Nursing Home Abuse
Washington PA Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers
If you or a friend or family member is interested in more information concerning a nursing home abuse case, contact Logue Law Group at 844.PITT.DUI in order to talk to one of our experienced and dedicated injury lawyers.
Unfortunately, nursing home abuse is all too common in our country. Elderly people in these homes can be taken advantage of and neglected in several ways. These acts are unacceptable and happen far too often as well as, unfortunately, going unreported a lot of the time. Due to a fear of being punished in some way or not being believed, many elderly patients do not report their abuse. Between 1999 and 2001, almost one-third of all nursing home facilities were cited for violations of federal standards that could cause harm, or that did harm elderly residents of those facilities according to Nursing Home Abuse Guide.org. Even with this high number being reported, consider the fact that a large number still goes unreported. Nearly 10% of those homes that had violations that posed a risk of serious injury or death, or that did cause deaths of elderly residents.
Fortunately, we can help to look out for these patients who tend to be defenseless or at least feel that way. There are certain warning signs to watch for in elderly patients who may be experiencing abuse or neglect, including, but not limited to:
- Unexplained injuries
- Bruises
- Bed sores
- Lacerations
- Multiple falls
- Over or under medication
- Poor hygiene
- Malnourishment
- Weight loss
- Dehydration
- Fearful statements or refusal to comment at all
Not only are the homes themselves liable, but so are the CNAs (certified nursing assistants) and RNs (registered nurses) that are employed at those homes. More than half of all Certified Nursing Assistants (CAN’s) in elder care facilities have admitted verbally abusing, yelling at, and using foul language with elderly residents of care facilities and Research from 2010 indicates that up to half of all nursing home attendants have admitted abusing or neglecting elderly patients. These high numbers show that this is not just a small number of incidents occurring, but a staggering amount of incidents involving elderly patients in nursing homes.
These patients living in these homes have a right to be treated with respect and dignity and that cannot be ignored due to their age or their physical or mental state. Each patient has the right to proper hygiene and nutrition and must be treated in a respectful and appropriate way. Often times those who suffer from this abuse have a higher rate of dying prematurely and many feel as if they cannot talk to anyone concerning these problems.
If you even suspect some type of nursing home abuse or neglect, please take the time to call Logue Law Group at 844.PITT.DUI to speak to one of our attorneys who only wishes to help you and your loved one and to make sure they are treated with the respect and dignity that they and all the other patients deserve.