The elderly have cared for their children and grandchildren for many years. Now, it is time for them to be cared for in their golden years. However, this does not always happen in society. Many nursing home residents are abused or mistreated by staffers in these facilities.
Many times, the elderly living in nursing homes may not realize they are being abused. Family members and friends need to be their voice and report the crime. If you know of someone or have a loved one, who is being abused in a nursing home, you should contact a Camden County nursing home abuse lawyer immediately. A qualified personal injury attorney can help you pursue damages.
Definition of Elderly Abuse
Elder abuse is the mistreatment of the elderly by someone who is entrusted to care for or look after them. It can be any intentional act that causes harm, injury, or serious risk of harm to the victim.
In some cases, it does not have to be intentional, but negligent behavior that leads to harm or risk of harm to an older person. When a caregiver does not provide for the basic needs of a nursing home patient or resident, they can be charged with elderly abuse. Nursing home abuse in Camden can happen in a variety of forms.
Types of Abuse
- Sexual abuse – Unwanted sexual contact that may include the use of force, threats, or taking advantage of an elderly person who does not have the clarity of mind to say no
- Physical abuse – utilizing physical force, hitting, slapping, or punching an elderly person
- Verbal and psychological abuse -using words to frighten, intimidate, disrespect, or humiliate an elderly individual
- Financial abuse or exploitation – illegally taking control of an aging person’s finances or property utilizing coercion, theft, forgery or other deceptive tactics
- Neglect – failing to properly care for a disabled elder person, which may include not providing food, water, medications, or medical and personal care
Warning Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
Every resident of a long-term care facility in Camden County and elsewhere is entitled to be free from mistreatment and violence. Unfortunately, elder abuse at nursing homes is not uncommon. It is up to family members and concerned friends to closely monitor their loved one’s condition and ensure there are plausible explanations for any distressing changes.
Loved ones should expect declines in an elderly person’s cognition and energy level as time passes, but those who pay close attention can sense when something feels “off.” Friends and family members should never ignore that feeling.
Some signs of elder neglect or abuse are obvious, while others are subtle. Warning signs of nursing home abuse include:
- Unexplained bruises, scars, or other injuries
- Changes in a person’s character or behavior
- Signs that indicate a restraint has occurred
- A caregiver not allowing family to visit
- Unexplained weight loss
- Changes in eating habits
- Unattended medical conditions or bedsores
- Unexplained sexual transmitted diseases or infections
- Arguments between the caregiver and person being cared for
- Changes in the elderly’s financial accounts
- Unclean living conditions
- Changes in the power of attorney or wills
Nursing Home and Elderly Abuse Laws
The Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987 requires long-term care facilities that obtain Medicare or Medicaid payments to uphold certain standards of care for those in their care. The Nursing Home Reform Act established certain rights for nursing home residents, which include:
- The right to freedom from abuse, mistreatment, and neglect
- The right to freedom from physical restraints
- The right to privacy
- The right to accommodation of medical, physical, psychological, and social needs
- The right to participate in resident and family groups
- The right to be treated with dignity
- The right to exercise self-determination
- The right to communicate freely
- The right to participate in the review of one’s care plan, and to be fully informed in advance about any changes in care, treatment, or change of status in the facility
- The right to voice grievances without discrimination or reprisal
New Jersey Law mandates that individuals who are 60 years of age or older are protected under elder abuse statutes. One can be charged with endangering the welfare of the elderly if the individual has the legal authority to care for the person suffering from a mental, physical, or emotional disability and fails to do so.
Furthermore, one can be charged with endangering the welfare of the elderly if they fail to allow someone else to properly care for the physical and mental needs of a disabled elderly individual.
A Camden County nursing home abuse lawyer can explain these laws and help your file a lawsuit to punish the perpetrators of the inhuman crime of elder abuse.
Reporting Nursing Home Abuse in Camden County
When someone suspects nursing home neglect, exploitation, or abuse, the first thing they should do is bring the concern to the nursing home administrator. Document the date and time of the meeting and note what was discussed. If further legal action is necessary, this document could prove that the facility was on notice about the concerns.
It is also advisable to make a report to one of the state regulators who license and inspect nursing homes in Camden County. The Department of Health offers a convenient online complaint filing option, as well as telephone reporting for people who wish to remain anonymous. The Long-Term Care Ombudsman in the Governor’s Office also receives and acts on complaints.
While making official reports is critical to improve conditions at the facility for all residents, working with a Camden County attorney to initiate a nursing home abuse lawsuit can have a more direct, beneficial impact on an abused resident. Although most lawsuits do not go to trial, any settlement is likely to include funds to reimburse medical expenses, nursing home fees, and compensation for the resident’s suffering and humiliation. Our team of attorneys is ready to take any nursing home abuse case to trial if necessary.
Contact a Camden County Nursing Home Abuse Attorney
Most seniors have worked hard throughout their lives, and they deserve to be treated with respect in nursing homes and other senior care facilities. If your loved one is experiencing elder abuse in any form, contact a caring and supportive Camden County nursing home abuse lawyer.
The lawyer will work diligently to bring justice and dignity to your aging parent, friend, or family member. Be an advocate for them, and call a Camden nursing home abuse attorney.
Testimonials
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This team is incredible. They are friendly and knowledgeable. I appreciate everything they have done for me and would recommend them to anyone. Overall great experience
Testimonial from Paul D. -
My case settled recently after lasting 4 years. Grungo and Colarulo’s law firm were able to secure a large settlement award for my slip and fall accident. This money will help secure my future for the permanent injury I received as a result of the slip and fall. Everyone was very caring, and kept me informed throughout the entire process. Christine Lafferty is an excellent litigation lawyer. I highly recommend using them if you have been injured or in an accident. I hope I am never in a situation again to need their services, but I know who to go to if I, or any of my family members are ever injured. Thanks Grungo and Colarulo and staff for your compassionate service!
Testimonial from Pamela A. -
Thank you so much Grungo and Colarulo for helping me with my case. Special thanks to Erica Domingo, Esquire and her team. Erica Domingo and her team was very nice and helped me tremendously throughout my case like more than one year and half. They gave me the right advice and guided me through every step of my case. They gave me prompt and clear responses to all my questions. In addition, Erica and her team provided me with all the what if scenarios so that I can have a clear vison of the steps ahead.
I would definitely recommend Grungo and Colarulo.
Thanks again Erica Domingo, Esquire and her team
Testimonial from Ahmed A. -
My wife and I reached out to Grungo Colarulo in 2020 for advise on a legal matter. After a meeting with the Attorney and Paralegal, we decided to go forward with a case. This case required a lot of documentation, and expert review of the documentation which was aquired. Throughout the process, we were kept up to date monthly, and Grungo Colarulo was always responsive to any questions that we had. The entire staff at Grungo Colarulo are very professional, caring, and willing to go the extra mile. This firm is a definite recommend!
Testimonial from Patrick G. -
I left five (5) stars only because that’s as many as I could leave. If I could, I would have left 100 stars. Bob & Christine are the absolute best! My settlement far exceeded what I ever imagined. They are professional, friendly, and really listened to what I had to say. They kept me up to date with the progress of my case every step of the way. I can’t recommend them highly enough.
Testimonial from Sheila L. -
Very professional, communicates well, makes me feel like they have my best interest at heart, and overall just a great company. Christine and the whole team has been on top of everything. Would definitely recommend!! 10/10
Testimonial from Michael M. -
First and foremost I would like to thank the whole team at Grungo Colarulo!! In addition to that, Stephanie & Riley & Drenna have done such an outstanding job taking care of me in such a difficult and low point of my life. I was in a bad car accident & did not know how to move forward with what to do and how to process. Those ladies were there every step, every inch, every mile & beyond with helping me when I had no idea how to navigate. I will forever be thankful for them and for the outcome of my case! If you ever need assistance I highly recommend this practice!!! Beyond professional, helpful, precise, caring, knowledgeable & humble!!!
Testimonial from Rachel F. -
From my first phone call to the end of my case this firm was on the ball!! Always responsive and professional and kept me up to date and informed. This is my firm for any future needs!
Testimonial from Jeffrey F. -
This was my first time ever having to have a lawyer for an automobile accident. From the beginning they took care of everything. They put me at ease so I could concentrate on my medical needs. Everyone I spoke to during the process were always extremely pleasant and knowledgeable.
Thank you to Grungo Colarulo for representing me and getting the settlement you did to help me move forward. I would highly recommend Grungo Colarulo to anyone who wants outstanding legal representation.Testimonial from Pat G. -
This team has been nothing but gentle an generous. Being as this was my first time dealing with a worker’s compensation case I was lost and nervous. But the Grungo Colarulo team has made me feel as comfortable as possible. My needs were addressed with care in a timely fashion. I knew what was going on every step of the way.
Oh, did I mention, WE WON …This teams knowledge of the industry is TOP NOTCH!
Testimonial from Aminah M. -
A dear family friend referred us to a young attorney named Rich Grungo, Jr. We wanted answers and if necessary, justice for our father. From day one of a five-year journey, Mr. Rich Grungo, Jr. made our family and our pain his own. The man never stopped working for us. He kept us informed every step of the way. Questions were answered quickly and with great compassion and expertise. Even though Rich was always busy, he was never too busy for us. We always felt like we were his only clients
Testimonial from Mickey -
I had the opportunity to observe Mr. Grungo work in this case, both in the courtroom on the technical matters of the motions and also as his presentation to the jury in opening and presenting witnesses as well as utilizing animations… and drawings and films that were necessary for a proper understanding of the case…At all times during the presentation, Mr. Grungo operated mostly without notes and questioned the witnesses in a conversational manner which made it most effective. **
New Jersey Superior Court Judge Testimonial -
Thank you for everything. I honestly felt like you treated my son like he was your own son, for that I am grateful. I would recommend your services to anyone. Thanks for being so awesome to both of us.
Testimonial from HD -
It was a pleasure working with Bill. He constantly kept me informed. I would recommend Bill and his firm to anybody I know. They’ll be in good hands.
Testimonial from Gregory -
I had the opportunity to retain Mr. Colarulo for a vehicle accident I encountered. I give him my highest recommendation for anyone in need of an excellent Personal Injury Attorney. Not only does he have an in depth knowledge of the legal field, but he emanates a sense of trust-worthiness that makes you feel secure during the entire process. Mr. Colarulo has the knowledge, drive and enthusiasm that will get the job done for you. He comes highly recommended.
Testimonial from Denise -
Hi Rich, Well I’m on my way up to college to finish packing my son’s stuff up and to go to his Graduation tomorrow. It’s hard to believe how fast and how slow, at the same time 5 years can go by. I was just thinking of you as I am getting ready to leave and wanted to thank you once again for everything you have done for my son’s future. You are a good and just man. God Bless to you and your family.
Be Well,
Testimonial from Bob
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