After spending time researching the best facility to provide a home to your aging relative, it can be difficult to comprehend that the caretakers may choose to disregard the well-being of your loved ones and cause them suffering instead. Sadly, nursing home abuse and neglect is all too common. Sometimes, an angry, stressed out and overworked employee can choose to take his frustration out on your family member. That frustration can result in physical abuse to your vulnerable family member. It is the responsibility of nursing homes to both hire and manage their employees properly. When they fail to do so, they are negligent and can be held responsible for the harm done to your loved one due to physical abuse in nursing homes.
If you believe that your loved one is being abused in a nursing home, it is important that you take action to get them the help and compensation they deserve after such ill treatment. Contact our Philadelphia physical abuse lawyers at Lowenthal & Abrams, Injury Attorneys to discuss your potential case with a member of our experienced nursing home neglect team.
Identifying Physical Abuse in Nursing Homes
Elderly Americans typically have more health complications and concerns which require expert care in order to prevent them from incurring unnecessary injuries or further health complications. Frequently, physical contact that might not injure a younger or healthier person can lead to serious damage. Nursing homes are designed to provide the specialized care that the elderly member of our families require, and they must be on the look out for all signs of abuse. When you visit your family member, you should watch out for signs of abuse too. Some of those signs include:
- Broken bones
- Malnutrition
- Bed sores
- Lack of cleanliness
- Dehydration
- Bruises
- Acting fearful (when previously did not)
Seek Legal Help About Physical Abuse in Philadelphia Nursing Facilities
When a nursing home attendant or health care provider fails to uphold their responsibility to the well-being of patients, or even worse, attacks your family member, the nursing home needs to be held responsible. Physical abuse in Philadelphia nursing homes is both a crime and might be grounds for a lawsuit on behalf of your loved one.