A Reading nursing home abuse lawyer provides essential legal support for victims of mistreatment in long-term care facilities. Since 1959, Munley Law’s attorneys have specialized in protecting the rights of elderly and vulnerable residents who have suffered neglect, physical abuse, or emotional trauma.
We’ve obtained settlements and verdicts totaling more than $1 billion, and we continue to be recognized and honored by respected legal organizations and institutions. All our lawyers are members of the Pennsylvania Bar Association and the American Association for Justice, in which some of our partners have fulfilled leadership roles. We’ve also received accolades from Lawdragon, Irish Legal 100, Best Lawyers, and others.
When families place their trust in nursing homes in Berks County, they expect professional care and respect for their loved ones. However, when that trust is broken, the consequences can be severe. By choosing to work with our Reading nursing home abuse lawyer, families take a stand not just for their loved ones, but for the safety and well-being of all nursing home residents in our community. If you suspect your loved one is the victim of nursing home abuse in Reading, PA, don’t wait. Contact a Reading personal injury attorney at Muney Law today for a free consultation.
What are the Rights of Nursing Home Residents in Reading, PA?
When someone enters a nursing home, they often find themselves in a very vulnerable state. It is important to know that your loved one has rights under the law, which their caregivers at the nursing home must uphold and protect.
Unfortunately, many caregivers ignore these rights. While recent statistics aren’t available, an older article published in the AMA Journal of Ethics reveals that almost one-third of nursing homes had been cited for federal standard violations that had the potential to harm or had already harmed residents, and that one in 10 nursing homes had violations that caused residents harm or serious injury or placed them at risk for death. 95% of 2,000 nursing home residents said they had experienced or witnessed neglect, and 44% said they had been abused. According to a more recent Ballard Brief, 64.2% of staff in nursing care facilities admitted to committing some form of abuse in the past year.
Residents of nursing homes and elder care facilities have certain rights outlined by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging. These rights include:
- The right to be informed about their medical conditions and treatment and to participate in their own plan of care. Residents must be given the opportunity to participate in developing their care plan and have the right to refuse care.
- The right to choose one’s own doctor and pharmacy.
- The right to be informed in writing about the facility’s policies and about any charges incurred for services rendered.
- The right to privacy, including the confidentiality of medical information.
- The right to manage one’s own personal finances. If the nursing home has been placed in charge of the resident’s finances, the resident has the right to remain informed and to receive regular updates about their financial situation.
- The right to be treated with dignity and respect.
- The right to be free from mental, physical, sexual abuse, exploitation, neglect, and involuntary seclusion.
- The right to make an official complaint without retaliation.
- The right to communicate confidentially with others.
Nursing home residents also have the right to sue if they suffer from abuse or neglect at their facility. If your loved one is not capable of pursuing legal action on their own behalf, they may designate someone to do so for them (often called “power of attorney”).
Call Us At 844-686-5397 What are the Signs of Nursing Home Abuse in Reading?
There are many different kinds of elder abuse that take place in nursing homes. Nursing home residents can be subjected to physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional and psychological abuse, and financial abuse. Abuse can take the form of overt acts of violence, as well as failure to provide adequate care and attention.
Signs of abuse and neglect in nursing homes include:
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, burns, sprains, or broken bones in various stages of healing
- Bedsores
- Falls
- Unexplained venereal disease or infections
- Sudden changes in behavior or mood
- Rapid weight loss
- Staff refusing to allow visitors to see the resident or delays in allowing visitors to see the resident
- Staff not allowing the resident to be alone with the visitor
- The resident being kept in an over-medicated state
- Loss of the resident’s possessions
- Poor hygiene
- Sudden large withdrawals from bank accounts or changes in banking practices
- Abrupt changes in a will or other financial documents
- Deliberate lack of communication between caregivers and the patient’s family members
- Nursing home staff being uncooperative or evasive
In the most tragic cases, neglect or abuse can be fatal. If you believe that negligence at a nursing home caused your loved one’s death, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the facility and/or the individuals responsible for their care.
Contact a nursing home abuse lawyer at Munley Law about your concerns. There is no charge and no risk in meeting with a nursing home abuse lawyer, and the consultation may provide you with the information and the peace of mind you need to move forward. During our initial meeting, we will answer your questions, give you advice based on the information we have gathered, and explain your options. If you choose to move forward, we will get to work right away.
“At Munley Law, our mission is simple: to provide all injury victims equal access to justice, even against the most powerful entities. For more than 65 years, we have been the voice for the injured, the forgotten, and those who need someone to stand beside them in their darkest hour.”
Marion Munley
What Should You Do If You Suspect Nursing Home Neglect in Reading?
If you suspect that your family member is suffering from abuse, neglect, or improper care at a Reading nursing home, you have the right to take action. These are the steps you can take to protect your loved one and begin the legal process.
Document the Signs: Keep a detailed record of the observed signs, including dates, times, descriptions, and any relevant photographs or videos if possible.
Report the Concerns: Inform the nursing home administration and file a formal complaint. Ensure that your concerns are addressed promptly.
Seek Medical Attention: If your loved one has suffered physical injuries or shows signs of neglect, seek immediate medical attention to address their health needs.
Contact Authorities: If you suspect immediate danger or life-threatening situations, contact local law enforcement or adult protective services to report the abuse.
Consult with a Reading Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer: Seek legal advice from an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer who can guide you through the legal process, protect your loved one’s rights, and help you seek justice
Why Consulting a Reading Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer is Your Best Option
Nursing home abuse is a grave concern that affects our vulnerable elderly loved ones who reside in long-term care facilities. If you suspect that your loved one has been subjected to abuse or neglect, it is crucial to seek legal assistance from a skilled and compassionate nursing home abuse lawyer. At Munley Law, we specialize in advocating for the rights of victims and their families, holding negligent parties accountable, and ensuring justice is served.
Here are some benefits of hiring a nursing home abuse lawyer:
Legal Expertise: Nursing home abuse cases can be complex, involving various legal aspects such as negligence, medical malpractice, and breach of duty. A lawyer with expertise in nursing home abuse cases has a deep understanding of the laws and regulations surrounding elder abuse, allowing them to navigate the legal process effectively.
Investigation and Gathering Evidence: A nursing home abuse lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the case. They will gather crucial evidence such as medical records, facility documentation, surveillance footage, and witness testimonies to build a strong case on your behalf. This meticulous investigation is essential for proving liability and holding the responsible parties accountable.
Identifying Liable Parties: Determining liability in nursing home abuse cases can be challenging. A skilled lawyer will carefully assess the facts and circumstances surrounding the abuse to identify all potentially liable parties, including the nursing home facility, staff members, administrators, or even third-party contractors. Holding all responsible parties accountable can increase the chances of obtaining fair compensation for the victim.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies representing nursing home facilities may try to minimize the compensation owed to victims and their families. A nursing home abuse lawyer will have experience negotiating with these insurance companies to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve. They will fight for your rights and protect your interests throughout the legal process.
Pursuing Compensation: Nursing home abuse can result in physical, emotional, and financial damages. A skilled lawyer will help you pursue compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, rehabilitation costs, and any other losses incurred due to the abuse. They will work diligently to calculate the full extent of your damages and seek fair and just compensation on your behalf.
Remember, time is of the essence in nursing home abuse cases, as evidence may be lost or memories may fade. Your case also needs to be filed before the two-year period allowed by the statute of limitations under 42 Pa. C.S.A. § 5524 (2) expires.
If you suspect nursing home abuse, contact a nursing home abuse lawyer as soon as possible to protect your loved one’s rights and seek justice. Your Reading injury lawyer will guide you through the legal process, provide the necessary support, and fight for the compensation and justice your loved one deserves.
Why Choose Munley Law for Your Reading Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer?
Nursing home abuse is a serious issue, and if you suspect a loved one is being abused by those who are supposed to care for them, you shouldn’t try to tackle it alone. Instead, you should entrust the matter to an experienced Reading nursing home abuse lawyer at Munley Law.
We’ve investigated elder abuse cases for almost seven decades, holding those responsible accountable for their actions or negligence and obtaining justice and fair compensation for victims. As a result of their expertise, thorough investigations, persistent negotiations, and aggressive courtroom arguments, our lawyers have secured multi-million-dollar client victories.
Four of our attorneys, namely Marion Munley, Daniel Munley, J. Christopher Munley, and John Mulcahey, are board-certified in Civil Trial Advocacy and Civil Trial Law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Best Lawyers has honored all our lawyers, one of them being Marion, who was named Lawyer of the Year for Personal Injury Litigation. The National Trial Lawyers has also bestowed accolades on us, such as by naming all our partners among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Pennsylvania and by naming Mackenzie Wilson among the Top 40 Under 40 Civil Plaintiff Attorneys in Pennsylvania.
In addition, Marion and Dan are members of the American Board of Trial Advocates, and Marion and Caroline are members of the International Society of Barristers, Litigation Counsel of America, and, along with Robert Munley III, the Multi-Million-Dollar Advocates Forum/Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Martindale-Hubbell gave all our partners its highest ratings, AV Preeminent.
With Munley Law on your side, you know your case will be investigated thoroughly and that we will fight for justice for you and your loved one.
Reading Nursing Home Abuse FAQs
How Do I Report Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect in Reading, Pennsylvania?
The first step in reporting nursing home abuse and holding the facility legally accountable is to make an official complaint with the Pennsylvania Department of Aging.
What is an Ombudsman?
An ombudsman is a trained individual who helps protect the rights of Pennsylvanians living in long-term care facilities. The ombudsman investigates claims of abuse and neglect and works closely with families as well as local law enforcement and other community entities. The Pennsylvania State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program under the Pennsylvania Department of Aging contracts with 52 Area Agencies on Aging to provide Ombudsman services throughout the Commonwealth.
Is Nursing Home Abuse the Same as Medical Malpractice?
Nursing home abuse is not the same as medical malpractice. Nursing home neglect and medical negligence are different types of legal cases. Medical malpractice can take place in a nursing home. A Reading nursing home abuse lawyer at Munley Law will review your situation in detail to identify all defendants and determine the best course of action. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Can I Move My Loved One to Another Facility While a Nursing Home Abuse Case is Pending?
Yes, you can move your loved one to another facility while a nursing home abuse case is pending. Your loved one’s safety and well-being should always come first. Transferring them to another nursing home or care facility will not prevent you from pursuing compensation. A Reading nursing home abuse lawyer can help ensure the transition is handled properly while preserving important evidence for your case.
How Long Do I Have to File a Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
In most cases, Pennsylvania law gives you two years from the date of the abuse or from when the harm was discovered to file a nursing home abuse lawsuit in Pennsylvania. This time limit, known as the statute of limitations, is set under 42 Pa. C.S.A. § 5524 (2). Depending on the circumstances, exceptions may apply, so it’s important to speak with an experienced nursing home abuse attorney in Reading, PA, as soon as possible.
Contact Munley Law for a Free Reading Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Consultation
If you or your loved one is being abused in a nursing home in Berks County, you deserve justice, protection, and compensation for your damages.
Contact Munley Law today to schedule a consultation with our Reading nursing home abuse lawyer. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t pay any legal fees unless we win your case.
Marion Munley
Marion Munley has been practicing personal injury law for nearly 40 years. She is triple board-certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy for Truck Accident Law, Civil Trial Law, and Civil Practice Advocacy. She currently serves as Vice President of the American Association for Justice, an organization dedicated to safeguarding victims’ rights. Marion has won many multimillion-dollar recoveries for her clients, including one of the largest trucking accident settlements in history. She has been named a Top 10 Super Lawyer in Pennsylvania since 2023, a Best Lawyer in America, and was recently inducted to the Lawdragon Hall of Fame.
