Allentown Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Seeking Justice for Abuse and Neglect in Allentown Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities

If your loved one has suffered harm in a local care facility, an Allentown nursing home abuse lawyer at Nursing Home Law Center is here to help. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these cases take on nursing home residents and their families.

Our experienced nursing home abuse attorneys represent families across the Lehigh Valley, holding negligent nursing homes and assisted living facilities accountable for abuse and neglect. Our law firm is dedicated to helping you protect your loved one’s safety and pursue justice with compassion and determination.

Settlements & Verdicts Recovered by Our Law Firm Serving Lehigh Valley

Our firm has secured meaningful settlements and verdicts for families affected by nursing home neglect in Allentown and throughout the Lehigh Valley. We know how devastating it is to watch a loved one suffer preventable harm. Every case we handle is built on careful investigation, dedicated legal advocacy, and a commitment to holding negligent facilities accountable.

$2,150,000 – Fatal Bedsores and Sepsis in Allentown Nursing Home

Eleanor, 84, developed advanced pressure ulcers while living in a long-term care facility in Allentown. The wounds became infected and led to fatal sepsis. Our law firm uncovered care delays, poor staffing levels, and incomplete medical documentation, resulting in a $2.15 million wrongful death settlement.

Types of Nursing Home Abuse Cases We Handle

Nursing home abuse can take many forms, each causing serious harm to elderly residents and their families. At Nursing Home Law Center, our Allentown nursing home abuse lawyers help families across the Lehigh Valley take legal action to protect residents and hold negligent facilities accountable.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse involves intentional force that results in bodily injuries, such as broken bones, bruises, or head trauma. It may include hitting, slapping, pushing, or the improper use of restraints. Victims often cannot defend themselves or speak up. 

If you notice unexplained injuries or suspect mistreatment, an Allentown nursing home abuse lawyer can investigate the facility and help your family seek justice for the harm done.

Emotional Abuse

Emotional or psychological abuse may include verbal threats, humiliation, isolation, or manipulation by staff members or other residents. Though it doesn’t leave visible injuries, it can lead to severe emotional distress, depression, or withdrawal. 

Many elderly adults suffer silently from this type of abuse. Our nursing home abuse attorneys can help you recognize elder abuse and hold those responsible for causing mental anguish.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse in a nursing home or assisted living facility involves any unwanted or non-consensual sexual contact. Victims are often unable to communicate or defend themselves due to cognitive or physical limitations. 

Common signs include fearfulness, bruising, or behavioral changes. If you suspect elder sexual abuse, our law firm can take immediate action to protect your loved one and pursue those responsible through legal channels.

Financial Exploitation

Financial abuse occurs when someone misuses or steals an elderly person’s money or assets. It may involve forged checks, coerced signatures, unauthorized purchases, or stolen valuables. Caregivers, staff, or even family members can be involved. 

If you notice unusual banking activity or missing possessions, speak to a nursing home abuse attorney. Our firm can help recover losses and hold the negligent parties accountable for financial abuse.

Nursing Home Elder Neglect

Nursing home neglect occurs when staff fail to provide adequate care, such as assistance with hygiene, mobility, nutrition, or medical care. It often results in pressure ulcers, dehydration, malnutrition, and medication errors. 

Neglect is frequently due to understaffing or poorly trained workers. If your elderly loved one shows signs of neglected hygiene, weight loss, or general decline, our attorneys can help you file a claim and prevent further harm.

What Are the Causes of Elder Abuse in Nursing Homes?

Elder abuse in nursing homes and assisted living facilities is often the result of systemic problems and poor oversight. 

One of the most common causes is understaffing, which leaves workers overwhelmed and unable to provide proper care to every resident. Inadequate training, poor hiring practices, and a lack of accountability can lead to neglect, physical abuse, or financial exploitation. 

Sometimes, staff may not understand how to care for residents with dementia or mobility issues, increasing the risk of emotional or psychological abuse or medication errors. When facilities prioritize profits over resident well-being, neglect and mistreatment can become routine. 

If you suspect nursing home negligence or notice signs like unexplained injuries or behavioral changes, it’s essential to speak up. A qualified Allentown nursing home abuse lawyer can help protect your elderly loved one and hold the negligent parties accountable.

How Common Is Elder Abuse in Allentown?

Elder abuse statistics in Allentown reveal a troubling pattern in long-term care settings. According to Lehigh County Aging & Adult Services, there were 1,423 Reports of Need (RONs) involving older adults last year. Of these, 994 were investigated, and 424 were substantiated–meaning more than 42% of reviewed cases showed credible evidence of abuse or neglect.

Looking at broader nursing home abuse statistics, Pennsylvania saw a 9% statewide increase in elder abuse reports, with over 58,000 incidents reported to authorities. Of those, 35% were substantiated. Financial abuse accounted for 32% of cases. Women made up 60% of victims, and 46% of substantiated abusers were family members.

What Legal Rights Do Pennsylvania Nursing Home Abuse Victims Have?

Victims of nursing home negligence in Pennsylvania have the right to pursue civil claims for damages if a nursing facility or assisted living facility fails to provide proper care. The law allows victims and their family members to seek fair compensation through personal injury claims or wrongful death actions.

Nursing Home Reform Act

The federal Nursing Home Reform Act, passed as part of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) of 1987, establishes baseline standards of care for every nursing home receiving Medicare or Medicaid funds. 

It guarantees nursing home residents the right to be free from physical abuse, chemical restraints, and neglect, and ensures access to proper medical care, adequate nutrition, and a safe environment. This law also requires nursing facilities to maintain detailed medical records, conduct comprehensive care assessments, and develop individual care plans. 

Violations of these rights may justify a nursing home abuse case, especially when negligent caregivers cause preventable harm.

Older Adults Protective Services Act (OAPSA)

Under Pennsylvania’s Older Adults Protective Services Act (OAPSA), individuals aged 60 and older are legally protected from nursing home abuse and neglect. This statute mandates that care facilities conduct criminal background checks on all employees and bars anyone with a history of abuse-related offenses from working with nursing home residents. 

35 P.S. §§ 10225.101 et seq. also requires mandatory reporting of suspected abuse, including sexual abuse, emotional or psychological abuse, and neglect, by certain professionals. As one of the central state elder abuse laws, OAPSA gives families and residents the legal right to report suspected abuse and pursue accountability from negligent nursing homes.

Legal Definitions and Regulations

State-level legal protections are further outlined in 55 Pa. Code § 14, which defines the responsibilities of nursing homes in providing protective services to elderly residents. This regulation details what constitutes elder abuse, including unexplained injuries and emotional distress, and outlines reporting procedures for those who suspect nursing home abuse. 

Additionally, 18 Pa.C.S. § 2713 establishes criminal penalties for the neglect of care-dependent persons. This means that nursing home negligence can lead to not only civil legal action but also criminal prosecution. These statutes help ensure that nursing home abuse attorneys can pursue justice on behalf of those who have suffered emotional or physical harm in a nursing home facility.

What Types of Financial Compensation Can Victims Recover?

Victims of nursing home negligence in Pennsylvania may be entitled to several types of compensation. A successful claim can cover medical expenses, including hospitalization, long-term care, medications, and rehabilitation needed due to physical injuries or emotional trauma. Victims may also recover damages for physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life. 

In cases involving financial abuse, stolen funds or property may be recovered as well. If the abuse results in wrongful death, the family may pursue compensation for funeral costs and loss of companionship. An experienced Allentown nursing home abuse lawyer can help your family pursue compensation and hold the negligent parties accountable under Pennsylvania law.

What Is the Average Payout for Nursing Home Abuse in Pennsylvania?

According to Law.com’s VerdictSearch, the average payout for nursing home abuse in Pennsylvania is approximately $1,907,526, with a median of $400,000. Settlements and verdicts range widely, from as low as $6,400 to as high as $19 million. 

Several factors can affect the value of a case, including:

• The severity and type of harm, such as broken bones or pressure ulcers
• Whether the abuse or neglect was ongoing over a period of time
• The presence of clear medical documentation or witness testimony
• Medical records showing a lack of care or supervision
• Additional evidence
• How the case is resolved: settlement, verdict, arbitration, or court decision

A skilled nursing home abuse attorney can evaluate your case and help your family pursue fair compensation.

Example Cases

$3.5 Million Verdict – Repeated Falls and Pressure Ulcers at Philadelphia Nursing Facility

Eighty-eight-year-old Harry Wilson died after suffering repeated falls, untreated pressure injuries, and poor hygiene at the Mayo Center, operated by Genesis Health Ventures in Philadelphia. His family alleged nursing home negligence for failing to monitor, reposition, and clean him properly. Witnesses described severe odors from infected wounds and sleeping staff. 

The defense claimed his injuries were part of a natural decline from Alzheimer’s disease, but the jury disagreed, awarding Wilson’s estate $3.5 million for his pain and suffering.

$1 Million Verdict – Fall and Hip Fracture After Dialysis at Stroudsburg Nursing Facility

Seventy-year-old Edward Arnold fractured his hip after falling from a chair at Whitestone Care Center following dialysis. His estate alleged understaffing, ignored fall-risk warnings, and failure to monitor him when he was most vulnerable. Evidence included state reports of repeat violations and testimony from former employees. 

The defense argued comparative negligence, claiming Arnold moved himself. The jury found Whitestone and its parent company, Saber Healthcare, liable and awarded $1 million, including $750,000 in punitive damages.

$750,000 Settlement – Fatal Choking Death at Residential Group Home

Forty-eight-year-old John Glenn Popple, a resident with severe developmental disabilities, died after choking on food at New Hope Group Home. His estate claimed gross negligence for lack of required one-on-one supervision and failure to install alarms. Investigations found inconsistencies in staff reports, and prior choking incidents were ignored by the nursing home’s management. 

The defense maintained Popple was properly monitored under his care plan and received immediate aid. Before trial, the parties reached a $750,000 settlement for wrongful death and pain and suffering.

How Long Do Pennsylvania Victims Have to File a Legal Claim?

Under 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 5524(2), victims of nursing home abuse or nursing home neglect in Pennsylvania generally have two years to file a civil claim. The clock usually starts when the abuse, neglect, or injury is discovered. Acting quickly is vital, as missing the statute of limitations can prevent victims and their families from recovering financial compensation.

How to Report Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect in Allentown, PA

If you suspect nursing home abuse or neglect in Allentown, acting quickly can make a critical difference in protecting your elderly loved one. You can report abuse through the following local and state agencies:

• Call 911 if someone is in immediate danger or needs urgent medical attention.
• Lehigh County Office of Aging and Adult Services – Report suspected abuse in nursing homes or assisted living facilities by calling (610) 782-3034. They respond to cases involving older adults and vulnerable residents.
• Pennsylvania Department of Health – For concerns about a specific nursing home facility, call 1-800-254-5164 or submit a complaint at health.pa.gov
• Department of Human Services – To report neglect or mistreatment in long-term care facilities or memory care units, call 1-800-490-8505.
• Pennsylvania Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program – Your local ombudsman provides confidential support and can help report and investigate abuse.

All reports can be made anonymously, and you’re protected from retaliation. After making a report, an Allentown nursing home abuse lawyer can help you understand your rights and next steps.

Who Is Legally Liable for Abuse and Neglect in Allentown Care Facilities?

In cases of nursing home abuse or neglect in Allentown, legal responsibility may fall on several different parties–especially when care standards are ignored or safety is compromised. Those who may be held liable include:

• The nursing home or assisted living facility
• Individual staff members, including nurses, aides, and caregivers
• Supervisors or facility administrators who failed to enforce proper protocols
• Medical professionals responsible for the resident’s treatment
• Nursing home chains or corporate owners overseeing the facility
• Third-party vendors contracted for staffing, maintenance, or food service

Each of these entities has a duty to protect elderly residents from physical, financial, and emotional harm. When that duty is breached, victims have the right to file a lawsuit. An experienced Allentown nursing home abuse lawyer can help identify the responsible parties and build a case for accountability.

Common Defenses in Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect Cases

In many nursing home abuse or neglect cases, facilities and their insurance companies try to avoid liability by raising common legal defenses. 

One frequent argument is that the resident’s injuries were caused by pre-existing conditions or natural aging, not by negligent care. We address this by showing how the harm could have been prevented with proper supervision, medical attention, or timely intervention.

Another defense often used is a lack of intent or knowledge, claiming the staff didn’t know abuse was occurring or didn’t mean to cause harm. Our law firm counters this by uncovering warning signs that were ignored, poor training, or systemic understaffing that allowed the abuse to happen.

Facilities may also attempt to shift blame to the resident, arguing they were responsible for their own injuries. We challenge these claims by demonstrating the facility’s legal duty to protect residents. An experienced Allentown nursing home abuse lawyer can hold negligent parties accountable despite these tactics.

How to Strengthen Your Case Against a Nursing Home Facility

If you suspect nursing home abuse or neglect, taking the proper steps early on can make a significant difference in the strength of your legal claim. 

First, document everything, including photographs of injuries, signs of poor hygiene, or unsafe conditions. Keep copies of medical records, care plans, and communication with the facility. Report the situation to the appropriate state agencies, such as the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the local ombudsman. 

Speak with other family members, staff, or residents who may have witnessed mistreatment. The more evidence you gather, the harder it is for the facility to deny wrongdoing. Finally, contact an experienced Allentown nursing home abuse lawyer who can investigate your claim, secure expert testimony, and help you hold the nursing facility accountable.

How Our Allentown Elder Abuse Attorneys Can Help

At Nursing Home Law Center, our Allentown elder abuse attorneys focus exclusively on representing victims of nursing home neglect. We investigate suspected mistreatment, gather medical records and witness statements, consult with medical experts, and build strong claims to hold negligent facilities accountable. 

We pursue every available path to secure compensation. We also assist with reporting abuse to the appropriate authorities and guide families through each step of the legal process. If your elderly loved one has suffered harm, we’re here to help you protect their rights.

We can help you take legal action against:

• Good Shepherd Home Raker Center
• Lehigh Valley Hospital Tsu
• Phoebe Allentown Health Care Center
• Advanced Health Care of Hanover

Our Pennsylvania nursing home abuse lawyers serve clients in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and beyond.

FAQs

How much do Allentown nursing home abuse attorneys cost?

Our Allentown nursing home abuse attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing up front. We only get paid if we win your case. This allows families to seek justice without worrying about legal fees during an already stressful time.

Who can file a nursing home abuse claim in Allentown?

A claim can be filed by the injured nursing home resident, their legal guardian, or an immediate family member. If the victim has passed away, the estate representative may file a wrongful death or survival action on behalf of surviving relatives.

Can family members recover compensation for emotional suffering?

In some cases, family members may be eligible to seek compensation for their own emotional suffering, especially in cases involving fatalities or severe, witnessed abuse. An attorney can evaluate your situation and explain whether this type of recovery applies to your claim.

Book a Free Consultation With Our Legal Team

If you suspect nursing home abuse or neglect in Allentown, don’t wait to take action. Our legal team offers a free consultation to help you understand your rights and options. We’ll review the details, assess potential claims, and explain the steps to hold negligent facilities accountable. 

There’s no cost to speak with us, and you won’t pay anything unless we recover compensation on your behalf. Contact an experienced Allentown nursing home abuse lawyer today.