Physical abuse is one of the most common types of abuse that occurs in nursing homes. Sadly, it is also often the most dangerous due to the long-lasting impacts and life-threatening injuries caused.
If you suspect your loved one is suffering from physical abuse either by their caretaker, from visiting family members, or other residents, you should reach out to a committed nursing home abuse attorney as soon as possible. A Pittsburgh nursing home physical abuse lawyer could help you fight for justice and seek compensation for your loved one’s damages.
Whenever a resident suffers an injury, physical pain, or impairment due to the neglectful actions of either nursing home staff, another resident, or a visitor, it is an example of physical abuse. Common forms of physical abuse in Pittsburgh nursing homes include:
There are certain signs that you can look out for if you suspect that your family member is being abused, such as:
Another red flag is if nursing home staff refuse to leave you alone with your loved one. If your family member is displaying any of the warning signs above, you should reach out to a seasoned Pittsburgh nursing home physical abuse attorney for help investigating your case.
Certain individuals are more likely to suffer from physical abuse in a nursing home than others due to their particularly vulnerable state. This includes patients who suffer from:
In general, Pennsylvania has a very low tolerance for restraints, though they are permissible under certain circumstances. The state allows nursing home staff to restrain a resident for their safety or the safety of others. If a caretaker has a reasonable belief that the resident is putting themselves at harm or putting others at harm, then restraint is justified, and the use of force has to be commensurate.
An unreasonable use of force would be a member of the nursing home staff restraining an elderly resident who is simply confused or mildly combinative but who clearly does not pose a threat to anyone’s safety. Such action would be considered an abuse of power.
As soon as you suspect your family member is suffering physical abuse in their nursing home, you should immediately go to the facility’s administrator and director of nursing. Depending on the level of evidence that you have or how strong your belief is, you could contact law enforcement or the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
Enlisting the help of an experienced lawyer is always a good idea if you believe your loved one is suffering any kind of physical harm in their Pittsburgh nursing home.
Your aging family member should be protected from all forms of harm while in their Pittsburgh nursing home. Sadly, residents of assisted care facilities suffer abuse all too often by those who are supposed to keep them safe.
A Pittsburgh nursing home physical abuse lawyer could help you hold the party who harmed your loved one accountable for their actions. Call today for a free, private consultation with one of our compassionate attorneys.
