Rehabilitation facilities are meant to be places of healing and recovery, providing individuals with the support they need to overcome addiction, physical or mental health challenges. In 2022, there were 17,353 substance abuse facilities in the United States with more than one million clients at substance abuse treatment facilities in the United States.
Unfortunately, not all rehab centers uphold their responsibilities for patient safety. Abuse in rehab facilities is a serious and often ignored issue, leaving vulnerable individuals suffering in silence. For example, late last year, the Isenberg & Hewitt team and Nathaniel Foote from Andreozzi & Foote in Pennsylvania filed multiple lawsuits against the Crossroads Treatment Center in LaGrange, Georgia, for the sexual abuse of at least six female patients by the program director, Roderick Branscomb.
Families and friends play a crucial role in recognizing the warning signs and taking action, and the civil justice system provides a path for accountability and compensation. Abuse in rehab centers can take many forms, including:
Types of Abuse in Rehab Facilities
- Physical Abuse – Patients may be subjected to excessive force, unnecessary restraints or even outright violence from staff members or other patients due to inadequate supervision.
- Emotional and Psychological Abuse – Staff may use verbal degradation, intimidation, isolation or threats to control patients, which can severely impact their mental health.
- Sexual Abuse – Some facilities have been reported for instances of staff members or other patients engaging in non-consensual sexual contact or coercion by taking advantage of vulnerable individuals.
- Medical Neglect – Patients may be denied necessary medication, suffer from inadequate medical care or experience withdrawal symptoms without proper supervision.
- Financial Exploitation – Some rehab centers engage in fraudulent billing practices, charge for unnecessary treatments or manipulate patients and their families into excessive payments.
How Can Families and Friends Help?
Recognizing the signs of abuse is the first step in protecting a loved one. Here are some red flags to watch for:
- Unexplained injuries or bruises
- Sudden changes in behavior, anxiety or depression
- Fearful or hesitant attitude toward staff members
- Poor hygiene or signs of neglect
- Lack of communication or restricted contact with family members
What To Do If You Expect Abuse
If you suspect abuse, take immediate action.
- Document Everything – Keep records of any injuries, changes in behavior or unusual financial transactions.
- Ask Questions – If possible, speak with your loved one privately to get their perspective on their experience.
- Report to Authorities – Contact state health departments, adult protective services or law enforcement if you believe a crime has occurred.
- Seek Legal Help – An experienced civil attorney can help hold the facility accountable and seek compensation for the harm caused.
How the Civil Justice System Can Help Victims
The civil justice system plays a crucial role in holding negligent and abusive rehab facilities accountable. Victims and their families may pursue legal action in the form of:
- Personal Injury Claims – If a rehab center’s negligence led to physical or emotional harm, a civil lawsuit can seek compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering and more.
- Wrongful Death Lawsuits – If abuse or neglect results in a fatality, families can file a wrongful death lawsuit to seek justice for their loss.
- Consumer Protection Claims – Some rehab centers engage in deceptive practices and legal action can help prevent them from continuing unethical operations.
Although Isenberg & Hewitt doesn’t solely focus on class action lawsuits or consumer protection claims, they are still a viable firm for victims of crime and abuse.
Seeking Justice for Victims
No one should suffer abuse in a place meant for healing. If you suspect that a loved one has been mistreated in a rehab facility, it’s essential to act quickly. Legal action not only provides justice for victims but also pressures rehab centers across the state to improve their standards of care.
At Isenberg & Hewitt, we are dedicated to fighting for victims of abuse in rehab facilities. If you suspect abuse in a rehab facility, contact us today for a confidential consultation.