Families trust nursing homes to provide safe, compassionate care for elderly loved ones. Unfortunately, not all facilities meet this standard, and nursing home injuries can result from neglect, abuse, or unsafe conditions. Falls, bedsores, malnutrition, medication errors, and even physical mistreatment are all risks that vulnerable residents may face.
When a nursing home fails to uphold its duty of care, residents can suffer serious harm. Families may have legal options to hold negligent facilities accountable and seek justice for their loved ones.
Types of Nursing Home Abuse
Nursing home abuse can take many forms, and vulnerable residents may suffer in silence. Understanding the different types of abuse can help families recognize the warning signs and take action.
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse involves the intentional use of force that results in injury, pain, or impairment. This can include hitting, slapping, pushing, or using excessive restraints. Signs of physical abuse may include unexplained bruises, fractures, burns, or a sudden fear of caregivers.
Financial Abuse
Elderly residents may be targeted for financial exploitation by staff, caregivers, or even other residents. This can include stealing money, forging signatures, coercing a resident into changing their will, or unauthorized use of bank accounts and credit cards.
Emotional Abuse
Psychological abuse is often harder to detect but can be just as damaging. Caregivers may belittle, humiliate, threaten, or isolate residents, leading to anxiety, depression, or withdrawal. Residents experiencing emotional abuse may appear fearful, confused, or unusually quiet.
Sexual Abuse
Any non-consensual sexual contact or harassment constitutes sexual abuse. This may include inappropriate touching, coercion, or even assault. The risks of sexual abuse are higher in these settings due to the number of residents who lack their full faculties.
Neglect
Neglect occurs when caregivers fail to meet a resident’s basic needs, such as providing adequate food, hydration, medication, hygiene, or medical care. Signs of neglect include bedsores, dehydration, poor hygiene, weight loss, and untreated medical conditions.
Who Is Liable for Nursing Home Abuse?
When a nursing home resident suffers abuse or neglect, multiple parties may be held legally responsible. Determining liability depends on the circumstances of the case, but the following individuals and entities are often accountable:
Nursing Home Facility
The nursing home itself can be held liable for failing to provide a safe environment for residents. If the facility hires unqualified staff, does not conduct proper background checks, or fails to train employees adequately, it may be responsible for any harm caused. Additionally, understaffing, poor supervision and failure to enforce safety protocols can contribute to neglect and abuse.
Nursing Home Staff
Individual caregivers, nurses, or aides may be personally responsible for physical, emotional, financial, or sexual abuse. If a staff member intentionally harms a resident or neglects their care, they can be sued for damages.
Third-Party Contractors
Some nursing homes outsource services such as medical care, food preparation, or security. If a third-party provider’s negligence contributes to an injury—such as a medication error by an outside pharmacist or unsafe living conditions caused by a maintenance company—they may also be held liable.
Discuss Nursing Home Injuries With Coleman Lynch & Partners, PLLC
There are few situations that are more difficult than learning an elderly family member is the victim of abuse or neglect. We ensure fast communication with ever case we handle by using the latest technology. Let the team at Coleman Lynch & Partners, PLLC, help you see justice. Contact us today to learn more.