Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale

Nursing homes have a duty to care for their residents. If your loved one has suffered mistreatment in a nursing home, a Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer can help you pursue damages.

When you entrust a loved one to a nursing home, you expect compassionate, professional care. Unfortunately, some facilities fail to meet these standards, and it often results in serious harm.

Since 2013, the team at Blakeley Law Firm has recovered more than $250 million for our clients. If your loved one has been abused or neglected, a nursing home abuse lawyer in Fort Lauderdale can help you file a claim and achieve the justice your family deserves.

Can You Sue a Nursing Home in Fort Lauderdale?

Yes, you can sue a nursing home in Fort Lauderdale if there is evidence of abuse, neglect, or any form of mistreatment.

Under Florida law, nursing homes owe a duty of care to their residents. When they breach this duty by failing to provide proper medical care, basic necessities, or protection from harm, they can be held liable.

Lawsuits can be brought against individual staff members, management companies, or the nursing home itself, depending on who was responsible for the mistreatment. A Fort Lauderdale nursing home abuse lawyer can help you file a claim.

How Can a Fort Lauderdale Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Help?

If your loved one has suffered nursing home abuse, a lawyer can help by:

• Investigating the incident and gathering evidence
• Interviewing witnesses and staff
• Negotiating a fair settlement
• Representing you in court (if necessary)

A Fort Lauderdale nursing home abuse attorney can ensure that your loved one’s rights are protected and that your family receives justice.

For How Much Can You Sue a Nursing Home?

Nursing home abuse settlements range from tens of thousands to millions of dollars. The value of your claim will depend on factors like the severity of the abuse, its impact on your loved one, and the strength of the evidence supporting your claim.

A nursing home abuse attorney in Fort Lauderdale can analyze your case and estimate its worth.

Types of Compensation You Can Recover

If your nursing home lawsuit is successful, you may be able to recover several types of compensation, including:

• Medical expenses: You can recover the cost of treating any injuries or health issues caused by the abuse or neglect.
• Pain and suffering: You can receive compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress your loved one has endured.
• Relocation costs: You can be reimbursed for relocation expenses if you had to move your loved one to a safer facility.
• Punitive damages: You may be awarded additional compensation if you can prove that intentional harm or gross negligence was at play.
• Wrongful death damages: If the abuse resulted in your loved one’s death, you can seek compensation for funeral costs, loss of companionship, and other related losses.

A Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorney can make sure your family is compensated for all of your losses.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuits in Florida?

According to Chapter 429, Section 296 of Florida law, the statute of limitations for nursing home abuse lawsuits is generally two years from the date the abuse or neglect was discovered (or reasonably should have been discovered).

A personal injury attorney in Fort Lauderdale can help you file your claim promptly.

What Evidence Is Needed for a Successful Nursing Home Lawsuit?

Common types of evidence that may support your nursing home abuse claim include:

• Medical records: These can show signs of injuries, malnutrition, dehydration, untreated illnesses, or a sudden decline in health that may suggest neglect or abuse.
• Photographs: Pictures of bruises, bedsores, unsafe living conditions, or poor hygiene can provide visual proof of abuse or neglect.
• Witness statements: Testimonies from staff members, other residents, or family members who observed questionable behavior or conditions can support your claim.
• Facility records: Documentation such as staffing schedules, incident reports, prior complaints, or inspection violations can reveal patterns of misconduct or understaffing.
• Expert testimony: Medical professionals or nursing home care experts can explain how the abuse occurred, the extent of the harm, and how the facility’s standard of care was violated.

A lawyer can help secure and preserve evidence before it’s altered, lost, or destroyed.

How Long Does a Nursing Home Lawsuit Take in Florida?

It can take anywhere from several months to several years to resolve a nursing home abuse lawsuit. While some claims settle quickly through negotiation, others require litigation and trial, especially when liability is disputed.

Your case’s duration will depend on the complexity of the case, the willingness of all parties to settle, and the court’s schedule. An attorney can guide you through the process.

Types of Nursing Home Abuse

Abuse in nursing homes can take many forms, including:

• Physical abuse, such as hitting, slapping, or using excessive force
• Emotional or psychological abuse, such as verbal threats, humiliation, or isolation
• Sexual abuse, such as unwanted touching or non-consensual sexual contact
• Neglect, which may involve failing to provide food, water, hygiene, or medical care
• Financial exploitation, such as stealing money or manipulating a resident for financial gain

Signs of Nursing Home Abuse

Some of the most common signs of nursing home abuse are:

• Unexplained bruises, cuts, or injuries
• Sudden weight loss or malnutrition
• Poor hygiene or unsanitary living conditions
• Withdrawal from social activities
• Unusual behavior, such as fear or confusion
• Changes in financial accounts or missing valuables

What to Do if You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse

If you believe your loved one is being abused or neglected in a nursing home, take these steps:

1. Ensure their safety: If your loved one is in immediate danger, call 911 or move them to a safer environment.
2. Report the abuse: File a complaint with the Florida Department of Children and Families or the Agency for Health Care Administration.
3. Document everything: Take notes and photographs, and gather any relevant records or communications.
4. Contact a lawyer: Contact a Fort Lauderdale nursing home abuse attorney to discuss next steps.

Contact a Nursing Home Abuse Attorney in Fort Lauderdale

No one should ever have to suffer from nursing home abuse. If you suspect your loved one has been abused or neglected in a nursing home, a Fort Lauderdale nursing home abuse attorney from Blakeley Law Firm can help you pursue the compensation your family is entitled to.

Schedule a free consultation to learn about how you can hold the responsible parties accountable.