Statistics in the U.S. indicate that one-tenth of all adults over the age of 60 experience some form of physical, emotional, or financial abuse, according to the National Institute on Aging (NIA). Sadly, many of those abused and neglected men and women are nursing home residents.
Abuse or neglect in a nursing home is never acceptable and should always be addressed and stopped. If you recently discovered that your elderly parent or spouse was the victim of nursing home abuse that caused otherwise unexplained weight loss or hair loss, you could have the basis of a financial compensation claim against the nursing home.
When you are ready to seek financial compensation for the mistreatment of your loved one, a Tampa rapid weight loss or hair loss lawyer from our team may support you in your fight for compensation. Contact our Tampa nursing home abuse lawyer to see how hard we fight for injured nursing home residents.
Warning Signs of Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect
If a rapid change in their weight or sudden hair loss led you to suspect your elderly mother, father, or spouse of being abused, neglected, or otherwise mistreated in the nursing home you trusted with their care, you might have the basis of a financial compensation insurance claim or lawsuit.
Additional signs of nursing home abuse or neglect you should be on the lookout for, according to the NIA, include the following:
- Disinterest in previously enjoyed activities
- Sloppy, unkempt personal appearance
- Restlessness or difficulty sleeping
- Unexplained weight loss
- Seemingly unwarranted irritability or agitation
- Sudden and unexplained violent behavior
- Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or scars
- Dirty, unmaintained personal space
If you notice one or more of these symptoms and believe your loved one might be in a nursing home that is not providing them with an acceptable level of care, contact a member of our nursing home investigation team as soon as possible. Our team may be able to help you explore your options for financial compensation and learn more about your loved one’s nursing home rights.
Florida’s Nursing Home Bill of Rights
The elderly residents of nursing homes in Tampa have certain rights that should never be violated. In fact, according to Florida Statutes § 429.28, the law makes a violation of these rights an illegal act. Florida’s Nursing Home Bill of Rights entitles your elderly parent or spouse to the following:
- A safe and reasonable living environment
- Freedom from abuse or neglect
- Respectful, considerate treatment
- Control of their personal property
- Private written and oral outside communication
- Access to community services and activities
- Control of their financial affairs
- Access to health care as needed
If your loved one’s rights were ignored or disregarded in the nursing home you trusted with their daily care, you also have rights. Our team may be able to show you how to navigate the financial recovery system to fight for the rights of your loved one and collect the financial compensation you are due.
Damages You May Be Able to Recover with a Nursing Home Abuse Claim
When you discover your loved one is being abused or ill-treated, your first priority is likely to be seeking medical care to assess their physical condition and ensure they receive any necessary treatment. You might also want to relocate your family member to a location where you can be assured of their safety and where they will feel comfortable and secure.
Doing so will come at a financial cost. You may be able to recoup these costs and more from the at-fault party in a nursing home abuse claim. The recoverable damages you may expect to receive include:
- Current and future medical care during your loved one’s recovery
- Necessary expenses to move your loved one to a safe nursing facility
- Physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, and emotional distress
- Psychological and emotional advocacy, therapy, and support
- Replacement costs for your loved one’s personal property, if needed
Find out how valuable your compensation claim can be with the assistance of a Tampa rapid weight loss or hair loss lawyer. Contact a member of our case evaluation team at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine by calling (800) 747-3733 as soon as you become aware of your loved one’s condition. Our team will go to work building your compensation claim right away to ensure compliance with Florida’s statute of limitations.
Contact a Member of Our Nursing Home Abuse Team Immediately
Seek legal assistance as soon as you become aware of the cause of your family member’s changed appearance. In fact, the sooner you contact a member of our nursing home abuse team, the better because the state limits the time you have to file a lawsuit against the nursing home or its ownership.
In Tampa, Florida Statutes § 400.0236 generally limits the time you have to file a personal injury claim for nursing home abuse to two years. If you fail to file your lawsuit within the allotted amount of time, you may not be able to file it at all. If that happens, you could inadvertently relinquish your right to compel the nursing home to compensate you for your loved one’s injuries and their injury-related expenses.
Our Team Fights Hard Against Nursing Home Abuse
When you find out your loved one was victimized in their nursing home, you could have the basis of an insurance claim or lawsuit for financial recovery. Our client care team will go the extra mile to ensure you get the financial compensation you are entitled to.
Find out how a Tampa rapid weight loss or hair loss lawyer can let you focus on your loved one’s recovery while we concentrate on everything else. When you are ready to hold the at-fault nursing home liable for your loved one’s current condition, contact the nursing home abuse team at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine by calling (800) 747-3733.