Have you or a loved one suffered nursing home abuse in Scranton, Pennsylvania? You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, medical bills, and pain and suffering. The attorneys at Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC stand ready to help. Our Scranton nursing home abuse lawyers have 100 years of combined experience and have recovered over $150 million for clients dealing with serious personal injury cases.
Call our offices today at (570) 714-4878 Kingston offcie to schedule a free initial consultation. We’ll listen to your concerns, explain your legal options, and help you decide on your next steps. We take cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t owe attorney’s fees unless we secure compensation for you.
How Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC Can Help After Nursing Home Abuse in Scranton, PA
If your loved one has been harmed in a care facility, it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed and upset. You may worry about their health, finances, and overall well-being. Meanwhile, nursing homes often have corporate legal teams focused on minimizing or denying responsibility. That’s where we come in.
Our experienced Scranton personal injury attorneys have a deep understanding of Pennsylvania’s elder abuse laws and how to build a strong case. We can:
- Investigate the facts: We’ll collect medical records, staff schedules, facility inspection reports, and more to see how neglect or mistreatment happened.
- Identify who’s liable: Often, multiple parties share responsibility—like the nursing home’s administration, an individual staff member, or even a third-party contractor.
- Value your damages: We’ll examine medical costs, pain and suffering, and any signs of emotional trauma or mental anguish. Our attorneys also look at long-term impacts, such as rehabilitation or ongoing medical needs.
- Negotiate with insurers: Nursing homes usually carry liability insurance, but adjusters may push back. We have decades of experience handling complex negotiations to secure fair settlements.
- Take your case to court if needed: While many abuse claims settle, we prepare every case as though it might go before a judge or jury. If the facility refuses to be reasonable, we won’t hesitate to file a lawsuit.
Throughout this process, our attorneys will keep you informed and guide you at every turn. Your family’s peace of mind is our priority. Contact us today in Scranton, PA, to get started with a free case review.
A Brief Overview of Nursing Home Abuse in Pennsylvania
Nursing home abuse can take many forms, each leading to serious or even life-threatening harm. Under Pennsylvania law, care facilities must meet certain standards. If they fail, it can be grounds for a personal injury claim. Common types of abuse and neglect include:
- Physical abuse: Staff might hit, shove, or restrain residents unnecessarily. Even rough handling can leave bruises or broken bones.
- Emotional abuse: Verbal threats, humiliation, or isolation may cause mental distress and depression.
- Sexual abuse: Any forced or non-consensual sexual contact is a criminal offense. Vulnerable residents are especially at risk.
- Neglect: Staff might ignore hygiene needs, fail to reposition bedridden patients, or skip crucial medications. This can lead to infections, pressure sores, or malnutrition.
- Financial exploitation: Caregivers with access to bank accounts or personal info might steal money, forge signatures, or coerce residents into transferring assets.
Even one instance of abuse or neglect can escalate quickly if the facility lacks oversight. By filing a legal claim, families often prompt the nursing home to implement better safety measures, preventing future harm to other residents.
Potential Signs and Symptoms of Nursing Home Abuse in Scranton
Many elderly individuals have trouble expressing what’s happening, or they may fear retaliation if they speak out. It helps to watch for red flags when visiting loved ones in a care facility:
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, or broken bones: Frequent injuries with sketchy explanations can indicate physical harm.
- Sudden weight loss or dehydration: This could mean staff isn’t providing adequate meals or water.
- Poor personal hygiene: If residents appear dirty, unwashed, or wear the same clothes repeatedly, it suggests neglect.
- Bedsores or ulcers: These can develop if the staff fails to move bedridden patients regularly.
- Emotional changes: Depression, anxiety, or fearfulness around certain staff members may point to abuse.
- Missing items or unauthorized transactions: Someone might be stealing valuables or meddling with finances.
- Social withdrawal or isolation: If the resident is being kept from phone calls or visitors, it might be a sign that the staff wants to hide something.
If you notice any of these warning signs, document them, speak with management, and consider reaching out to a Scranton nursing home abuse lawyer. Quick action can stop abuse from escalating.
What Damages Can I Recover in a Scranton Nursing Home Abuse Case?
When a care facility fails to keep residents safe, victims and their families may seek compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. In Scranton, these damages often fall into two main groups: economic and non-economic damages.
Examples of economic damages include:
- Medical costs: hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy
- Ongoing treatment: rehabilitation or psychological counseling
- Transfer to a new facility: if you need to relocate your loved one due to substandard care
- Lost wages: if family members miss work to handle the crisis
Non-economic damages include:
- Pain and suffering: for physical pain, emotional distress, or trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life: if the resident’s injuries limit their daily activities
- Disfigurement or disability: if abuse led to permanent injuries
- Loss of companionship: if the relationship with the resident is impacted
In rare cases, punitive damages might apply if the facility acted with extreme recklessness or malice. By filing a claim, you can pursue funds that help cover your loved one’s needs and send a message that abuse won’t be tolerated.
What if the Nursing Home Blames the Resident?
Facilities often try to escape liability by arguing the resident caused their own injuries under Pennsylvania’s “modified comparative negligence” law. For instance, they might claim:
- The resident refused care or medication.
- The injuries occurred before admission.
- The resident fell due to clumsiness, not negligence.
- The bruises resulted from “normal aging,” not abuse.
While some residents do have complex medical conditions that can complicate care, that doesn’t let staff off the hook. Care homes still must follow proper protocols and adapt to each resident’s needs. Our attorneys will counter any blame-shifting attempts by showing how the staff or management actually caused or worsened the harm.
Statute of Limitations in Pennsylvania Nursing Home Abuse Cases
Under Pennsylvania law, you usually have two years from the date of the injury (or when you discovered the harm) to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you don’t act within that window, the courts will likely dismiss your case. Exceptions may exist if the victim is mentally incapacitated and doesn’t realize the abuse occurred.
Because evidence can vanish and memories fade, it’s wise to consult a lawyer as soon as you suspect abuse. Acting quickly helps preserve documentation and put a stop to further mistreatment.
How To Report and Document Nursing Home Abuse in Scranton, PA
If you believe your loved one is in immediate danger, call 911 or the Elder Abuse Helpline. For less urgent issues:
- Inform facility administrators: Document the conversation. If they promise an internal investigation, ask for timelines.
- Take notes and photos: If you see bruises or bedsores, snap pictures. Keep a log of dates, staff on duty, and any changes in behavior.
- Contact state authorities: Pennsylvania has agencies, such as the Department of Aging, that accept complaints.
- Speak with an attorney: A nursing home abuse lawyer can protect your loved one’s rights, start gathering evidence, and advise on stopping further harm.
Act quickly. The faster you respond, the better the chances of preventing worse abuse and building a solid case. Our lawyers are here to help you throughout every step of the process.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer in Scranton?
Our Scranton nursing home abuse lawyers handle these claims on a contingency fee basis, meaning:
- No upfront or hourly fees
- We only get paid if we win compensation for your case
- If you don’t recover anything, you owe us no attorney’s fees
This setup allows families to seek justice without worrying about legal bills adding up.
Contact Our Scranton Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys for a Free Consultation
Nursing home abuse is tragic, but you can hold negligent facilities accountable. If your loved one has been harmed in Scranton, Pennsylvania, reach out to Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC, as soon as possible. With 100 years of combined experience and over $150 million recovered, our team has a proven track record of success.
Call our Scranton nursing home abuse lawyers now for a free consultation. Don’t let a dangerous facility off the hook—together, we can fight for the respect and care your family member deserves.