Philadelphia Nursing Home Neglect Attorneys

The decision to move a beloved family member into a nursing home or assisted-living center is never an easy one to make, and it involves trusting that the facility staff will provide attentive, competent and compassionate care for your loved one. Sadly, nursing home neglect and abuse can occur at even the most highly respected institutions.

If you suspect a family member is exposed to neglect or abuse in a nursing home or assisted-living facility, you should contact the appropriate state authorities-in Pennsylvania, the Department of Health's Division of Nursing Care Facilities-and consult with our experienced Philadelphia personal injury attorneys at Golomb & Honik, P.C.

Forms of Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse

Lawsuits filed against nursing homes and similar care centers on behalf of residents typically relate to:

• Neglect, which is differentiated from abuse by a lack of intent to harm
• Abuse, which is characterized by the deliberate intent to harm
• Medical malpractice, in which an attending doctor or other care provider causes personal injury or wrongful death due to negligence
• Theft or financial exploitation, in which a resident is robbed of personal possessions or defrauded of money

Common examples of nursing home neglect and abuse include:

• Assault
• Battery
• Deceit to gain access to personal information and/or finances
• Failure to adequately care for medical conditions
• Failure to assist a resident in maintaining personal hygiene
• Failure to prevent malnutrition or dehydration
• Failure to provide safe living premises
• Failure to provide sanitary living conditions
• Sexual assault
• Unlawful imprisonment or restraint
• Verbal abuse

Because many instances of nursing home neglect and abuse go unreported by the victims, it is important for family members and friends to watch for signs of nursing home abuse and neglect.

Symptoms of Nursing Home Neglect & Abuse

Nursing home residents are often unable or unwilling to report negligent or abusive caregivers. If you currently have a family member in a nursing home or assisted-living facility, or who receives at-home care from a medical professional, you should be aware of symptoms of neglect or abuse including:

• Bed sores or other infections
• Behavior changes
• Inadequate medical care, such as improper administration of medication or badly dressed wounds
• Lack of food and drink
• Sudden changes in physical appearance, such as dramatic weight loss
• Unexplained injuries
• Unsanitary conditions

Turn to Golomb & Honik, P.C. for Immediate Help

Nursing home abuse is entirely preventable. While there is no satisfactory reason for your family member suffering neglect or abuse, there are conditions that contribute to the sad reality of nursing home abuse and neglect including negligence in hiring and training staff, insufficient staff and improperly maintained facilities.