Voelke Law Firm
Voelke Law Firm

Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Attorney

Nursing home abuse and neglect is a serious and, unfortunately, very common problem. When a family member is placed in a nursing home or an assisted-living facility, they deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, and to receive competent nursing and medical care. When that standard is violated, the consequences can be severe and sometimes fatal.

An elderly person seated, head lowered into folded hands

What Is Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect?

Nursing home abuse and neglect can take many forms. Understanding the difference between the two is an important first step.

Abuse

Abuse refers to intentional acts that cause harm, including:

  • Physical abuse (hitting, restraining, or physically harming a resident)
  • Emotional or psychological abuse (verbal threats, humiliation, isolation)
  • Sexual abuse
  • Financial exploitation

Neglect

Neglect refers to the failure to provide adequate care, including:

  • Failure to prevent or treat pressure injuries (bedsores)
  • Inadequate nutrition or hydration
  • Failure to administer medications correctly
  • Poor hygiene and unsanitary conditions
  • Falls due to inadequate supervision or improper equipment
  • Failure to respond to medical changes in a timely manner

Both abuse and neglect can result in serious physical injury, psychological harm, and in some cases, wrongful death.

Signs of Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect

If you are concerned about a family member in a nursing home, the following may indicate a problem:

  • Unexplained bruises, cuts, or injuries
  • Sudden weight loss or signs of dehydration
  • Untreated wounds or worsening bedsores
  • Poor personal hygiene or unclean living conditions
  • Withdrawal, fear, or changes in behavior
  • Staff who are dismissive, evasive, or unwilling to answer questions
  • Missing personal belongings or unexplained financial transactions
  • Frequent infections or recurring hospitalizations

If you are observing any of these signs, it is worth speaking with an attorney who can help you understand your options.

Common Nursing Home Neglect Injuries

Jason handles cases involving a range of nursing home injuries and conditions, including:

Pressure ulcers (bedsores)

Preventable wounds caused by prolonged immobility and inadequate repositioning

What to Do If You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect

Taking action early can make a significant difference in a nursing home abuse or neglect case. Consider the following steps:

  1. 01

    Document everything

    Take photographs of injuries, living conditions, or anything that concerns you. Keep notes with dates and details.

  2. 02

    Request medical records

    As a family member or authorized representative, you may have the right to obtain your loved one's medical records.

  3. 03

    Report the concern

    You can report suspected abuse or neglect to your state's long-term care ombudsman or adult protective services.

  4. 04

    Consult an attorney

    An attorney with medical knowledge can review the records and help you determine whether a legal claim is appropriate.

Jason W. Voelke offers consultations for nursing home abuse and neglect cases. Early consultation allows for a more thorough review of the facts and helps preserve important evidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

A valid claim generally requires showing that the facility owed a duty of care, that the duty was breached, and that the breach caused harm. Because of Jason's clinical background, he is able to evaluate the medical facts of a case with a level of detail that many general practice attorneys cannot provide.

Talk to Jason W. Voelke
About Your Case

If you believe a family member has been harmed in a nursing home or long-term care facility, Jason W. Voelke is available to review your case. As a former nurse and current attorney, Jason brings a perspective to these cases that is difficult to find elsewhere.

Ready to review your case?