Information needed to file a nursing home abuse report should be well-documented and supported by pictures, statements from the nursing home patient and evidence of any past claims of abuse or neglect brought by others to the nursing home. Video evidence of abuse occurring in real-time is the strongest evidence you can have but is often not viable in most situations, we’ve written about hidden camera in the nursing home, here. However, placing video cameras small enough to be hidden in flower vases or behind picture frames may provide the kind of evidence demanded to prove abuse and win your case.

Signs of Nursing Home Abuse

Before you consider contacting an attorney who is experienced in nursing home abuse cases, know the common signs of physical and/or emotional abuse suffered by nursing home residents:

• Unexplained bruises/cuts/broken bones (if the explanation doesn’t sound logical, it probably isn’t)
• Weight loss in a resident when no health condition exists to explain it
• Cognitive problems or “confusion” that nursing home staff blame on aging when the cause may actually be malnutrition, un-diagnosed illness or over-medication
• Development of bedsores due to staff neglecting to turn or move the patient
• Patients appear unkempt and dirty frequently (always in the same pajamas, for example)

For a more detailed article on the “signs of nursing home abuse”, click here. Nursing home abuse can be emotional and financial as well. Dramatic changes in personality (going from extroverted and positive to withdrawn and fearful) or having large amounts of money come up missing from a patient’s bank account could indicate these types of abuse.

Reporting Elder Abuse in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has a statewide elder abuse/nursing home abuse hotline–1-(800)-490-8505, that directs concerned citizens to their local Area Agency on Aging. This hotline is available 24/7 and anyone reporting suspected nursing home abuse can remain anonymous to prevent possible discrimination or retaliation.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health recommends that you discuss your concerns with the nursing home’s director of nursing or administrator. They are primarily responsible for monitoring the operations of the home and should be notified of any abnormalities in the care of patients. When leaving a complaint with the toll-free hotline, make sure you include the name of the nursing home, details of issues associated with the care of the patient and whether you have empirical evidence that the abuse is occurring.

Filing a Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit

In addition to contacting the correct authorities, you should consider hiring a Pennsylvania nursing home abuse attorney who can help you navigate the complexities of litigation involving neglect and abuse of a loved one.

In addition, personal injury attorneys experienced with nursing home abuse cases:

• Are familiar with how forensic investigators and law enforcement manage these cases and know what they information these professionals need to successfully prove abuse in court.
• Will accompany the victim and/or the victim’s guardians to all depositions, court proceedings and interviews.
• Can file the appropriate papers to expedite a personal injury lawsuit against the nursing home on the behalf of the victim
• May attempt to negotiate out-of-court settlements (if applicable).

Be aware that no compensation is awarded as a result of criminal investigations into nursing home abuse allegations. Only by having a Pennsylvania nursing home abuse attorney file a lawsuit can you receive compensation or pain, suffering and medical expenses. For more information about filing a nursing home abuse case, check out our previous blog here.