Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer Philadelphia, PA

No one wants to imagine that their senior relative is being mistreated, especially by those who are supposed to be caring for them. But sadly, nursing home abuse and neglect happen more often than people realize. It is important to visit your relative frequently and stay involved in their care. If you notice something doesn’t seem quite right, listen to this feeling and contact our Philadelphia, PA nursing home neglect lawyer as soon as possible. After learning more about the situation and the sign you are noticing, we can advise next steps from there. We can help you safely relocate your loved one if needed and hold the offenders of neglect responsible. Contact Davis & Brusca, LLC for support today.

General Signs Of Abuse

When visiting your loved one, make sure to observe how they are feeling and their living conditions. Generally, signs of abuse can include bruising, welts, unexplained broken bones, sprains, dislocations, failing to provide medications, restraint marks, broken glasses, and other physical symptoms. Emotionally, a senior resident may start exhibiting odd behavior that is not normal for them, such as mumbling, sucking one’s thumb, rocking back and forth, or mood outbursts. Signs of sexual abuse can entail unexplained STDs, bruising near genitals or breasts, stained or torn underwear, and vaginal or anal bleeding not related to a medical condition. As our dedicated nursing home neglect attorney can investigate, caregiver neglect may show itself in the following ways:

• Unsafe living area (faulty wiring, lack of heat or running water, fire hazards)
• Not appearing to have good hygiene
• Not being dressed appropriately for the weather
• Living in dirty clothes or soiled bedding
• Bugs or other signs of a dirty living space
• Presence of bedsores (which develop from not turning patient regularly)
• Unusual weight loss or dehydration

Financial Exploitation

Elderly people who reside in nursing home facilities may be vulnerable to their finances being exploited. Their sensitive information may be accessible to those with ill-intentions. Signs of financial abuse include unexplained withdrawals from bank accounts, changes in estate plan documents, missing cash from room, names being added to credit cards, ATM withdrawals the senior could not have done themselves, lack of medical care even though they can afford it, and atypical goods, services, or subscriptions the senior would not have signed up for.

Davis & Brusca, LLC

If you are concerned about how your senior relative is being treated in a nursing home facility, contact our Philadelphia nursing home neglect attorney right away. We can consult with you and investigate further to uncover if mistreatment is happening and how to take action. Sometimes we have suspicions but aren’t sure if they are true. At the very least, you can get peace of mind that your relative is actually okay. But if not, then immediate intervention can occur with our assistance so that your loved one gets placed somewhere safe and the offenders are held accountable. To get help, contact Davis & Brusca, LLC as soon as you can.

How A Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer Can Help You Seek Justice

Nursing home neglect is a serious issue that affects countless elderly individuals and their families. When a loved one is placed in a nursing home, there is an expectation of care, safety, and respect. Unfortunately, neglect can shatter this trust, leading to physical, emotional, and financial harm. In such situations, a Philadelphia, PA nursing home neglect lawyer can be an essential ally in seeking justice and ensuring the well-being of your loved one.

Understanding Nursing Home Neglect

Nursing home neglect occurs when caregivers fail to provide the necessary care, leading to harm or distress. This neglect can take many forms, including inadequate medical care, poor hygiene, insufficient nutrition, and emotional neglect. Recognizing the signs of neglect is crucial, as it can be subtle and often goes unnoticed until significant harm has occurred.

The Role Of A Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer

A nursing home neglect lawyer specializes in cases where residents of nursing homes have been mistreated or neglected. Here’s how they can help you seek justice:

1. Investigation and Evidence Gathering A key role of a nursing home neglect lawyer is to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the neglect. This involves collecting evidence such as medical records, witness statements, and any documentation that supports the claim of neglect. The lawyer may also work with medical experts to evaluate the extent of the harm caused and to establish a clear link between the neglect and the injuries sustained.
2. Legal Guidance and Advocacy Navigating the legal system can be daunting, especially when dealing with the emotional impact of a loved one’s neglect. A nursing home neglect lawyer provides the necessary legal guidance, helping you understand your rights and the legal options available. They will advocate on your behalf, ensuring that your case is presented effectively in court or during settlement negotiations.
3. Filing a Lawsuit If the evidence supports a claim of neglect, the lawyer will help you file a lawsuit against the nursing home or its staff. This legal action seeks to hold the responsible parties accountable and to secure compensation for the damages suffered. The lawsuit may address various aspects, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and punitive damages.
4. Settlement Negotiations Many nursing home neglect cases are resolved through settlements rather than going to trial. A skilled lawyer will negotiate with the nursing home’s insurance company or legal representatives to reach a fair settlement. This process involves presenting a strong case that highlights the negligence and the resulting harm, aiming to secure compensation that adequately addresses the damages.
5. Court Representation If a settlement cannot be reached, the case may go to trial. A nursing home neglect lawyer will represent you in court, presenting evidence, questioning witnesses, and making compelling arguments to the judge or jury. Their goal is to achieve a favorable verdict that holds the negligent parties accountable and provides the necessary compensation for your loved one’s suffering.

Conclusion

Seeking justice for nursing home neglect is a complex and emotionally charged process. A Philadelphia nursing home neglect lawyer from Davis & Brusca, LLC plays a vital role in investigating the neglect, advocating for your loved one’s rights, and pursuing compensation for the harm caused. By partnering with an experienced lawyer, you can ensure that the responsible parties are held accountable, and your loved one receives the care and justice they deserve.

Your Next Steps After Nursing Home Neglect

Your Philadelphia, PA nursing home neglect lawyer can help you protect your loved ones and secure the closure and compensation you deserve. At Davis & Brusca, LLC, we have over 25 years of experience representing thousands of clients, and now we’re ready to help you. Read on to learn what you should do if you suspect nursing home neglect:

1. Recognize The Signs Of Neglect

The first step in addressing neglect is recognizing its signs. These may include unexplained injuries, poor personal hygiene, sudden weight loss, or a noticeable decline in emotional well-being. Environmental cues can also be indicators, such as unsanitary living conditions or incorrect medication management. Being aware of these signs can help you act swiftly to address potential issues.

2. Document Your Observations

Once you notice potential signs of neglect, it’s important to document everything. Take notes on specific dates, times, and details of any incidents or changes in your loved one’s condition. Photographs can also be powerful evidence of neglect, such as pictures of unsanitary room conditions or physical injuries. This documentation will be crucial should you need to escalate the issue.

3. Speak With Staff And Management

It’s important to communicate your concerns with the nursing home staff and management as soon as you suspect neglect. Request a meeting to discuss your observations and seek explanations. Sometimes, issues can be resolved at this level by addressing misunderstandings or specific staff members. However, always approach this step with a clear record of your concerns and the evidence to support them.

4. Monitor The Nursing Home’s Response

After raising your concerns with the facility, monitor how they handle the situation. Are they conducting a thorough investigation? Is there a noticeable improvement in care? The response of the nursing home can often indicate their commitment to resolving the issue. If you see no improvement or encounter resistance, it may be time to escalate your actions.

5. Contact State Regulatory Agencies

If the nursing home’s response is inadequate, or if you believe the safety of your loved one is in immediate jeopardy, contact your state’s regulatory agency that oversees nursing home operations. These agencies can conduct independent investigations and have the authority to enforce compliance with care standards. Reporting your concerns can also help protect other residents who may be in similar situations.

6. Consult With A Legal Professional

Understanding your legal rights and options is crucial. Consulting with your Philadelphia nursing home neglect lawyer can provide you with guidance on how to proceed effectively. A lawyer can help interpret any documentation you have collected, advise you on legal strategies, and represent you and your loved one in actions against the facility if necessary.

7. Consider Alternative Care Options

While taking steps to address the neglect, it’s also important to consider alternative care options for your loved one. Whether it’s another nursing home with higher standards of care or different types of elder care services, ensuring the immediate safety and well-being of your loved one is paramount.

We Are Here To Help

At Davis & Brusca, LLC, we understand how distressing it can be to suspect that a loved one is suffering from neglect. If you suspect nursing home neglect and need guidance or representation, contact us today and see how one of our Philadelphia nursing home neglect lawyers can help.