Pennsylvania Nursing Home Abuse Attorney

Protecting the Rights of Victims throughout Pennsylvania

Millions of elderly Americans reside in nursing homes or assisted living homes. Pennsylvania specifically is one of the nation’s “oldest states” with an estimated 17.4 percent of the population over 65 years of age. Unfortunately, this population is not safe from the reaches of abuse. Although nursing homes are strictly regulated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, nursing homes often suffer from a lack of staff or other less-than-ideal conditions. Circumstances such as these can often lead to abuse. If you or a loved one has suffered abuse or neglect in a nursing home, you should contact a lawyer immediately to discuss your legal options. Filing a lawsuit not only protects yourself, but also protects others from suffering similar abuse in the future. Please note: When in the best interest of the client, nursing home abuse cases may be referred to other law firms. Contact Metzger Wickersham today at (888) 707-7704 or by filling out our online form to discuss your case. Your initial case review is free of charge.

Signs of Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect

Nursing home abuse and neglect may sometimes be difficult to detect, because in many cases the victim has lost the ability to describe the abuse or ask for help. Family members should be aware of signs of abuse and neglect, such as:

• Dehydration and/or malnutrition
• Sudden weight loss
• Bedsores (pressure ulcers)
• Instances of wandering/elopement
• Unexplained injuries in various stages of healing
• Withdrawn, anxious, or depressed behavior
• Unsanitary living conditions
• Poor hygiene
• Bruises, lacerations or broken bones
• Sudden change in mood and behavior

If you suspect that your loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, contact Metzger Wickersham.

Common Injuries in Pennsylvania Nursing Home Abuse Cases

Unexplained injuries are often one of the first red flags for nursing home neglect or abuse. Families should be particularly alert for certain types of harm that frequently result in legal action. Physical Injuries: Fractures and Head Trauma Falls are a leading cause of injury among nursing home residents. Broken hips, femur fractures, and head injuries—from falls or improper transfers—can signal that staff failed to provide proper supervision or assistance. In many instances, these injuries occur in understaffed facilities where high-risk residents are not adequately monitored or protocols are ignored. Infections Due to Neglect Elderly residents with catheters, feeding tubes, or chronic wounds are especially vulnerable to infections. If caregivers are not diligent about hygiene or monitoring, residents can develop urinary tract infections, wound infections, or even sepsis. Warning signs include persistent fever, sudden confusion, or significant changes in appetite. Untreated infections are serious and, under Pennsylvania law, require prompt medical attention. Failure to seek proper care is a form of neglect and can lead to liability. Pressure Ulcers (Bedsores) Bedsores—also called pressure ulcers—are nearly always preventable. They develop when immobile residents are not repositioned regularly, causing skin breakdown and increasing the risk of severe infection. If you discover advanced bedsores (especially those identified as stage 3 or 4 wounds), it’s a strong indication that your loved one may not be receiving necessary care. These types of injuries are among the most litigated issues in nursing home abuse cases. Emotional, Sexual, and Physical Abuse Not all injuries are visible. Emotional withdrawal, sudden anxiety, or fearfulness around caregivers can be signs of psychological or even sexual abuse. Physical attacks—by staff or other residents—can also occur, especially if the facility fails to properly screen or supervise those in their care. In some heartbreaking cases, sexual assault goes unreported because the resident cannot communicate what happened or fears retaliation. No form of abuse is ever acceptable. If you notice any of these signs, immediate action is crucial to protect your loved one’s well-being.

Bedsore Attorney in Pennsylvania

Bedsores are almost always a sign of neglect. Also called pressure ulcers, bedsores result when bedridden patients are not regularly turned in their beds. When patients are left to lie in the same position for too long without movement, the prolonged pressure on their skin can cause the skin to deteriorate. This wound can become infected and cause serious, potentially life-threatening injury, not to mention extreme discomfort and pain. It is unacceptable for patients to suffer this kind of injury in a facility where they should be receiving attentive care. If you or your loved one has suffered a bedsore due to neglect, contact Metzger Wickersham as soon as possible to discuss your eligibility to pursue compensation for a nursing facility’s negligence.

Harrisburg Nursing Home Neglect Lawyers Serving All Pennsylvania

At Metzger Wickersham, our capable Harrisburg nursing home abuse lawyers have experience in handling a wide variety of nursing home negligence cases. We are backed by a tradition of excellence dating to the 1880’s, the resources of a large firm, and the care and attention provided by our attorneys and our extensive legal staff. Clients trust that we are going to devote the resources necessary to their case. We strive to go above and beyond our clients’ expectations and help them move on from a difficult chapter in their life. To learn more about your options, call us today at (888) 707-7704 or fill out our online contact form . We’re available 24/7 to take your calls and offer completely free case evaluations to get you started.

What Must Be Proven in a Nursing Home Negligence Lawsuit?

To succeed in a nursing home negligence case in Pennsylvania, you must establish several key elements. Generally, these cases require proof that:

• The facility accepted responsibility for the well-being and care of your loved one;
• The nursing home, its staff, or administrators did not provide the appropriate level of care, supervision, or assistance that a reasonable facility would have supplied under similar circumstances; and
• As a direct result of this neglect, your loved one suffered injury, harm, or—tragically—wrongful death.

Our team is here to help you gather the necessary evidence and navigate the legal process with confidence and compassion.

Comprehensive Services Offered by Pennsylvania Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers

Our Pennsylvania nursing home abuse attorneys provide a robust range of services aimed at protecting the rights and well-being of vulnerable adults in long-term care facilities. Backed by decades of combined experience, our team is dedicated to supporting families across the state, from Harrisburg to Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and everywhere in between. What can you expect when you work with a seasoned nursing home abuse lawyer in Pennsylvania?

• Incident Evaluation and Investigation: Our lawyers conduct thorough investigations into allegations of neglect or abuse, reviewing medical records, interviewing witnesses, and gathering evidence to build a solid case.
• Handling Various Types of Abuse: We represent families dealing with complex cases involving bedsores, preventable falls, medication errors, dehydration, infections, physical and sexual abuse, malnutrition, and wrongful death.
• Advocacy and Legal Representation: Whether negotiating with care facilities or pursuing your case in court, our attorneys provide steadfast advocacy every step of the way.
• Maximizing Compensation: We pursue compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, funeral costs, and ensure accountability on the part of negligent facilities.
• No Upfront Fees: Most cases are handled on a contingency basis—meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.

With every case, our goal extends beyond recovering financial damages; we strive to create lasting change, holding negligent care providers accountable and ensuring higher standards of care for all residents. If you or a loved one suspect neglect or mistreatment in a nursing home, reaching out for legal guidance can help you understand your options and protect future residents as well.

Types of Nursing Home Abuse

Abuse in nursing homes can be evidenced in diverse ways. Regardless of the type of abuse present, it is considered a criminal act. Commonly, the abuse is an act or oversight by a professional staff member or caregiver that results in harm to a nursing home resident. In severe cases, nursing home abuse results in wrongful death. Nursing home abuse can include:

• Neglect of basic living necessities such as food, medicine, water, clothing or other care
• Medication errors
• Inadequate sanitation and hygiene
• Failure to monitor or protect residents from accidents
• Physical or sexual assault
• Theft or financial exploitation
• Emotional or psychological abuse such as threats, humiliation, verbal assault and isolation
• Abuse of court-appointed roles such as guardianship or power of attorney

Legal Consequences for Substandard Care or Fraudulent Billing in Pennsylvania Nursing Homes

When a nursing home in Pennsylvania fails to uphold proper standards of care or engages in fraudulent billing practices, it may face serious legal repercussions—often on multiple fronts. Civil lawsuits are frequently filed by families who have lost loved ones to neglect, abuse, or poor infection control. These suits can lead to sizeable compensatory damages for harm suffered, including wrongful death, pain and suffering, and medical costs. For instance, if multiple families bring a joint action alleging a facility’s disregard for health protocols, courts may hold the facility liable for significant financial settlements. Regulatory investigations from state and federal agencies, such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), can impose steep fines on offending facilities. These penalties can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars, especially in cases involving repeated infractions or when substandard conditions contribute to residents’ harm or death. Facilities found guilty may also face ongoing oversight, license suspension, or even revocation. Criminal charges may be pursued in extreme cases involving willful misconduct, fraud, or egregious neglect. For example, falsifying billing records or submitting claims for services never rendered can trigger federal investigations under the False Claims Act. Facilities found liable for Medicare or Medicaid fraud not only face heavy financial penalties but may also be excluded from government healthcare programs. Reputational fallout can follow as regulatory actions, lawsuits, and fines often make headlines—impacting a facility’s standing in the local community and making it more difficult to attract residents and staff. In sum, nursing homes in Pennsylvania that fail to meet essential standards or engage in fraudulent practices can expect swift and substantial legal consequences—protecting not just individual victims, but also deterring future misconduct industry-wide.

How Is Negligence Legally Defined in Pennsylvania Nursing Homes?

Negligence in Pennsylvania nursing homes is legally recognized as a failure to provide the level of care that a reasonably careful caregiver would offer under similar circumstances. This means that either doing something inappropriate or failing to take necessary action may be considered neglect. Negligence can arise at any stage, from the facility’s hiring practices and staff training to daily care routines for residents. Examples may include understaffing, inadequate supervision, improper administration of medication, or failing to ensure safe living conditions. In the eyes of the law, if a nursing home or its staff fails to act with the proper standard of care, and that failure results in harm to a resident, it may be grounds for a legal claim of negligence.

Understanding the Statute of Limitations for Nursing Home Abuse Cases in Pennsylvania

If you are considering taking legal action against a nursing home for abuse or neglect, it’s important to act quickly. In Pennsylvania, there is a strict statute of limitations that applies to these types of cases. Generally, you have two years from the date the abuse or neglect occurred—or from the date it was discovered—to file a lawsuit. Failing to initiate legal action within this two-year window could prevent you from seeking justice or recovering compensation on behalf of your loved one. For this reason, we encourage families to reach out for legal guidance as soon as they suspect any wrongdoing or signs of harm. Prompt action helps protect your rights and ensures that important evidence is preserved.

Why Consult a Nursing Home Abuse Attorney After Reporting Abuse?

After you’ve reported suspected abuse through the appropriate channels, consulting with an experienced nursing home abuse attorney is often a crucial next step. Navigating the legal process can be complicated, and an attorney familiar with Pennsylvania law can help clarify your options, address your concerns, and ensure your loved one’s rights are fully protected. An attorney can guide you in gathering and preserving important evidence, explaining the potential damages available under the law—such as compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, or emotional distress—and steering your case through each phase of the legal process. Most importantly, legal counsel can advocate on your loved one’s behalf to pursue justice and help hold negligent facilities accountable, allowing your family the best opportunity for a fair resolution.

How Do You Report Abuse in a Nursing Home?

If you suspect that your loved one is the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, you should immediately report it to the proper authorities. If you have reason to believe someone is in immediate danger, contact local police or call 9-1-1 right away. In all other situations, you can report Pennsylvania nursing home abuse in the following ways:

• Report the abuse to the administrator of the nursing home and/or your loved one’s doctor, nurse, or health care provider
• File a complaint with the Pennsylvania Department of Aging by calling (800) 490-8505 (anonymous reporting is available)
• Contact the local ombudsman coordinator in your area through the state’s Ombudsman Program; you can find our local ombudsman coordinator by using the Area Agency on Aging Locator

Note that, under Pennsylvania’s Older Adults Protective Services Act, facility employees and/or administrators are required to report suspected abuse; if you report abuse or neglect to an employee or administrator at your loved one’s nursing home or long-term care facility, they are mandated by law to report that abuse. However, it is always a good idea to follow up after reporting abuse to the facility’s administration, and you may wish to report the abuse/neglect yourself directly to the appropriate entity to ensure your loved one’s safety and well-being. If you suspect that your loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, contact Metzger Wickersham. We may be able to help you recover compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, mental anguish and emotional distress, and other damages. Contact us today to obtain experienced representation for your case.