Sexual Abuse in Nursing Homes is a Tragic Reality
Enrolling a loved one in a nursing home is a serious decision. When you decided to send your relative to a care facility, you did so out of the sincere belief that such a place would be the best place for them to maintain a high quality of life. Many nursing homes provide their patients with exactly that.
Unfortunately, however, some people take advantage of the vulnerable people who are entrusted with nursing homes. Nursing home abuse can take many forms, including financial, physical, and sexual abuse.
Sexual abuse can be a particularly terrifying and tragic issue in American nursing homes. But it is also more common than you might think. A CNN report from 2017 found that more than 1,000 nursing homes were cited by the federal government for mishandling sexual abuse claims — meaning that these criminals may still be at large.
If your loved one is in a nursing home, it is important to learn how to identify possible warning signs of abuse. This will help you protect your vulnerable relatives from potential predators.
Possible Signs of Sexual Abuse
Possible indications that your loved one may be the victim of nursing home sexual abuse include:
- Contracting a sexually transmitted disease or infection
- Torn or soiled underwear
- Injuries around genitals
- Sudden change in emotional state
- Reports that other residents in the facility were abused
Contact O’Connor, Parsons, Lane & Noble Today
At O’Connor, Parsons, Lane & Noble, we believe firmly in the dignity of every human being. All nursing home patients have a right to live free from abuse, especially sexual abuse. With our proven record of winning big settlements for clients who have suffered horrible indignities, we want to help you fight for the justice you deserve.
Although a financial settlement cannot make up for the pain of sexual abuse — or of knowing that this abuse happened to a beloved family member — it can be an extremely important step in holding nursing home facilities accountable and ensuring that no other patients are abused.
Contact the attorneys of O’Connor, Parsons, Lane & Noble today to discuss nursing home hiring issues and potential negotiations. It is important to contact an attorney early to ensure the best possible outcome. Contact us online or call at (908) 928-9200 or 1-800-586-5817.