Philadelphia Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

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

Seeking justice for abuse and neglect in Philadelphia nursing homes and assisted living facilities starts with the proper legal support. At Nursing Home Law Center, our experienced Philadelphia nursing home abuse lawyer team is committed to helping families hold negligent facilities accountable for the harm done to their loved ones.

Our nursing home abuse attorneys are focused on protecting residents and helping families pursue compensation for the injuries and suffering caused by negligent or abusive care. We understand how serious these cases are, and we’re here to make sure your loved ones are heard.

Settlements & Verdicts Recovered by Our Legal Team Serving Philadelphia

Our legal team has secured meaningful settlements and verdicts on behalf of families affected by nursing home abuse and neglect in Philadelphia. These outcomes reflect our commitment to holding negligent facilities accountable and helping families seek compensation for the significant harm their loved ones have suffered.

$1,500,000 – Dementia Resident Dies After Chemical Exposure

A woman with dementia died after ingesting cleaning chemicals that had been left unsecured in an assisted living facility. Her family pursued a nursing home abuse claim based on negligent supervision and safety violations. Evidence of inadequate training and failure to follow state regulations led to a negotiated settlement.

$735,000 – Serious Fall Injury at Western Pennsylvania Nursing Home

A resident suffered a fractured leg and spinal damage after falling from a wheelchair that had been left unattended, despite her known fall risk status. Surveillance footage confirmed the lapse in supervision. The settlement reflected her ongoing need for medical care, loss of mobility, and lasting pain from the injuries sustained.

Types of Nursing Home Abuse Cases We Handle

Abuse or neglect in nursing homes and assisted living facilities can take many forms, and each one puts nursing home residents at serious risk. At Nursing Home Law Center, our team handles a wide range of cases involving elder abuse and neglect. A nursing home abuse attorney can help you identify signs of mistreatment and pursue legal action against those responsible.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse involves the intentional use of force that causes pain, injury, or fear. This includes hitting, pushing, shaking, or using restraints without cause. Many nursing home residents who fall victim to this type of abuse may suffer in silence due to fear or cognitive impairment. Warning signs include unexplained bruises, fractures, or sudden behavioral changes.

Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse can be just as damaging as physical harm. Staff members may insult, threaten, intimidate, or isolate residents, leading to severe psychological trauma. Victims might become withdrawn, anxious, or display sudden mood changes. 

This type of abuse is often ignored or dismissed, but its impact can last a lifetime. Our elder abuse attorneys understand how deeply emotional neglect can affect older adults and will fight to hold care facilities accountable for this mistreatment.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse of elderly residents is one of the most egregious forms of home abuse. It includes any unwanted sexual contact, touching, or exposure, often involving individuals who cannot give consent due to physical or cognitive limitations. Signs may include bruising, panic attacks, or changes in behavior. 

Cases involving nursing home sexual abuse demand immediate attention and care. A Philadelphia nursing home abuse lawyer will take your concerns seriously and help your family members pursue justice through every legal option available.

Financial Exploitation

Financial exploitation in nursing homes happens when someone steals or misuses a resident’s funds, property, or personal information. It could involve forged checks, unauthorized credit card use, or manipulating residents into signing over assets. 

Often, it’s carried out by staff or even other nursing home residents. If you’ve noticed missing money, altered legal documents, or suspicious spending, our nursing home abuse attorneys can help you protect your loved one’s finances and stop further financial abuse.

Nursing Home Elder Neglect

Nursing home neglect occurs when staff fail to meet a resident’s basic needs, including food, water, hygiene, and medical care. This failure can lead to serious illness, infections, dehydration, or untreated injuries. 

You may notice sudden weight loss, poor hygiene, pressure ulcers, or a general decline in your loved one’s health. Our nursing home neglect lawyers help families confront negligent nursing homes and seek answers.

What Are the Causes of Elder Abuse in Nursing Homes?

Elder abuse in nursing homes and assisted living facilities often stems from a combination of systemic failures and individual misconduct. One of the most common causes is chronic understaffing, which leaves workers overwhelmed and unable to provide adequate care. Poor training and lack of proper supervision can also lead to nursing home neglect and even intentional harm. 

In some cases, facilities fail to screen staff properly, allowing individuals with a history of abuse or misconduct to care for nursing home residents. High turnover rates and burnout contribute to carelessness and inconsistent attention to residents’ needs. 

Administrative neglect—such as ignoring complaints or cutting corners on safety protocols—can allow abuse to go unchecked. A Philadelphia nursing home abuse lawyer can help expose these failures and seek justice for those harmed.

How Common Is Elder Abuse in Philadelphia?

Elder abuse statistics from the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging show a troubling pattern of mistreatment in both nursing homes and assisted living facilities. In the most recent reporting year, 9,710 reports of need (RONs) were filed. Of those, 7,464–about 76.9%–were formally investigated. However, only 17.6%, or 1,316 cases, were substantiated, confirming that abuse or neglect had occurred.

Looking at broader nursing home abuse statistics across Pennsylvania, the data reveal a 9% increase in statewide reports, totaling over 58,000 incidents. Investigations were launched in more than 41,000 cases, and 14,302 were confirmed as valid instances of elder mistreatment.

What Legal Rights Do Pennsylvania Nursing Home Abuse Victims Have?

Victims of nursing home abuse in Pennsylvania have legal rights that protect their safety, dignity, and access to fair treatment. These rights allow for both civil claims and regulatory action when nursing home negligence occurs. Understanding these protections can help families take meaningful steps toward accountability and healing.

Nursing Home Reform Act

The Nursing Home Reform Act, part of the federal Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) of 1987, was created to protect the rights of nursing home residents. It establishes minimum standards for care, personal dignity, and quality of life in certified nursing homes. Facilities must provide services that help residents maintain or improve their physical and mental well-being. 

Violating these standards can result in fines, license suspension, or support for a civil claim. A Philadelphia nursing home abuse lawyer can use these federal protections to help build a strong case for families affected by nursing home negligence.

Older Adults Protective Services Act (OAPSA)

Pennsylvania’s Older Adults Protective Services Act (OAPSA) plays a central role in protecting nursing home residents from abuse and neglect. 35 P.S. §§ 10225.101 et seq. requires the reporting, investigation, and prevention of elder abuse and nursing home neglect, while also mandating background checks for those working with older adults. 

Individuals with a history of abuse-related offenses are legally barred from employment in nursing facilities. OAPSA also makes it mandatory for certain professionals to report any forms of suspected abuse. Failure to report can carry legal consequences. 

Among the many different state elder abuse laws, OAPSA stands out as one of the most comprehensive, helping protect vulnerable elders in Philadelphia nursing homes and across Pennsylvania.

Legal Definitions and Regulations

In Pennsylvania, elder abuse is governed by both civil and criminal statutes. 55 Pa. Code § 14 outlines protective services for adults who are vulnerable to elder neglect, emotional abuse, and other forms of mistreatment in living facilities. It establishes the duty of agencies to respond to reports and safeguard the well-being of at-risk individuals. 

Separately, 18 Pa.C.S. § 2713 makes the neglect of a care-dependent person a criminal offense, meaning nursing home negligence can lead to prosecution in addition to civil liability. Together, these laws form a clear legal framework that protects older adults in nursing homes, strengthens accountability, and ensures abuse is addressed through both the legal system and protective services.

What Types of Financial Compensation Can Victims Recover?

Victims of nursing home abuse or nursing home neglect may be entitled to compensation through a nursing home negligence lawsuit.

Damages can cover a wide range of losses, including medical expenses related to the abuse, future care costs, and pain and suffering. If a resident suffered injury or illness, the cost of treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term support may also be recoverable. 

In cases involving financial exploitation, stolen assets or funds may be included in the claim. Families may also seek damages for emotional trauma, reduced quality of life, and—in wrongful death cases—funeral costs and loss of companionship.

A Philadelphia nursing home abuse lawyer can evaluate your case and help you understand what types of compensation may apply. While no amount of money can undo the harm, pursuing a claim can help ease the financial burden and bring accountability to negligent nursing homes.

What Is the Average Payout for Nursing Home Abuse in Philadelphia County?

According to Law.com’s VerdictSearch, the average payout for cases in Philadelphia County is approximately $2.63 million, with reported case values ranging from $120,000 to $14 million. The median award sits at $561,250, reflecting the wide variation in outcomes depending on the circumstances of each case.

Several factors can influence compensation amounts, including:

• The severity of the injuries
• Whether the case involved medical malpractice or wrongful death
• Evidence of financial exploitation, sexual abuse, or repeated nursing home neglect
• The strength of medical records and documentation
• Whether the case ended in a settlement or a verdict
• The facility’s history of violations or repeated nursing home negligence

A Philadelphia nursing home abuse lawyer can help families assess the potential value of a claim based on these factors. While no amount can undo the harm, a fair settlement or verdict can offer support and hold facilities accountable.

Example Cases

$14 Million Verdict in Fatal Fall

A Philadelphia jury awarded $14 million to the estate of Diana Dawson, a 74-year-old woman with Alzheimer’s who died after falling from her bed while under the care of Bayada Home Health Care. The fall resulted in a hip fracture and 29 days of suffering before her death. A video of the incident showing a caregiver failing to assist played a key role at trial. 

The verdict included $4 million for survival damages and $10 million for wrongful death, with expert and family testimony helping establish liability and the extent of Dawson’s pain.

$5 Million Award for Untreated Bed Sores and Sepsis

Joseph Blango, in his 70s, developed severe, infected bed sores and sepsis while in the care of Hillcrest Center and Jeanes Hospital. He later died after living with complications for nearly two years. 

The jury awarded $5 million, including $1 million in survival and consortium damages, and $5 million in punitive damages for reckless care and falsified records. Plaintiff’s counsel presented evidence of neglect, malnutrition, and failure to turn and clean the patient, which led to the fatal infections.

$3.5 Million for Neglect and Fatal Choking

Harry Wilson, age 88, choked to death at Mayo Center, a facility owned by Genesis Health Ventures. His family alleged ongoing nursing home neglect, including multiple uninvestigated falls, infected pressure ulcers, and staff sleeping during shifts. Wilson, who had Alzheimer’s, suffered a fractured hip and was left immobilized with inadequate care. 

The jury awarded $3.5 million to his estate for pain and suffering. Testimony revealed unsanitary conditions, poor wound care, and strong odors from untreated wounds, supporting claims of severe neglect.

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

Under 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 5524(2), victims of nursing home abuse in Pennsylvania generally have two years from the date of the injury—or the date it was discovered—to file a legal claim. The statute of limitations applies to cases involving nursing home negligence, personal injury, and wrongful death. 

A Philadelphia nursing home abuse lawyer can help ensure your claim is filed within the required timeframe.

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

If you suspect neglect or abuse in a Philadelphia nursing home, immediate action is essential to protect your elderly loved one or another vulnerable resident.

• Local law enforcement – Call 911 if someone is in immediate danger.
• Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program – Contact your local ombudsman for help advocating for a resident’s rights and filing complaints.
• Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) – Call the Older Adult Protective Services unit at (215) 765-9040, available 24/7.
• Pennsylvania Department of Health – File complaints about facilities at 1-800-254-5164 or online at health.pa.gov
• Pennsylvania Health and Human Services – Report abuse in assisted living facilities or personal care homes at 1-800-490-8505. You can make a report anonymously.

After reporting, consider speaking with a Philadelphia nursing home abuse lawyer to explore your legal options and protect your family’s rights.

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

When nursing home abuse or nursing home neglect occurs, several parties may be legally responsible for the harm caused.

• Individual caregivers, nurses, or aides who commit abuse can face civil and, in some cases, criminal liability.
• Management staff, facility administrators, and owners of nursing home chains may be liable for failing to enforce safety policies, hiring unqualified staff, or ignoring complaints.
• Physicians and contracted medical professionals can also be held accountable if medical malpractice contributed to a serious injury or death.
• Vendors or third-party providers may be at fault if their negligence affected the resident’s well-being.

Common Defenses in Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect Cases

In nursing home abuse and neglect cases, facilities and their insurers often rely on several common defenses. 

One is blaming the resident’s pre-existing health conditions, arguing that the serious injury or decline was due to age or illness, not nursing home negligence. We counter this by using treatment records, expert testimony, and timelines to show a direct link between the facility’s actions and the harm caused.

Another common tactic is denying responsibility by claiming the injury was accidental or unavoidable. We challenge this with evidence of warning signs, prior complaints, or unsanitary living conditions that point to a pattern of neglect.

Facilities may also argue that they followed proper protocols. In these cases, we investigate staffing levels, training practices, and internal records to expose how the nursing home failed to provide proper care. A Philadelphia nursing home abuse lawyer from our team will work to uncover the truth and push back against efforts to shift blame or avoid accountability.

How to Strengthen Your Case Against a Nursing Home Facility

Taking quick and informed action can make a significant difference in proving nursing home abuse or neglect. Start by documenting everything. Photograph visible injuries, note changes in behavior, and record conversations with staff. Request copies of medical records, care plans, and incident reports, which can reveal gaps in personal hygiene and overall care. 

Report the incident to the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging to create an official record. If you suspect financial exploitation, gather bank statements and track missing items or transactions. Statements from other residents, visitors, or staff can also support your claim. Avoid signing documents or settlements without legal guidance. 

A Philadelphia nursing home abuse lawyer can help secure evidence, speak with expert witnesses, and guide you through the legal system to pursue compensation and accountability from negligent nursing homes.

How Our Philadelphia Elder Abuse Attorneys Can Help

Our nursing home abuse attorneys support Philadelphia families facing the devastating effects of nursing home abuse and neglect. We handle every stage of your case, from conducting investigations and gathering evidence to filing a nursing home negligence lawsuit and negotiating or litigating for fair compensation. 

We work with medical experts and build strong claims that hold negligent nursing homes and staff accountable. Whether your case involves emotional abuse, physical harm, or wrongful death, our team is here to guide you through the legal process with care and determination. Every case begins with a free case evaluation.

We can help you take legal action against:

• Care Pavilion Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
• Edenbrook of Yeadon
• Cheltenham Nursing and Rehab C
• Hopkins Center
• Accela Rehab and Care Center at Springfield
• Wynwood Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center
• Complete Care at Harston Hall LLC
• Chapel Manor
• Ivory Wellness Center
• Mount Holly Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center
• Medford Care Center

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

FAQs

How much do Philadelphia nursing home abuse attorneys cost?

Our Philadelphia nursing home abuse attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing up front. We only collect a fee if we win your case through a settlement or verdict. This allows families to pursue justice without worrying about out-of-pocket legal expenses.

Who can file a nursing home abuse claim in Philadelphia?

A nursing home abuse claim can be filed by the injured resident, a legally appointed guardian, or close family members such as a spouse, adult child, or estate representative. If the victim has passed away, a wrongful death claim may be filed by the estate or surviving relatives.

Book a Free Consultation With a Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer 

If you believe your loved one has suffered from nursing home neglect or abuse, don’t wait to get help. Our Philadelphia nursing home abuse lawyers offer a free consultation to review your case, answer your questions, and explain your legal options. There’s no obligation and no upfront cost, just a chance to speak with someone who understands what you’re going through. 

We’re here to listen, investigate, and help you take the next step toward protecting your loved one and holding those responsible accountable. Contact us today to speak with a dedicated nursing home abuse lawyer.