Sexual abuse in Pennsylvania Nursing Homes occurs far too often. This can be Resident to Resident abuse, Staff Member to Resident abuse, Visitor to Resident or even Nursing Home Vendors to Resident abuse.
Our loved ones in nursing homes are often weakened, unable to defend themselves and many do not communicate well or at all. It is often up to family members to look for signs of Sexual Abuse and report their findings in order to help their loved ones.
If you see signs of Sexual Abuse at a Nursing Home, call us immediately at 1.888.536.2426. We can help notify the proper authorities and begin to seek the compensation your loved one deserves. We’re available day or night at 1.888.536.2426.
What Constitutes Sexual Abuse Under Pennsylvania Law?
Sexual abuse in nursing homes encompasses a range of illegal behaviors, including:
- Unwanted Touching – This includes ALL non-consensual physical contact of a sexual nature.
- Forcible Sexual Acts - Including Rape or attempted rape of a Nursing Home resident.
- Electronic Exploitation - This is becoming more and more common with cameras on cell phones. It includes taking of photos or videos, posting of these videos or photos on websites or in generally taking advantage of a resident’s vulnerability for sexual or monetary gain.
- Inappropriate Comments - Verbal harassment or suggestive remarks made toward residents by staff members, fellow residents or visitors, including Nursing Home Vendors.
Common Signs of Sexual Abuse In Pennsylvania Nursing Home Residents
Detecting sexual abuse can be particularly challenging, especially for individuals who may have cognitive skills or difficulty communicating. However, some signs to watch for include:
- Physical Injuries - Unexplained bruising or injuries of a sexual nature on women or men.
- Behavioral Changes - Sudden withdrawal, fear of specific staff members, or changes in mood and attitude.
- Infections or STDs - Unexplained or repeated sexually transmitted infections or frequent urinary tract infections are common among sexually abused women and men.
- Fear and Anxiety - An unexplained sense of fear or anxiety when discussing care or interactions with staff.
Lenahan & Dempsey Can Help You Get Justice
If you suspect that a loved one has been a victim of sexual abuse in a nursing home, it is critical to take immediate action. Here are steps you can follow:
- Document Evidence - Collect any evidence of abuse, including photographs of injuries, medical records, and witness statements. Photographs are particularly helpful in making your case.
- Report the Abuse**: Contact local law enforcement and the Pennsylvania Department of Aging at (717) 783-1550 to report the incident
- Consider Alternative Care - If feasible, arrange for your loved one to be moved to a different facility that better prioritizes their safety and well-being.
- Call us at 1.888.536.2426
Why Call Lenahan & Dempsey When Suspecting Sexual Abuse in A Nursing Home?
Our law firm has won Hundreds and Hundreds of Millions for our clients for all types of serious injuries. This has led to Judges and our peers voting us for inclusion in The Best Law Firms in America, and we are listed as a Tier 1 Law Firm (the highest rating).
Eight of our lawyers are listed in Best Lawyers in America and eight are listed as Pennsylvania Super Lawyers. Three, including Firm President John Lenahan, Jr., Managing Partner Timothy Lenahan and Attorney Matthew Dempsey are listed in The Top 100 Lawyers in Pennsylvania (out of over 48,000 Pennsylvania lawyers).
Timothy Lenahan is also Best Lawyers in America’s Top Insurance Lawyer for his representation of the injured fighting against large insurers for the region of Northeastern/Central Pennsylvania and the Pocono Mountains. He has previously been named Best Lawyers Top Personal Injury Lawyer for that region for his work fighting for the rights of injured people. Almost all injury cases are in fact highly complicated Insurance Cases.
What Can You Expect When Working With Lenahan & Dempsey
We have recovered Hundreds and Hundreds of Millions for our clients across almost all fields of Personal Injury, Insurance Bad Faith and Workers’ Compensation law.
We fully understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a case can take on victims and their families. Our highly dedicated team of lawyers and paralegals can point to a history of success supporting our clients and winning the money they need to rebuild their lives.
* Best Lawyers in America and Best Law Firms are trademarks of Woodward White. Super Lawyers and Top 100 Lawyers in Pennsylvania are trademarks of Thompson Reuters. Both trademarks are used with permission. Details on Settlements & Verdicts are found at LenahanDempsey.com. All law firms are required to note that because the facts of each case are different, past performance is not a promise of a future outcome.
