Sexual abuse in an assisted living facility could occur in various forms, including sexual harassment, sexual coercion, or sexual assault. Our seasoned legal professionals have experience handling cases involving sexual abuse in Pittsburgh nursing homes and could fight for justice on your loved one’s behalf.
If your family member is experiencing sexual abuse by nursing home staff, another resident, a visitor, or any other party—a dedicated elder abuse attorney could help you file a civil claim seeking comprehensive compensation for your loved one’s losses. A successful personal injury lawsuit could provide recovery for medical bills, pain and suffering, mental anguish, and more.
Warning Signs a Loved One Is Being Sexually Abused
Any of the following behaviors or conditions could suggest that your elderly family member is suffering from sexual abuse in their Pittsburgh nursing home:
- Withdrawn
- Low self-esteem
- Resistance to communicate
- Self-isolation
- Not wanting to be touched
- Pelvic injury
- Problems walking or sitting
- STD diagnosis
- Blood on undergarments
- Abnormal bruises
While all of the above are warning signs you or other family members might observe on your own, the most obvious indicator is if your loved one directly tells you they were sexually abused. They could also voice that they are experiencing pain in intimate areas, which would also be a red flag.
Residents Especially Vulnerable to Sexual Abuse
Nursing home residents who may be preyed upon by sexual abusers in Pittsburgh long-term care facilities include those who suffer from:
- Cognitive impairment
- Dementia
- Short and long-term memory loss
- Inability to communicate
Sadly, predators often feel more empowered and think they can get away with the abuse if their victim is not fully able to understand what is taking place.
Who Is Liable for Sexual Abuse in a Nursing Home?
Ultimately, the nursing home is responsible for everything that happens within their facility. Whether the abuse is happening by nursing home staff, other residents, visitors, or any other individual, the assisted living facility could be liable. This is due to the facility’s legal responsibility to keep all residents safe. They could be found liable for a lack of supervision or a failure to maintain their facility if a resident suffers ongoing abuse by any party.
A diligent attorney in Pittsburgh could investigate to determine what parties may be liable and could file a claim demanding monetary damages for the full extent of your loved one’s losses following sexual abuse in a long-term care facility.
Call an Attorney to Discuss Sexual Abuse in Pittsburgh Nursing Homes
If you suspect your loved one is suffering from sexual abuse in their Pittsburgh nursing home, immediately notify the nursing home administrator and the director of nursing. Next, contact the Pennsylvania Department of Health or local law enforcement to report the incident. Finally, reach out to a compassionate lawyer at Bordas & Bordas to seek justice and hold the responsible party accountable for your family member’s damages. Do not delay. A committed attorney from our firm is ready to get started on your case today.