Nursing Home Injuries / Elder Abuse

Large numbers of elderly or disabled people are receiving care in one of the many nursing home facilities across the country. Sadly, however, between one and two million people over the age of 65 have been injured or mistreated by someone on whom they depended on for care.

Anthony P. Kearns, former Hunterdon County Prosecutor; Victor A. Rotolo, former police officer; and the attorney team at Kearns Rotolo Law are devoted to protecting people's rights. 

While we tend to rely on our medical staff to take care of our well–being, a doctor may be held liable for medical neglect or malpractice involving an elderly patient if the doctor’s treatment is considered careless or actively harmful. Nursing home staff must be careful and work to prevent any possible injury or neglect or else they may also be held liable for any injuries sustained. Nursing homes can be held liable for improper supervision, hiring unqualified staff, inadequate supervision, or the use of dangerous equipment.

It is important to pay attention to any early signs of elder abuse in order to prevent serious injuries or even death. Some signs of neglect or abuse are:

• Bedsores
• Pressure sores
• Unexplained infections
• Dehydration
• Unexplained fractures, broken bones or dislocated bones
• Malnutrition or unexplained weight loss
• Slip and fall accidents
• Medication errors
• Poor personal hygiene
• Poor supervision
• Over sedation
• Ulcers
• Inappropriate physical restraints

If you see any of these signs, seek medical help immediately and consider consulting an attorney experienced in the rights of the elderly.

Victor A. Rotolo has been a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum since June 2002 and in 2016 became a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. The Million Dollar Advocates Forum members are attorneys who have won verdicts and settlements in the amount of one million dollars and above. Members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum have won multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. [No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court.]

Victor A. Rotolo has been included on the List of New Jersey Super Lawyers in the years 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023, marking his eighteenth year of inclusion on this list. The list of New Jersey Super Lawyers is generated by the Thomson Reuters organization which employs the following methodology and set of standards to compile the list each year. Super Lawyers Selection Methodology [No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court.]

Victor A. Rotolo is certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Civil Trial Attorney.

"A certified attorney is more than just an attorney who specializes in a particular area of law. A New Jersey attorney who is certified by the Supreme Court as a civil trial attorney must have:

• been a member in good standing of the New Jersey bar for over 5 years
• demonstrated a substantial level of experience in civil trial law
• been favorably evaluated by other attorneys and judges familiar with his or her work
• taken and passed a written examination in civil trial law."

Source: Supreme Court of New Jersey, Board on Attorney Certification, Brochure on Certified Civil Trial Attorney. See Rule 1:39: Specialty Certification of Attorneys.

Families can take a number of steps to prevent elder abuse: maintain frequent contact with elders to monitor signs of abuse and visit caregivers on a regular basis to ensure they are providing the proper care. Before selecting a long–term care facility, research and gain as much information on the facility as possible.

If you believe that someone you love is being abused in a nursing home or by a medical caregiver, be sure to seek immediate medical assistance. The attorneys at Kearns Rotolo Law understand that this can be a difficult time and will do everything in their power to ensure the elder is treated properly.

Call Kearns Rotolo Law to discuss your case. Anthony Kearns, Victor Rotolo, and the attorneys at Kearns Rotolo Law have the experience to advocate for your rights. Mr. Rotolo is certified by the New Jersey Supreme Court as a Civil Trial Attorney. As a former Elizabeth, NJ police officer and attorney, Victor Rotolo has spent his career protecting people.

YOU DO NOT PAY ANY ATTORNEY FEES UNLESS WE WIN YOUR CASE.

Attorneys' fees are only collected if your case is resolved successfully on your behalf. These fees are referred to as "contingency fees" because the fees are dependent (i.e., contingent) upon the success of your case.

If you cannot come to our offices, we will meet you where it is convenient. Call Kearns Rotolo Law for your free consultation.