There are over 271 registered nursing homes in Philadelphia. Abuse of the elderly in nursing homes is a big problem. According to a GAO investigation, as many as one in ten nursing home residents experience physical, psychological, or sexual abuse each year.
Surveys also reveal the disturbing fact that 20% of seniors who live in nursing homes have been abused. Contact a personal injury lawyer Philadelphia at the earliest if you believe that a family member or friend was the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect.
Nursing Home Abuse in Philadelphia
Experts assert that many senior abuse cases go unreported because the victims are unable or unwilling to report them themselves.
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse is the most common type of nursing home abuse. Reports show that 8.4% of all nursing home residents are victims of physical abuse.
Psychological Abuse
Approximately 2% of nursing home residents sustain psychological abuse annually. This type of abuse may consist of verbal assaults or emotional harassment.
Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
Over 276,000 Philadelphia residents are seniors. Exposure to nursing home abuse can leave a person emotionally scarred and have devastating effects on their life. A trusted personal injury lawyer in Philadelphia can help you file for personal injury compensation. It is essential to recognize the signs of abuse to identify and report them as soon as possible. Signs include:
- Bruises, scars, or wounds (especially those not explained by visits to your physician)
- Bedsores
- Frequent use of restraints, especially if the patient has not received treatment to reduce their risk of falling
- Unexplained loss of money or property
- Psychological changes (e.g., withdrawal, depression)
If you spot any signs that indicate possible abuse in nursing homes, contact your State Survey Agency to file a complaint.
Ways Your Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help You in a Nursing Home Abuse Case
If you believe that you or a relative have been the victim of nursing home abuse, it is crucial to file an official report with your state. Personal injury lawyers can help you in the following ways:
- Assistance with filing a complaint with state survey agencies
- File a lawsuit against the responsible party on your behalf
- Provide you with legal representation throughout the litigation process
- Act as an advocate to ensure that your best interests are represented in the proceedings
- Assist with obtaining relevant documentation and evidence to support your case
- Help you obtain an appropriate settlement, either through negotiating or litigation (where necessary)
- Provide emotional support as you go through the process of recovering from the trauma of nursing home abuse
- Handle all aspects of the case relating to your medical treatment, including facilitating care and coordinating with physicians
- Handle all aspects of the case relating to financial damages, including billing discussions, obtaining relevant documentation, and settlement negotiations
- Assist with filing for Social Security disability benefits (where applicable)
Wrap Up
A personal injury lawyer can work with other agencies to ensure that the abuser is brought to justice and can assist you in receiving compensation for the harm. Another perk of hiring a personal injury lawyer is that they can help ensure that other residents in the nursing home are protected from potential abuse.
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