Combating Nursing Home Abuse with Compassion and Legal Expertise
Putting a loved one into a nursing home is never easy—but it should be accompanied by peace of mind, knowing they’re in safe, professional hands. Too often, that trust is betrayed. Research shows that 1 in 6 adults living in institutional care communities are victims of abuse, and the astonishing fact that 64% of nursing home workers have confessed to abusive actions in some manner in the last year.
Nursing home abuse can happen in many different ways, and not all of them leave their mark. If your loved one appears to be fearful, withdrawn, or displaying signs of physical neglect or harm, they could be suffering in silence. Our nursing home abuse lawyers are ready to make sure their voices are heard and their rights upheld.
Some of the most common types of nursing home abuse are:
- Physical Abuse – Hitting, slapping, pushing, or excessive restraint.
- Neglect – Not meeting minimal needs such as food, water, hygiene, or medical care.
- Emotional Abuse – Verbal intimidation, humiliation, or social isolation of the resident.
- Financial Exploitation – Using a resident’s money or identity without authorization.
- Sexual Abuse – Any non-consensual or inappropriate sexual act.
Every case is individual—and heartbreaking. If you believe someone is being mistreated, don’t hesitate. Our experienced team of nursing home abuse lawyers is dedicated to protecting the rights of the elderly. We work relentlessly to hold responsible facilities accountable and provide victims and their families with the justice they deserve.
FAQs About Nursing Home Abuse
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding nursing home abuse claims and how we can assist you in pursuing justice and compensation.
The most vulnerable residents are often those who cannot speak up for themselves. People with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia, cognitive impairment, physical disabilities, or a lack of language skills are more at risk. Those with no regular visitors, depression, or who are socially isolated are also at higher risk, so regular visits and advocacy are important to their well-being.
Begin documenting everything—capture images of conditions or injuries, document dates in writing, and report changes in care or behavior. Report the issues to the administration of the nursing home and report to your state’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman or Adult Protective Services (APS). An experienced elder law attorney should assist in investigating, protecting your loved one, and seeking justice in cases of abuse affirmed
Yes. If a nursing home doesn’t provide the right care or causes injury, families can bring a civil suit. Legal action can hold the facility responsible for neglect or abuse and can bring compensation to the victim. An experienced attorney can walk you through the investigation process, filing suit, and also work to defend other residents.
Victims can be compensated with medical expenses, therapy, pain and suffering, emotional distress, relocation expenses, and potentially punitive damages if gross negligence or intent is established. The amount of the total compensation varies with the extent of abuse, permanent damage, and whether the abuse is systemic or an isolated incident.
Absolutely. The majority of states permit you to make anonymous reports of suspected abuse to Adult Protective Services (APS) or your state’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman. This helps safeguard you against retaliation while also allowing your concerns to be investigated. Anonymous tips tend to initiate the discovery of abuse patterns and state investigations or facility inspections.
This depends upon your state’s statute of limitations, usually 1 to 3 years from when the abuse was discovered. Exceptions can be made—particularly if the victim has a cognitive impairment. It’s important to get in touch with a qualified elder abuse attorney quickly so as to protect your legal rights and obtain evidence on time.