Nursing Home Injuries
& Wrongful Death

Nursing home residents can be mistreated in a variety of ways, many of which can cause long-term health problems. Some of the most common forms of abuse include:

• Yelling, shouting and degradation
• Threats (causing fear)
• Physical assault (hitting, striking with objects, pushing)
• Sexual assault
• Neglect
• Over- and under-medicating
• Unsanitary living conditions
• Financial exploitation (stealing money, identity theft)

Although barriers to identifying mistreatment are common, there are several signs to look for:

• Pressure sores
• Frequent falls
• Dehydration
• Malnutrition
• Medication errors
• Wandering or Elopement
• Bed rail entrapment
• Unexplained cuts, broken bones, scratches, bruises or burns
• Restraint marks on wrists or feet
• Frequent heavy sedation
• Weight loss
• Bladder and bowel problems
• Lack of treatment for health problems

There are both national and state laws that nursing homes must follow. These laws are in place to protect residents from harm, but they can not completely prevent mistreatment. When these rules are not followed and someone is injured or killed, the law gives the resident or the resident’s loved ones grounds for legal action.

An attorney who has the knowledge and understanding of these laws is vital to hold those accountable for their actions. By choosing Leone Law to handle your case, you can be assured there will be a thorough investigation, and dedication to provide a high standard of legal care and protection.

Whether the harm is large or small, nursing home neglect and abuse should never happen, but it does – even in some of the most prestigious and well-known facilities across the country. The causes can vary, from the facility being understaffed or mismanaged, to the hiring of someone with abusive tendencies or who is a sexual predator. So many factors contribute to neglect and abuse, and often a combination of factors lead to mistreatment.

Regardless of the cause, the effect can be devastating. Abuse and neglect has a physical, emotional and financial impact, depending on the victim, circumstances, and causes of the abuse. While there are many short and long-term effects, some of them include:

• Physical injuries (from bruises and cuts to broken bones and head trauma)
• Malnutrition
• Anxiety and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Social isolation
• Sexually transmitted diseases
• Death (in extreme cases)