Do you suspect your loved one is being abused in a nursing home in Carlisle, Pennsylvania? Does something just not feel right? Trust your instincts. You are a critical line of defense. 

A Carlisle nursing home abuse lawyer from Marzzacco Niven & Associates can be your trusted legal advocate during this difficult time. We are prepared to fight for the justice and accountability you deserve. Call us today at (717) 995-8732 for a free consultation.

How Our Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers Can Help in Carlisle, PA

Finding out that your loved one is being abused is one of the hardest things you can experience. Knowing that the perpetrator of that abuse is someone with whom you entrusted your loved one’s care is downright infuriating. When your family is grappling with this serious situation, it’s essential that you have a trusted legal advocate in your corner. 

Our lawyers have over 120 years of combined legal experience. We’ve recovered tens of millions of dollars for accident victims here in Pennsylvania since opening our doors in 2008. Our distinguished attorneys have been recognized as National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40, Super Lawyers’ Rising Stars, Super Lawyers, and Best Lawyers of America. 

When you hire a personal injury lawyer in Carlisle, Pennsylvania from Marzzacco Niven & Associates, we help by:

  • Explaining your legal rights and options
  • Answering any questions you have about reporting the abuse
  • Assessing all available options for recovery and accountability
  • Investigating your concerns and gathering evidence to support them
  • Identifying all losses and sources of compensation 
  • Handling communication with insurance companies and other parties
  • Managing your legal claims
  • Negotiating for maximum compensation 

Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation with a Carlisle nursing home abuse attorney. 

Nursing Home Abuse and Elder Abuse Statistics 

According to the World Health Organization, approximately one in six people 60 or older experienced some form of abuse in community settings in a recent year. Rates of abuse of older people are high in nursing homes, long-term care facilities, and other institutions, with two in three staff reporting that they have committed abuse in the past year. According to the National Council on Aging, one in five older adults reported elder abuse during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, even these numbers may be underreported, as it is estimated that only 1 in 24 cases of abuse are reported to authorities. 

Types of Nursing Home Abuse

The National Council on Aging recognizes the following types of elder abuse:

  • Physical abuse – Physical abuse involves inflicting physical pain or injury upon an older adult, such as hitting, pushing, kicking, slapping, or punching them.
  • Sexual abuse – Sexual abuse involves touching, fondling, having intercourse, or any other sexual activity with an older adult without their consent or when the elder does not have the capacity to understand what is happening. 
  • Emotional/psychological abuse – Emotional abuse involves using mean language to emotionally harm the elder, threatening them, embarrassing them, or harassing them.
  • Financial exploitation – Financial abuse is withholding the older adult’s resources from them, stealing, or misusing their resources. 
  • Confinement – Confinement involves the restraining or isolating of an older adult.
  • Willful deprivation – Willful deprivation means intentionally denying medication, shelter, food, or other essentials to an elder. 
  • Neglect – Neglect is the failure to provide an older adult with life’s essentials, such as food, clothing, shelter, or medical care.

If you suspect any of these forms of abuse, report the incident. Then, contact an experienced nursing home abuse attorney for legal assistance. 

Who Is Responsible for Nursing Home Abuse?

While you may be able to file a case against the perpetrator of abuse, they may have limited resources. 

You may also be able to file a case against the nursing home, which may have contributed to the abuse by:

  • Hiring unqualified staff members
  • Completing inadequate background checks
  • Failing to supervise workers
  • Having high staff:patient ratios
  • Failing to monitor facilities

We can investigate your case and determine who is responsible for your loved one’s harm.

What Damages Can We Recover in a Nursing Home Abuse Case?

Through a personal injury claim, you may be able to seek compensation for the economic and non-economic damages your loved one has experienced, such as:

Because these cases involve intentional and deplorable behaviors, you may also be able to seek punitive damages if your case goes to court. 

Signs of Nursing Home Abuse

Because there are many types of nursing home abuse, there may be different signs this abuse is occurring. 

Some common signs of nursing home abuse include:

  • The presence of unexplained injuries
  • Too much or too little medication being administered
  • Signs of restraint
  • Broken or missing eyeglasses, canes, or other medical devices
  • Uneasiness or fear around certain staff members
  • Bloody or torn clothing, including undergarments
  • Unexplained STDs 
  • Regressive behaviors, such as rocking or sucking one’s thumb
  • Restrictions on visiting the elder
  • Unhygienic conditions in the facility 
  • Sudden change in power of attorney or other fiduciary relationships
  • Missing items or money
  • Unbathed or ungroomed residents

Contact an experienced lawyer today to begin an investigation into the situation.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations to file a personal injury lawsuit is typically two years. If you don’t file your case within this deadline, you can lose your opportunity to seek justice and accountability through the courts. Safeguard your rights by contacting an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer today. 

Contact Us for a Free, No-Obligation Consultation with a Carlisle Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

If you suspect your loved one is being abused in a nursing home, a Carlisle nursing home abuse lawyer from Marzzacco Niven & Associates can help. Contact us for a free consultation.