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According to the National Council of Aging, approximately five million seniors are abused every year. In fact, one in 10 people in this country over the age of 60 has suffered some form of elderly abuse. Even more alarming is that only one in 24 cases of abuse are reported to authorities. In one major survey, almost 65 percent of nursing home employees admitted to abusing residents.
Discovering that your loved one may be a victim of nursing home neglect or abuse is a terrible experience, as our PA nursing home neglect lawyers know all too well. Many families rely on nursing homes and long-term care facilities to provide quality care for their aging loved ones. However, there are many cases of abuse that occur to helpless and innocent elderly patients in nursing homes. The signs of nursing home abuse and neglect are not always obvious and easy to find.
If a nursing home patient is bedridden or must stay in bed for long periods of time, they need to be moved periodically, otherwise, they will develop bedsores. Also known as pressure sores, bedsores occur when the skin is under prolonged pressure, depriving it of blood supply and oxygen. This literally causes the skin to die, resulting in an open wound. If not properly treated, or if the resident is not kept clean and dry, these wounds can worsen and become infected. All too frequently, these infections enter the bloodstream, resulting in “sepsis”, which may be life-threatening.
Bedsores are a strong sign of neglect. There is international medical consensus that the overwhelming majority of bedsores are avoidable. Further, there is no single or combination of medical conditions which, standing alone, will cause a bed sore to be “unavoidable.” The overwhelming majority of bedsores are caused by a patient not being repositioned with enough frequency throughout the day. If you notice that your loved one has bedsore, take photos of their wounds, save the photos as evidence, and contact the lawyers at Davis & Brusca. We can help.
Bruises on the abdomen, limbs or other parts of the body are also common signs of nursing home abuse and neglect. A nursing home patient can suffer bruises if their caregiver or nurse becomes angry and strikes them. The patient may also get bruises because of a fall. Bruises on the wrists or arms can also happen if a staff member is not lifting a patient properly.
A nursing home patient may have cuts on their hands, feet, head, or body as a result of improper care. The patient can get cut from mobility devices or other assistive tools. A staff member may come at the patient and strike them, causing a deep cut or multiple cuts. As the PA nursing home neglect lawyers at Davis & Brusca, LLC know, staff members are responsible for ensuring that patients are safe, and protected and that any wounds that they have are promptly tended to. Even minor cuts can become infected and become serious if not treated promptly.
Nursing home residents frequently have lower bone density and are at increased risk for fractures. Fractures can develop in neglected nursing home patients due to falls from bed, slipping out of wheelchairs, gaps in supervision, and poor care planning. Many nursing home patients need hands-on assistance for transfers from bed or wheelchairs, or while walking to a different room and going to the bathroom. It is difficult for many elderly patients to do these tasks on their own, because of weakness, or other injuries. Even a small fall can result in a fracture because they have fragile bones. It is important to contact an experienced nursing home neglect lawyer, such as Davis & Brusca, LLC, if you suspect that your loved one has any injuries that may be signs of neglect or abuse.
When a loved one resides in a nursing facility, families trust that care will be delivered with respect, competence, and safety. However, in far too many cases, that trust is broken. If you suspect that your family member is being mistreated or neglected in a long-term care facility, working with a PA nursing home neglect lawyer may be essential. At Davis & Brusca, LLC, we provide legal assistance to help families uncover the truth, take action, and hold facilities accountable. Below, we explain several key legal terms and procedures often encountered in cases involving abuse or mistreatment in nursing homes.
Pressure injuries, often called bedsores, are wounds that develop when a resident is left in the same position for extended periods without being repositioned. These injuries are typically found on bony areas of the body, such as the heels, hips, or lower back. Most pressure injuries are preventable with basic care practices like regular turning schedules, clean bedding, and the use of pressure-relieving devices. When these injuries are present, it often suggests systemic neglect. Documentation of these wounds through photographs and medical records can provide critical support when pursuing legal claims against a facility.
Inadequate supervision occurs when staff fail to provide sufficient oversight to protect residents from harm. Many residents in long-term care facilities require assistance with mobility and are at risk of falling. Without proper supervision during transfers, toileting, or walking, residents may experience preventable falls resulting in serious injuries such as fractures or head trauma. These incidents are often the result of short-staffing, rushed care, or lack of individual care planning. We often see this issue come up in cases where residents have repeatedly fallen without the facility changing their approach.
When a resident suffers a visible injury—such as bruising, lacerations, or fractures—facilities have a legal obligation to promptly document and report these events to both medical personnel and family members. Failure to report injuries can delay treatment and obscure the root cause, allowing neglect to continue. Some facilities fail to notify family members in an effort to avoid scrutiny. This failure to report may also extend to state agencies when required. In cases of suspected abuse or neglect, a lack of timely reporting can be used to demonstrate a facility’s breach of required procedures and transparency standards.
Each resident is supposed to have a care plan tailored to their health needs and physical abilities. This plan outlines steps for assisting with hygiene, mobility, nutrition, and medications. When staff do not follow this plan—whether due to understaffing, poor training, or facility mismanagement—the resident’s health and safety can suffer. Examples of care plan noncompliance include missed repositioning schedules, skipped feedings, or ignored hygiene routines. In legal cases, proving that a facility ignored a documented care plan can strongly support a family’s claim of neglect.
Resident monitoring records refer to written or electronic logs that document the care provided to a nursing home resident, including checks for injuries, repositioning schedules, medication administration, and more. These records play an essential role in uncovering neglect, especially if there are inconsistencies or unexplained gaps. Often, a review of these logs reveals discrepancies that point to care not being delivered as claimed. Families or their attorneys can request these records as part of their investigation into a loved one’s treatment. The presence—or absence—of proper documentation can significantly impact the strength of a legal claim.
Taking action when nursing home neglect is suspected can protect your loved one and others in the facility. If you believe someone close to you is experiencing neglect, reach out to Davis & Brusca, LLC. Our team is ready to listen, review your concerns, and offer the legal support your family deserves.
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It can be hard to know what to do if you think your loved one may be a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect. That is why you should contact a skilled lawyer, such as the team at Davis & Brusca, as soon as you can so that they can immediately assist you and provide legal guidance. Our dedicated team of top lawyers knows how to navigate the nursing home system and is familiar with the laws and regulations which apply. Consult with one of our skilled and reputable PA nursing home neglect lawyers now if you are in need of legal support for a nursing home abuse case.
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