Nursing homes and similar residential care facilities tend to patients during some of the most challenging times of their lives. Whether recovering from an illness or injury or suffering from chronic, worsening conditions requiring increasing medical treatment levels, each patient deserves compassionate and professional care. The nursing home attorneys at Hall & Copetas can help you navigate the legal process and protect the rights of you and your loved ones.
Unfortunately, many nursing homes and care facilities are understaffed, underfunded, or otherwise unable to care for patients properly. Patients may suffer unnecessary pain, complications, and adverse medical outcomes due to negligence or mismanagement. Medically vulnerable patients may even fall victim to abuse at the hands of caregivers, medical staff, or administrative staff. Inadequate staffing or supervision can result in patients harming themselves, being assaulted by other patients, or suffering injuries from preventable accidents or hazards.
Signs of negligence or abuse in nursing homes or care facilities include patients with bedsores, malnutrition, or frequent injuries. Patients who can’t communicate or are in fragile physical or mental health may be taken advantage of or neglected by staff.
In Pennsylvania, nursing home patients have rights under the law. These rights help ensure the safety, protection, and well-being of every patient. The Pennsylvania Department of Health licenses, inspects, and investigates nursing home complaints. Under Commonwealth law, every resident of a nursing home or skilled care facility has:
- The right to be informed, in writing, of their rights and the policies and procedures of the home.
- The right to know about services and charges for care.
- The right to know about their medical condition and any changes to it.
- The right to participate in their plan of care, including the right to refuse treatment.
- The right to choose their physician and to use the pharmacy of their choice.
- The right to have their personal and medical records treated as confidential.
- The right to manage their personal finances.
- The right to privacy and to be treated with dignity and respect, including the right to private, confidential communication and privacy for personal needs.
- The right to use their own clothing and possessions.
- The right to be free from mental, physical, sexual abuse, exploitation, neglect, and involuntary seclusion.
- The right to be free from chemical and physical restraints except as absolutely necessary to protect themselves or others from injury.
- The right to voice a grievance without retaliation.
- The right not to be transferred or discharged, except for medical reasons, non-payment, or if the home ceases to operate.
- The right to accept or deny visitors.
- The right to immediate access by family and reasonable access by others with their consent.
If you believe that you or a loved one has suffered injuries because of negligence or abuse at a Pennsylvania care facility, or if you suspect a care facility is violating your legal rights, you may be entitled to compensation.
The attorneys at Hall & Copetas have experience successfully pursuing negligence and abuse claims against nursing homes and care facilities. We will help you recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a no-obligation consultation.
