Nursing home residents require around-the-clock care and support, so it is hard to fathom anyone would take advantage of them or abuse them. However, nursing home abuse is much more common than most people believe. If your loved one suffered any type of abuse or neglect in a care facility, they may be eligible to file a claim and recover compensation.
The attorneys with the Law Firm of Anidjar & Levine can help you hold the nursing home owners and administrators liable for their negligence. We can help you collect money for your senior’s pain and suffering and other damages. If you need a nursing home abuse lawyer in Boca Raton, we are here to help. Call us today to reach a skilled Boca Raton personal injury lawyer ready to go to work on your case.
How do Abusers Target Nursing Home Residents?
Many people only think of physical assault when they consider how elder abuse occurs, but there are several types of mistreatment residents may endure. In addition, it surprises many people that abuse can occur unintentionally. This primarily happens through neglect. Even unintentional abuse is still abuse, however.
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse is often the easiest type to spot. It is more than just hitting and shoving, though. Unnecessary force or the use of restraint are also common. There is no reason caregivers need to use a heavy hand when helping your aging loved one. Unusual, unreported bruises should raise your suspicion.
Emotional Abuse
Emotional abusers often use fear, intimidation, humiliation, or even threats to get seniors to cooperate with them. If a particular caregiver frightens your loved one or your family member becomes withdrawn suddenly, you may want to keep a close eye on the situation. Caregivers who do not want you to be alone with a verbal senior should also raise red flags.
Sexual Abuse
No one wants to believe sexual abuse occurs in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, but ignoring the problem will do little to help abuse victims. If you see unexplained bruising on the breasts or genitals of your loved one or overhear inappropriate conversations between a caregiver and your loved one, report it right away.
Financial Abuse
Some abusers look for ways to profit at the senior’s expense. They may take valuables from your loved one’s room, steal their credit cards or checkbook, and even ask them to borrow money. When administrators are in on the abuse, they may also charge residents for treatments or services they do not need or never receive.
Neglect
Neglect is usually not intentional, but it is still one of the most common and most serious types of abuse. Often, good caregivers cannot give residents the attention they need because the nursing home administrators struggle to keep the facility fully staffed. In other situations, there are enough staff members, but they lack the training to provide the level of care the residents require.
Some of the most common signs of neglect include:
- Untreated bedsores;
- Frequent falls unrelated to a medical condition;
- Poor level of personal hygiene;
- Soiled linens or clothing;
- Giving seniors medications to alter their alertness; and
- Missed medication dosages.
What Should I do if I Suspect Nursing Home Abuse in Boca Raton?
Any time you suspect abuse, you should report it as soon as possible in order to protect your loved one and other residents in the nursing home. There is no reason for you to try to prove your suspicions or investigate what you believe you see. The authorities are much better equipped to launch an investigation and can address any serious violations they uncover.
Depending on the situation, you may have several courses of action. If anyone is in immediate danger of physical or sexual abuse or very ill because of neglect, you should call 911 or contact the local police department about your concern. In less dire circumstances, you may want to report the possible abuse to the nursing home administration first. They can often take immediate action even when no one’s life is in danger. However, monitor their reaction and take further steps to protect residents if they do not act quickly.
No matter which route you choose, you should consider filing a report with the Florida Department of Elder Affairs. You can file this complaint online or over the phone. They investigate all reports and can ensure the residents at a nursing home are receiving the level of care they need and deserve.
Do I Need to Call an Attorney About My Loved One’s Situation?
If you believe your family member was a victim of nursing home abuse, we can help you understand your legal options for pursuing compensation on their behalf. We know how emotionally taxing these cases are and understand the need to hold the liable parties financially responsible. We also know it is almost impossible to get the full amount of compensation available if you try to handle this type of claim on your own.
Nursing home abuse cases are especially complex, given the number of state and federal guidelines care facilities must follow and the numerous areas of law involved. Our resources and dedicated legal team allow us to explore how contract law, medical malpractice, personal injury, and even premises liability statutes apply to your loved one’s case.
While we may not be able to file a claim in your case until the investigation is complete and all evidence is available to us, you can go ahead and call us after you report the suspected abuse. This allows us to better document the pain and suffering your family member endured and bolsters our case when it comes time to hold the liable parties financially responsible for the damages they caused.
How Can I reach a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer?
A payout from the nursing home that allowed your loved one to suffer abuse can improve their quality of life. You may be able to move them to a better facility or even afford in-home, around-the-clock care. If you need help getting the compensation your aging family member deserves, call a nursing home abuse lawyer at the Law Firm of Anidjar & Levine today. We offer complimentary consultations and you pay us nothing until we collect compensation in your case.
We Can Help.
