Pittsburgh Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

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

If someone you care about has suffered harm in a local care facility, a Pittsburgh nursing home abuse lawyer at Nursing Home Law Center is here to help. We represent victims and families throughout Allegheny County and western Pennsylvania, holding nursing homes and assisted living facilities accountable for abuse and neglect.

Our experienced nursing home abuse attorneys understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these cases take. We’re here to support you, guide you through the entire process, and help your family seek answers, protection, and the justice your loved one deserves.

Settlements & Verdicts Recovered by Our Law Firm Serving Pittsburgh

Our firm has achieved significant settlements and verdicts for families impacted by neglect and abuse in Pittsburgh and across western Pennsylvania. We understand the emotional toll these cases take, and we approach each one with thorough investigation, compassionate support, and focused legal strategy.

$3,000,000 – Pressure Sore Wrongful Death in Pittsburgh Skilled Nursing Facility

Eleanor’s husband was admitted to a Pittsburgh skilled nursing facility following hip replacement surgery. Within weeks, he developed severe pressure ulcers that went untreated, eventually leading to fatal infection. Evidence of poor wound care protocols and a lack of staff intervention played a key role in the $3 million settlement.

$1,700,000 – Fall Injury at Pittsburgh Nursing Home Leads to Brain Bleed

Thomas, a resident at a Pittsburgh nursing home, suffered a hip fracture and subdural hematoma after falling from bed without proper fall precautions in place. Internal reports showed he had been identified as a fall risk, but no interventions were documented. The case resolved for $1.7 million.

$1,250,000 – Choking Death at Pittsburgh Memory Care Unit

Gloria’s family filed a wrongful death claim after she died choking on solid food at a Pittsburgh memory care facility, despite being on a physician-ordered soft diet. The facility’s failure to follow dietary orders and train staff properly contributed to the $1.25 million pre-litigation settlement.

Types of Nursing Home Abuse Cases We Handle

Abuse in a nursing home can take many forms, all of which can put residents in danger. At Nursing Home Law Center, our Pittsburgh nursing home abuse attorneys handle cases involving both intentional harm and negligence.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse involves the use of force that causes pain, injury, or physical suffering. In Pittsburgh area nursing homes, this may include hitting, slapping, pushing, or misusing physical or chemical restraints. 

Signs often include unexplained bruises, broken bones, or sudden changes in behavior. These injuries are never acceptable and usually go unreported. If you suspect abuse, our attorneys can investigate and pursue claims to hold staff and facilities accountable for harming vulnerable elderly patients.

Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse may not leave visible marks, but it can cause lasting psychological harm. This form of elder abuse includes threats, humiliation, verbal attacks, and intentional isolation. Victims may withdraw, have sudden mood swings, or become fearful. 

Sadly, this type of abuse is often ignored or dismissed. Our Pittsburgh attorneys help families identify warning signs of emotional mistreatment and take action to protect their loved ones’ dignity and well-being.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse in nursing homes and assisted living facilities includes any non-consensual sexual contact or behavior. Victims are often unable to speak for themselves, making this form of home abuse especially devastating. Warning signs can include unexplained injuries, STDs, anxiety, or behavioral changes. Some cases of elder sexual abuse involve staff members or even other residents.

Financial Exploitation

Financial abuse targets vulnerable residents who may be cognitively impaired or dependent on caregivers. Signs of financial abuse can include stolen cash, unauthorized use of credit cards, coerced transfers of property, or changes to wills and accounts. 

This type of abuse is often committed by staff members, relatives, or outsiders with access to the resident. If you notice missing funds or suspicious transactions, our law firm can help uncover the truth and recover lost assets.

Nursing Home Elder Neglect

Nursing home neglect occurs when a facility fails to provide necessary medical care, hygiene, food, or supervision, putting residents at risk of serious harm. Common signs of negligence include pressure ulcers, medication errors, malnutrition, or poor personal hygiene. 

Neglect is often due to understaffing or failure to follow care plans. Whether your loved one lives in a nursing facility, memory care unit, or other long-term care facility, our team can help you take action against those responsible.

What Are the Causes of Elder Abuse in Nursing Homes?

Elder abuse in care facilities often stems from a combination of systemic failures and individual misconduct. Common causes include chronic understaffing, poor staff training, and a lack of proper oversight. When staff members are overworked or unqualified, they may neglect residents’ needs or respond to them with frustration or aggression. 

High turnover rates can lead to inconsistency in care, and insufficient background checks may allow abusive individuals access to elderly patients. In some cases, nursing home negligence is tied to cost-cutting measures by facility management that compromise resident safety. 

No matter the type of abuse, the root often lies in a failure to maintain safe, supervised care. A Pittsburgh nursing home abuse attorney can help identify the cause and hold negligent parties accountable.

How Common Is Elder Abuse in Pittsburgh?

Elder abuse statistics across Pennsylvania show a growing problem that impacts many families. 

According to the most recent Older Adult Protective Services data for fiscal year 2023–24, over 58,000 reports of elder abuse were filed statewide, a 9% increase from the previous year. Of those, 70% were formally investigated, and 35% of those investigations—over 14,000 cases—were substantiated.

Nursing home abuse statistics reveal that financial exploitation accounts for 32% of substantiated abuse allegations. Family members were the most frequently confirmed abusers at 46%, followed by caregivers at 33%.

What Legal Rights Do Pennsylvania Nursing Home Abuse Victims Have?

Victims of abuse in Pennsylvania nursing homes have legal protections that allow them to seek financial recovery through civil claims. These rights exist to hold responsible parties accountable for abuse or neglect and ensure nursing home residents receive the medical care and respect they are entitled to under the law.

Nursing Home Reform Act

The federal Nursing Home Reform Act, part of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) of 1987, sets nationwide standards for care in certified nursing homes. It ensures that every resident receives care that supports their health and safety. 

Violations of this law can support a civil claim. These protections apply to nursing home residents in the Pittsburgh area and across the country.

Older Adults Protective Services Act (OAPSA)

Under 35 P.S. §§ 10225.101 et seq., Pennsylvania’s Older Adults Protective Services Act (OAPSA) requires that suspected abuse or neglect of adults age 60 and older be reported to the proper state agencies. It mandates background checks for employees in long-term care facilities and prohibits hiring anyone with a history of abuse. 

Certain staff are also legally required to report any forms of suspected abuse and neglect. OAPSA is one of the most comprehensive elder abuse laws by state, playing a key role in protecting elderly patients in Pittsburgh nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

Legal Definitions and Regulations

Under Pennsylvania law, elder abuse is addressed through both civil and criminal statutes. 55 Pa. Code § 14 outlines protective services for adults in long-term care, including standards for intervention when nursing home neglect or abuse is reported. 

18 Pa.C.S. § 2713 criminalizes the neglect of a care-dependent person, making it a punishable offense. These laws provide the foundation for investigating claims, pressing charges when needed, and helping families take action against liable parties in Pittsburgh area nursing homes.

What Types of Financial Compensation Can Victims Recover?

Victims of nursing home abuse or nursing home negligence in Pennsylvania may be entitled to several forms of compensation. 

These can include coverage for medical bills, rehabilitation, and long-term medical care required due to abuse or neglect. Victims and their families may also recover damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In severe cases, such as those involving wrongful death, additional compensation may be available for funeral costs and loss of companionship. 

If the case involves financial abuse, stolen assets, or misused funds, they can also be recovered. Courts may award punitive damages when the conduct is especially reckless or abusive. A Pittsburgh nursing home abuse lawyer can help evaluate the value of a claim, gather necessary medical records, and build a case that reflects the full extent of harm your loved one has experienced.

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

Based on Law.com’s VerdictSearch, the average payout for nursing home abuse claims in Allegheny County is approximately $252,550, with reported awards ranging from $6,400 to $900,000. The median payout is about $178,000, showing that while some cases result in modest compensation, others can lead to significantly higher awards depending on the circumstances.

Several factors influence the value of a nursing home negligence or abuse claim, including:

• The severity of the injuries, such as broken bones, pressure ulcers, or wrongful death
• The presence of medical errors, physical or chemical restraints, or evidence of repeated neglect
• Whether the case involved financial exploitation, sexual abuse, or long-term emotional harm
• The strength of the medical records, documentation, and witness testimony
• Whether the case settled out of court or resulted in a jury verdict
• The clarity of liability and whether staff members or management failed in their legal duties

A Pittsburgh nursing home abuse attorney can assess your case and help you pursue the maximum compensation allowed under Pennsylvania law.

Example Cases

$400,000 Judgment – Neglect and Fall Injuries at Lemington Home for the Aged

Ninety-year-old Josephine Watkins suffered a fall, jaw fracture, and later developed severe dehydration, kidney failure, and pressure ulcers while residing at Lemington Home for the Aged in Pittsburgh. Her estate claimed the facility failed to provide adequate supervision, staff, and timely care. 

The defendant was unable to respond to the lawsuit, and the court granted summary judgment in favor of the plaintiff, awarding $400,000 for pain and suffering due to nursing home negligence and unsafe living conditions.

$300,000 Verdict – Pressure Ulcers and Infection at The Commons at Squirrel Hill

Dolly Brown, age 71, developed severe pressure ulcers that became infected while living at The Commons at Squirrel Hill, a long-term care facility in Pittsburgh. Her estate alleged that understaffing, poor wound care, and failure to update treatment plans led to infection and sepsis. 

The defense claimed her wounds originated at another hospital, but the jury found the facility negligent. The estate received a $300,000 verdict for pain, suffering, and medical costs, recognizing the facility’s failure to provide proper care and prevention.

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 negligence in Pennsylvania typically have two years from the date of the injury, or when the abuse was discovered, to file a legal claim. This time limit applies to cases involving physical abuse, neglect, or even death. 

Failing to act within the statute of limitations may forfeit your right to pursue legal action, so it’s essential to consult an experienced attorney promptly.

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

If you suspect nursing home abuse or neglect in Pittsburgh, it’s essential to act quickly to protect your elderly loved one or another vulnerable resident. Reports can be made through the following channels:

• Local Police – Call 911 if the resident is in immediate danger.
• Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging (AAA) – Call (412) 350-6905 to report abuse, including cases in assisted living facilities or nursing homes.
• Pennsylvania Department of Health – For complaints about a nursing facility, call 1-800-254-5164 or visit health.pa.gov
• Pennsylvania Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program – Contact your local ombudsman for advocacy and help reporting abuse.
• Department of Human Services – To report issues in long-term care facilities, call 1-800-490-8505.

Reports can be made anonymously, and you’re protected from retaliation. After reporting, contact a Pittsburgh nursing home abuse lawyer to understand your legal rights.

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

Legal responsibility for nursing home abuse or neglect in Pittsburgh care facilities can involve multiple parties. Those who may be held liable include:

• Staff members who commit or ignore physical abuse, sexual assault, or neglect
• Facility administrators who fail to monitor safety or respond to complaints
• Doctors or nurses responsible for medication errors or inadequate care
• Nursing home chains that manage multiple facilities and enforce cost-cutting policies that lead to poor care
• Owners and operators of nursing homes or assisted living facilities who fail to hire or train properly
• Third-party contractors, such as cleaning or security companies
• In some cases, even other residents may also be liable if the facility failed to protect vulnerable individuals

A Pittsburgh nursing home abuse attorney can identify all liable parties and pursue claims to hold them legally accountable.

Common Defenses in Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect Cases

One frequent claim is that the resident’s injuries were the result of pre-existing conditions or age-related decline, not nursing home negligence. We counter this by presenting expert opinions and medical records that link the harm directly to the facility’s actions or inaction.

Another defense is that the abuse was an isolated incident by a single staff member, not reflective of broader facility issues. We investigate patterns of complaints, staffing levels, and nursing home chains’ policies to show a culture of neglect or mismanagement.

Facilities may also argue that they followed appropriate protocols. We respond by exposing gaps in training, a lack of supervision, or ignored warning signs.

A Pittsburgh nursing home abuse lawyer from our law firm will build a strong case focused on accountability and securing financial recovery for your family.

How to Strengthen Your Case Against a Nursing Home Facility

If you suspect neglect or abuse in a Pittsburgh nursing home, taking the proper steps early on can make a significant difference in your case. 

Start by documenting everything. Take photos of unexplained injuries, note changes in behavior or hygiene, and save any communication with staff. Request copies of treatment records, care plans, and incident reports. These can help show patterns of nursing home abuse and neglect or failure to follow treatment guidelines. 

Report the incident to the Pennsylvania Department of Health or local ombudsman to create an official record. If you suspect financial abuse, monitor bank activity and secure financial documents. Avoid signing anything from the facility without legal advice. 

A Pittsburgh nursing home abuse lawyer can help investigate, preserve key evidence, and guide your family through the legal process to hold the negligent parties accountable and pursue the financial compensation your loved one deserves.

How Our Pittsburgh Elder Abuse Attorneys Can Help

Our Pittsburgh elder abuse attorneys provide trusted legal support for families affected by nursing home abuse and neglect. We investigate claims, gather records, consult with expert witnesses, and handle all communication with the facility and insurance companies. 

Whether your case involves physical abuse, sexual assault, medication errors, or even death, our legal team works to uncover the truth and build a strong case. We aim to hold negligent parties accountable and help you secure fair compensation. Every case begins with a free consultation, and there are no legal fees unless we win your case.

We can help you take legal action against:

• Heritage Care Center
• Corner View Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
• Baldwin Health Center
• Burgh Care Center
• Highland Hills Post Acute
• Wexford Healthcare Center
• Harmar Village Health & Rehab Center
• WeCare at Monroeville Rehabilitation and Nsg Ctr
• Kadima Rehabilitation & Nursing at Cheswick
• Monroeville Post Acute
• Cranberry Place
• St John Specialty Care Center
• Platinum Ridge Ctr for Rehab & Healing
• Beaver Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center
• William Penn Care Center

Our Pennsylvania nursing home abuse attorneys serve clients in Allentown, Philadelphia, and beyond.

FAQs

How much do Pittsburgh nursing home abuse attorneys cost?

Our Pittsburgh 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 through a settlement or verdict. This allows families to seek justice without worrying about legal costs during an already difficult time.

Who can file a nursing home abuse claim in Pittsburgh?

A nursing home abuse claim can be filed by the injured resident, a family member, a legal guardian, or the representative of the resident’s estate. In cases of wrongful death, the claim is typically brought by a surviving spouse, child, or executor of the estate under Pennsylvania law.

Book a Free Consultation and Secure Your Elderly Loved One’s Rights

If your elderly loved one has suffered from nursing home abuse or neglect, don’t wait to get help. Our legal team offers a free consultation to review your case, answer your questions, and explain your family’s legal options. There are no upfront costs, and you owe nothing unless we recover compensation on your behalf. 

A Pittsburgh nursing home abuse lawyer will listen to your concerns, investigate the situation, and help you take the necessary steps to protect your loved one’s safety, dignity, and rights. Contact us today.