either as the result of mental incapacity or intimidation. Sometimes, it falls to the relatives and friends of victims to report suspected nursing home abuse.
A visiting family member could often be the first line of defense. Visiting family members should talk with residents, ask how things are going, and compare their current mental state to that of when they first arrived in the facility. A new pattern of withdrawn behavior may indicate that they are the victim of abuse. Also, it is recommended to examine a person’s body for any signs of physical injury. If an injury becomes apparent, ask the head nurse on duty for an explanation. Any inconsistencies in stories may indicate staff abuse.
Observing how residents interact with staff members can be crucial in identifying potential nursing home abuse. Clear signs of fear or shyness may indicate mistreatment. A Philadelphia nursing home abuse lawyer can provide guidance on recognizing common signs of abuse and initiate a thorough investigation to collect evidence. This can be vital in pursuing a claim for compensation.
Knowing how to spot nursing home abuse is essential to protecting vulnerable residents and ensuring their safety.
Retain the Services of a Philadelphia Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Today
A nursing home is responsible for everything that takes place on their property. This includes ensuring that their staff is properly trained and that they do not commit intentional abuses against residents. A nursing home which fails in this duty may carry civil liability to provide compensation.
A Philadelphia nursing home abuse lawyer could help you if you have experienced abuse while living in a nursing home. They could also work with the family members of residents to help them discover evidence of abuse and to pursue claims on behalf of residents over whom they have power of attorney. Contact a Philadelphia nursing home abuse lawyer today to schedule an appointment.