When it Matters you Need the Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer in Philadelphia
When a family member has been abused, you need the nursing home abuse lawyer in Philadelphia to advocate diligently for your family member. We know the horrifying national statistics – that approximately one in 10 seniors in this country are victims of some form of abuse on a regular basis. This includes emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. It also includes neglect.
Many families find it necessary to place their elderly loved ones in nursing homes because they require constant care. But it is in these facilities where many elderly abuse victims suffer the abuse. The medical conditions they suffer – Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other medical conditions – often make them more susceptible to the abuse.
Wieand Law Firm, LLC: Nursing Home Lawyers You Can Trust
When you are looking for the nursing home abuse lawyers in Philadelphia, you might realize there are many different firms available; however, there is only one like Wieand Law Firm, LLC. For years we have been helping families protect their rights and defend against abuse and neglect in a nursing home. Guided by our extensive experience and determination for getting justice on behalf of the elderly of America, we have successfully recovered millions in damages. It is important to seek a consultation with one of the nursing home abuse lawyers in Philadelphia if you have a case.
Wrongful Death and Negligence in A Nursing Home
When you place your elderly loved one in a nursing home, you might naturally expect that they will be in good hands. You assume they will be given the care, respect, and support they deserve – especially when you are paying thousands of dollars every month. What goes on behind closed doors might be very different from what you can imagine. All of the nursing home abuse lawyers in Philadelphia are appalled by data released by the U.S. Medicaid system which suggests 1 in 3 elderly Americans will suffer some kind of abuse or neglect in a nursing home or assisted living facility.
Recognizing the Signs of Abuse
The Philadelphia nursing home abuse attorneys at Wieand Law Firm, LLC are often consulted by family members who are unsure how to even know what signs may indicate there is abuse or neglect happening. Victims of nursing home abuse are usually too frightened to tell anyone about what is happening to them so it is crucial for families to know what to look for. Some of the things we share with clients include:
Visit You Loved One Frequently: Most nursing home abuse victims are isolated, this is why it is so easy for the perpetrator to target them. Families who visit their loved ones on a regular basis can help prevent the abuse for several reasons. First of all, visiting the victim ensures they are not left isolated. The second reason is that families will be able to pick up on any signs of abuse if they are seeing their loved one frequently.
Watch for the Signs of Abuse: Some of the more usual signs of abuse include bruises, cuts, or other unusual or unexplained marks. Failure to keep the patient clean or development of bed sores are also signs your loved one is being neglected by nursing home staff.
Know the Staff: When a victim is being abused in a nursing home, the person abusing them is often one of their caregivers. Make sure you get to know each member of the staff that is taking care of your elderly family member. Having a relationship with the staff will allow you to observe the interactions between them and your loved one. How is the staff with your loved one? Are they patient and concerned or are they belittling and in a rush? How is the staff with family? Do they share details of your loved one’s day and answer all questions or are they evasive and provide hardly any information?
Recognizing nursing home abuse is not always easy, which is why many American families don’t realize what is going on until it’s been happening for a prolonged period of time. Unfortunately, some don’t see the abuse until it’s too late.
Nursing home abuse can result in the death of the elder. The following are some of the most common reasons for an elderly person to lose their life because of neglect or abuse in a nursing home:
- Malnutrition
- Dehydration
- Misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose
- Infection
- Bed sores (when left untreated)
- Medication error
- Extreme abuse
How You Can Take Legal Action for a Wrongful Death
If you lost a loved one who was living in a nursing home, and you believe it resulted because of abuse or neglect, you should contact the nursing home abuse lawyers in Philadelphia to explain the details of your case. Nothing can fully heal the pain that may have resulted from what happened. However, by taking legal action you might be able to prevent it from happening to another person. Furthermore, it can bring forth a sense of justice and relief. Compensation for any medical expenses, pain, suffering, emotional anguish, and funeral costs may be attainable.
It is believed that 70% of nursing home abuse cases are not reported. If you believe your loved one was abused in a nursing home, silence can, and should, be broken. Even if you don’t have evidence or all the facts; if you feel something isn’t right, please call the nursing home abuse lawyers in Philadelphia for help.
Contact the Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer in Philadelphia
Anyone who purposely causes harm to an elderly person should be legally pursued in civil, and when possible, criminal court. To explore your legal options, please call the nursing home abuse lawyers in Philadelphia today.
If you suspect your family member has suffered mistreatment or abuse at the nursing home they reside at, contact Wieand Law Firm, LLC for help. Our experienced nursing home abuse attorney can discuss the details of your case, as well as what the legal options are that your family may have. In addition to reporting the abuse to the proper municipal and state law enforcement and other agencies, your family may be entitled to file a lawsuit against the nursing home. Call our office for details and assistance.
Nursing Home Abuse
Elderly and frail nursing home residents are often unable to adequately express or advocate for themselves. They are often completely dependent on the nursing home staff. Too often, this staff is improperly trained or there is the issue of understaffing, increasing the risk of abuse to the nursing home resident. These incidences of abuse can result in serious, or sometimes grave injuries. The inability of residents to advocate for themselves can make nursing home abuse cases difficult to prove. Finding the nursing home abuse lawyer in Philadelphia is critical for getting justice for your loved one if he/she has suffered abuse.
Nursing home abuse is one of the biggest fears that any family of a nursing home resident has when admitting a loved one into a long-term care facility. If you think your loved one has suffered abuse at a nursing home, you should seek assistance from the nursing home abuse lawyer in Philadelphia. The Wieand Law Firm, LLC represents elderly nursing home residents and their families in their time of need.
Types of Abuse
Abuse can take many forms and can happen when a nursing home fails to properly screen or oversee staff. Physical abuse is the intentional infliction of bodily harm to a resident and may result in physical injuries such as welts, bruises, or more significant injuries such as fractures. Sexual abuse can be evidenced by trauma to the genitals or bleeding from the vagina or anus that is not supported by a clinical diagnosis.
Neglect is a very common type of resident abuse. Residents who are not attended to may endure painful skin breakdown, such as pressure ulcers, or dehydration. Neglect to follow a resident’s plan of care for transfers or not answering a call bell in a timely manner can result in significant injury from falls. You will want the nursing home abuse lawyer in Philadelphia to address these serious concerns and help residents and families obtain financial payment to address medical costs caused by nursing home abuse.
Arbitration Agreements
Some nursing homes push for residents and their representatives sign pre-dispute arbitration agreements as a condition for admission to the facility. An arbitration agreement requires that the parties use an arbitrator (usually who favors the nursing home and wants to get more nursing home business) to resolve disputes rather than filing a lawsuit. This puts nursing home residents at a disadvantage.
Another problem with using arbitration to resolve nursing home neglect claims is that the hearing is confidential and does not become part of a public record. Therefore, problems such as abuse at a nursing home are hidden from the public.
Pre-dispute arbitration agreements are frequently not explained to residents or their representatives. Additionally, residents may fear that failure to sign an arbitration agreement will be the cause of their unjust discharge from a nursing home. It’s important for you to understand your rights regarding mediation agreements. You should seek the nursing home abuse lawyer in Philadelphia to help you understand and examine the legality of these types of agreements.
Filing a Nursing Home Claim or Lawsuit
Hiring the nursing home abuse lawyer in Philadelphia is key to holding a negligent facility account for their actions. At the Wieand Law Firm, LLC we recognize that you need an advocate on your side to navigate the complicated legal battles associated with nursing home abuse. The experienced nursing home lawyers at Wieand Law Firm, LLC will offer professional and empathetic advice and representation that you deserve. To speak with a nursing home abuse lawyer at Wieand Law Firm, LLC call us at today. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation
Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only and is not legal advice.
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