If you suspect that a loved one has suffered mistreatment in a Luzerne County assisted living or long-term care facility, a Wilkes-Barre nursing home abuse lawyer at Munley Law can help you hold the facility accountable. Our experienced nursing home neglect attorneys have fought on behalf of victims and their families for over 65 years, helping them recover millions in damages through verdicts and settlements. We believe it is unacceptable for elders to suffer abuse and neglect simply because of their vulnerability.
Our lawyers’ dedication to our clients, effectiveness at the negotiating table, and prowess in the courtroom have long been recognized by the most influential directories and renowned organizations and institutions, such as the American Board of Trial Advocates and the Litigation Counsel of America. Four of our lawyers are board-certified in Civil Trial Law and Civil Trial Advocacy by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. We will draw on our more than 250 years of combined legal experience and do everything in our power to ensure your loved one receives the justice they deserve.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation if you know or suspect that someone you love has been mistreated in their retirement facility. One of our personal injury lawyers will review your case at no cost to you.
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The Common Types of Nursing Home Abuse in Wilkes-Barre, PA
Nursing home abuse is a blanket term that describes a range of harms. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, there were 58,614 reports of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation across the state in 2023, of which 41,221 were investigated, and 14,302 were substantiated. While the department did not state how many of these cases occurred in nursing homes, it’s highly likely that at least some did.
The first step to stopping abuse or neglect of assisted living facility residents is recognizing the signs and symptoms. Common types of abuse in nursing homes in the Wilkes-Barre area include:
- Nursing Home Neglect: If your loved one appears not to be regularly showering, brushing their teeth, wearing clean clothes, eating and drinking enough, these may be signs of neglect. Erratic behavior or sudden medical changes can also indicate that medications are being administered improperly or inconsistently. Bed sores, abrasions, bruises, and broken bones can also be symptoms of neglect.
- Physical Abuse: According to a study by the World Health Organization (WHO), 9.3% of nursing home staff admitted to physically abusing residents. However, the U.S. Department of Justice reports that only 5% of instances of physical abuse are reported. These are severe cases of nursing home abuse and neglect and should be reported.
- Sexual Abuse: According to the WHO, sexual abuse of nursing home residents is the least reported type of abuse. Alarmingly, hundreds of facilities where abuse is reported have received multiple citations for sexual abuse of residents. Many residents are impaired such that they cannot verbally report sexual abuse. Signs of sexual abuse include bruising and scratches, especially in areas of the body that are near the genitals, pelvic fractures, problems walking or sitting, sudden mood changes, increased anxiety and agitation, and the emergence of a sexually transmitted infection.
- Financial Abuse: Unlike the other types of nursing home abuse, spotting financial abuse likely requires family members to check residents’ financial accounts and legal documents regularly. Signs of financial abuse include unexplained withdrawals from bank accounts or ATMs, especially if the resident is bedridden. Other signs include changes to wills, power of attorney, property titles, and life insurance policies. When reviewing credit card and bank statements, closely monitor subscriptions or purchases that would not make sense for your loved one to buy or need. Finally, nursing home residents should be wary of keeping large amounts of cash in their rooms.
- Emotional Abuse: Observing how nursing home staff interact with residents can also reveal emotional abuse. If you see a staff member belittling, mocking, scaring, or threatening any resident of a healthcare facility, you should report it immediately.
If you observed any signs of nursing home abuse, reach out to our team of experienced Wilkes-Barre injury lawyers for a free consultation.
“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
Call us at (844) 686-5397 What to Do If You Suspect Wilkes-Barre Nursing Home Abuse
If you see the signs of neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, financial abuse, or emotional abuse at a Wilkes-Barre nursing home, you should not wait to act. As soon as you observe any symptoms, you should:
- Stay Calm: Realizing that the staff entrusted with your loved one’s daily care may be perpetrating abuse can understandably provoke an emotional response. Still, you must stay relaxed and rational so that you can respond appropriately.
- Speak with your Loved One About Your Concerns: If your loved one can communicate, carefully and evenly ask them about the signs of abuse you observed and their relationships with the nursing home staff, medical team, other residents, and frequent visitors. Document their response and note the date of the conversation.
- Question Nursing Home Staff and Administration About the Signs of Abuse: Calmly bring any physical injuries or other symptoms of abuse to the attention of the healthcare facility’s staff and management, and ask for an explanation. Again, document their response and note the date of the conversation.
- Take Photos: Take photos of any physical signs of harm and anything in your loved one’s room that looks amiss.
- In Case of Clear or Imminent Danger, Call the Police: If you have reason to suspect or know that a nursing home resident is facing or will face imminent harm, provide a detailed account to the authorities immediately.
- Consult an Experienced Nursing Home Attorney in Wilkes-Barre: Your loved ones are entitled to feel safe and protected at the long-term healthcare facility where they live. Understanding elder abuse laws in Pennsylvania, which protections apply to your family member, and whether the person you love is entitled to compensation for the harm they suffered can be complex and difficult to navigate alone.
For 65 years, the personal injury attorneys at Munley Law have fought for victims of abuse and their families. We want to help you make sure that any assisted living facility staff members who abuse and 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 care home in Luzerne County and you suspect that they may be the victim of neglect, don’t wait. Call our personal injury lawyers for a free consultation today.
Contact a Wilkes-Barre Personal Injury Attorney
Do I Have a Case Against the Wilkes-Barre Nursing Home?
Long-term care facilities (also called nursing homes, assisted living facilities, retirement homes, and elder care facilities) must provide a safe environment for their residents and uphold a standard of medical care, and must adhere to established medical negligence standards to ensure residents receive proper treatment and a safe environment. Caregivers or their employers must be held legally accountable when they fail to meet this standard. Typically, accountability comes in the form of monetary compensation for the family. Compensation may include reimbursement for medical expenses and therapy, pain and suffering, and other related damages. A lawsuit also holds the negligent party accountable for their actions and helps prevent future abuses.
Speak to our lawyers as soon as possible if you want to file a lawsuit. Under 42 Pa. C.S.A. § 5524, Pennsylvania’s personal injury statute of limitations generally is two years from the date the abuse was discovered. Missing the deadline for filing a claim could prevent you from seeking compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Home Abuse in Wilkes-Barre
What are the Warning Signs of Wilkes-Barre Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect?
Common warning signs of nursing home abuse or neglect include:
- Physical indicators such as bruises, bed sores, unexplained injuries, frequent infections, or sudden weight loss
- Behavioral changes such as anxiety, withdrawal, fearfulness around staff, or sudden mood swings, which may signal emotional or sexual abuse
- Signs of financial exploitation, such as unusual bank withdrawals, new subscriptions, or unexplained changes to legal documents
Abuse and neglect can take many forms, and the signs aren’t always obvious. If something doesn’t seem right, it’s important to pay attention and act quickly.
What Should I Do if I Think My Loved One is in Immediate Danger in a Nursing Home?
If you think your loved one is facing immediate danger in a nursing home, call the police right away. Involving law enforcement immediately helps protect the person from further harm and ensures the incident is documented. Once your loved one is safe, consult an experienced Wilkes-Barre nursing home abuse lawyer at Munley Law to discuss the next steps and your legal options.
Who Can Be Held Legally Responsible for Nursing Home Abuse in Wilkes-Barre?
Multiple parties may be held legally responsible for nursing home abuse in Wilkes-Barre, depending on the circumstances. This can include individual caregivers, nurses, administrative staff, medical providers, or the facility itself. Nursing homes have a legal duty to provide appropriate care and maintain a safe environment for residents. They can be held accountable for the harm that results when they fail to uphold these standards through poor hiring practices, inadequate training, understaffing, or direct misconduct.
How Long Do I Have to File a Nursing Home Abuse Claim in Pennsylvania?
The law (42 Pa. C.S.A. § 5524) generally gives you two years from the date the abuse was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered to file a nursing home abuse claim in Pennsylvania. Missing this deadline can bar you from pursuing compensation entirely. It’s best to speak to a Munley Law Wilkes-Barre nursing home abuse lawyer as soon as possible, as these cases often involve complex timelines and evidence.
What Compensation May Be Available in a Wilkes-Barre Nursing Home Abuse Case?
Compensation for medical bills, rehabilitation, therapy, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other related damages may be available in a Wilkes-Barre nursing home abuse case. In cases involving severe misconduct or repeat violations, punitive damages may also be available to punish wrongdoing and deter future abuse. Munley Law’s award-winning lawyers can review your loved one’s situation and explain which forms of compensation may apply.
Talk To a Personal Injury Attorney in Wilkes-Barre Now
Contact a Munley Law Wilkes-Barre Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
An experienced nursing home abuse lawyer at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys can make sure your loved one gets justice. Our attorneys have earned recognition nationwide as leaders in handling complex personal injury cases. Together with our dedicated, compassionate legal staff, we have won groundbreaking victories for our clients, enabling them to recover more than $1 billion in damages. The lawyers at our firm have earned the industry’s highest ethical and professional standing, including AV-Preeminent ratings and a Platinum-Level Client Service Award from Martindale-Hubbell. One of our partners, Marion Munley, was named Lawyer of the Year for Personal Injury Litigation by Best Lawyers, which has also honored our other attorneys in various ways.
Remember, Pennsylvania law enforces a strict statute of limitations, which means you have a limited time to pursue justice for your loved one. Don’t wait. Contact our Wilkes-Barre nursing home abuse lawyers today to schedule a free consultation.
Don’t wait. Contact our personal injury attorney in Wilkes-Barre today to schedule a free consultation.
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.
Reviewed by Bernadine Munley, Esq., Personal Injury Attorney at Munley Law, on February 12, 2026.
Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys
1170 PA-315
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
(570) 399-0406
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