Verbal and emotional abuse of the elderly by nursing home staff is never acceptable. If you loved one suffered this form of abuse, they may be entitled to compensation.
A Boca Raton verbal or emotional abuse lawyer from the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine can help you and your loved one seek justice with a civil claim and lawsuit.
The damage verbal and emotional abuse causes to your loved one’s mental state may result in changes in personality. If your loved one suffered verbal and emotional abuse due to a cruel nursing home staff, contact us. Call the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine now for a free case evaluation at 1-800-747-3733.
Verbal and Emotional Abuse of the Elderly
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines elder abuse as an intentional action or the failure to act, resulting in risks or harm for an elderly person’s well-being. Physical abuse is not the only kind of reported type of abuse. Verbal and emotional abuse is a danger for many nursing home residents.
Understaffing, low wages, and poor training can result in nursing home staff feeling stressed and caring for too many patients at a time. Whether they are overworked or simply in the wrong profession, verbal and emotional abuse can take the following forms:
Types of verbal abuse include, but are not limited to:
- Threats
- Insults
- Bullying
- Isolation from friends and family
- Restricting access to food
- Purposely ignoring their needs
These are just a few examples of the types of verbal and nonverbal abuse possible in a nursing home setting. No one has the right to speak in a demeaning or frightening manner to anyone—much less an elderly person who relies on the abuser for care.
Signs of Possible Verbal or Emotional Abuse in Your Loved One
The elderly are often frightened to report abuse due to fear of possible retaliation by their abuser.
Knowing what to watch for when it comes to your loved one can help you take a proactive approach to removing them from the situation. The following signs are often important clues of verbal or emotional abuse:
- Fear at seeing a certain staff member
- A withdrawn or depressed personality
- A lost of interest in favorite activities
If your loved one typically took pride in their appearance and now appear disheveled and unconcerned about how they look, this behavior may signal abuse and/or neglect.
A Boca Raton verbal or emotional abuse lawyer from the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine can help you through this difficult time. We can investigate and identify all parties responsible for your loved one’s abuse. To learn more, call us now for a free case evaluation: 1-800-747-3733.
Report the Elder Abuse Immediately
In addition to verbal and emotional abuse, the elderly may also experience physical, sexual, and financial abuse or exploitation. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), approximately 2 million elders deal with abuse in the United States. Disrespectful behavior can leave an elderly loved one believing the abuse is their fault.
Report this type of abuse as soon as possible and if necessary, remove your loved one from the facility. Seeking the services of a personal injury lawyer familiar with nursing home cases is your next important step.
If you think hiring a lawyer to represent your loved one is something you nor your loved one can afford, think again. The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine fights for the rights of nursing home victims by requiring no money down. We collect our fee only if and when we win your case.
Hold those who verbally or emotionally abused your loved one accountable for their actions. Report the abuse and seek legal representation without delay.
Types of Possible Compensation You May Recover
There is no way to predict the outcome of a civil case; however, we typically pursue the following types of damages:
- Pain and suffering
- Medical costs
If your loved one died and their death related to the abuse they suffered, you may be entitled to a wrongful death claim and lawsuit. Typical damages in such a case include:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Final medical expenses for your loved one
Each case is unique and the outcome of your case depends upon the details associated with your loved one’s care.
The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine Help Victims of Elder Abuse
A Boca Raton verbal or emotional abuse lawyer from our team will carefully review all evidence associated with your loved one’s case. From detailed accounts of witnesses to the documentation by family members, any and all evidence can help us prepare your case.
We begin the civil process by negotiating with the insurance company representing the nursing facility. If we are unable to settle your case out of court, we have no problem proceeding to trial.
Our goal is to secure the best possible outcome for our clients. Florida law (Florida Statutes § 400.0236) allows two years for cases involving nursing home abuse, making it imperative that you contact us as soon as possible.
Learning of your loved one’s abuse can devastate you as you deal with your own immediate family and work responsibilities. Handing your loved one’s case over to a member of our team can lessen your stress. We work with our clients by informing them of the latest updates regarding their case.
If your loved one suffered verbal or emotional abuse due to the hurtful and intentional actions of nursing home staff, contact us. At the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine, we respect our nation’s elderly population and we firmly believe in protecting them from any form of abuse. Let us help your loved one seek justice. Call us now for a free case evaluation at 1-800-747-3733.
We Can Help.
