{"id":353520,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:01","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/injury\/torts-and-personal-injuries\/statutory-protection-of-older-persons.html"},"modified":"2023-11-28T20:43:23","modified_gmt":"2023-11-29T01:43:23","slug":"statutory-protection-of-older-persons","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/torts-and-personal-injuries\/statutory-protection-of-older-persons.html","title":{"rendered":"What Legal Protections Do Older People Have in a Nursing Home?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n<div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\"><h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">What Legal Protections Do Older People Have in a Nursing Home?<\/h1>\n\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw Staff<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/robert-rafii-esq\/\">Robert Rafii, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            November 28, 2023\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-key-takeaways fl-mb30\" data-testid=\"fl-key-takeaways\">\n    <div class=\"fl-card-content\">\n        <div class=\"fl-card-body fl-card-bg-teal fl-flex fl-flex-column\">\n                            <h2 class=\"fl-card-title fl-h2 fl-no-margin\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n                        <p>All states have laws concerning the abuse, neglect, or exploitation of older people. These laws or statutes ensure older adults have the autonomy, respect, and attentive care they deserve.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Most states have a system of adult protective services for investigating and remedying reported abuses. Some states have laws giving victims of abuse or neglect a civil cause of action (claim).<\/p>\n<p>The government may also <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges.html\">criminally prosecute<\/a> perpetrators of elderly abuse. Such charges may involve <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-law-basics\/what-distinguishes-a-misdemeanor-from-a-felony.html\">misdemeanors or felonies<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>This article provides a brief overview of the legal protections for older people. If you are concerned about the safety of an adult or your loved one was injured, a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/personal-injury-plaintiff\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">personal injury lawyer<\/a> can offer helpful legal advice.<\/p>\n<h2>Adult Protective Services (APS)<\/h2>\n<p>All states have a system for:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Reporting allegations of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/elder\/elder-abuse\/elder-abuse-overview.html\">abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older people<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Investigating the allegations<\/li>\n<li>Providing services to older people to remedy problems and prevent recurrence<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Most states have\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/elder\/elder-abuse\/reporting-elder-abuse.html\">mandatory reporting requirements for elderly abuse<\/a>. Health care professionals and long-term care providers may have a legal duty to report any abuse they witness.<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, a state&#8217;s\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/elder\/elder-abuse\/adult-protective-services-what-you-need-to-know.html\">adult protective services agency<\/a>\u00a0(APS) allows victims and their families to report abuse, neglect, or exploitation of older people. Even before civil or criminal action commences against a nursing home, the APS may investigate these allegations.<\/p>\n<p>An APS agency, ombudsman, or state department of health may conclude that an allegation is founded. In that case, it will respond by offering victims appropriate services, such as:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Medical care and assistance<\/li>\n<li>Counseling<\/li>\n<li>Special transportation (especially for older people with disabilities)<\/li>\n<li>Assistance with money management<\/li>\n<li>Placement in a different residential setting<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The case may be referred for criminal prosecution.<\/p>\n<h2>Civil Actions Based on Statutes (Written Laws)<\/h2>\n<p>Some states have created causes of action (legal claims) involving the abuse, neglect, or exploitation of older people. This allows victims to bring civil actions (private lawsuits) against liable parties. Liable perpetrators may include nursing homes, long-term care facilities, and employees.<\/p>\n<p>Civil causes of action may authorize damages awards to victims. This includes:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/legal-system\/what-are-compensatory-damages.html\">Compensatory damages<\/a>\u00a0to make victims whole for their pain and suffering and monetary losses, including medical bills<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/legalblogs\/personal-injury\/when-can-you-sue-for-punitive-damages\">Punitive damages<\/a>\u00a0to punish wrongdoers who knowingly engage in egregious or shocking behavior<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Nursing home statutes may also authorize the issuance of injunctions and protective orders. These legal mechanisms provide immediate relief from ongoing abuse or neglect:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>An\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/legalblogs\/law-and-life\/what-is-an-injunction-when-can-you-get-one\/\">injunction<\/a>\u00a0is an order by a court requiring a liable party to stop a prohibited behavior. For example, a nursing home may be required to change its policies to end certain harmful practices.<\/li>\n<li>Courts award\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/domestic-violence\/domestic-violence-orders-of-protection-and-restraining-orders.html\">protective orders<\/a>\u00a0to prevent sexual abuse or other physical harm to victims. These are more common in domestic violence cases.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Laws Preventing Nursing Home Abuse<\/h2>\n<p>Nursing homes must ensure the respect and freedom of their residents. Some states have special statutory protections against\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/torts-and-personal-injuries\/nursing-home-abuse-claims.html\">violating the rights of residents<\/a>\u00a0of nursing homes and long-term care facilities alike.<\/p>\n<p>Generally, the statutory rights of long-term care facility residents include the rights to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Be free from abuse and neglect<\/li>\n<li>A safe living environment<\/li>\n<li>Autonomy over personal life<\/li>\n<li>Respect and dignity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>To qualify for\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/healthcare\/medicare-medicaid\/medicaid.html\">Medicaid funds<\/a>, long-term care facilities that qualify as skilled nursing facilities must meet certain requirements, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Federal<\/li>\n<li>Statutory<\/li>\n<li>Regulatory<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Most nursing homes today fall in this category and must meet federal standards. One federal requirement is that such facilities comply with a &#8220;residents&#8217; bill of rights.&#8221; This provides that residents have the right to be free from:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Verbal, sexual, physical, and mental abuse<\/li>\n<li>Corporal punishment<\/li>\n<li>Involuntary seclusion<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Older adults with developmental disabilities or other ailments may be reasonably restrained. However, any seclusion or restraint beyond what is reasonably needed may amount to abuse or neglect.<\/p>\n<h2>When Nursing Homes Fail To Provide Protection<\/h2>\n<p>If a nursing home fails to protect its residents, it may become liable for\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/torts-and-personal-injuries\/nursing-home-abuse-claims.html\">abuse or negligence (nursing home neglect)<\/a>. While state definitions of abuse vary, many states&#8217; definitions include actions that cause:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Personal or physical injury<\/li>\n<li>Emotional anguish<\/li>\n<li>Psychological injury<\/li>\n<li>Pain and suffering<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These definitions may cover a wide range of acts and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/elder\/elder-abuse\/types-of-elder-abuse.html\">types of elder abuse claims<\/a>. They include verbally insulting or demeaning an older person and other actions that have the effect of causing emotional pain or instilling fear in an older person.<\/p>\n<p>Some states also include isolating or unreasonably confining older people as a form of abuse. Isolation might include preventing communications with or visits to the older person.<\/p>\n<p>Under some circumstances, an older person&#8217;s movement might reasonably need to be restricted for their safety. However, confinement beyond that which is necessary for the person&#8217;s protection could be considered abuse or neglect.<\/p>\n<h2>Standard of Care To Prevent Neglect<\/h2>\n<p>Most states\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/torts-and-personal-injuries\/is-nursing-home-neglect-legal.html\">define neglect of an older person<\/a>\u00a0as the failure to provide them with services essential to health and safety. Accordingly, nursing homes and similar facilities have a duty of care to prevent harm to their residents. Nursing home residents are, for the most part, dependent on others for at least some of their basic needs, such as:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Food and medicine<\/li>\n<li>Adequate supervision<\/li>\n<li>Safety and shelter<\/li>\n<li>Medical treatment (and preventing\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/medical-malpractice.html\">medical malpractice<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Being deprived of these necessities can harm or endanger an older person as much as an intentional injury can. Shocking examples of neglect include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>People lying in their own waste<\/li>\n<li>Suffering from excessive bedsores and bruises<\/li>\n<li>Having no human contact<\/li>\n<li>Being generally in dire need of medical attention and personal hygiene<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Whether such failures are intentional or careless may determine whether a case against a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/torts-and-personal-injuries\/nursing-home-abuse-claims.html\">nursing home is for neglect or abuse<\/a>. A nursing home can become liable for grave consequences even when a civil wrong (tort) is unintentional. For example, if negligent care results in a resident&#8217;s\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/torts-and-personal-injuries\/wrongful-death.html\">wrongful death<\/a>, a care facility can be liable for the accident.<\/p>\n<h2>Exploitation of Older People<\/h2>\n<p>Caregivers also might harm older people by taking advantage of them. This could include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Taking their money or property (financial exploitation)<\/li>\n<li>Inducing them to perform sexual acts without consent<\/li>\n<li>Forcing them to perform other services for the benefit of a caregiver<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Such exploitation might not endanger the older person&#8217;s health or safety. But it may result in the loss of the person&#8217;s property, mental health, or self-esteem. Thus, these situations may call for state intervention, especially if sexual or financial abuse causes a serious impairment of a dependent adult.<\/p>\n<p>Many states\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/elder\/elder-abuse\/elder-financial-abuse-and-exploitation.html\">define exploitation as the wrongful use of an older person&#8217;s resources<\/a>\u00a0for another person&#8217;s profit or advantage. State laws use various terms to denote the wrongful nature of the act, such as illegal, improper, unjust, and without legal entitlement. Some definitions refer simply to the misuse of the person&#8217;s funds, property, or person.<\/p>\n<p>Some states specify that to qualify as exploitation, the perpetrator must have obtained the resources without the older person&#8217;s consent or through:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Undue influence<\/li>\n<li>Duress<\/li>\n<li>Deception<\/li>\n<li>False pretenses<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Some states, like Florida, will permit the exploited older person to receive both compensatory and punitive damages. They may also be awarded their attorney&#8217;s fees and costs for the lawsuit.<\/p>\n<h2>Have You or a Loved One Suffered From Older Person Abuse? An Attorney Can Help<\/h2>\n<p>Abuse of an older person can cause serious pain and hardship for those affected, including family members. Victims may suffer from exploitation, neglect, physical abuse, or some other mistreatment. Sometimes, the acts may violate criminal statutes, and law enforcement may become involved. Other times, you may want to seek compensation in civil court through a personal injury lawyer.<\/p>\n<p>Get help by contacting a local\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/personal-injury-plaintiff\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">personal injury attorney<\/a>\u00a0near you. They can provide legal advice about the legal rights of your loved ones and their family members. The experience and power of attorneys to protect victims go beyond holding nursing homes accountable. They can also ensure that the logistics of your case are sound and no deadlines are missed. That means ensuring your case is filed in court promptly as required by your state&#8217;s statute of limitations.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M6 21H3C2.46957 21 1.96086 20.7893 1.58579 20.4142C1.21071 20.0391 1 19.5304 1 19V12C1 11.4696 1.21071 10.9609 1.58579 10.5858C1.96086 10.2107 2.46957 10 3 10H6M13 8V4C13 3.20435 12.6839 2.44129 12.1213 1.87868C11.5587 1.31607 10.7956 1 10 1L6 10V21H17.28C17.7623 21.0055 18.2304 20.8364 18.5979 20.524C18.9654 20.2116 19.2077 19.7769 19.28 19.3L20.66 10.3C20.7035 10.0134 20.6842 9.72068 20.6033 9.44225C20.5225 9.16382 20.3821 8.90629 20.1919 8.68751C20.0016 8.46873 19.7661 8.29393 19.5016 8.17522C19.2371 8.0565 18.9499 7.99672 18.66 8H13Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\n                              stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3418\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"><\/rect>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"No\"\n                value=\"no\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">No<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-down\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3423)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M16 0.999995H18.67C19.236 0.989986 19.7859 1.18813 20.2154 1.55681C20.645 1.9255 20.9242 2.43905 21 3V10C20.9242 10.5609 20.645 11.0745 20.2154 11.4432C19.7859 11.8119 19.236 12.01 18.67 12H16M9.00003 14V18C9.00003 18.7956 9.3161 19.5587 9.87871 20.1213C10.4413 20.6839 11.2044 21 12 21L16 12V0.999995H4.72003C4.2377 0.994543 3.76965 1.16359 3.40212 1.47599C3.0346 1.78839 2.79235 2.22309 2.72003 2.7L1.34003 11.7C1.29652 11.9866 1.31586 12.2793 1.39669 12.5577C1.47753 12.8362 1.61793 13.0937 1.80817 13.3125C1.99842 13.5313 2.23395 13.7061 2.49846 13.8248C2.76297 13.9435 3.05012 14.0033 3.34003 14H9.00003Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3423\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"\/>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n    <span class=\"was-this-helpful__taken-action fl-text-sm-bold\"><\/span>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-container\">\n        <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n            <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form\">\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--positive\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Easy to understand\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                        >Easy to understand<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Solved my problem\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--negative\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\"><div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Complex abuse situations usually require a lawyer\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    A lawyer will take these matters seriously and enforce protections\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>Get tailored legal advice and ask a lawyer questions about your claim. Many attorneys offer free consultations.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link fl-flex\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link\">\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <p class=\"find-attorney\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/personal-injury-plaintiff\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum:FL3905\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find a local attorney<\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"email-subscription fl-mb30\">\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-header\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-content\">\n            <h3 class=\"fl-callout-sm fl-no-margin\">Stay Up-to-Date With How the Law Affects Your Life<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-image fl-flex fl-items-end\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n                src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1745902396\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1.png?_i=AA\"\n                alt=\"\"\n                loading=\"lazy\"\n            \/>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-content fl-flex fl-flex-wrap\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-text fl-mb25\">\n            <h4 class=\"fl-no-margin\">Enter your email address to subscribe<\/h4>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <form class=\"email-subscription-content-form\">\n            <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"distributionList\" value=\"latl\" \/>\n            <label for=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" class=\"fl-text-sm-bold\">Email (Required)<\/label>\n            <div class=\"email-subscription-content-form-group\">\n                <input id=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" name=\"email\" autocomplete=\"email\"\/>\n                <button type=\"submit\" aria-label=\"Submit\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-success subscribe-success-message fl-text-sm-bold\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"status\">Thank you for subscribing!<\/p>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-error subscribe-error-message fl-text-sm-bold\" role=\"alert\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/p>\n\n            <div id=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha\" class=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha subscribe-recaptcha\"\n                data-sitekey=\"0x4AAAAAAABGBEkK9kEeKxO-\"><\/div>\n        <\/form>\n\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-footer fl-text-sm\">\n            <p><a href=\"https:\/\/newsletters.findlaw.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Learn more about FindLaw\u2019s newsletters<\/a>, including our terms of use and privacy policy.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"general-list\">\n    <h3>Helpful Links<\/h3>\n    <ul class=\"fl-list fl-no-margin\">\n                                    <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/elder\/elder-abuse.html\">\n                        Older Adult Abuse Law\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/torts-and-personal-injuries\/nursing-home-checklist.html\">\n                        How To Choose and Monitor a Nursing Home\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/torts-and-personal-injuries\/how-do-i-file-a-nursing-home-lawsuit.html\">\n                        How Do I File a Nursing Home Lawsuit\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                        <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <div class=\"popularDirectory\">\n        <div class=\"general-popular-directory \">\n            <div class=\"general-popular-directory-title\">\n                <h3>Attorney Directory<\/h3>\n            <\/div>\n            <ul>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/elder-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Elder Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/health-health-care-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Health and Health Care Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/nursing-home-abuse\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/trusts\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Trusts Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/wills\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Wills Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/estate-planning\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Estate Planning Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/probate-estate-administration\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Probate and Estate Administration Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>All states have laws concerning the abuse and neglect of older people. FindLaw.com gives information on how nursing homes can become liable for violations.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":353411,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleWithBreadcrumbsController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":[]},"categories":[2734],"tags":[],"state_laws_tags":[],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-353520","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-injury"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/353520","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=353520"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/353520\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":398321,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/353520\/revisions\/398321"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/353411"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=353520"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=353520"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=353520"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=353520"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=353520"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}