Nursing home abuse can cause serious physical and emotional damage to vulnerable, elderly, or disabled patients. If a caregiver or residential facility harmed your family member or loved one, you need legal assistance to get them to safety and obtain the medical treatment they may require.
The attorneys with the Law Firm of Anidjar & Levine can help you hold the perpetrator accountable for their actions and obtain financial compensation for your loved one’s care. Contact us at 800-747-3733 today to speak to a nursing home abuse lawyer in Punta Gorda.
Is Nursing Home Abuse Common in Punta Gorda?
Unfortunately, nursing and residential care home abuse is all too common in Punta Gorda and throughout Florida. In fact, the state’s Department of Elder Affairs reports that police investigated approximately 54,000 incidents of nursing home abuse during the 2015-2016 fiscal year.
By learning to recognize the signs of neglect or abuse, family members can better protect their loved one from victimization. Unfortunately, many types of mistreatment or abuse do not present with obvious signs or indications.
How Can I Tell When Nursing Home Abuse Is Happening?
When you know what to look for, you will be better prepared to recognize the presence of elder abuse in the residential care setting. Abuse can take several forms, including physical, emotional, financial, and sexual abuse. Neglect is also extremely common.
If you notice any of the following warning signs, contact us right away for help.
Physical Abuse Warning Signs
- Bedsores
- Broken bones
- Dislocations
- Cuts and bruises
- Scratches and scrapes
- Bedsores
- Scalds or burns
- Unexplained falls
- Head injuries
- Internal injuries
- Infections
Psychological Abuse Warning Signs
- Fear
- Withdrawal
- Depression
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Refusal to speak
- Panic, especially upon the departure of visitors
Sexual Abuse Warning Signs
- Pelvic pain
- Trouble walking
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Recurring urinary tract infections
- Hesitance to sit down
- Unexplained bruising
- Agitation
- Social withdrawal
- Panic or fearfulness
Financial Abuse Warning Signs
- Identity theft
- Missing or forged checks
- Missing credit cards
- Unexplained credit card activity
- Unexplained bank withdrawal
- New credit accounts
Neglect Warning Signs
- Poor hygiene
- Dirty clothing
- Dirty bedding
- Missing medication or missed doses
- Dehydration
- Malnutrition
This list is not exhaustive. Your loved one’s situation may involve any type of threat to their physical, psychological, or financial well-being. If you suspect any type of abuse is occurring, it is essential that you contact the authorities immediately.
What Are My Legal Rights When Nursing Home Abuse Occurs?
Throughout the state of Florida, nursing and residential care home abuse is a crime—potentially on multiple levels. Depending on the nature of the abuse, the crime may fall under the provisions contained in the Florida State Statutes for caregiver neglect or abuse. It may also violate medical malpractice and assault statutes. In addition to violating state laws, nursing home abuse also violates federal law.
If you see evidence of abuse, call the police immediately for help. Next, contact one of our lawyers to help you protect the legal rights of your loved one.
How Can a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Help My Loved One?
In the event of abuse, focus first on getting your family member medical attention in a safe, secure location. We can help you get the medical treatment the victim needs and guide you through the process of relocating them safely. We can also work to preserve evidence of neglect or abuse to help build your legal case against the residential facility or caregiver.
A thorough physical and psychological examination can help determine the extent of the victim’s injuries and identify his or her current and future medical care needs.
When a loved one suffers abuse of this nature, it can be devastating for the family. We will act as a powerful advocate for you, helping you understand your options and providing compassionate counsel.
We will talk to witnesses, obtain safety records from the nursing home, consult medical experts, and gather evidence to support your claim. Although no settlement can compensate your loved one for what they have experienced, it will send a clear message that the care facility will not get away with abusing vulnerable residents.
How Much Is My Claim Worth?
This question is important as you try to figure out how your family will pay for all the treatment and care your loved one needs, now and in the future. We can help you determine the full value of your claim based on the details of your case. It should include:
- Medical treatment costs to date;
- Relocation costs;
- Future costs for medical treatment and care; and
- Pain and suffering.
If your loved one suffered any long-term or permanent injuries, including psychological damage, we will include the legal value to that damage in your claim.
What Is the Process for Filing a Nursing Home Abuse Claim?
The technical aspects of filing a residential care abuse claim depend on the details of the case and who was at fault for the victim’s harm. The process also depends on which laws the at-fault parties violated.
We may pursue your claim through the nursing home or care center’s insurance company. If the negligence of a doctor or medical professional contributed, we may also pursue resolution from that individual’s medical malpractice insurance.
To prepare the claim, we will assemble documentation like police reports, medical records, statements from doctors and psychological professionals, witness statements, photographs of the victim’s injuries, and expert testimony.
Once we submit your claim, the insurance company will likely attempt to negotiate, to minimize their liability. This is where our knowledge and experience become invaluable. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we may recommend pursing legal action through the courts.
How Can I Find a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer in Punta Gorda?
When the health and safety of a family member are at risk, you must move quickly to avoid further harm. Finding an attorney to assist you will help ensure that you can provide the type of support and care your loved one needs.
The compassionate attorneys of Law Firm of Anidjar & Levine will work tirelessly for your family, protecting your loved one’s legal rights and pursuing the financial compensation they deserve for their injuries, pain, and suffering.
Contact us today at 800-747-3733 to schedule a free consultation and case review.
We Can Help.
