Families Trust Nursing Homes to Care — Not to Harm
Families in Delaware County rely on nursing homes and assisted living facilities to care for their aging loved ones with dignity and compassion. But when that trust is broken, the results can be devastating. Instead of comfort and safety, some residents experience neglect, injury, and emotional trauma.
Nursing home abuse can take many forms, from physical harm to emotional cruelty and financial exploitation. The attorneys at Schuster Law represent victims of abuse and their families throughout Delaware County, working to hold facilities and caregivers responsible when they fail the people they are paid to protect.
If your loved one has suffered in a nursing home or assisted living facility, an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer can help you uncover what really happened and demand accountability under Pennsylvania law.
What Counts as Nursing Home Abuse in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s health and elder protection laws require that nursing home residents receive care that meets a basic standard of safety and respect. Yet many facilities ignore these rules, cutting staff, skipping training, or overlooking red flags.
Abuse and neglect typically fall into these categories:
Physical abuse: hitting, pushing, rough handling, or unnecessary restraint.
Emotional abuse: yelling, threats, humiliation, or isolating residents.
Sexual abuse: any unwanted or inappropriate sexual contact.
Neglect: failing to feed, bathe, or reposition residents, or ignoring medical needs.
Financial exploitation: theft, coerced signatures, or misuse of accounts.
Every act of neglect or cruelty violates both ethical and legal obligations. A Delaware County nursing home abuse lawyer investigates the evidence—staff schedules, medical records, and surveillance footage—to prove these failures.
Signs of Abuse Families Should Never Ignore
Many residents are afraid or unable to speak up, so it often falls to loved ones to notice warning signs. Watch for:
Unexplained bruises, fractures, or burns
Rapid weight loss, dehydration, or frequent infections
Bedsores or open wounds
Dirty bedding, foul odors, or unchanged clothing
Sudden mood changes, fear, or withdrawal
Missing money, lost belongings, or strange bank activity
If something feels off, take it seriously. Document what you see, ask questions, and contact an attorney before confronting facility management.
Why Abuse Happens in Nursing Homes
Abuse and neglect are rarely “accidents.” They often stem from chronic problems within the facility, such as:
Chronic understaffing and worker burnout
Poor supervision and training
Hiring staff without proper background checks
Ignoring safety rules and state inspection warnings
Prioritizing profits over residents’ care
Each of these choices increases the risk of harm. Pennsylvania’s Department of Health regularly cites facilities for violations, but penalties alone do not compensate victims or change what happened. Civil lawsuits give families the chance to seek justice and push for reform.
Your Legal Options After Nursing Home Neglect or Abuse
In Pennsylvania, victims and families can take both criminal and civil action. Criminal cases can lead to jail time or fines for individual offenders, but a civil claim can provide financial recovery for the victim’s injuries and suffering.
A Delaware County nursing home abuse lawyer can help you file a claim against the facility, its owners, and any responsible employees. Compensation may cover:
Medical expenses and rehabilitation
Pain and emotional suffering
Costs of relocating to a safe facility
Wrongful death damages for loss of companionship and support
In cases of extreme misconduct, courts can also award punitive damages to punish the facility and deter others.
How a Delaware County Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Helps
When you contact a local lawyer, the process begins with listening—hearing your family’s story and reviewing medical and facility records. The attorney then:
Investigates the facility’s staffing levels, history of complaints, and inspection reports.
Collects medical records and interviews nurses, aides, and witnesses.
Works with medical experts to link the facility’s negligence to the injuries.
Files and pursues your civil claim, negotiating settlements or preparing for trial.
Schuster Law’s attorneys understand the emotional weight of these cases. They treat every client with the same care and respect they demand from nursing facilities.
If your loved one has been harmed in a Delaware County nursing home, you do not have to face the system alone. A nursing home abuse lawyer can help you uncover the truth and fight for accountability.
