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Bethlehem Nursing Home Negligence Attorney
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Bethlehem Nursing Home Negligence Attorney
When a loved one is harmed in a place that was supposed to care for them, the pain and guilt cut deep. You may have noticed bruises, unexplained injuries, or a sudden decline in your family member’s health or personality. Or maybe your loved one told you something that simply didn’t sit right, and now you can’t ignore it. If you’re worried or angry and searching for answers, Leeson & Leeson is ready to help.
Our Bethlehem nursing home negligence attorneys have decades of experience helping families hold negligent care facilities accountable. We know what signs to look for, how to uncover the truth, and how to demand justice when vulnerable residents are mistreated.
Your parent, spouse, or grandparent deserves safety and dignity. When that’s taken from them, you deserve answers. We can help you get them.
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He is the best attorney I [have] ever known.
Mr. Joseph was very knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with. Answered all my questions and was easy to contact and replied to all my questions in timely competent manner. Also his staff is very nice and polite. I would highly recommend Leeson & Leeson law office for any further needs . He is the best attorney I ever know.
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...he is a good person as well as a good attorney.
“Most thought my case was too small to bother with but Attorney Leeson offered to help me because he is a good person as well as a good attorney… He kept me informed throughout the process and walked me through issues that were confusing… I’m very grateful that he agreed to help me and you can feel confident choosing him.”
Laura Accetta, PA
Theodore Roosevelt once said "speak softly but carry a big stick." The Leeson lawyers embody this principle to perfection.
“The Leeson & Leeson firm has a long-storied history of intelligent and sophisticated lawyers and aggressive and tough litigators. Theodore Roosevelt once said “speak softly but carry a big stick.” The Leeson lawyers embody this principle to perfection… I highly recommend Leeson & Leeson for anyone who wants an attorney who is of a high order of integrity and legal intelligence.”
Francis Macri, PA
Key Takeaways for Bethlehem Nursing Home Negligence Lawyers
- Nursing home negligence can include physical harm, emotional abuse, or basic neglect like skipped medications or ignored medical needs.
- Watch for red flags like bedsores, weight loss, sudden fear, and unexplained injuries.
- Facilities can be held legally responsible under state and federal laws, including Pennsylvania’s OAPSA and the Nursing Home Reform Act.
- You have two years to file a claim in Pennsylvania, but it’s best to act sooner.
- Documenting concerns and hiring a qualified attorney are among the most important first steps to take.
- Leeson & Leeson offers compassionate, experienced legal representation for nursing home abuse and neglect in Bethlehem and the Lehigh Valley.
Why Choose Leeson & Leeson for Your Nursing Home Negligence Case?
When your future, health, or loved one’s well-being is at risk, you don’t want a sales pitch. You need clear guidance, honest answers, and a legal team that shows up, follows through, and fights hard for what matters. At Leeson & Leeson, we’ve built our reputation by standing with families in Bethlehem and the Lehigh Valley through their hardest moments. Here’s what sets us apart.
Deep roots in Bethlehem and the Lehigh Valley
We’ve served this community for over 50 years. Bethlehem isn’t just where we work—it’s where our firm was founded, where we live, and where we give back. Our knowledge of the local court system, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and opposing counsel gives our clients a unique advantage.
A legacy of courtroom results
Some firms settle everything quickly. We prepare every case like it’s going to trial. Our founding attorney was a respected trial lawyer. That mindset carries through everything we do. When negotiations stall, we don’t back down. We fight for full and fair outcomes because your loved one doesn’t deserve half measures.
Personal attention from start to finish
When you hire Leeson & Leeson, you’ll work directly with your attorney. They’ll take the time to explain your options in plain language and keep you informed at every stage. We treat every case with urgency because we know what’s at stake.
Legal and financial insight under one roof
Attorney Joseph F. Leeson III is a trial lawyer, a licensed CPA, and an MBA. That background helps him to handle the financial side of injury and wrongful death cases with precision that guides the firm. We know how to calculate losses that are easy to overlook and how to stand up to insurance companies that work to minimize payouts.
No law firm can undo what’s already happened. But the right one can make a meaningful difference in what happens next. At Leeson & Leeson, we don’t talk in slogans or overpromise outcomes. We listen, we act, and we hold the line, because that’s what families in Bethlehem need when they’re deeply concerned about their loved one’s safety and well-being.
Reputation built on trust and accountability
Our firm has grown through word-of-mouth and referrals from former clients, medical professionals, and local families. That only happens when you do the work, stay honest, and show people they matter. Our track record is a result of that commitment.
We handle everything so you can focus on your life
You’re dealing with enough already. Legal cases come with urgent decisions, deadlines, and pressure from insurance companies that can make a difficult situation worse. Our job is to take over the legal process, manage all communication, and keep things moving forward. You’ll always know what’s happening, but you’ll never have to carry the weight of it alone.
What Counts as Nursing Home Negligence in Pennsylvania?
Not every injury in a nursing home is the result of wrongdoing. But when caregivers ignore risks, skip necessary treatments, or leave residents unattended, that’s more than a mistake. It’s negligence.
Pennsylvania law allows injured residents or their families to hold nursing homes liable when harm results from substandard care. The Pennsylvania Older Adults Protective Services Act (OAPSA) outlines many of the responsibilities nursing homes have toward residents. Facilities that fail to meet those standards can face legal consequences.
Negligence often happens when:
- Staff don’t turn or reposition immobile residents, leading to bedsores
- Fall prevention measures are skipped or poorly implemented
- Residents go without food or water for extended periods
- Nurses miss medication doses or administer the wrong drugs
- Hygiene and living conditions are ignored
- Medical issues are brushed off or dismissed
These failures aren’t small oversights. They can cause pain, illness, permanent injury, and even death. When that happens, you deserve real answers, not canned apologies.
Red Flags of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect You Shouldn’t Ignore
Most families don’t want to believe their loved one is being neglected. Facilities often downplay issues, and residents may feel afraid or confused. But subtle signs often point to larger problems.
Watch for behavioral, physical, or environmental clues, such as:
- Sudden mood changes, fearfulness, or social withdrawal
- Bruises, cuts, or injuries with unclear explanations
- Unusual weight loss, dehydration, or fatigue
- Odors, soiled linens, or unsanitary conditions
- Changes in medication without explanation
You know your loved one best. If something seems off, it probably is. You don’t need to “prove” anything before contacting a lawyer. It’s our job to investigate and uncover the truth.
Common Injuries That Point to Nursing Home Negligence
Injuries in care facilities don’t always happen by accident. Some result from poor supervision, undertrained staff, or deliberate cost-cutting.
The most common injuries we see in Bethlehem nursing home negligence claims include:
- Bedsores (pressure ulcers) caused by a lack of movement and attention
- Head trauma or broken bones from preventable falls
- Infections, including sepsis or UTIs, due to hygiene failures
- Medication errors that result in overdose, underdose, or harmful interactions
- Fractures from rough handling or lack of mobility support
These are not unavoidable consequences of aging. They are warning signs that something may be going wrong behind the scenes.
What Makes a Nursing Home Liable Under the Law?
Under both state and federal law, nursing homes must meet specific standards of care. When they don’t, and a resident suffers harm as a result, the facility can be held responsible.
In addition to Pennsylvania’s OAPSA, the federal Nursing Home Reform Act (OBRA-87) guarantees residents the right to receive proper medical care, nutrition, hygiene, and protection from abuse.
Facilities become legally liable when they:
- Fail to provide adequate supervision and staffing
- Ignore medical concerns or delay treatment
- Violate safety protocols that lead to injury
- Abuse or neglect residents
- Falsify records or cover up incidents
Our legal team builds strong claims by collecting documentation, medical records, witness statements, and expert opinions. We don’t rely on the facility’s version of events. We thoroughly investigate every angle of a claim to uncover what actually happened.
Legal Options for Families in Bethlehem, PA
When you discover that a loved one has suffered abuse or neglect, it’s easy to feel paralyzed. You may not know who to talk to, who you can trust, or how to move forward.
Filing a claim with help from a qualified Bethlehem nursing home negligence lawyer can help you:
- Stop the abuse or neglect immediately
- Move your loved one to a safer environment
- Recover financial compensation for injuries and care costs
- Hold the facility accountable for its actions
You’re not filing out of revenge. You’re protecting your family, asserting your rights, and possibly preventing others from going through the same thing. A consultation with Leeson & Leeson is free and confidential. We’ll tell you where you stand and what steps you can take.
How Our Bethlehem Nursing Home Negligence Attorneys Can Help
This firm has roots in Bethlehem going back more than 50 years. We’ve helped hundreds of local families seek justice against negligent care facilities. We’re not intimidated by corporate ownership groups or national healthcare chains. And we don’t settle unless it’s the right deal for your family.
Our team will:
- Investigate the facility and staff responsible
- Obtain medical records and facility logs
- Work with medical professionals to prove the full extent of harm
- Handle all communications with insurance companies
- File and litigate your claim if necessary
Most importantly, we offer personal support. We know this process is hard. Our goal is to make it easier by being honest, responsive, and relentlessly committed to your case.
What to Do If You Suspect Nursing Home Neglect or Abuse
If you believe a loved one has been harmed in a nursing home, trust your instincts, but don’t panic. There are specific steps you can take to protect them and build a strong case. By taking action early, you can prevent further harm and preserve valuable evidence.
First, make sure your loved one is receiving the medical care they need. If they haven’t already seen a doctor, schedule an immediate evaluation. Documenting injuries is critical, even if you’re not sure you’ll take legal action.
Then, consider the following steps:
- Hire a lawyer. This should always be your first legal step. An attorney can begin preserving evidence, interviewing witnesses, and protecting your family’s rights from day one.
- Attend and document all medical appointments. Missed visits can affect both your loved one’s recovery and your legal claim.
- Keep a journal. Record what you observe—bruises, emotional changes, odd staff behavior, or anything else that concerns you.
- Gather records if possible. While your attorney will handle most of the investigation, save any communications, facility notes, or photographs you’ve collected.
- Limit communication with the facility. Don’t sign any documents or accept explanations until you’ve spoken to legal counsel.
Your job is to protect your loved one. Our job is to handle everything else.
How Long Do You Have to File a Nursing Home Claim in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania gives you two years from the date of injury to file a nursing home negligence lawsuit under 42 Pa. C.S. § 5524. In some cases, this period may begin when the harm is discovered, rather than when it occurred, but waiting can make your case harder to prove.
Acting quickly protects your rights and strengthens your case. Facilities often erase or lose key documentation when too much time passes. Surveillance footage, medical logs, and staff schedules may disappear. Witnesses forget details or move on. That’s why contacting a Bethlehem nursing home abuse lawyer early is one of the most important steps you can take.
If you’re unsure whether the deadline has passed, let us review your situation. We’ll give you a clear, honest answer.
Consult Our Compassionate Nursing Home Negligence Attorneys
Can I move my loved one to a different facility during an investigation?
Yes. You have the right to transfer your loved one to another facility if you believe their health or safety is at risk. In fact, relocation can be a necessary part of protecting them while your legal team investigates.
A transfer may also uncover more information if the new caregivers notice signs of prior neglect. Our attorneys can help coordinate the legal aspects of the move, including requesting medical records, notifying the proper authorities, and ensuring continuity of care.
What if I’m not sure the injury was caused by negligence?
You don’t need to be sure. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s worth getting a legal opinion. Many families uncover serious wrongdoing only after a deeper investigation. A nursing home abuse attorney can help you determine whether there’s a case worth pursuing.
What is the deadline for filing a wrongful death claim in Pennsylvania?
If a loved one dies due to nursing home negligence, Pennsylvania law gives you two years to file a wrongful death lawsuit. This clock typically starts on the date of death. These cases can also involve a survival action claim, which seeks damages for the suffering the person endured before death.
Can we still sue if the facility is understaffed?
Yes. Chronic understaffing is one of the main causes of nursing home negligence, but it’s not an excuse under the law. Facilities are legally obligated to maintain adequate staff-to-patient ratios. Staffing shortages often indicate broader problems with management or ownership.
How much does it cost to hire a nursing home abuse lawyer?
At Leeson & Leeson, we handle these cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs for investigation, expert witnesses, and litigation, so there’s no financial risk in getting help.
Consult Our Compassionate Nursing Home Negligence Attorneys
You may be angry. You may feel betrayed. But you are not powerless.
At Leeson & Leeson, we’ve stood by families in Bethlehem and throughout the Lehigh Valley for over five decades. As a trusted Bethlehem personal injury lawyer, we don’t make empty promises—we build strong cases, demand real accountability, and fight for the compensation you and your loved one need to make another fresh start.
You don’t need to build a case or have all the answers. Just give us a call. We’re here to help.
Call (610)691-3320 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Let us help you find out what really happened—and what you can do about it.
