If you discovered that a loved one suffered physical abuse at the hands of those entrusted with their care, you may have legal options. A Boca Raton physical abuse lawyer can help you pursue justice and possible compensation on behalf of your parent, grandparent, or other close relative.
Those who rely on the 24-hour care of a skilled nursing facility are vulnerable, defenseless, and often unable—or afraid—to inform others of the abuse. Any form of abuse that caused your loved one’s bruises or broken hip is unacceptable (and most likely criminal).
At The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine, our attorneys understand how devastating such abuse is for you and your loved one. If your loved one suffered physical abuse by the very people you trusted to care for them, call us for a free case evaluation now: 1-800-747-3733.
Important Tips for Spotting Possible Physical Abuse
Physical abuse is one of the most commonly documented forms of nursing home abuse, according to the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA). An impatient, untrained, or stressed caregiver may slap, hit, push, pinch, or burn a resident—serious injuries.
The NCEA states that many nursing home residents are reluctant to share information regarding their abuse due to the fear of retaliation from their abuser. Residents who suffer from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease may not possess the cognitive ability to comprehend what they experience or to communicate about the abuse.
Watching for the following signs and symptoms of possible physical abuse is important for taking immediate action:
- Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, scars
- Broken eyeglasses
- Physical signs of restraint
- Unexplained broken bones
- Unexplained falls
Not all signs of physical abuse are easy to spot. Long sleeves or other deceptive measures can keep bruises, cuts, and other abuse out-of-sight from loved ones.
There are other possible clues that may signal abuse:
- Rocking back and forth
- Trouble sleeping
- Fear at seeing a particular caregiver
- Withdrawn personality
- Loss of interest in favorite activities
If your loved one exhibits symptoms of physical abuse or is under a doctor’s care for abuse injuries, they may be entitled to compensation. A Boca Raton physical abuse lawyer from The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine can assist you with a personal injury claim and lawsuit. Call us now for a free case evaluation: 1-800-747-3733.
What to Do When Insurance Companies Contact You
An insurance company representing the nursing home may contact you to offer you a settlement. The harm your loved one endured deserves more than a low dollar amount aimed at settling the case quickly.
The expense of relocating your loved one to a new facility—along with the pain and suffering of their abuse—is why you should not accept a settlement offer alone. Should you accept a settlement without legal representation and your loved one worsens, you may lose your right to pursue compensation due to the settlement.
At The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine, we recognize the various tactics insurance companies may use to underpay or to deny personal injury claims. We stand firm in our negotiations and we are willing to take your case to trial, if necessary.
The knowledge that someone is at work protecting your best interests can leave you feeling relieved and less anxious about your case.
Nursing Home Abuse and the Statute of Limitations
Florida law (Florida Statutes § 400.0236) allows two years for pursuing a civil lawsuit for nursing home abuse. If you miss this important timeframe for filing your lawsuit, you may be barred from pursuing compensation forever.
Important evidence for your case includes such evidence as:
- Medical reports for your loved one’s injuries
- Pictures of their injuries
- Contact information for witnesses
These are just a few of the types of evidence that may help your case. It is vital that you gather all evidence and contact The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine as soon as possible. Upon review of your evidence, we can prepare your case for the best outcome possible.
Fight for Justice for Your Loved One
The physical abuse your loved one endured demands justice. Pursuing civil action against those liable for the harm may just prevent future abuse for other residents.
The elderly need advocates to represent their best interests. Removing your loved one from the facility in which they experienced the abuse is a positive first step. Securing legal representation is an important next step for holding those liable accountable for their abuse.
If your loved one suffered serious injuries due to physical abuse by those entrusted with their care, you are not alone. A member of our team can help you through this stressful and emotional time.
The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine Can Help You and Your Loved One
Comforting and caring for your loved one—in addition to the needs of your immediate family—is exhausting. Leave the details of your personal injury case to a member of our team. We will keep you informed of the latest developments regarding the progress of your claim or lawsuit.
At The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine, you pay nothing unless we win compensation for you. We offer free case evaluations that can help you learn about the next steps necessary for legal action.
If your loved one suffered physical abuse at the hands of those entrusted with their care, fight for justice on their behalf. A Boca Raton physical abuse lawyer from our team can provide legal representation aimed at securing the best possible outcome of your case.
Should the party responsible for your loved one’s harm face criminal charges, your right to pursue a civil case remains. Start your journey toward possible financial compensation by calling us now for your free case evaluation: 1-800-747-3733.
We Can Help.
