What to Do If You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect in NJ 

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Sending your loved one to a nursing home is not an easy decision to make. However, many people are forced to do so. We leave our loved ones in nursing homes with the belief that the nursing home staff will provide our loved ones with the care that we are not able to provide them. However, this isn’t always the case. Nursing home abuse has become more prevalent. More nursing home residents are becoming victims of abuse or neglect by staff. 

One effective way to stop nursing home neglect is by reporting it. There are laws that exist to protect nursing home residents from abuse and neglect. If you suspect that a loved one or another resident is a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, you should report the abuse. 

Signs of Nursing Home Abuse 

There are various forms of nursing home abuse. It is important to understand the different forms of abuse and the signs that a nursing home resident may be a victim of abuse. 

Physical abuse 

This occurs when a member of staff intentionally causes physical harm to a nursing home resident. Common signs of this form of abuse include bruises, broken bones, anxiety, burns, lacerations, and other physical trauma. 

Sexual abuse 

This occurs when a staff member engages in unwanted sexual activity with a nursing home resident. Common signs of sexual abuse include anxiety, physical trauma such as bruises, and unexplainable sexually transmitted diseases. 

Neglect 

This occurs when nursing home staff fail to attend to residents for extended periods thus endangering them. Common signs of neglect include unexplainable weight loss, infections, bed sores, and bodily odors. 

How to Report Nursing Home Abuse in New Jersey 

If you believe that an elderly loved one or another resident in a nursing home is in immediate danger, you should call 911 right away. This will get emergency services including the police involved and an investigation into the matter will begin. If law enforcement feels there is a need to, the nursing home resident will be removed from the premises to ensure their safety. 

If you don’t believe that the nursing home resident is in immediate danger, you can report your suspicions to the concerned state agencies. However, these state agencies are often overwhelmed with cases and understaffed. They also lack the resources to handle each case with the care and attention it deserves. The investigation by these agencies may take a long time. These investigations may even end with no meaningful action being taken. 

The best option is to speak with an experienced attorney. They can help you file a complaint against the facility. They will also help you in relocating your loved one to another care facility. Your attorney will investigate the case and gather evidence to prove that your loved one was a victim of abuse. They will guide you through filing a personal injury claim on behalf of your loved one and seeking compensation for damages. 

Call the Skilled Rochelle Park Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers at The Epstein Law Firm, P.A. to Discuss Your Case Today

Contact our law firm to learn more about how to report nursing home neglect or abuse and what your legal options are. If your loved one suffered an injury, or worse, due to nursing home negligence or abuse in New Jersey, you need to speak with a qualified attorney. The experienced nursing home neglect attorneys at The Epstein Law Firm, P.A. represent clients throughout New Jersey, including Paramus, Ridgewood, Mahwah, and Englewood. Call 201-231-7847 or fill out the online contact form to schedule a consultation today. We have an office conveniently located at 340 West Passaic Street, Rochelle Park, NJ 07662.

The articles on this blog are for informational purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.