Bradford County Nursing Home Abuse And Neglect Attorney
It is not an easy decision to put an elderly loved one in a nursing home when the demands of caring for them become too difficult. Imagine how you would feel if the facility you choose abuses or neglects your vulnerable loved one? Sadly, nursing home neglect and elderly abuse are major issues in Pennsylvania and throughout the country. Family members should be diligent in looking for the signs of abuse and neglect and take action as soon as possible to protect their elderly residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities.
Kocsis Law Office PC handles a variety of nursing home abuse and neglect cases, including:
- Neglect – Failure to ensure that the resident is receiving food, healthcare and basic protection.
- Physical abuse – Intentionally inflicting pain or injury upon an elderly individual through hitting, bruising, physical and/or chemical restraint.
- Emotional abuse
- Abandonment
- Self neglect
- Sexual abuse
Signs of abuse or neglect include:
- Signs of physical abuse – Unexplained bruising, marks, burns, blisters or fractures.
- Restraint injuries – Bruising or cuts around the wrists and ankles.
- Change of behavior – Withdrawing from activities, being fearful of their caretakers, etc.
- Signs of sexual abuse – Unexplained sexually transmitted diseases or bruising around the private areas.
- Death – In severe cases, nursing home abuse or neglect can lead to death.
The hiring of inexperienced employees, inadequate employee screening, understaffing and lack of qualifications often contribute to abuse and neglect.
Common Forms Of Nursing Home Neglect In Bradford County
Bradford County families should know the warning signs when visiting a loved one in a local long-term care facility. Common forms of neglect in nursing homes include:
- Pressure ulcers or bedsores: These wounds progress in stages, and proper skin care and repositioning can prevent the majority of preventable cases.
- Falls and lack of supervision: Facilities must monitor at-risk residents and take steps to prevent injury.
- Dehydration and malnutrition: Failure to provide adequate food and fluids causes serious health complications.
- Medication errors: Missed doses or wrong medications can cause significant harm.
- Infections: UTIs and sepsis often result from poor hygiene or delayed medical care.
- Failure to prevent wandering or elopement: Facilities must protect residents with cognitive impairments from leaving unsupervised.
These injuries are not merely accidents. Bradford County families dealing with bedsores, nursing home falls or medication mistakes may have legal options.
Understanding The Rights Of Nursing Home Residents In Pennsylvania
The Federal Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987 established the Nursing Home Residents’ Bill of Rights. This law guarantees every resident in a Medicare- or Medicaid-certified facility the right to dignified care, the right to receive information about their medical condition and the right to participate in their own care plan. Residents have the right to be free from unnecessary physical and chemical restraints used for discipline or staff convenience, and the right to privacy.
Pennsylvania extends additional protections beyond federal law, giving residents the right to file grievances without retaliation and the right to dignity in all aspects of care. Families can hold a facility legally responsible when it violates these rights.
What To Do If You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse Or Neglect
Acting quickly can protect your loved one and preserve key evidence for a legal claim. Take these steps if you suspect nursing home abuse or neglect:
- Ensure immediate safety and request a medical evaluation: Address urgent concerns and get your loved one examined right away.
- Document injuries: Photograph visible injuries and record the dates, times and names of staff involved.
- Request care plan and incident reports: Ask the facility for your loved one’s care plan, incident reports and medical records.
- Move the resident if necessary: Consider a transfer to another facility if the current environment poses ongoing risk.
- Report to appropriate agencies: Contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman, file a complaint with the Pennsylvania Department of Health or report to the Pennsylvania Department of Aging.
- Speak with an attorney before signing any facility paperwork: Do not sign documents that may limit your legal rights before getting legal advice.
Kocsis Law Office PC serves Bradford County from its Athens office, so the firm knows local facilities and the Bradford County community.
Contact A Nursing Home Abuse And Neglect Attorney For Help
If you suspect your elderly loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, you should contact the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the Pennsylvania Department of Aging and a local lawyer such as Kocsis Law Office PC. The facility can be cited, criminal charges could be filed and you can make a claim or file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit to compensate your loved one. Call the firm in Athens at 570-882-4160 or send an email or text to schedule a free consultation at your home, hospital room or the firm’s office.