Parker, Waichman, Alonso LLP

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Nursing Home Physical Abuse Attorneys

The nursing home abuse attorneys at Parker Waichman Alonso LLP have seen horrendous cases of nursing home physical abuse.  The nursing home abuse lawyers at our firm have represented hundreds of victims of nursing home physical abuse, and they understand both the physical and emotional toll this abuse takes on victims.  The nursing home abuse attorneys at Parker Waichman Alonso LLP are dedicated to holding nursing homes accountable for instances of physical abuse, and will work hard to make sure that victims of physical nursing home abuse receive the compensation they deserve.

An Epidemic of Physical Abuse in Nursing Homes

Physical abuse is rampant in American nursing homes, a fact that the nursing home abuse lawyers at Parker Waichman Alonso LLP know only too well.  About 2500 cases of physical abuse by nursing home staff are being reported each year.   Battery is the most obvious type of physical abuse, but this crime can also include putting the patient in excessive restraints or physically confining residents for no valid reason.   Over-medicating patients simply to keep them quiet, or withholding medical care are also forms of physical abuse. 

There are many reasons cited for this epidemic of physical abuse in nursing homes.   Only 41 states require that nursing home workers undergo criminal background checks, and the poor pay often leads nursing homes to hire staff with unsavory histories.  There is no excuse for this, and nursing homes have a duty to insure that the workers they hire are not a danger to residents.  Anything or any person that puts nursing home residents at risk for abuse should not be tolerated. The nursing home abuse attorneys at Parker Waichman Alonso LLP are working to insure that such conditions are never tolerated.

Very often, understaffing at nursing homes allows abuse to go unnoticed, as even most dedicated staff members cannot give residents the attention the deserve.  But this is no excuse, as nursing homes have a duty to provide residents with a safe place to live. Understaffing can also take a toll on workers, causing them to lose patience with difficult residents.  Nursing home abuse is a crime, and the owners of nursing homes are responsible if a resident in their care becomes the victim of nursing home abuse.

There are serious consequences if a nursing home fails to protect residents from physical abuse, as such facilities must be in with the federal 1987 Nursing Home Reform Law if they participate in Medicare or Medicaid. Victims of nursing home negligence are entitled to compensation from facilities that do not provide the proper care they deserve. The nursing home negligence  attorneys at Parker Waichman Alonso LLP are extremely knowledgeable about all areas of elder law, and  are dedicated to insuring that nursing homes live up to their legal responsibilities.

Signs of Nursing Home Abuse

It is surprising to some that physical abuse in nursing homes is easily hidden.  Very often, nursing home staffs will explain away injuries by claiming a victim has fallen – not an uncommon occurrence among elderly people.   There are obvious signs of nursing home abuse.  Injuries requiring emergency treatment or hospitalization, or any incident involving broken bones can be a sign of abuse.  Any illness or injury not immediately reported to family member or a physician can be a sign of physical abuse.  Finally, if a caretaker’s explanation of an injury does not make sense or adequately explain how an injury occurred, the nursing home resident could be a sign of physical abuse.

Even if they are explained, frequent bruises, cuts, sprains or factures could be a sign of abuse.  And it is important to know that sometimes a nursing home resident will concur with the staffs’ explanation of an injury simply because they have been intimidated into doing so. A nursing home resident who suddenly becomes withdrawn or depressed could be exhibiting emotional strain that often results from physical.  Finally, nursing home staff refusing a family or loved one access to a resident is a sure sign that some thing is terribly wrong. The nursing home abuse lawyers at our firm can help loved ones determine if an injury, illness or other incident is a sign of nursing home abuse.

Legal Help

Physical abuse in a nursing home robs already vulnerable people of their sense of security and turns their last years into a nightmare.  If someone you love has been subjected to physical abuse in a nursing home they may be entitled to compensation. Please fill out the form at the right for a free case review by a qualified nursing home abuse attorney.