Brookville Nursing Home Injuries Lawyer

Nursing home negligence or abuse can lead to severe medical complications, such as bedsores, infections, dehydration, malnutrition, falls, fractures, and emotional trauma. These issues often arise from inadequate care, unsanitary conditions, or improper supervision. Bedsores and infections, for example, can escalate to life-threatening conditions like sepsis, while malnutrition and dehydration weaken the body and increase vulnerability to illness.

The skilled Brookville nursing home injury attorneys at Pribanic & Pribanic can help you or your loved one pursue compensation for these harms. They will gather evidence, such as medical records and witness statements, to prove the nursing home’s negligence. By demonstrating the effects of the neglect or abuse, they can fight for fair compensation for medical expenses, pain, suffering, and emotional distress.

For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with an experienced Brookville nursing home injuries lawyer, please call us at (814) 849-1278 or contact us online today.

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Table of Contents

• Why Choose Us?
• How Much is a Brookville Nursing Home Injury Case Worth?
• Common Types of Nursing Home Negligence and Abuse in Brookville
• Proving Nursing Home Negligence or Abuse in Brookville
• Most Common Medical Complications in Brookville that Result from Nursing Home Negligence or Abuse
• Fighting the Insurance Company in a Brookville Nursing Home Injuries Case
• Steps to Take if You Suspect Nursing Home Negligence or Abuse in Brookville
• Call an Experienced Brookville Nursing Home Injuries Lawyer Today

Why Choose Us?

Nursing home neglect and abuse can lead to debilitating injuries and other medical complications. If you believe that you or your loved one is a victim, the experienced Brookville nursing home injury attorneys at Pribanic & Pribanic are ready to help.

Our knowledgeable lawyers have successfully recovered hundreds of millions of dollars on behalf of our injured clients. In fact, we have more than 100 years of combined legal experience handling personal injury claims and lawsuits. Let us help you or your loved one fight for the compensation you deserve right away.

You can see our most recent client reviews and case testimonials on this site. Our Brookville office is conveniently located at 1 Sylvania Street, Brookville, PA 15825.

How Much is a Brookville Nursing Home Injury Case Worth?

If you or your loved one has experienced an injury due to nursing home negligence or abuse in Brookville, Pennsylvania, you may be entitled to significant compensation. The exact amount will depend on the specifics of your case, including the severity of the injury (or illness) and the extent of the nursing home’s negligence. To better understand what compensation may look like, it’s important to explore the various damages that can be recovered in these cases.

Compensation in nursing home injury cases typically falls into three categories: economic damages, non-economic damages, and, in some situations, punitive damages.

Economic damages cover the financial losses resulting from the medical complication. These can include current and future medical expenses such as hospital visits, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, or long-term care. If the victim had to be transferred to another facility or if special equipment became necessary, those costs could also be included.

Non-economic damages address the emotional and personal effects of the injury. These damages are designed to compensate for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of life enjoyment, or a decline in the victim’s overall well-being. For example, if the injury has caused permanent disability or loss of independence, non-economic damages reflect those significant hardships. While these damages are harder to calculate, they often make up a large portion of the settlement in serious cases.

In more severe cases involving extreme neglect or intentional harm, punitive damages may be awarded. These are not intended to compensate the victim directly but rather to punish the nursing home for its actions and prevent similar misconduct in the future.

The amount of compensation in nursing home injury cases can vary greatly. Factors like the severity of the injury, the evidence of negligence, and the long-term effects on the victim’s life all play a role. Pennsylvania does not impose caps on damages in most personal injury cases, meaning that there is no upper limit on what you may receive.

Common Types of Nursing Home Negligence and Abuse in Brookville

Nursing home negligence and abuse are serious issues that can have devastating consequences for elderly residents and their families. In Brookville, Pennsylvania, understanding the most common types of nursing home negligence and abuse can help families identify warning signs and take appropriate action to protect their loved ones.

One of the most common forms of nursing home negligence is neglect of basic needs. This occurs when staff fail to provide residents with necessities like food, water, proper hygiene, and a clean living environment. Neglect can lead to dehydration, malnutrition, and unsanitary conditions, all of which can severely affect a resident’s health.

Medical negligence is another frequent issue in nursing homes. This type of negligence occurs when staff fail to provide proper medical care, administer medications correctly, or respond to health emergencies in a timely manner. Medical negligence can result in serious conditions, such as untreated infections, bedsores (pressure ulcers), or worsening of pre-existing health problems.

Physical abuse is another troubling and all-too-common problem in nursing homes. This includes actions such as hitting, slapping, shoving, or improperly restraining residents. Physical abuse can cause visible injuries like bruises, cuts, or fractures, as well as emotional trauma.

Emotional or psychological abuse involves verbal harassment, intimidation, or isolation of residents. Caregivers may yell at, insult, or demean residents, which can lead to anxiety, depression, or feelings of helplessness. Emotional abuse is often harder to detect than physical abuse, but it can have long-lasting effects on a resident’s mental health.

Lastly, sexual abuse is one of the most severe and underreported forms of nursing home abuse. This involves any unwanted sexual contact or advances and can cause both physical and emotional harm.

Proving Nursing Home Negligence or Abuse in Brookville

Proving nursing home neglect or abuse in Brookville, Pennsylvania, requires evidence that establishes the legal elements of a negligence or abuse claim. Families pursuing justice for their loved ones must demonstrate that the nursing home or its staff failed in their duty of care and that this failure caused harm. Here are the key legal elements to prove and how to gather the necessary evidence.

Duty of Care

The first step is to establish that the nursing home owed a duty of care to the resident. By accepting a resident into their facility, nursing homes have a legal responsibility to provide a safe environment, adequate medical care, and meet the basic needs of their residents. This duty is generally implied through the contract between the nursing home and the resident or their family.

Breach of Duty

Next, it must be shown that the nursing home or its staff breached this duty of care. A breach occurs when the facility fails to meet reasonable standards, such as neglecting to provide necessary medical treatment, failing to prevent hazards like falls, or ignoring signs of abuse. Examples of breaches include understaffing, untrained caregivers, or unsanitary conditions.

Causation

Proving causation involves demonstrating that the nursing home’s breach of duty directly caused the harm that the resident suffered. For example, if a resident develops severe bedsores due to being left immobile for extended periods, the facility’s negligence in providing proper care can be directly linked to the injury. Medical records, expert testimony, and incident reports can establish this connection.

Damages

The final element shows that neglect or abuse results in actual damages. These damages can include physical injuries, emotional trauma, or even wrongful death. Photographs of injuries, medical bills, and testimony from the resident or their family can provide strong evidence of damages.

To prove these elements, victims and their families should collect as much evidence as possible. This includes medical records, staff reports, photographs of injuries or living conditions, witness statements, and any documentation of complaints filed with the nursing home or state regulatory agencies.

Most Common Medical Complications in Brookville that Result from Nursing Home Negligence or Abuse

Victims of nursing home neglect or abuse in Brookville, Pennsylvania, are at risk of suffering serious medical complications that can significantly affect their health and quality of life. Neglect and abuse can take many forms, but the resulting medical issues often stem from a lack of proper care, unsanitary conditions, or intentional harm. Below are some of the most common medical complications that arise in these situations.

Bedsores (Pressure Ulcers):

One of the most common complications from neglect is bedsores, which develop when a resident is left immobile for long periods without being repositioned. These sores can become infected, leading to severe pain, tissue damage, and even life-threatening sepsis if left untreated.

Dehydration and Malnutrition:

Neglecting a resident’s basic needs, such as providing adequate food and water, can result in dehydration and malnutrition. These conditions weaken the immune system, cause organ damage, and leave the individual vulnerable to other illnesses.

Infections:

Unsanitary conditions, lack of hygiene, and untreated injuries can lead to infections. Common infections include urinary tract infections (UTIs), pneumonia, and skin infections. In elderly residents with weakened immune systems, these infections can quickly become severe and even fatal.

Falls and Fractures:

Neglecting a resident’s mobility needs or failing to provide a safe environment can result in falls. Broken bones, particularly hip fractures, are common in elderly residents and can lead to long recovery periods, reduced mobility, and increased risk of complications like blood clots.

Medication Errors:

Negligence in administering medications – such as overdosing, underdosing, or giving the wrong medication – can cause serious health issues, including organ failure or worsening of existing medical conditions.

Emotional and Psychological Effects:

While not always physical, emotional, and psychological abuse can lead to mental health complications like depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These issues can weaken the resident’s overall health and reduce their quality of life.

Fighting the Insurance Company in a Brookville Nursing Home Injuries Case

Fighting an insurance company in a Brookville nursing home injuries case can feel overwhelming, but with experienced legal representation, you can level the playing field and pursue the justice and compensation that you or your loved one deserves. Insurance companies often prioritize protecting their profits, which means they may try to deny or minimize your claim. At Pribanic & Pribanic, here’s how we can fight for you.

• Investigating the Case: We will begin by thoroughly investigating the circumstances of the nursing home neglect or abuse. This includes gathering medical records, witness statements, photographs, incident reports, and any evidence of substandard care. A strong case supported with concrete evidence can make it harder for the insurance company to deny responsibility.

• Proving Negligence or Abuse: To hold the insurance company accountable, we work to prove the legal elements of your claim: that the nursing home owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused harm to you or your loved one. This may involve consulting medical or elder care experts to provide testimony that strengthens your case.

• Countering Common Tactics: Insurance companies often use tactics like undervaluing claims, delaying payments, or blaming the victim for their injuries. We are skilled at countering these strategies and negotiating aggressively on your behalf. By presenting a well-prepared case, we can push back against lowball settlement offers and insist on fair compensation.

• Taking Legal Action if Necessary: If the insurance company refuses to settle for a reasonable amount, we are prepared to take the case to court. Filing a lawsuit shows that we are serious about seeking justice and can put additional pressure on the insurer to negotiate fairly.

Steps to Take if You Suspect Nursing Home Negligence or Abuse in Brookville

If you suspect nursing home abuse or neglect in Brookville, Pennsylvania, taking immediate action is critical to protect your loved one’s safety and hold the facility accountable.

First, be aware of common signs of abuse or neglect, such as unexplained injuries, malnutrition, dehydration, poor hygiene, emotional withdrawal, or sudden behavioral changes. These indicators can help you identify potential problems early.

Next, gather as much evidence as possible to support your concerns. Take photographs of injuries, unsanitary conditions, or other signs of neglect. Keep a detailed record of incidents, dates, and any statements made by your loved one or staff.

You should also immediately report your suspicions to the nursing home administration. If they fail to take appropriate action, file a complaint with the Pennsylvania Department of Health or local Adult Protective Services (APS). In cases of severe abuse, contact law enforcement to ensure your loved one’s safety.

Finally, contact the experienced Brookville nursing home injury attorneys at Pribanic & Pribanic to discuss your case. We can help you understand your rights, navigate the legal process, and pursue justice and compensation for your loved one. Taking swift and decisive action can prevent further harm and ensure accountability.

Call an Experienced Brookville Nursing Home Injuries Lawyer Today

Jeffrey Pribanic, Nursing Home Injuries Lawyer

At Pribanic & Pribanic, we will thoroughly investigate allegations of nursing home neglect or abuse and work to maximize the compensation that you or your loved one recover for injuries and other medical complications.

For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a knowledgeable Brookville nursing home injuries attorney, please call us at (814) 849-1278 or contact us online right away.

Pribanic & Pribanic – Brookville, PA Office

1 Sylvania Street,
Brookville, PA 15825

Phone: (814) 849-1278

Fax: 412-672-3715