When a loved one enters a nursing home in Palm Beach County, you expect the staff to care for them and provide for their needs. When this does not occur or if abuse is suspected, you may be dealing with feelings of anger and guilt.
Nursing home abuse is a terrible act that should never occur. If you suspect your loved one is being neglected or abused, you have the legal right to hold the nursing home legally liable for their actions or neglect.
After ensuring the immediate safety of your loved one, consider contacting a nursing home abuse lawyer in Palm Beach County, Florida. The team at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine can help you fight for what is right. Call us today at 1-800-747-3733.
Common Types of Nursing Home Abuse Our Firm Handles in Palm Beach County, FL
Nursing home abuse and neglect can come in many different forms, including physical abuse, mental abuse, nursing home neglect, financial abuse, and sexual abuse. Our nursing home abuse lawyers in Palm Beach County have experience in handling all types of abuse and neglect cases.
Physical Nursing Home Abuse
Physical abuse is what most often comes to mind when people think of abuse. This type of abuse may include hitting, pinching, throwing, or restraining the victim. Common symptoms include bruises, broken bones, scrapes, cuts, and marks from restraints.
Mental Nursing Home Abuse
Mental abuse may not leave physical evidence but can be just as damaging as physical abuse. Nursing home residents may be yelled at, called names, experience verbal threats, or prevented from going places or seeing friends and family. Symptoms might include depression, fear, or increased anxiety.
Nursing Home Neglect
By Florida law, nursing homes are required to provide for your loved one’s daily needs, including ensuring they have access to medication, food, showers, and medical care. Common symptoms include bedsores, deteriorating health, and dirty clothing, sheets, or living quarters.
Financial Nursing Home Abuse
Financial abuse can threaten the long-term financial assets of your entire family. A person may open accounts in your loved one’s name, attempt to change their will, or refuse to allow your loved one to access their own finances.
Sexual Assault or Abuse
Bedridden or less-mobile elders may be particularly susceptible to sexual abuse. Symptoms may include signs of physical abuse as well as depression and fear.
Florida Laws Protecting Elder Citizens & Nursing Home Residents
The state of Florida recognizes that nursing home residents are particularly venerable to abuse and neglect. Many residents cannot speak up for themselves, or feel like they have no other options.
The Florida Nursing Home Bill of Rights lays out the specific rights provided to all nursing home residents, including:
- Live in a safe living environment, free of abuse or neglect
- Be treated with dignity and provided privacy
- Retain their personal belongings in their room
- The ability to communicate in private, including sending and receiving unopened mail, make phone calls, and visit with persons of their choosing.
- Participate in activities with other community members
- Worship as they see fit
- Have access and assistance in obtaining adequate health care
Signs Your Loved One May Be Experiencing Nursing Home Abuse
When most of us think of abuse, we expect broken bones, bruises, and other physical, visible injuries. Nursing home abuse does not always look the way we expect it will. Here are a few signs that your loved one may be experiencing abuse at the hands of their care team.
- Reduced communication with friends, family, or loved one
- Loss of interest in hobbies or activities that used to bring them joy
- Increased fear or anxiety, possibly in the form of paranoia
- Startling or flinching, especially at loud sounds or movement
- Depression or mood swings
- Rapid weight loss with no medical explanation
- Biting, rocking, or other compulsive behaviors
- Misplaced or missing medical devices, such as glasses, hearing aids, or mobility devices
- Bedsores
- A room in disarray
If you suspect abuse or neglect in Palm Beach County, your first step should be to make sure they are safe. Then, consider contacting a nursing home abuse lawyer in Palm Beach County, Florida to explore your legal options. Our team can be reached at 1-800-747-3733.
Damages Your Loved One May Recover in a Palm Beach County Nursing Home Abuse Claim
If your loved one suffered abuse or neglect in Palm Beach County, you have the right to pursue damages on their behalf. Depending on the details of your loved one’s situation, you may be able to recover the following damages.
- The cost of medical care for injuries caused by abuse or neglect
- Additional compensation for long-term care, if your loved one is less able to care for themselves as a result of the abuse or neglect
- Pain and suffering damages for the physical and emotional pain they endured
- Restitution for any financial assets they loss as a result of fraud, abuse, or neglect
If your loved one passes away because of nursing home abuse or neglect, you may also be eligible to collect damages in a wrongful death case.
Contact a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer in Palm Beach County, FL Today
Deciding to place a loved one in a Palm Beach County nursing home is never easy. Many clients come to us with feelings of guilt and anger that anyone could treat a venerable person in such a manner.
Our nursing home abuse lawyers in Palm Beach County understand the stress, guilt, and anger you may be dealing with. Holding the at-fault party financially responsible for their abuse or neglect cannot prevent the abuse from happening to your loved one, but it may protect others from facing the same dire situation.
If you suspect a loved one is being abused in Palm Beach County, Florida, we can help. Call the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine today at 1-800-747-3733 for a free case review.
We Can Help.
