Physical Abuse in Nursing Homes: What Families Need to Know

No family expects to wonder whether their loved one is being hurt in a nursing home. But when bruises appear, stories change, or your loved one suddenly seems afraid, the fear becomes real. And too often, facilities offer explanations that don’t add up.

You are not alone.And your instincts matter.

What the Data Shows

Physical abuse is severely underreported, but government and nonprofit research reveals the scope of the problem:

• The U.S. Department of Justice estimates that more than 10% of Americans age 65 and older experience some form of elder abuse every year — including physical abuse. Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Elder Justice Initiative.

• The National Council on Aging reports that only 1 in 24 cases of elder abuse is reported to authorities. Source: National Council on Aging (NCOA).

• A federal investigation by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that abuse citations in nursing homes more than doubled from 430 in 2013 to 875 in 2017. Source: U.S. Government Accountability Office, Report GAO-19-433.

  
  

These findings confirm what families often feel: if you suspect something is wrong, you are probably right.

Warning Signs of Physical Abuse

Physical abuse can be intentional harm or rough handling caused by stress, understaffing, or neglect. Families often notice the changes long before facilities acknowledge anything is wrong.

Physical signs:

• Bruises on arms, wrists, trunk, or upper legs

• Cuts, scratches, or unexplained bleeding

• Sprains or fractures without a clear explanation

• Repeated “falls” that do not make sense

• Marks consistent with grabbing or restraints

Emotional or behavioral signs:

• Fear or anxiety around specific caregivers

• Flinching or pulling away from touch

• Withdrawal, sadness, or agitation

• Distress during or after personal care

Facility red flags:

• Vague, shifting, or defensive explanations

• Long delays in returning your calls

• Missing or incomplete incident reports

• “No one knows what happened”

  
  

If your loved one seems scared or their injuries don’t match the story, that is a meaningful sign — and it should not be ignored.

Real Cases of Physical Harm in Nursing Homes

Only government-documented or journalism-documented cases included.

Case 1: $2.34 Million Verdict for Repeated Rough Handling (California)An 84-year-old woman in a Los Angeles County nursing home experienced repeated mistreatment and improper handling. Investigators documented 132 violations of her rights. A jury awarded $2.34 million.Source: CalMatters investigative reporting.

Case 2: GAO-Documented Abuse Failures NationwideA federal review by the GAO uncovered numerous cases where residents suffered injuries from physical mistreatment or rough handling. Many facilities failed to report these incidents, even when injuries occurred.Source: U.S. Government Accountability Office, Report GAO-19-433.

Case 3: $7.6 Million Verdict After Neglect Leading to Physical Suffering (California)In Alameda County, a 71-year-old resident developed a severe pressure sore and suffered prolonged physical distress due to repeated failings by facility staff. A jury awarded $7.6 million.Source: CalMatters reporting.

These cases show a clear pattern: physical harm rarely happens in isolation. It is almost always part of larger systemic failures.

What to Do If You Suspect Physical Abuse

You do not need proof to act. You only need concern.

1. Document injuries: Take clear photos. Write down dates, times, and what staff told you.

2. Visit at varied times: Unexpected visits reveal what scheduled tours or calls cannot.

3. Request records: Ask for care logs, incident reports, transfer sheets, and skin assessments.Missing paperwork is itself a warning sign.

4. Ask direct questions: “What exactly happened?”“Who was there?”Facilities that stall or become defensive are signaling trouble.

5. Get an independent medical exam: An outside doctor can document injuries without the facility’s influence.

6. Trust your instincts: Families almost always recognize the problem before the facility admits it.

How We Can Help

We connect families with vetted attorneys nationwide who have experience confronting nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and corporate care systems.

Our support includes:

• Free, confidential case reviews

• No upfront cost

• Attorneys who understand institutional failures

• Nationwide access, matched to your state

• No pressure — you stay in control

  
  

These attorneys know how to interpret records, identify injury patterns, challenge facility explanations, and uncover the truth.

You Are Not Alone

If something doesn’t feel right, it usually isn’t.Your loved one deserves safety.And you deserve answers.

We’re here to help you take the next step.