Plantation, FL Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

When you discover that the facilities and employees you trusted to care for your aging loved ones have violated your trust in the most grievous way possible, it can be overwhelming. Understanding how to seek justice in such a sensitive situation is often difficult. Where do you start? 

A Plantation, Florida, nursing home abuse lawyer can help you during this difficult process to ensure that your loved one’s rights are protected and that those responsible are held accountable.

Nursing Home Residents Are at High Risk for Abuse

Nursing home residents are especially vulnerable to abuse. Many residents face limited mobility, which makes them dependent on staff for care and increases their susceptibility to neglect. 

The inherent power imbalance between staff members and residents can also create an environment where abuse may go unnoticed or unchallenged. Many elderly residents also suffer from memory problems or other health conditions, which can make it difficult for them to communicate what has happened to them, leaving them even more at risk.

Types of Abuse in Nursing Homes

Nursing home abuse is not limited to just one form of mistreatment; it can take many different shapes. Here are the four most common types of abuse in these facilities:

• Physical Abuse: This refers to any form of intentional injury inflicted on the resident by the staff, such as hitting, slapping or using physical force. Physical abuse is often visible, and it can result in bruises, broken bones or other injuries that should not go unnoticed.
  
• Sexual Abuse: This abuse involves any form of sexual contact with a resident by a staff member. Sexual abuse is not always easy to detect, especially if the resident is unable to communicate their experience clearly, but it is deeply traumatic and inexcusable.
  
• Emotional Abuse: Emotional abuse in nursing homes includes behaviors like yelling, berating, belittling or isolating a resident. This form of abuse can be just as damaging as physical abuse because it undermines the resident’s mental well-being and dignity.
  
• Financial Abuse: Financial abuse occurs when a staff member uses a resident’s money or personal assets for purposes unrelated to their care. This could involve stealing money or mismanaging finances without the resident’s consent or knowledge.
  

If you suspect any of these types of abuse are occurring, a Plantation nursing home abuse lawyer can help you take action against the responsible parties.

Warning Signs of Negligence in Nursing Homes

While it is never your fault if you didn’t notice signs of abuse or neglect sooner, some telltale warning signs may indicate negligence or abuse in a nursing home. Being aware of these common signs can help protect your loved one.

Bedsores

Bedsores are a type of wound caused by prolonged pressure on the skin, typically from being immobile on a bed or wheelchair. Nursing home staff are responsible for preventing bedsores by repositioning residents regularly. If bedsores appear, it may indicate negligence.

Unclean Conditions

Dirty rooms, unwashed sheets, grimy bathrooms and overall poor hygiene are red flags that staff may not be taking the necessary steps to care for residents properly. Unclean conditions can put residents’ health and safety at serious risk.

Bruising or Marks Around the Wrists or Ankles

Marks or bruising around the wrists or ankles could indicate that a resident is being physically restrained without their consent. Restraints should only be used under very specific circumstances, and unexplained injuries may suggest abusive behavior.

Unexplained or Frequent Injuries

Frequent falls or injuries that don’t have clear explanations should raise concerns. These could be signs of neglect, improper handling or intentional harm by staff members.

Distress in the Resident

If a resident seems more withdrawn, anxious or jumpy than usual, this could indicate that they are experiencing abuse or neglect. While they may not be able to express their distress verbally due to health conditions, behavior changes can be a key indicator.

Extreme Weightloss

While aging can naturally lead to some weight loss, rapid or severe weight loss in a nursing home resident could indicate malnutrition or dehydration. This may be due to neglectful or improper care, which needs to be addressed immediately.

Steps To Take if Nursing Home Abuse Is Suspected in Plantation

If you suspect that your loved one is experiencing abuse or neglect in a nursing home, it’s essential to take action right away. Here are the steps you can take to ensure their safety and begin the process of seeking justice.

Document the Evidence

The first step in addressing potential nursing home abuse is to gather as much evidence as possible. Here’s what you should do to start:

• Take Photos: If you notice any visible signs of physical injury, take clear photos. Also, photograph any unsanitary conditions, such as unclean rooms or a lack of proper medical care.
  
• Record Conversations: If possible, document conversations with your loved one regarding their treatment, and make note of any signs of distress, confusion or fear that they may express.
  
• Collect Medical Records: Obtain medical records or reports from the nursing home, which may include assessments, treatment logs and notes on the individual’s physical and mental health. This can help identify if neglect is taking place or if there are unexplained injuries.
  
• Note Unusual Behavior: Keep a log of any unusual behaviors from staff members, such as sudden mood changes, reluctance to communicate with family or isolation of residents. This can provide insight into potential emotional or psychological abuse.

Having thorough, well-documented evidence will significantly bolster your case and provide necessary support for both legal and investigative actions.

Reach Out to the Authorities

Contact Adult Protective Services (APS) to report adult abuse. In Florida, APS is responsible for investigating reports of elder abuse, neglect or exploitation. They can take immediate action to ensure the safety of your loved one, including removing them from the facility if necessary.

Also, file a formal complaint with the Florida Department of Elder Affairs or the nursing facility’s governing body. These organizations oversee nursing home operations and can conduct inspections or initiate investigations.

If there are signs of criminal activity, such as physical assault, theft or sexual abuse, you should immediately report the situation to local law enforcement. 

Contact a Lawyer 

Contact a lawyer who serves Plantation, FL, and has experience with nursing home abuse claims. A lawyer can guide you on how to ensure long-term protection for your loved one, whether it’s helping to transfer them to a safer facility or holding the nursing home accountable through a lawsuit.

Compensation Available to Those Who Have Experienced Nursing Home Abuse

If you or a loved one has experienced nursing home abuse, there are various forms of compensation that may be pursued. A lawyer can help determine which options are appropriate for your case:

• Economic Compensation: Covers costs related to the abuse, such as medical bills, the cost of relocating the resident to a safer environment or reimbursement for stolen property.
  
• Pain and Suffering: Addresses the emotional distress and physical pain the victim endured as a result of the abuse.
  
• Punitive Damages: Meant to punish the abuser or the nursing home for their actions. These damages act as a deterrent to prevent future incidents of abuse or negligence.

An experienced lawyer can guide you through the process of filing a claim and make sure you pursue all available compensation.

A Plantation Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Can Help You Get Justice

If your loved one is experiencing nursing home abuse in Plantation, Florida, don’t hesitate to contact Kogan & DiSalvo. Our personal injury lawyers are committed to offering professional support and advocacy to protect the rights and safety of nursing home residents.

Contact us for a confidential, no-cost consultation to discuss your concerns and help you understand your legal options. Our experienced team is ready to take the necessary steps to hold accountable those responsible, ensuring your loved one receives the care they deserve.