No one should ever suffer abuse or neglect in a care center, but this is an unfortunate reality for many people – and our Philadelphia nursing home abuse lawyers are ready to hold those responsible accountable for their actions. At Munley Law, we have protected the rights of injured Pennsylvanians since 1959, pursuing justice on their behalf and ensuring they are compensated for their damages.
Our efforts have paid off, as we’ve recovered more than $1 billion for clients through settlements and verdicts. We have earned AV-Preeminent peer ratings, and Platinum-Level Client Champion ratings from Martindale-Hubbell – the highest ethical and client service ratings in our industry- and several of our attorneys have board certifications from the National Board of Trial Advocacy. In addition, all our lawyers are members of the American Association for Justice and the Pennsylvania Bar Association. We are also routinely honored by Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, Best Law Firms, and other respected organizations and institutions.
Contact our Philadelphia nursing home abuse lawyers today for a free, confidential case review.
Call Us At 844-686-5397 What is Nursing Home and Elder Abuse in Philadelphia, PA?
Nursing home abuse is a form of elder abuse, which the World Health Organization (WHO) defines as a single or repeated act or lack of appropriate action that causes harm or distress to an older person. This type of violence constitutes a violation of human rights and includes:
- Physical
- Sexual
- Psychological
- Emotional
- Financial
- Material abuse
- Abandonment
- Neglect
- Serious loss of dignity and respect
How Does Abuse or Neglect Affect Nursing Home Residents?
Abuse and neglect have serious effects on nursing home residents in Philly. Victims of nursing home abuse have a 300% higher risk of death when compared to seniors who were not subjected to nursing home negligence. In addition to the increased likelihood of premature death, the abuse of nursing home residents can have the following negative impacts:
- Physical Impact: Long-term healthcare malpractice of center residents causes physical injuries such as bruises, lacerations, dental problems, head injuries, broken bones, pressure sores, persistent physical pain and soreness, problems with nutrition, hydration, and sleep, the exacerbation of pre-existing health conditions, and increased susceptibility to new illnesses
- Psychological Impact: Nursing home abuse causes psychological complications such as depression, anxiety, distress, and other psychological disorders.
- Financial Impact: The financial exploitation of elderly healthcare center residents causes tremendous monetary losses for seniors and their families.
Elderly individuals can lose their savings and sense of security when preyed upon by financial abusers.
How to Check Philadelphia Nursing Homes for Abuse Reports
The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) and the Pennsylvania Department of Aging (DOA) conduct independent evaluations of long-term residential healthcare facilities, and they also investigate reports of nursing home abuse. In many jurisdictions, including Pennsylvania, this information is widely accessible on the state health departments’ websites.
The DOH website contains valuable information about a nursing home’s size, services available, ownership type, licensure status, number of tenants, payment options, and most recent inspection.
In addition, they contain patient care surveys, which detail any harm alleged and what the state’s investigation into the incident report. If you need to report nursing home abuse or neglect, you can do so with the Department of Health as well as the DOH.
Who Faces a Higher Risk of Nursing Home Abuse Cases?
According to a study published in Cureus, certain nursing home tenants are more likely than others to suffer abuse and neglect in a long-term healthcare center.
The study revealed that especially vulnerable populations include nursing home residents who:
- Have dementia or other cognitive impairments or disorders
- Are physically disabled or handicapped
- Are socially isolated
- Experience abuser dependency
- Are Female
If your loved one is a part of any one of these groups, you should be especially wary of any signs that they are being abused by the nursing home staff entrusted with their care and contact a nursing home abuse attorney.
It’s worth noting that the study also highlighted risk factors associated with abusive nursing home employees, including:
- High stress levels
- History of alcohol and/or drug abuse
- Lack of social support
- Diagnosis of mental illness
According to surveys referenced in the study:
- 50% of staff said they mistreated older patients
- 40% of nursing home staff said they committed at least one instance of psychological abuse, such as denying food privileges, swearing and yelling at residents, or inappropriate isolation, over a 12-month period
- 17% of staff admitted to grabbing, pushing, or shoving residents
At Munley Law, we believe those guilty of nursing home abuse should not go unpunished. We will exhaust every option when investigating your case to identify those responsible and ensure they face the full might of the law.
Understanding Liability in Pennsylvania Nursing Home Abuse Cases
Liability isn’t always clear in Pennsylvania nursing home abuse cases. With regard to this, there are a couple of important points you should be aware of, including:
How Nursing Home Owners May Be Held Liable
Nursing home abuse and neglect cases often place responsibility directly on the facility owners. Under Pennsylvania nursing home law, owners must provide quality care, safe environments, and respect residents’ rights. If the owner knowingly understaffs the facility, neglects necessary maintenance, or fails to address reported concerns promptly, they can be liable for negligence. Munley Law’s experienced nursing home abuse legal professionals have successfully represented families in holding facility owners accountable for damages caused by their negligence.
Liability of Staff Members in Care Facilities
Staff members, including nurses, caregivers, and administrative personnel, have a direct duty to ensure the safety and well-being of nursing home residents. When staff behavior leads to harm, they become liable for their actions or inactions. Liability can extend to cases involving direct trauma, such as physical assault, emotional mistreatment, or neglect resulting in illness, distress, or trauma. Philadelphia nursing home residents harmed by negligent staff have the right to seek justice through lawsuits. We provide robust representation to victims of staff-related incidents, ensuring accountability and obtaining rightful compensation.
What Qualifies as Nursing Home Negligence or Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice within long-term care facilities includes improper medical treatment, medication errors, failure to diagnose illnesses, and inadequate rehabilitation plans. Nursing home abuse, on the other hand, typically involves a failure to provide basic necessities such as food, water, cleanliness, or proper monitoring of patients. Pennsylvania nursing homes are mandated to adhere strictly to healthcare standards. We investigate allegations thoroughly, gathering evidence to substantiate claims of medical malpractice, thereby advocating effectively for nursing home abuse victims.
How Do You File a Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit in Philadelphia?
There are several things you should know about filing a nursing home abuse lawsuit in Philadelphia, including:
Steps to Report Abuse and Neglect Cases
If you suspect abuse or neglect in a Philadelphia nursing home, immediate reporting is crucial. First, document all signs of abuse or neglect clearly. Then, file a detailed report with Pennsylvania’s Department of Health and the National Center on Elder Abuse. These authorities investigate allegations to protect residents and address violations swiftly. Additionally, contact our experienced legal professionals, who will guide you through the legal process, ensuring your family’s rights are protected, and a thorough investigation is pursued.
If your loved one is being abused in a care facility in Philly, the faster you act, the faster they can be protected.
Role of the Department of Health in Abuse Investigations
The Pennsylvania Department of Health plays a critical role in investigating nursing home abuse cases. They conduct inspections and audits of care facilities to identify neglect, staffing issues, and other safety concerns. Investigations can lead to citations, penalties, or facility closures. Their reports often serve as essential evidence in lawsuits. We collaborate closely with state authorities to strengthen our clients’ cases, using official investigations to support claims and secure justice for victims.
How Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys Secure Justice for Victims
Experienced attorneys are essential allies in your fight for justice. We meticulously build each lawsuit, gathering evidence, consulting medical experts, and advocating aggressively on your behalf. From settlement negotiations to trial, our attorneys aim to hold liable parties fully accountable, ensuring victims and their families receive compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma. If you or a family member has experienced nursing home abuse in Philadelphia, our dedicated attorneys are ready to pursue justice for you.
What Does a Nursing Home Abuse Law Firm Do?
Realizing that your beloved family member may be the victim of nursing home abuse and neglect is a horrifying experience. The process of holding the negligent retirement home or care facility accountable can be daunting, and most facilities’ insurance companies are prepared to deny any wrongdoing.
In order to be successful in a claim against a nursing home, you must prove three things: that the facility owed a duty of care to your loved one, that they failed to uphold that duty, and that, as a direct result, your loved one suffered harm. While the abuse or neglect may appear obvious, it can be a laborious process to document and prove everything that happened. We will begin by hearing your story, reviewing all medical records with our in-house doctor, and we will prepare to take your case to trial if the defendants do not cooperate with a settlement.
“Honoring those who came before us, Munley Law proudly continues our family tradition of innovation, caring, and integrity. Three generations of Munleys have built this firm on one belief: that injured people deserve the same fierce advocacy that the powerful receive as a matter of course. That belief still drives everything we do.”
Caroline Munley
How Much Does Hiring Philadelphia Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers Cost?
We believe in standing up for the vulnerable – regardless of wealth and income. This is why we work on a contingent fee basis. The contingent fee means we only get paid if we win your case, and you incur no financial risk whatsoever in bringing a legal claim against the nursing home. If we do not recover a settlement or verdict in your favor, you owe us nothing.
For nearly 70 years, our personal injury lawyers in Philadelphia have fought for victims of abuse and their families. We want to help you make sure that any healthcare staff members who abuse, neglect or take advantage of elderly residents are held accountable and that your loved one can get the care that they deserve.
If someone you love resides in a long-term healthcare center and you suspect that they may be the victim of neglect or physical, emotional, financial, or sexual abuse, call our experienced team of legal professionals for a free consultation today.
How Can a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Protect Residents?
Mistreatment in nursing homes or assisted living facilities can harm a nursing home resident in many ways. Our team works to stop this at any location in Pennsylvania. We look at staffing issues that lead to poor care and fight for damages when harm occurs. Individuals and their loved ones trust us to review cases and hold facilities accountable without upfront costs.
What Pennsylvania Law Says About Nursing Home Negligence
Pennsylvania law sets rules to protect each nursing home resident from mistreatment. The Older Adults Protective Services Act demands proper staffing to prevent trauma in assisted living facilities. If a location fails these standards, legal action can address the damages. Our team knows these laws and uses them to help families.
It’s important that you also keep Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations in mind when considering filing a case. Under 42 Pa. C.S.A. § 5524 (2), the law gives you two years from the date of the abuse or from which the abuse should reasonably have been discovered to file a case. Missing this deadline could prevent you and your loved one from pursuing compensation.
Can Malpractice or Assault Lead to a Lawsuit?
Assault or malpractice in nursing homes often triggers a lawsuit. A nursing home resident may face physical trauma due to poor staffing or neglectful acts. Our firm will seek damages for your loved ones when this happens in any Pennsylvania location. Our process starts with a free review to build your case.
Why Choose Munley Law as Your Philadelphia Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer?
Munley Law’s reputation for putting clients first, thorough investigations, negotiations, and legal proceedings that get results stretches back over almost seven decades. By leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of justice, our attorneys have secured multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts for clients in Philly and throughout the Keystone State.
All our lawyers are members of the Pennsylvania Bar Association and the American Association for Justice, which has presented several of our attorneys with awards. Marion Munley is currently the association’s Vice President. In addition, Marion, along with Daniel Munley, J. Christopher Munley, and John Mulcahey have board certifications in Civil Trial Law and Civil Trial Advocacy from the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Marion and Daniel are also members of the invitation-only American Board of Trial Advocates. Best Lawyers named Marion as Lawyer of the Year for Medical Malpractice Law and Personal Injury Litigation, and she was named to the Lawdragon 500 Leading Lawyers in America list, while all our partners were named to the Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers list.
These are only a few of the many accolades that assure you of our professionalism, trustworthiness, and commitment to fighting for the best results for our clients. Make the right choice by entrusting your case to our Philadelphia nursing home abuse lawyers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Philadelphia Nursing Home Abuse Cases
What Are the Warning Signs of Nursing Home Abuse Or Neglect In Philadelphia?
The common warning signs of nursing home abuse or neglect in Philadelphia include unexplained bruises, bedsores, sudden weight loss, poor hygiene, dehydration, fearfulness, and unusual changes in behavior or mood. Missing belongings, unauthorized financial transactions, or sudden changes to financial or legal documents may be signs of financial abuse. If something doesn’t seem right, trust your instincts, investigate further, and contact an experienced Philadelphia nursing home abuse lawyer.
What Should I Do If I Suspect My Loved One Is Being Abused In a Philadelphia Nursing Home?
If you suspect your loved one is being abused in a Philadelphia nursing home, take immediate steps to protect them by documenting visible injuries, changes in their condition, and anything staff members say or do. Report your concerns to the nursing home administration and the appropriate Pennsylvania agencies. Speak with a nursing home abuse attorney to gain a better understanding of your legal options and to preserve important evidence.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Nursing Home Abuse Case?
Depending on the circumstances, several different parties may be held liable in a nursing home abuse case. These parties may include individual caregivers, nurses, administrators, or the facility’s owners or management company. A facility may be responsible if it failed to properly hire, train, supervise, or retain staff, or if it created unsafe conditions through understaffing or poor policies. A thorough investigation is needed to determine who may be legally accountable.
Can I File a Lawsuit If My Loved One Suffered Neglect Instead of Physical Abuse In a Philadelphia Nursing Home?
Yes, you can file a lawsuit if your loved one suffered neglect instead of physical abuse in a Philadelphia nursing home. Neglect can be just as serious as abuse and may lead to dehydration, falls, infections, malnutrition, medication errors, or other preventable harm. If the facility failed to provide proper care and your loved one suffered as a result, you may have grounds for a legal claim.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Philadelphia Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer?
Hiring a Philadelphia nursing home abuse lawyer does not cost anything upfront. At Munley Law, we handle these cases on a contingency fee basis, which means there are no upfront legal fees, and we only get paid if we win your case and recover compensation for you.
Contact Our Philadelphia Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys
When Philadelphia nursing home residents experience neglect or abuse, immediate attention and legal assistance are essential. Our dedicated nursing home abuse attorneys understand the devastating impact that substandard quality care and inappropriate behavior by nurses or facility staff can have on both patients and their family members. Whether facing cases involving nursing home neglect, sexual abuse, or improper rehabilitation practices, our experienced abuse attorneys are ready to help.
Our Philadelphia nursing home abuse attorney will listen carefully to your complaint, investigate the specific location thoroughly, and determine who is liable under Pennsylvania nursing home law. We show utmost respect to every family affected by these difficult situations and work tirelessly toward justice, from filing lawsuits to trial.
Contact Munley Law today to speak with an attorney who will fight vigorously to protect your rights and ensure the safety and well-being of nursing home residents throughout Philadelphia.
Caroline Munley
Caroline Munley is an experienced and award-winning personal injury lawyer and is a board-certified workers’ compensation specialist. Since 2018, she’s been listed in Best Lawyers in America (Personal Injury Plaintiffs; Workers’ Compensation Claimants, Northeastern PA), Lawdragon, and has been a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer since 2022. A member of the International Society of Barristers, Caroline has won millions of dollars for car accident, commercial truck crash, and workplace injury victims.
Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys
1617 John F Kennedy Blvd
Suite 1690,
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 515-7747
