Physical abuse in a nursing home is a violation of resident rights and deserves the services of a nursing home abuse lawyer. Physical abuse is when a resident suffers bodily harm at the hands of another. Common signs of physical abuse include bruises, fractures, or lacerations. A nursing home abuse lawyer can help families hold nursing homes accountable for these injuries and seek compensation for the harm sustained.
Examples of Physical Abuse
Nursing home abuse lawyers have a seen a range of physical abuse occur in facilities. Examples include:
- Hitting
- Punching
- Slapping
- Scratching
- Pushing
- Misuse of Physical Restraints
Who is at Risk for Physical Abuse?
While any older adult is at risk for elder abuse, some residents are at a greater risk. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) a range of risk factors may correlate with a higher incidence of abuse. Risk factors that increase the likelihood of elder abuse in nursing homes include:
- Facilities with a high percentage of residents with dementia and a low staff ratio
- Facilities that have poorly trained aides that are unfamiliar with caring for residents with dementia and behavioral symptoms
- Facilities that care for physically dependent residents and have a low staff ratio
Facility Characteristics and Physical Abuse
Numerous studies have demonstrated that poor staffing and management indifference creates an environment ripe for abuse. The nursing home abuse lawyers at our firm have seen abuse occur in these types of facility far too often. Families should be wary of facilities that have the following characteristics:
- Poor staffing
- Untrained staff
- Lack of required background checks for staff
- Staff reporting stress and burnout
- High staff turnover
- History of deficiencies
- History of resident and family complaints
Who are the Perpetrators of Physical Abuse?
Anyone who encounters a resident can be a perpetrator of abuse. The most frequent perpetrators of abuse are the staff working in the nursing home. Some nursing homes fail to perform background checks needed to keep dangerous staff out of the nursing home. Other times, staff stress and burnout from understaffing can lead an employee to lash out at a resident. Physical abuse is never acceptable, and nursing home staff and management often be held accountable.
Residents themselves can be perpetrators of abuse. Some nursing homes even admit violent residents and those with history of sexual misconduct into their communities. Nursing homes are responsible to keep residents from harming another resident.
Other perpetrators of physical abuse in nursing homes include family members and vendors. Any allegations or suspicions of nursing home abuse should be fully investigated. A nursing home abuse lawyer can help assure a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding the abuse and determine who can be held liable for the physical and emotional injuries sustained.
What Should You Do if you Suspect Nursing Home Abuse?
Anyone who suspects nursing home abuse should immediately assure the physical safety of their loved one. The next step is to report the abuse. You can report nursing home abuse to the licensing body and the Department of Aging for your area. It’s also suggested to report it to the Nursing Home Administrator and request that an investigation be initiated.
We also advise to contact an experienced nursing home lawyer regarding a lawsuit. Injuries from physical abuse can be severe. Many residents suffer emotional pain and suffering as well. A nursing home lawyer can seek compensation for the losses your loved one sustained at the hands of an abusive nursing home.
Contact a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer at the Wieand Law Firm, LLC Today!
Call us today to speak with a nursing home abuse lawyer about filing a lawsuit for abuse. Our attorneys offer a free consultation to review your situation and determine the legal options at your disposal. We operate on a contingency fee basis, so our clients don’t pay unless we earn them compensation for their injuries. Call the Wieand Law Firm at 215-666-7777 and speak directly to an attorney or send us a message via an online form on our website.
