Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
More than 1.5 million elderly people in the United States reside in nursing homes. Unfortunately, many suffer needless injury because of the carelessness or negligence of nursing home operators and employees. This page answers frequently asked questions about nursing home abuse and neglect.
At the office of Aronberg, Kouser, Snyder & Lindemann, P.A., Attorneys at Law, we have protected the rights of injured people in New Jersey and Pennsylvania for more than 35 years. We were one of the first firms in New Jersey to successfully represent victims of nursing home neglect, and have decades of extensive experience handling medical malpractice claims.
For a private meeting, contact us by e-mail or call our office at 856-429-1700 (toll free at 856-429-1700. Your first consultation is free of charge.
Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect FAQs
Q: What are the basic rights of a nursing home resident?
A: Under federal law, a person living in a nursing home is entitled to:
- An appropriate standard of medical care, as well as timely information about their medical condition and prescribed medications or drugs. A nursing home resident also has the right to see his or her own physician.
- Freedom from abuse and neglect, including failure to monitor for dehydration or malnutrition, failure to turn bedridden residents (to avoid bedsores) and failure to monitor residents to prevent falls or wanderings
- Freedom from restraints, unless medically necessary
- Be treated with dignity and respect
- Freedom from discrimination based on race, color, creed, disability, national origin or religion
Q: What types of abuse are common in nursing homes?
A: The most common type of abuse in nursing homes involves neglect. Nursing homes tend to be understaffed and also have a long history of hiring unqualified workers. Many nursing home residents suffer serious injuries because they are left unattended for extended periods of time. Injuries that occur because of neglect include bedsores, falls, dehydration and malnutrition.
In some instances, workers at nursing homes subject residents to mental or even physical abuse, either verbally abusing them or hitting, pushing or holding them down.
Q: What are the telltale signs of nursing home abuse and neglect?
A: Some of the signs are obvious — broken bones, bruises, cuts and burns. However, some may be more subtle, such as withdrawal from activities or an unusual depression. Weight loss, poor hygiene and the presence of bedsores can also signal abuse and neglect.
Contact Our Office
Send us an e-mail or call our office at 856-429-1700 (toll free at 856-429-1700) to set up an appointment. There is no cost or obligation for your first consultation.
We handle all nursing home abuse and neglect claims on a contingency basis. We won’t charge any attorney fees unless we recover compensation for your losses.
