Taking Action Against Nursing Home Abuse in Pennsylvania
Your guide to reporting nursing home abuse
If you spot physical warning signs of nursing home abuse and neglect or have any suspicions, it’s crucial to take action and report the abuse to protect your loved one. Reporting abuse can safeguard your loved one and prevent further harm from occurring.
The process of reporting nursing home abuse can vary by state, and it involves specific steps and information. All this can overwhelm anyone, especially someone unfamiliar with the process. At Hal Waldman & Associates, we have extensive experience filing nursing home abuse reports in Pennsylvania.
Known for his extensive experience and reputation in successfully handling nursing home abuse cases, Attorney Hal Waldman and his dedicated legal team are here to assist you with any questions or concerns that may come to mind at any step of the process.
What information do you need?
When reporting nursing home abuse, you’ll be asked to provide certain information about the incident. Having this information ready makes filing easier for you and the authority you report to. Try to collect the following information before filing a report:
Resident’s information
- First and last name of the resident
- Resident’s age and date of birth
- Medical history and any preexisting conditions
Your information
- Your first and last name
- Your address
- Your contact information
- Your relationship to the patient
Nursing home information
- Name and address of the facility
- Contact information for the facility
- Names of staff members involved (if known)
- Other previous complaints reported about the facility
Description of the event
- Dates, times, and locations of the incident(s)
- Detailed account of the incident(s)
- List of any witnesses who may have seen the incident
Remember that the more information you have, the better. Providing as much detail as possible will help the authorities handling your case conduct a more thorough investigation. The more they know, the more action they can take to protect your loved one.
How do I report nursing home abuse in Pennsylvania?
When reporting nursing home abuse in Pennsylvania, there are several options. Depending on the severity of the situation, you may need to report the abuse immediately, while other situations may allow for gathering more information before filing.
If you are unsure who to report the abuse to, contact an experienced attorney at Hal Waldman & Associates to review your potential options. You can report nursing home abuse in Pennsylvania to the following authorities and agencies.
Local authorities
If you believe your loved one is in danger or facing serious nursing home abuse and neglect, call 911 or your local law enforcement immediately. In some severe cases, nursing home abuse can be life-threatening. Law enforcement can immediately respond to the situation.
The nursing home
Addressing your concerns and reporting the abuse to the facility where the mistreatment occurred is essential. Speak with the nursing home administrator or director.
Nursing homes have a responsibility to ensure a safe environment for their residents. By reporting the abuse straight to the facility, you’ve taken the first step to hold them accountable. Once you’ve made them aware of the abuse, they can take steps to help protect your loved ones. If they take no action, that becomes more evidence supporting your case.
Pennsylvania Department of Health
The Pennsylvania Department of Health is a state agency responsible for overseeing public health matters in Pennsylvania. One of their roles is to regulate and oversee nursing home facilities to ensure they comply with state regulations.
Long-Term Care Ombudsman
The Long-Term Care Ombudsman is a program made up of certified individuals advocating to give residents in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities a voice. The Pennsylvania Department of Aging manages the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program in Pennsylvania.
How a Western Pennsylvania nursing home abuse attorney can help
When faced with the possibility that your loved one may have been abused, having a dedicated and compassionate attorney by your side can make all the difference. At Hal Waldman & Associates, we stand with residents, giving them a voice and standing up for them. No matter what step of the reporting process they're in, we’re ready to help. Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward justice for your loved one.
