SCRANTON NURSING HOME ABUSE LAWYER

According to the World Health Organization, around 1 in 6 people 60 years and older have experienced some form of abuse in community settings within the last year. Approximately 2 in 3 staff members report that they have committed abuse and some studies have shown that only 53% of these incidents are reported. These sad statistics prove that nursing home abuse is far too real.

It is the responsibility of the nursing home or long-term facility to care and protect your loved one from any harm while they live in their facility. But with underpaid and overworked employees and neglectful management, that duty of care is sometimes pushed aside. And when your loved one is neglected or abused by the staff, you may need to take matters into your own hands.

Caputo & Mariotti understands the predicament you’re in. Once you hire our Scranton nursing home lawyer, we will relentlessly fight on your loved one’s behalf to make sure this abuse never happens again. We will hold those responsible accountable and make sure justice is served for your family.

 

What is Considered Nursing Home Abuse?

Nursing home abuse in Scranton occurs when the caretakers at a long-term care facility either intentionally or unintentionally cause harm to the residents. It can be something as simple as forgetting to give a certain medication to a patient to physical or mental abuse. This type of abuse often results in trauma, and can lead to a medical issue or even death.

Sometimes the abuse does not bring an injury. It could also include financial problems or emotional harm. But if you pay close attention, you will abe able to spot the signs of abuse.

The types of nursing home abuse to watch out for include:

• Physical abuse: The most noticeable of abuse, staff members are knowingly causing harm to residents and resulting in an injury. Signs of physical abuse include unexplained broken bones, bruises, scarring, or bleeding.
• Neglect: If nursing residents are left unattended, this could put them in serious danger, especially if they had difficulties caring for themselves. Signs include dehydration, bedsores, unusual weight loss, poor hygiene, and malnutrition.
• Emotional abuse: Although physical signs may not show, the resident’s mental state and personality may change. For example, a once outgoing and bubbly loved one can turn distant, depressed, and withdrawn.
• Financial abuse: If the resident has trouble handling their finances, this could result in staff members exploiting their vulnerabilities. Signs range from financial difficulties to late or missing payments to changes in estate plans.
• Sexual abuse: Unwanted sexual activity or inappropriate physical contact with staff members can cause mental, physical, and emotional problems with the resident.

It can be difficult to get to the bottom of these injuries because the loved one may feel either ashamed to come forward, or anxious that no one will believe their story. Therefore, it’s up to you to keep an eye on the nursing home resident and ask them about these signs. If you feel abuse is occuring at the facility it’s important to seek a consultation with an experienced Scranton nursing home abuse lawyer to see what your next steps should be.

 

Is the Staff Responsible for the Abuse?

Although some of these actions may be caused by other residents in the long-term care facility, the staff’s actions in how the abuse is handled can be considered an act of negligence. The nursing home facility in Scranton has a duty of care to take care of those under its care. Failure in providing a safe environment can result in legal action.

Some indications that the nursing home is turning a blind eye to the abuse includes:

• Ignoring or failing to respond to a resident’s request for assistance.
• Improperly administering medications, such as giving an excessive amount of sleeping pills to a patient so they stay docile.
• Poor attitudes or disrespecting the residents, such as telling them to shut up when the resident is talking too loud.
• Not responding to any conflicts between residents.

If you feel the staff or administrators are doing nothing to stop or prevent abuse from occurring, you do have the right to file a complaint with the state. Click here to learn how to file a complaint or concern with Pennsylvania.

It’s also wise to contact a nursing home lawyer in Scranton to hold the nursing home accountable for the abuse so it doesn’t happen again.

 

How Our Scranton Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer Can Help

With over 55 years of experience, Caputo & Mariotti has been fighting for the rights of nursing home residents throughout the Wilkes-Barre area. We understand the difficulties these cases can be; this is why it’s important to have an experienced, well-skilled legal team of nursing home abuse attorneys on your side.

We will hold not only those who are abusing your loved one accountable, but also make sure the nursing home facility is held responsible for its employee’s actions. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to hear your claim and provide legal options so you know exactly what comes next. Contact us to find out more.