Deciding to place a loved one in a nursing home is never an easy decision. Discovering that the nursing home you thought would care for and protect your loved one has been abusing or neglecting them can be devastating.
If your loved one suffered abuse or neglect while in the care of a Florida nursing home, you have legal options. A nursing home abuse lawyer in Jupiter, FL can help investigate your claim and advise you on the next steps that may be available to you.
You do not have to navigate this process alone. Our team of caring nursing home abuse attorneys is here to help your family through this difficult time. Contact The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine at 1-800-747-3733 to discuss your elder abuse case.
Types of Nursing Home Abuse Cases Our Team Handles
There are four main types of elder abuse: physical, mental, financial, and neglect. If you suspect a loved one is suffering from any of these types of nursing home abuse, our team may be able to help you pursue compensation and you owe us nothing until you get paid.
Physical Abuse
This type of abuse may include striking, punching, burning, or restraining an elder patient. It may also include sexual abuse. Signs of physical abuse include not only superficial marks, cuts, or bruises, but also behavioral changes when your loved one is in the same room as certain caretakers.
Mental Abuse
Mental abuse of an elder patient includes yelling, name-calling, verbal threats, or controlling who the patient sees or where they go. The staff may be abusive while family is visiting, so it is important to look for signs of apathy, depression, or fear.
Financial Abuse
This type of abuse threatens the financial security of your loved one. Another party may forge documents, push your loved one to open a new line of credit, change their will, or withdraw money without permission or under coercion. Make a note of any unexplained financial withdrawals or new charges you notice being made in your loved one’s name.
Neglect
Most types of abuse are caused by a caregiver who actively seeks to harm your loved one. However, neglecting a loved one’s daily needs is also a form of abuse. Neglect may include:
- Not feeding your loved one, or not providing adequate nutrition at meals
- Not providing for your loved one’s hygienic needs
- Giving incorrect dosages or the wrong medicines to your loved one
- Failing to assist your loved one with their daily tasks
Neglect can have severe physical and emotional results, including bedsores, broken bones, malnutrition, or depression. If you suspect your loved one is suffering from nursing home abuse or neglect, it is important to take action as soon as possible.
The Legal Responsibilities of Nursing Homes
Florida recognizes that elder citizens are a vulnerable population, and has enacted laws specifically designed to protect their best interests and rights.
These laws state nursing home residents have the right to:
- The same rights and liberties as other citizens
- Uncensored communication
- Organize group, social, or religious activities
- Manage their own finances
- Be informed of their medical conditions and treatments
- Privacy
- Be free of abuse, punishment, and involuntary seclusion
If you suspect your loved one is being abused or neglected, your first step is to contact 911 if they are in immediate danger. Then, contact the Adult Protective Services at 1-800-962-2873 to report the abuse or neglect.
After your loved one is safe, we can help with the legal process. Contact a nursing home abuse lawyer in Jupiter, FL at 1-800-747-3733 to discuss your elder abuse case.
Common Signs & Symptoms of Nursing Home Abuse
Nursing home abuse does not always present itself in obvious ways. While you should always keep an eye out for bruises, burns, broken bones, bed sores, or cuts, there are several less-obvious signs of nursing home abuse to look for:
- Withdrawing from friends and family
- Losing interest in previously loved activities
- Fear or anxiety
- Apathy or depression
- A messy room, especially if it wasn’t before
- Missing medical devices, such as hearing aids, glasses, or walkers
- Biting or rocking
- Unusual weight loss
Damages Your Family May Recover in a Nursing Home Abuse Case
If your loved one was abused or neglected in a Jupiter, FL nursing home, you may be eligible to recover compensation for damages, including:
Medical Care
Medical damages may include any required medical care as a result of the abuse, including long-term rehabilitation, additional medical devices, surgeries, and prescription drugs.
Fraudulently Spent Funds
If your loved one was a victim of financial abuse, you may be able to recover the funds stolen from them.
Emotional Harm
You may also be able to recover non-economic damages for pain and suffering and emotional trauma as a result of the abuse. This may include additional damages for loss of enjoyment of life or disability.
Funeral & Burial Costs
If your loved one passes as a result of their abuse, a wrongful death lawyer in Florida can help you recover compensation for funeral and burial costs.
Contact a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer in Jupiter, FL, Today
If you suspect your loved one is the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, you have the right to pursue damages on their behalf. In addition to protecting the interests of your loved one, you may also be protecting other elder residents from the same fate.
A nursing home abuse lawyer in Jupiter, Florida, can help you hold the nursing home and its staff responsible for their actions. Contact The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine at 1-800-747-3733 today for a free case evaluation.
We Can Help.
