Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect

Types of Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect

Abuse and neglect can occur in many forms — some visible, some hidden. Our Delaware injury attorneys handle cases involving:

Physical Abuse

Includes hitting, kicking, pushing, rough handling, improper restraints, or any intentional use of force.

Emotional or Psychological Abuse

Occurs when staff members belittle, threaten, intimidate, or isolate residents.

Neglect

Failure to provide proper care, including:

• Inadequate supervision
• Failure to provide food and water
• Poor hygiene
• Lack of medical attention
• Unsafe living conditions

Financial Abuse

Unauthorized use of a resident’s money, credit cards, bank accounts, or personal property.

Sexual Abuse

Any non-consensual sexual contact, often involving vulnerable or cognitively impaired residents.

Medical Neglect

Including medication errors, untreated infections, and failure to address health emergencies.

Abandonment

Leaving residents unattended for dangerous periods of time.

Nursing homes are responsible for preventing all forms of abuse — and can be held liable when they fail.

Warning Signs of Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect

Families should be aware of signs that something is wrong, including:

Physical Warning Signs

• Unexplained bruises, cuts, or fractures
• Bedsores (pressure ulcers)
• Sudden weight loss
• Dehydration or malnutrition
• Poor hygiene
• Frequent infections

Behavioral Red Flags

• Sudden fearfulness or withdrawal
• Agitation or depression
• Disorientation or confusion beyond usual symptoms
• Refusal to speak in staff presence
• Crying or trembling

Environmental Indicators

• Dirty or unsafe living areas
• Overworked or inattentive staff
• Lack of supervision
• Odors of urine or feces
• Missing personal items

If you notice any of these signs, contact an attorney immediately. Abuse often escalates without intervention.

Many long-term care facilities prioritize profit over resident safety. Abuse often results from:

Understaffing

The number one cause of neglect — fewer staff means reduced supervision and unmet needs.

Improper Training

Untrained employees are more likely to make dangerous mistakes or use unsafe practices.

Poor Hiring Practices

Some facilities hire staff without proper background checks.

Lack of Supervision

Residents with mobility issues, dementia, or medical conditions require constant monitoring.

Corporate Negligence

Parent companies may cut budgets, fail to provide proper equipment, or ignore safety concerns.

Our attorneys investigate the root cause of the abuse and identify all responsible parties.

Injuries Caused by Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect

Elderly residents are especially vulnerable. Abuse and neglect can lead to:

• Broken bones or fractures
• Bedsores and infections
• Head injuries and concussions
• Medication overdoses or errors
• Sepsis
• Malnutrition and dehydration
• Concussions
• Burns
• Emotional trauma
• Sexual trauma
• Assault-related injuries
• Wrongful death

These injuries often require hospitalization, long-term rehabilitation, or emergency medical intervention.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Nursing Home Abuse in Delaware?

Multiple parties may be responsible for neglect or abuse, including:

1. Nursing Home Facilities

For failing to provide adequate care, staffing, or safety protocols.

2. Assisted Living Facilities

Including memory care and residential care homes.

3. Individual Staff Members

Nurses, aides, caregivers, or employees who inflict harm.

4. Management & Corporate Owners

Companies that cut corners on staffing or training.

5. Third-Party Contractors

Maintenance teams, medical staff, or hospice workers may also be liable.

Our firm identifies all responsible parties and pursues full compensation.

Compensation Available for Nursing Home Abuse Victims

Victims and families may recover damages such as:

Economic Damages

• Medical expenses
• Hospital bills
• Rehabilitation and therapy
• Transfer to a safer facility
• Costs of replacement care
• Out-of-pocket expenses

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of dignity
• Loss of companionship
• Permanent disability

Punitive Damages

For intentional, reckless, or repeat violations.

Wrongful Death Damages

Families may seek funeral costs, loss of financial support, and emotional damages.

We work to ensure your family receives the justice and support you deserve.

Delaware Laws Protecting Nursing Home Residents

Delaware has strict regulations governing the treatment of nursing home residents.

Resident Rights

Delaware law guarantees residents:

• Safety
• Clean living conditions
• Proper medical care
• Freedom from abuse and restraints
• Respect and dignity

Mandatory Reporting

Healthcare professionals and caregivers must report suspected abuse.

Two-Year Statute of Limitations

Most lawsuits must be filed within two years, though the timeline may vary depending on discovery of the abuse.

Facility Licensing Requirements

Nursing homes must meet state standards for staffing, training, and safety measures.

Our attorneys explain how these regulations apply to your case and ensure full compliance with all deadlines.

How Our Delaware Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers Can Help

When you hire Schuster Jachetti LLP, we:

• Conduct a thorough investigation
• Interview witnesses and staff members
• Review medical records and facility logs
• Examine staffing levels and training practices
• Preserve surveillance video and documentation
• Work with medical and elder care experts
• Handle all communication with the facility and insurers
• Pursue maximum compensation
• Litigate aggressively when necessary

We are committed to protecting the elderly and making sure negligent facilities are held accountable.

Speak With a Delaware Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Today

If you believe your loved one has suffered abuse or neglect in a Delaware nursing home or assisted living facility, immediate action is crucial. At Schuster Jachetti LLP, our Delaware nursing home abuse attorneys — including Kenneth R. Schuster, Esq. — are ready to investigate, protect your loved one’s safety, and pursue justice.

Call today for a free, confidential consultation. Your loved one deserves dignity, protection, and the highest standard of care — and our team is here to fight for them every step of the way.