Nursing Home Lawyers: Sexual Abuse
The definition of sexual abuse:
The National Center on Elder Abuse defines sexual abuse as non-consensual sexual contact of any kind with an elderly person or contact with any person incapable of giving consent. It includes unwanted touching, sexual assault or battery, rape, sodomy, coerced nudity and sexually explicit photographing.
What are the effects of sexual abuse on the victim?
A sexual assault is both physically and mentally traumatic. Sex abuse can cause a nursing home resident's health to decline rapidly. Residents can become depressed, despondent and withdrawn. An attack can even take away their will to go on.
Why are the elderly common targets of Sexual Abuse?
Nursing home residents are vulnerable to sexual abuse because many of them are physically frail and unable to resist an attack. Others suffer from dementia and may not be able to understand what is happening to them or to call for help. Understaffing results in inadequate supervision which allows this type of abuse to happen more easily. The low pay that some nursing homes give their employees typically results in less desirable employees that are more likely to abuse a resident.
Why are the common signs of sexual abuse in nursing homes?
Unexplained bruises, blood or evidence of sexually transmitted diseases are often the first indication that a resident has been the victim of sexual abuse.
What to do if you suspect your loved one is a victim of nursing home sexual abuse:
At Dansky Katz Ringold & York, P.C., we believe even one case of sexual abuse in a nursing home is one case too many. We aggressively pursue justice on behalf of clients who were sexually abused in a nursing home setting by staff members, other residents, visitors or strangers. Healthcare facilities that neglect to protect their residents from sexual preditors because they put profits ahead of people should be held accountable for their negligence.
If you suspect a member of your family has been sexually abused in a nursing home or other care facility, please contact an attorney at Dansky Katz Ringold & York, P.C. We will explain all of your rights and options. Should you decide to take legal action, we will pursue the maximum possible financial recovery for the damages your loved one endured. To learn more, please contact us to arrange a free consultation and case evaluation.
We represent clients throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania, including the South Jersey and Philadelphia areas.
