Upper Darby Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

When you place an elderly loved one in a nursing home facility, you expect them to be treated with dignity and respect. But when you start to notice signs of elder abuse, you can feel like you let your family member down and now have to fight another battle. The Upper Darby nursing home abuse lawyers of Munley Law understand the devastating impacts elder abuse can have on the victim and their family.

At Munley Law, we have 65 years of experience in complex personal injury cases, including those involving neglect in assisted living facilities. If you suspect medical malpractice, sexual abuse, or any form of nursing home negligence, call our law office today for a no-obligation, free consultation.

What is Nursing Home Abuse in Upper Darby, PA?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nursing home abuse is rampant in assisted living facilities and other long-term care homes, with two in three staffers reporting that they have committed abuse in the past year.

Common violations in Upper Darby and Delaware County nursing homes include:

• Physical abuse
• Nursing home neglect
• Sexual abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Financial abuse
• Wrongful death

Sometimes, the negligent conduct is not intentional; however, any harm committed against a vulnerable member of our population must be handled immediately.

Reporting Elder Abuse in Upper Darby

Pennsylvania does adhere to local regulatory oversight and reporting procedures for suspected neglect and abuse in nursing home facilities. Under the law, nursing homes and long-term care facility employees and administrators who have reasonable cause to suspect abuse of an elderly person must report to their local area agency on aging and make a written report to the agency within 48 hours of the oral reporting.

In addition, if the employee suspects sexual abuse, serious bodily injury, or physical injury or that death is suspicious, they must further contact local law enforcement.

From there, the local area agency on aging must report a formal account to the Pennsylvania Department of Aging.

However, if it is a family member or friend who suspects abuse, there are other actions they should take, including notifying the facility the elderly individual is in. They can also utilize resources to report abuse if they worry about speaking directly to the facility. Upper Darby and Delaware County resources include:

• Elder Abuse Helpline: Staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week; 1-800-490-8505
• Delaware County Office of Services For the Aging (COSA) Protective Services: COSA’s Protective Services Program investigates reports of abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, or abandonment of county residents aged 60 or older.

For extreme and life-threatening cases, call 911 immediately.

The nursing home abuse attorneys at Munley Law understand the delicate nature of filing an elder abuse report. You may worry your claims won’t be taken seriously, or your loved one’s elder care will only worsen. Know that any intentional conduct that harms your loved one is against the law. If you suspect abuse in an Upper Darby nursing home, contact our office for immediate help.

Warning Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect in Delaware County Facilities

No one anticipates their loved one being harmed in the care of a nursing home facility. But if you suspect something is amiss, these are the warning signs of nursing home abuse and neglect.

• Physical signs and symptoms: Broken bones, bedsores, bruising, burns, traumatic brain injury, cuts and scrapes, etc.
• Behavioral and emotional changes: Hesitation to speak, withdrawing from others, lying about how injuries happened, increase in anxiety, anger, depression, or fear
• Facility conditions: Understaffed, unsanitary conditions, lack of communication from staff, etc.
• Financial exploitation red flags: Sudden changes in banking accounts, additional names being added to accounts, abrupt changes in the will or financial planning, unexplained charges, etc.

When around-the-clock care is needed for the well-being of your loved one, you expect that they will get the car required for their condition. However, when their health begins to decline unexpectedly, and they suspect abuse, the abusers need to be held accountable.

At Munley Law, our nursing home abuse attorneys will go the extra mile for your loved ones. We believe older adults have a right to respect and dignity, and when that doesn’t happen, we help victims and their families take legal action. Our Upper Darby attorneys are available 24/7 to discuss your concerns and review your legal rights.

Steps to Take If You Suspect Abuse in an Upper Darby Nursing Home

If you suspect your loved one is being abused in an Upper Darby nursing home, an experienced injury attorney in Upper Darby can help you get the legal representation you need to fight for your family member’s rights.

If you suspect nursing home abuse, including medical malpractice, financial hardship due to exploitation, or emotional and physical abuse, these are the steps you should take to preserve your case.

• Document everything: The second you suspect something is amiss, document everything. Take pictures of signs of harm, note any concerning interactions, and keep a file of any comments you get from staff about your loved one that seems off.
• Report to Delaware County authorities: Once you have your concerns listed, report them to your local authorities of elder abuse.
• Contact state oversight agencies: The Adult Protective Services (APS) is the state agency responsible for investigating elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation through the state Department of Aging. Once you’ve reported your concerns locally, file a complaint with the state organization.
• Secure medical records: Especially in cases where you suspect medical malpractice or physical abuse, you need to get copies of your family member’s medical records. Act quickly to ensure that notes aren’t changed, which can harm your claim.
• Call Munley Law: Navigating an elder abuse case can be challenging. Munley Law can help you through the legal process to ensure your loved one is protected.

In Pennsylvania, there is a two-year statute of limitations for nursing home negligence cases. Be forewarned, time will go quickly and the nursing home will try to drag their feet to get you to drop the case.

Time is critical. Let our local attorneys protect your loved one’s rights.

What Evidence is Needed in a Nursing Home Neglect Case?

Evidence is critical in a nursing home abuse claim. You will need copies of medical records, evidence of abuse such as photos of injuries, statements from others who have witnessed harm, security footage if available, etc.

In cases of financial abuse, you may need bank statements and financial records.

Why Choose An Upper Darby Nursing Home Abuse Attorney at Munley Law?

The personal injury lawyers of Munley Law have decades of experience fighting for Pennyslvania’s injured. Our lawyers have extensive trial experience, including in cases involving elder abuse. With 65 years of experience, our injury attorneys bring unparalleled expertise to every case we handle. Our success in securing multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements is built upon our extensive relationships with Delaware County nursing homes and healthcare facilities. We’ve developed an intimate knowledge of Upper Darby’s healthcare landscape and maintain a deep understanding of Delaware County court procedures and local regulations. Our strong connections with skilled medical experts and investigators and our proven history of successful verdicts in Delaware County courts make us uniquely qualified to handle your case.

At Munley Law, we understand that entrusting the care of your loved one to a nursing home is a significant decision. When that trust is broken through abuse or neglect, you need advocates who will fight tirelessly for justice. Our thorough investigation process includes a comprehensive review of medical records, interviews with staff and witnesses, and consultation with medical experts. We analyze facility policies and procedures while documenting violations and negligence that contributed to the abuse.

We develop a personalized legal strategy for each case, maintaining regular communication with families and providing transparent case updates. Our attorneys take time to clearly explain legal options and engage in strategic negotiation with facilities to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients.

Don’t let nursing home abuse continue unchallenged. When you contact Munley Law for a free, confidential consultation, our experienced attorneys will evaluate your claim at no cost and explain your legal rights and options. We believe in providing clear guidance on the next steps while beginning immediate investigation when needed.

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we secure compensation for your case. This allows families to pursue justice without financial burden.

Compensation for Upper Darby Nursing Home Abuse Victims

Victims of nursing home negligence and their families may be entitled to economic and non-economic damages. This includes:

• Medical treatment at local facilities
• Relocation to safer homes
• Pain and suffering
• Punitive damages against negligent facilities

A nursing home abuse lawyer from Munley Law can help you determine the total case valuation for your loved one. Get the compensation your loved one deserves from negligent Upper Darby facilities. Call Munley Law today.

Upper Darby Nursing Home Laws and Regulations

Nursing homes must abide by state and federal regulations and are subject to inspections.

In Pennsylvania, nursing homes must meet staffing standards, provide comprehensive resident care, be clean and safe for residents, provide adequate nutrition, and abide by residents’ rights.

Failure to do so can result in being reported to Delaware County oversight committees, state agencies, and more.

Residents rights in Upper Darby facilities include:

• To be treated with respect.
• To participate in activities.
• To be free from discrimination.
• To be free from abuse and neglect.
• To be free from restraint.
• To make complaints.
• To get proper medical care.
• To have your representative notified.
• To get notified of services and fees.
• To manage your own finances.
• To have proper living arrangements.
• To spend time with visitors.
• To get social services.
• To leave the facility.
• To be protected from unfair transfer.
• To form or participate in groups.
• To have your family and friends involved in your life.

Even though your loved one requires new levels of care, they still have a right to be autonomous, free of harm, and worthy of respect. Understand your rights under local and state law, and contact us today to learn how we can help.

Call the Upper Darby Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers of Munley Law

If you suspect a loved one is being abused in a long-term care facility or nursing home, call the Upper Darby nursing home abuse lawyers of Munley Law. We protect vulnerable areas and get them the help they need.

For more than 60 years, we’ve helped Pennsylvania families as medical malpractice lawyers, motor vehicle accident attorneys, product liability professionals, and in various other personal injury claims. Let us use that experience for you.

Get answers specific to your Upper Darby case during a free consultation.

Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys

1617 John F Kennedy Blvd
Suite 1690,
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 515-7747