Was it an accident or not?

People who live in nursing homes or group homes are naturally vulnerable to injuries, falls and illnesses. An injury alone does not mean that negligence or abuse occurred. But, families should be aware that:

An unexplained injury may be a sign of physical or sexual abuse.

When a person with dementia wanders away from a facility, it is a strong indicator of neglect.

An unexplained death may be the result of a nursing home failure.

Signs That an Injury Was Caused by Negligence or Abuse

There are tell-tale signs that family members can use to determine if an injury was accidental or was caused by negligence or abuse, but most people are not aware of the signs until after the harm has been done. When in doubt, speak with a lawyer who has the resources to investigate possible abuse or neglect and the determination to take effective action. At Solomon & Relihan, we help the victims of nursing home negligence, and their families, hold nursing homes accountable for a wide range of harms: