If you suspect a nursing home employee or other caregivers in Martin County, FL has abused or neglected your loved one, call the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine to find out about your legal options. The first step in preventing further suffering and harm, and then we’ll help you determine whether financial compensation may be a possibility.
A nursing home abuse lawyer in Martin County, FL at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine can help you understand the steps you need to take and guide you through the process, whether it is taking legal action or seeking restitution. To get a free case evaluation, call us today at 1-800-747-3733.
Types of Nursing Home Abuse
The sad truth is, all 50 states, including Florida, have laws to protect against nursing home abuse, because it is so common. Nursing home abuse occurs when a caregiver’s negligence or intentional act harms someone in their care. This abuse or neglect may manifest itself in a number of ways:
- The caregiver may verbally threaten, intimidate or otherwise cause the resident emotional anguish.
- The caregiver may steal or improperly use the resident’s assets, or bill for services that were unnecessary or unwanted.
- The resident was pushed, hit or physically restrained or suffered other intentionally inflicted pain or injuries.
- Caregivers neglected, whether intentionally or not, to provide adequate clothing, food and care for residents. Residents may be left in unclean or unsafe conditions.
- Residents were victims of unwanted sexual activity or exposed to nudity that was unwarranted or inappropriate.
It is important to note that any type of neglect or abuse should be cause for concern. You should not wait to see if it continues before taking any action in order to prevent further pain and suffering.
Be Aware of the Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
Because many nursing home residents do not have the awareness or cognitive ability to recognize or report abuse or neglect, it is particularly important for family members and loved ones to be on the lookout for any signs. Whether or not abuse has actually occurred, further investigation is warranted if you notice:
- Signs of poor hygiene such as soiled bedsheets or stained, unchanged clothes;
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, or burns, or an increase in bedsores;
- Broken bones from suspicious circumstances;
- Bruising in the genital area or other signs of sexual abuse;
- Missed doses, unnecessary prescriptions or other problems with medication;
- Changes in financial accounts or missing valuables;
- Sudden personality changes or noticeable distress around a particular caregiver.
What To Do if You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect
First and foremost, you should not wait for another incidence to verify if you suspect nursing home abuse or caregiver neglect has occurred in Martin County, FL. For the safety and wellbeing of your loved one, take immediate action to report your suspicions and concerns.
Call 911 if you believe the resident is in immediate physical danger at the hands of an abusive caregiver, or is in severely neglected or unsafe living conditions.
If the danger is not life-threatening, be certain to contact the nursing home administration and provide a full report of the suspected abuse. Report the incidents to Florida’s Department of Elder Affairs by calling 800-962-2873, or file a report online.
The Right Time to Contact a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
Taking immediate steps to end the neglect or abuse may remove the immediate source of suffering, but it cannot erase the physical or emotional damage your loved one may have endured.
Furthermore, the tools to aid recovery, such as medical or emotional treatment, may have significant associated costs.
A nursing home abuse lawyer in Martin County, FL can help you determine if financial compensation may be possible in your case and will advise you on your legal options for recovering the costs of physical, emotional, or other damages. Navigating through statutes of limitations on personal injury, contract law, medical malpractice, or criminal law is not something you should have to do on your own.
In the event of wrongful death, where your loved one died as a direct result of medical malpractice, abuse, or neglect, you may be eligible for wrongful death damages.
Importantly, if a particular facility is guilty of abuse and neglect, your legal action will help stop others from becoming victims of these abusive practices.
What To Expect From a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
Choosing a lawyer at this difficult time may seem like an overwhelming task, but there are certain considerations you should insist on, which can make your process more manageable and improve your comfort level.
Case Evaluation
To start, you should receive a free consultation from your nursing home abuse lawyer in Martin County, FL where you’ll have sufficient time to explain the circumstances of your case, identify your concerns and ask key questions. During the evaluation, you’ll learn about your legal options and how best to proceed.
End-to-End Case Management
The law firm you select should have the sufficient resources and personnel to handle all legal aspects of your case, including gathering supporting evidence, submitting and filing documents accurately and on time, and communicating with all relevant parties.
Filing a Lawsuit if Necessary
The nursing home abuse lawyer you select should be able to represent you throughout litigation, if it becomes necessary to file a lawsuit. Not all nursing home abuse cases result in litigation or go to court, depending on the circumstances, but you will want a law firm who can represent you in the eventuality it occurs.
Call a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer in Martin County, FL Today
If you or your loved one suffered nursing home abuse or neglect, the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine can help you with responsive legal care.
You should not have to deal with this problem alone. Start by calling 1-800-747-3733 for a free consultation and review of your case. And remember, it costs you nothing upfront to hire an injury lawyer.
We Can Help.
