Nursing Home Abuse in New Jersey? Get the justice and compensation you deserve. Call Attorney Michael Siddons for a FREE consultation: (609) 285-3999. No fee unless we win.
Experienced Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer in New Jersey
Nursing home abuse and neglect in New Jersey is a heartbreaking reality that affects thousands of vulnerable elderly residents each year. When you entrust the care of your loved one to a nursing home or long-term care facility, you expect them to be treated with dignity, respect, and proper medical attention. When facilities fail to provide adequate care — due to understaffing, poor training, or outright abuse — the consequences can be devastating and even fatal. Attorney Michael Siddons is committed to holding negligent nursing homes accountable and fighting for justice for abused and neglected residents throughout New Jersey.
New Jersey Nursing Home Abuse Laws
New Jersey provides multiple legal avenues for nursing home abuse victims. The New Jersey Nursing Home Responsibilities and Residents’ Rights Act (N.J.S.A. 30:13-1 et seq.) establishes specific rights for nursing home residents and allows private lawsuits for violations. Victims may also pursue claims under general negligence law, medical malpractice law (for treatment-related negligence), and wrongful death statutes. The statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the injury or discovery of the abuse. New Jersey allows the recovery of compensatory damages, punitive damages, and attorney’s fees under the Nursing Home Rights Act. Reports of suspected abuse must also be made to the New Jersey Department of Health and the Ombudsman for the Institutionalized Elderly.
Types of Nursing Home Abuse Cases We Handle
Our firm handles all types of nursing home abuse and neglect cases in New Jersey including physical abuse (hitting, pushing, rough handling, improper restraints), emotional and psychological abuse (threats, isolation, humiliation), sexual abuse, neglect (failure to provide food, water, medication, hygiene), medical neglect (failure to treat infections, bedsores, chronic conditions), medication errors and overmedication (chemical restraints), falls due to inadequate supervision, bedsore and pressure ulcer development, malnutrition and dehydration, elopement and wandering incidents, and wrongful death resulting from abuse or neglect.
Compensation Available in New Jersey Nursing Home Abuse Cases
New Jersey nursing home abuse victims and their families may recover compensation for all medical expenses related to the abuse, pain and suffering endured by the resident, emotional distress, loss of dignity, costs of relocation to a safe facility, funeral and burial expenses (in wrongful death cases), punitive damages to punish particularly egregious conduct, and attorney’s fees under the Nursing Home Rights Act. Punitive damages are particularly important in these cases as they serve to deter facilities from prioritizing profits over patient care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs of nursing home abuse or neglect?
Warning signs include unexplained bruises, cuts, or broken bones; sudden weight loss or dehydration; poor hygiene; bedsores (pressure ulcers); emotional withdrawal or fearfulness; changes in behavior around certain staff; unsanitary living conditions; medication errors; and frequent falls. If you notice any of these signs, take action immediately.
What is the statute of limitations for nursing home abuse in NJ?
Generally two years from the date of injury or discovery of the abuse. However, if the resident has passed away, the wrongful death statute of limitations (also two years from date of death) applies. Contact an attorney promptly to preserve evidence.
Can I sue a nursing home for my loved one’s bedsores?
Yes. Bedsores (pressure ulcers) are almost always preventable with proper care — regular repositioning, adequate nutrition, and skin monitoring. The development of severe bedsores (Stage 3 or Stage 4) is strong evidence of neglect. These cases can result in significant compensation.
How do I report nursing home abuse in New Jersey?
You can report suspected abuse to the New Jersey Department of Health at 1-800-792-9770 and to the Ombudsman for the Institutionalized Elderly at 1-877-582-6995. You should also contact an attorney to evaluate potential legal claims while reporting the abuse.
Can the nursing home force my loved one into arbitration?
Many nursing homes include arbitration clauses in their admission agreements. However, these clauses may be challengeable in New Jersey, particularly if the agreement was signed under pressure, the resident lacked capacity, or the clause is deemed unconscionable. Attorney Siddons can evaluate whether an arbitration clause is enforceable.
Ready to Fight for Your Rights? Contact Siddons Law Firm today for your FREE nursing home abuse consultation. Call (609) 285-3999. We serve all of New Jersey. No fee unless we win.