Pennsylvania Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

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Moving a loved one into an elder care facility is a big decision and one that is often fraught with emotion and uncertainty. If the people you have trusted to care for your parent or family member fail to uphold their duty, they must be held accountable. A nursing home abuse lawsuit not only provides real accountability and economic consequences for the wrongdoer but also provides your family with the compensation you are rightfully owed under the law. 

All elderly people and long-term care residents deserve dignity, quality care, and protection from harm. If your loved one suffered physical harm, illness, or neglect due to willful mistreatment or substandard conditions at a Pennsylvania nursing home, contact an experienced personal injury attorney at Munley Law for a free consultation. We will answer your questions, explain your rights, and advise you on the next steps to take. The Pennsylvania nursing home abuse attorney consultation is free, and we only get paid if we win your case, so you will never have to pay any upfront fees. 

How Often Does Nursing Home Abuse Occur?

According to the National Council on Aging, one in ten Americans over the age of 60 has experienced some form of elder abuse. The true number of nursing home abuse cases that take place each year is difficult to pinpoint because it is estimated that only one in 24 cases are reported. Not all of these instances take place at a nursing home, but elder abuse and neglect at long-term elder care facilities are far too common.

Pennsylvania Nursing Home Problems: By the Numbers

Government oversight reveals widespread issues in Pennsylvania’s nursing homes. A 2022 federal investigation of just 20 facilities uncovered 586 violations, including life safety deficiencies and issues with infection control.

Pennsylvania state inspectors conduct hundreds of investigations monthly. In January 2022 alone, they completed 497 inspections across 340 nursing homes, with 390 of these being complaint investigations, where families or staff reported suspected problems.

The state regularly issues significant financial penalties for violations, reflecting ongoing patterns of substandard care throughout Pennsylvania’s long-term care system.

The Root Cause: Many facilities report staff turnover rates exceeding 50%, with some as high as 90%. This chronic understaffing crisis directly contributes to neglect and abuse, as overworked and under-trained staff struggle to provide adequate care.

What Are the Types of Nursing Home Abuse in PA?

Elder abuse in Pennsylvania nursing homes takes several distinct forms, each with serious consequences for residents’ health and well-being:

Physical Abuse involves the use of force that causes bodily injury, pain, or impairment. This includes hitting, slapping, pushing, kicking, misuse of restraints, or any form of physical coercion.

Emotional or Psychological Abuse encompasses verbal and non-verbal actions that cause emotional distress. Examples include verbal assaults, insults, threats, intimidation, humiliation, isolation from friends or activities, and other forms of psychological torment.

Sexual Abuse involves any non-consensual sexual contact with a resident, ranging from unwanted touching to rape. Residents with cognitive impairments like dementia are particularly vulnerable to this form of abuse.

Financial Abuse or Exploitation occurs when caregivers illegally or improperly use a resident’s money, assets, or property. This can include stealing cash, forging signatures, coercing residents into signing financial documents, or misusing their financial accounts.

Neglect is the failure to provide basic necessities, including food, water, shelter, clothing, hygiene, and essential medical care. This can be intentional or result from inadequate staffing and resources.

How to Recognize These Types of Abuse

Understanding what each type of abuse looks like in practice helps families identify when their loved ones may be in danger:

Physical Abuse Warning Signs

• Unexplained bruises, cuts, burns, or fractures that don’t match the given explanations
• Marks on wrists or ankles indicating restraint use
• Frequent injuries or repeated fall reports without a clear cause
• Resident’s reluctance to discuss or explain their injuries

Emotional/Psychological Abuse Indicators

• Withdrawal from previously enjoyed social activities
• Sudden personality changes or behavioral shifts
• New dementia-like behaviors (rocking, biting, sucking) in residents who didn’t exhibit these before
• Signs of fear, anxiety, depression, or agitation
• Avoiding eye contact or visible distress around specific staff members
• Unusual quietness or withdrawal when certain caregivers are present

Sexual Abuse Red Flags

• Torn, stained, or bloody undergarments or bedding
• Unexplained sexually transmitted infections or genital injuries
• Sudden changes in behavior around bathing or medical examinations
• Extreme fear or withdrawal from physical contact

Financial Exploitation Evidence

• Unexplained bank account withdrawals or changes in banking patterns
• Missing personal belongings, jewelry, or valuables
• Financial documents, wills, or legal papers that the resident cannot explain or didn’t authorize
• Sudden changes in power of attorney or beneficiary designations

Neglect Symptoms

• Poor personal hygiene: unwashed hair, dirty nails, soiled clothing
• Unattended medical needs: missing medications, untreated injuries, or developing bedsores
• Weight loss, malnutrition, or signs of dehydration
• Unsafe living conditions: soiled bedding, pest infestations, broken equipment

General Behavioral Changes

• Complaints from residents about mistreatment, whether direct or implied
• Caregivers refusing to allow residents private time with visitors
• Staff members who seem controlling or answer for the resident

If you observe any combination of these warning signs, document your concerns and report them immediately to facility administrators, Pennsylvania’s Department of Aging, or adult protective services.

Steps to Take if You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse in Pennsylvania

If you suspect nursing home neglect or abuse in Pennsylvania, take immediate steps to ensure the safety of the victim and to hold the perpetrators accountable. Here’s a guide on what to do:

Document Everything: Photograph injuries and unsafe conditions, secure medical records, and collect witness statements. Keep records of all communications with facility staff.

Report Suspected Abuse: Contact Pennsylvania’s Department of Aging Protective Services hotline for investigations. For emergencies or criminal acts, call 911 immediately. The state ombudsman program can also advocate for residents’ rights.

Get Medical Care: Ensure your loved one receives immediate medical attention for any injuries or health concerns. This also provides independent documentation of their condition.

Contact Legal Help: Call Munley Law for a free consultation to understand your legal options and rights.

How Our Pennsylvania Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers Can Help

When facing the distressing situation of nursing home neglect or abuse in Pennsylvania, enlisting the help of specialized lawyers can be a crucial step in securing justice and compensation for the affected resident. Here’s how Pennsylvania nursing home abuse lawyers at Munley Law can help you:

Free Consultation and Case Evaluation

The lawyers offer an initial free consultation to discuss the circumstances of your case, providing an opportunity to understand the legal options available without any financial commitment. They evaluate any evidence you might already have and advise on the strength of your case. The team explains the legal process, what you can expect, and how to proceed with a claim for nursing home abuse.

Comprehensive Investigation of Suspected Abuse

Nursing home abuse attorneys will collect detailed evidence to support the claim, including medical records, eyewitness statements, and expert testimony. They work to identify all potential defendants, including individual caregivers, nursing home staff, and the facility itself.

The legal team will assess the type and extent of abuse or neglect, employing medical experts if necessary to provide insight into the injuries and their impact on the victim’s life.

Filing Legal Claims Against Negligent Nursing Homes and Staff

Legal Documentation: Lawyers will prepare and file all necessary documents to initiate a lawsuit against the responsible parties. They ensure that your claim is filed within Pennsylvania’s legal deadlines for nursing home abuse cases. Throughout the legal process, your lawyer acts as your advocate, ensuring your voice is heard and your interests are represented.

Seeking Compensation for Damages

Our legal team will accurately calculate the total damages, including medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, and other related expenses. Nursing home abuse lawyers often negotiate with the opposing parties to reach a settlement that adequately compensates for the damages without the need for a trial.

Our experience and negotiating skills aim to secure the highest possible compensation for the victim and their family.

Representing Clients in Negotiations and Court Proceedings

The lawyers will handle all negotiations to reach a fair settlement before the case goes to trial. Suppose a satisfactory settlement cannot be reached. In that case, your legal team is prepared to represent you in court, presenting your case with compelling evidence and expert testimony to seek a favorable judgment. Throughout the entire process, from the initial consultation to the final resolution of your case, we provide continuous support, keeping you informed and involved at every step.

By leveraging their specialized knowledge and experience in Pennsylvania nursing home abuse cases, lawyers from Munley Law can provide comprehensive legal support, helping to alleviate the burden on victims and their families while pursuing justice and compensation for the harm suffered.

Pennsylvania Nursing Home Resources

Here are some resources to learn about nursing home regulations, reports, etc. 

• The Elder Abuse Guide for Law Enforcement breaks down elder abuse laws and statutes by state. 
• Recent reports on deficiencies, turnover rate, and more are available for ProPublica. 
• Recent nursing home survey results, available by month, are provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
• The Pennsylvania Department of Aging provides an online tool to locate your local Area Agency on Aging. 

Pennsylvania Nursing Home Abuse FAQs

How Do I Report Suspected Nursing Home Abuse?

If you suspect abuse or neglect at a nursing home in Pennsylvania, you can contact the Pennsylvania Department of Health Division of Nursing Care Facilities and file an official complaint.

If you believe your loved one may be in immediate danger, call 911. 

To file a complaint:

• Call the Department of Aging’s 24-hour hotline at 1-800-490-8505 to report suspected abuse
• Call 1-800-254-5164 to report a concern about the safety or conditions of a nursing home
• Use the online complaint form
• email [email protected]
• Send mail to:

Division of Nursing Care Facilities Director
Pennsylvania Department of Health
Division of Nursing Care Facilities
625 Forster St., Room 526, Health and Welfare Building
Harrisburg, PA 17120-0701
fax 717-772-2163

Is Nursing Home Neglect a Crime?

In Pennsylvania, nursing home neglect can be considered a crime under certain circumstances. The state takes the well-being and protection of nursing home residents seriously, and laws are in place to address neglect, abuse, and exploitation of older and dependent adults.

Pennsylvania law, specifically under the Older Adults Protective Services Act (OAPSA), provides a framework for the protection of older adults (aged 60 and over) from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and abandonment. 

Criminal neglect in the context of a nursing home involves situations where the care provided falls significantly below the standard required and results in harm or a risk of serious harm to the resident. It can include failure to provide basic needs such as food, water, medication, medical care, hygiene, and protection from health and safety hazards.

The penalties for individuals found guilty of neglecting nursing home residents can vary, depending on the severity of the neglect and the specific circumstances. It can range from misdemeanors for less severe neglect to felonies for severe neglect that results in serious injury or death. 

What Federal Laws Protect Nursing Home Patients’ Rights?

The 1987 Nursing Home Reform Law, officially known as the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 (OBRA-87), establishes the standards of care and rights for residents in nursing homes that accept Medicare and Medicaid. It outlines services that must be provided, mandates individual care plans, and specifies residents’ rights, including the right to be treated with dignity, privacy, communication, and the right to manage one’s affairs. 

The law also states the requirements for sufficient staffing and the qualifications of nursing home staff. It mandates that a registered nurse (RN) must be on duty 24 hours daily in facilities with more than 120 beds. 

Contact Munley Law for a Free Consultation

If your loved one has suffered abuse or neglect at a Pennsylvania nursing home facility, contact the experienced nursing home abuse attorneys at Munley Law for a free consultation today.