You Need an Experienced Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect Attorney
Serving families in Pittsburgh and throughout Western PA
Caring for our loved ones is a commitment that never stops, even when they’re no longer under the same roof. We expect nursing homes to provide the highest level of care and safety. At Hal Waldman & Associates in Pittsburgh, PA, our nursing home abuse lawyers deeply understand the importance of this trust. Our law firm is here to fight for justice when that trust is broken due to abuse or neglect in nursing home facilities. Attorney Hal Waldman boasts decades of extensive experience and holds a well-known reputation in Pittsburgh as one of the most experienced nursing home neglect lawyers in Western Pennsylvania.
Navigating a nursing home abuse and neglect case is never easy. Whether you’re seeking clarity on your situation or have unanswered questions, an experienced Pittsburgh nursing home neglect attorney can help you understand your potential legal options. Contact us or browse our nursing home abuse and neglect FAQ page for more information.
What is nursing home abuse and neglect?
Nursing home abuse and neglect are serious and heartbreaking situations that can happen when our elderly loved ones are not properly cared for in a nursing home. When there is a case of abuse, it means someone has intentionally hurt or mistreated the residents, while neglect is when they don't get the care and attention they need.
Types of nursing home neglect include:
- Medical neglect: Failure to provide medical attention or medications.
- Neglect of basic needs: Ignoring essential needs like food, water, and hygiene.
- Lack of supervision: Failure to monitor residents.
- Failure to provide care: Neglecting basic care and activities of daily living.
- Failure to maintain premises: Neglecting to keep the facility safe and sanitary.
- Spills and tripping hazards: Failing to clean spills or address tripping hazards.
Types of nursing home abuse include:
- Physical abuse: Intentionally causing bodily harm.
- Sexual abuse: Engaging in non-consensual sexual acts.
- Mental and emotional abuse: Inflicting psychological distress.
- Financial abuse: Misusing a resident’s funds without their permission or knowledge.
- Abuse of mentally challenged or mentally impaired victims: Exploiting the vulnerabilities of residents with mental challenges.
Nursing home abuse and neglect warning signs
Spotting warning signs of abuse and neglect in nursing homes is crucial to ensure the well-being of your loved one. Warning signs can be obvious or subtle, so it’s important to be attentive. Warning signs to look for include:
- Any changes in their behavior:
- Sudden shifts in mood
- Withdrawal
- Increased fear
- Physical marks:
- Unexplained bruises
- Cuts
- Bedsores
- Sudden changes in financial situations
- Unexplained weight loss
- Poor personal hygiene
- Poor cleanliness and maintenance of the facility
Trust your instincts and listen to your loved one if they express any discomfort or concern about their living conditions or the treatment they receive. Open communication and close observation are critical to spot the warning signs.
Consequences of nursing home abuse and neglect
Nursing home abuse or neglect can strip your loved one of the care and compassion they deserve. From physical injuries to emotional distress, the consequences of nursing home abuse and neglect can affect a resident’s overall health and well-being. Common consequences of nursing home abuse and neglect include:
- Fractures and broken bones
- Malnutrition
- Dehydration
- Bedsores
- Sepsis
- Kidney failure
- Urinary tract infections
Unfortunately, because nursing home residents are in frail health, abuse and neglect are often fatal.
What to do if you suspect nursing home abuse or neglect
If you suspect your loved one may have experienced nursing home abuse or neglect, it’s essential to act fast. At our firm, we understand the urgency of such situations, and our compassionate team of attorneys is here to help. When you contact us, we will immediately launch a thorough investigation to gather all facts and evidence surrounding your case.
If you notice any unexplained injuries or worsening symptoms or have any suspicions about your loved one's well-being in a nursing home, follow these crucial steps:
- Seek medical attention: The top concern is protecting your loved one's health and safety. If you sense something is off, trust your instincts and have a medical professional assess their condition immediately. If you believe your loved one’s life is in danger due to abuse or neglect, call 911.
- Report the abuse: Contact Pennsylvania’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman or the Pennsylvania Department of Aging. If you suspect a crime, contact the local police to report the issue.
- Reach out to a nursing home neglect attorney: It is crucial to have an experienced lawyer on your side to stop any abuse and pursue justice for your loved one. A dedicated nursing home neglect attorney can help protect your loved one's rights and hold those responsible accountable.
How much does it cost to hire a nursing home abuse and neglect attorney?
It costs you nothing upfront or out-of-pocket for our services because we operate on a contingency fee basis. This means our fee comes from a percentage of the amount we recover for you and your loved one. If we don’t win, you don’t pay. We work this way because you deserve legal representation, regardless of your ability to pay.
Why hire a Pittsburgh nursing home abuse lawyer?
Attorney Waldman understands the devastation a crisis like nursing home abuse and neglect can bring. Beyond financial concerns, your case is about stopping and preventing elder abuse from reoccurring and holding those responsible accountable.
At Hal Waldman & Associates, we passionately protect the rights of injury victims and their families in Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation with an experienced nursing home neglect attorney.
