New Jersey Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys

We take immediate action to protect the elderly

When the time comes to make a decision about moving a loved one into a nursing home, many family members spend weeks visiting different facilities and researching them. They may meet with nurses, doctors, and other staff members. They may study food menus and activity schedules. Therefore, when the time comes for the loved one to move, these family members feel that they have done everything they can to ensure their loved one will be taken care of. Shockingly, many family members discover that their loved ones are the victims of sexual abuse in the nursing home. At Leonard Legal Group, our attorneys fight on behalf of elderly individuals who were sexually abused by staff members.

Risk factors for sexual abuse in nursing homes

Nursing home victims of sexual abuse are often the most vulnerable patients in the facility—they may suffer from memory problems, confusion, or they may have trouble communicating. These residents may be tricked into engaging in unwanted sexual activity. In other cases, these residents may be assaulted or raped.

One study revealed that, troublingly, the largest percentage of elder sexual abuse—more than 70 percent—occurs in nursing homes.

The signs of elder sexual abuse

There are a number of signs of sexual abuse that nursing home victims may exhibit. Family members should take immediate action if the resident shows any of the following:

• Pelvic injuries
• Difficulty sitting or walking, when such difficulty was not present before
• A new diagnosis of a sexually transmitted disease
• Bruises around the genitals or on the inner thighs
• Underwear that is stained, torn, or bloody
• Mood swings, such as acting agitated, withdrawn, or highly stressed
• Signs of post-traumatic stress disorder, such as panic attacks
• Unusual sexual behavior
• An unusual relationship between the victim and the alleged abuser
• Suicidal behavior

If family members notice any of these signs in a nursing home resident, they should immediately discuss them with those in charge of resident care. The police should be contacted and it may be necessary to file a formal complaint with a state agency or a lawsuit.

What happens if my loved one was sexually abused?

If your loved one was sexually abused, you need to seek the assistance of an experienced New Jersey nursing home abuse and neglect attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney is able to assist with the filing of a complaint with the appropriate state agency and with filing a formal lawsuit against the nursing home facility.

Your attorney gathers all of the evidence of abuse and provides this evidence to the court. If a judge or jury confirms that sexual abuse did occur, your loved one may be entitled to damages, including:

• Medical bills
• The cost of future medical care
• Counseling bills
• The cost of transferring to a new facility
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress

Depending on the circumstances of the case, additional damages may also be necessary.

If you suspect your loved one is a victim of sexual abuse, call leading New Jersey nursing home abuse attorneys today

At Leonard Legal Group, our New Jersey injury attorneys are experienced in nursing home abuse or neglect claims and take immediate action to protect these vulnerable individuals. To schedule your free consultation with our legal team, call our 24-hour call center at 973-984-1414 or contact us online.