It’s not easy to admit your loved one into a nursing home, and you may have a lot of concerns. However, at least you know they are safe and protected, and professional staff will provide them with outstanding care. It can be shocking when you discover that’s not the case.
Nursing home abuse can occur due to negligence or malice, and it is never acceptable. If you suspect it is happening to your loved one, it is important to take action. Our nursing home abuse lawyers in Jacksonville can help you hold the abusers financially accountable for what they’ve done.
At Blakeley Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers, we have recovered over $250 million in settlements and awards for injured victims in Florida. Call today to schedule a free consultation and find out how our Jacksonville personal injury lawyers can help you protect your loved one.
Do You Need an Attorney to Report Nursing Home Abuse?
You do not need an attorney to report nursing home abuse, but you are legally required to make a report whenever you suspect that abuse might be occurring. Your report will trigger an investigation that can result in criminal charges for staff and penalties for the facility.
That’s a good thing, but it doesn’t help recover damages on behalf of your loved one for what they’ve suffered. This is where our nursing home abuse attorneys in Jacksonville come in. We can file civil charges and help you get the compensation your family deserves.
You may be able to recover expenses for additional medical costs you’ve incurred because of the abuse or the costs of moving your loved one to another facility. Your loved one may also be entitled to non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, for the hardships they suffered.
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What Are the Types of Nursing Home Abuse?
Nursing home abuse can take many forms. It is important to remain watchful for signs of abuse and take action if you notice them. The main types of nursing home abuse include:
- Physical Abuse: This is the use of physical force that causes injury, pain, or impairment. Watch for unexplained bruises, broken bones, signs of fearfulness, or refusal to be left alone with certain staff.
- Emotional and Psychological Abuse: This includes verbal assaults, threats, and humiliation that cause emotional pain or distress. Look for warning signs like withdrawal from activities, anxiety, depression, or fear around caregivers.
- Sexual Abuse: Any non-consensual sexual contact, including with individuals unable to give consent, constitutes sexual abuse. Watch for sudden mood changes or avoidance of certain people.
- Financial Exploitation: Illegally or improperly using a resident’s money or assets. Keep watch for unexplained withdrawals, changes in financial documents, or sudden financial hardships.
- Neglect: The failure to provide necessary care, leading to harm or endangerment. Common signs include bedsores, poor hygiene, weight loss, or unsanitary living conditions.
What Should You Do if You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse?
According to Florida law, anyone who suspects elder abuse is required to report it to Adult Protective Services. You can call the Florida Abuse Hotline any time of the day or night, and it is available seven days a week.
When you have reason to believe nursing home abuse may be happening to your loved one or someone else, the worst thing you can do is keep it to yourself. There are multiple ways to involve additional people who can take action.
Call 911
If someone is in immediate danger, call emergency services. They will dispatch personnel to the scene. Depending on what they find, they may escalate the situation, but if not, at least there will be a public record of the call.
Talk to An Attorney
If you aren’t sure what to do or if you are concerned about making false accusations, speak with our Jacksonville nursing home abuse lawyers. The call is free, and we can advise you of your rights and options.
Inform the Administrator
The administrator is in a unique position to investigate your claims and take immediate protective action. In Florida, nursing home administrators are legally required to report any suspected abuse of vulnerable adults immediately to the Florida Abuse Hotline.
For serious incidents involving bodily injury, they must also notify the Agency for Health Care Administration.
Get Help from a Nursing Home Abuse Attorney in Jacksonville
It’s hard to understand how those responsible for caring for our most vulnerable populations can abuse nursing home residents. If you suspect abuse, report it right away. Besides safeguarding your loved one, you might also help end a harmful culture that threatens all residents.
The perpetrators should suffer legal consequences for their actions, and the nursing home may face a license suspension or other disciplinary actions. Our nursing home abuse attorneys in Jacksonville can hold them civilly liable for the hardships they caused your loved ones as well.
Our team at Blakeley Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers has advocated for the rights of injured accident victims for more than a decade, and that includes standing up for victims of nursing home abuse.
Call today to schedule your free consultation and learn how we can help with your case.
