Abandonment - Nursing Home Abuse

Abandonment is defined by the desertion of an assisted living or nursing home resident in an instant when it would be considered unreasonable by a sensible person.  Litigations have found that abandonment incidences are most common residents who have a hard time communicating verbally or are unable to reach call buttons. This problem is often accentuated by understaffed nursing homes. In this country one out of every three nursing home is guilty of violations, and as many as 20% of all abuse cases (including abandonment) go unreported. 

It is a difficult decision to place our loved ones is an assisted living establishment, but when we do, we do so with the trust that these facilities are going to provide the best possible care. It is unconscionable to think that the people with whom we have put so much faith in would abandon our loved ones, but it is an unfortunate pattern that arises from a poorly regulated nursing home industry. In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, abandonment is often hard to detect, but here are few common signs that abandonment may hay occurred:

•bedsores
•change in mood or behavior
•unexplained weight loss
•irritability
•depression
•sudden change in health
•Dehydration
•strong smell of fecal matter or urine on body or in living area

If you or a loved one reside in a nursing home or elder care facility in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania or New Jersey, and think you have witnessed some form of elder abuse, nursing home neglect or medical negligence, it is important that you act quickly. Our experienced team of nursing home lawyers specializes in elder abuse law representing victims of elderly abuse, abuse in retirement homes, doctor malpractice, and dental malpractice.

Nursing home abuse is unacceptable, but all data points to the fact that it is on the rise - litigation is a powerful tool in correcting the industry. If your loved one has been the victim of abandonment then they may be entitled to compensation for injuries and associated medical costs, pain and suffering, and even wrongful death. Our dedicated and experienced nursing home attorneys are committed to fighting for your case and getting you the settlement you deserve.

If you are looking to educate yourself about abuse in nursing homes, read about recent nursing home injury and medical malpractice lawsuits, or research local nursing home neglect attorneys, visit the American Justice Network, the leading free legal information center and attorney referral service. For free legal advice in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, please fill out the contact form or call us toll free at 866-484-6992.