How to Report Abuse and Neglect in a Nursing Home
Entrusting the care of your loved one to a nursing home can be overwhelming, especially given the statistics on elder abuse in the United States. Nursing home abuse and neglect are more common than many realize. The people who mistreat patients can be charged with crimes and held financially liable.
One of the best ways to spot nursing home abuse is to remain active in your family member’s life. Frequent and unscheduled visits can help you detect the various signs of nursing home abuse.
How Do I Report Abuse and Neglect in a Florida Nursing Home?
You should discuss your concerns with the nursing home’s administration. However, you also need to report your observations to the proper authorities. If your loved one is in immediate danger, call 911 for police assistance.
Florida laws require individuals to report suspected abuse, abandonment, neglect, self-neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult to Adult Protective Services.
There are several ways to report nursing home abuse in Florida:
- Call 1-800-962-2873 to report abuse by telephone
- You can report nursing home abuse online
- You may also report abuse by faxing a report to 1-800-914-0004
When you report nursing home abuse, you need to be able to provide specific information, including:
- The victim’s name and address
- The name and location of the nursing home
- The victim’s approximate age, sex, and race
- The physical, behavioral, and mental indications that the victim is disabled or infirmed
- The signs of abuse, injury, or harm
- Your relationship with the victim
The law offers immunity for reporting nursing home abuse. For example, if someone discovers abuse while trying to steal from a patient, the law will not prosecute them for attempted theft if they reported the abuse.
When and Why Should I Contact a Nursing Home Abuse Attorney?
If you suspect that your loved one is being abused in a Florida nursing home, report it immediately. Then, contact a nursing home abuse lawyer for a free consultation. An attorney will review the law and file a nursing home abuse claim on your family’s behalf.
Nursing homes owe a duty of care to their residents. They must take steps to protect the residents from harm and injury. Breaching the duty of care can result in a personal injury claim for damages.
Your attorney will investigate to gather evidence proving the required elements of your case.
Proving negligence requires you to establish the following:
- The nursing home had a duty of care to protect your loved one
- The nursing home breached the duty of care by failing to take reasonable steps to protect your loved one or by intentionally causing them harm
- The breach of duty was the direct and proximate cause of your loved one’s injuries
- Your loved one sustained damages because of the breach of duty
Nursing home abuse cases can be difficult to prove. Hiring an experienced Jacksonville nursing home abuse lawyer as soon as possible gives your loved one a better chance of receiving justice for what has happened to them.
What Damages Are Available in a Florida Nursing Home Abuse Claim?
No amount of money could sufficiently compensate a nursing home patient for the physical and emotional damages caused by abuse and neglect. However, the courts can offer a monetary award for damages.
Economic and non-economic damages in a nursing home abuse case may include:
- The cost of medical treatment for injuries sustained because of abuse or neglect
- The cost of therapy and counseling for psychological conditions caused by the abuse or neglect
- Suffering and pain from physical injuries
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life and quality of life
- Impairments and disabilities caused by the abuse or neglect
- The cost of securing safe housing in an alternative facility
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Filing a personal injury claim for nursing home abuse holds the facility accountable for its actions. It also helps prevent further abuse by involving government agencies and law enforcement officials.
What Are the Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect?
Family members and friends should watch for the signs of nursing home abuse and neglect. Abuse can take many forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, financial, and verbal abuse.
Signs of nursing home abuse could include:
- Isolation from family and friends
- Fear of nursing home staff
- Depression, confusion, and withdrawal without other explanations
- Appears underfed, dirty, or dehydrated
- Unsanitary conditions in rooms or other areas of the nursing home
- Bed sores and other preventable conditions
- Unexplained injuries, scars, or bruises
- Sexually transmitted diseases and injuries to the breasts or genitals
- Recent changes in finances or missing property
- Signs of being overmedicated
If you believe that your loved one is not receiving the medical care they need in a nursing home, seek a second opinion from a physician who is not affiliated with the facility. You may need to call an ambulance to take your loved one to the emergency room if they are unresponsive or show signs of severe health conditions or injuries.
How Can a Jacksonville Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Help Protect Your Loved One’s Rights?
A Jacksonville nursing home abuse attorney can help protect your loved one by:
- Investigating claims of nursing home abuse and neglect
- Assisting you in reporting abuse and neglect
- Gathering evidence to support a claim, including working with expert witnesses
- Navigating the reporting process and dealing with government agencies
- Documenting your loved one’s injuries and damages
- Filing all documents for a claim or lawsuit
- Representing you and your loved one during settlement negotiations and court proceedings
If you have questions about reporting nursing home abuse or filing a nursing home abuse claim, call our office for a free consultation. Our Jacksonville nursing home abuse attorneys are here to help you seek justice for your family member.
Contact the Jacksonville Nursing Home Abuse Law Firm of Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers Today For Help
For more information, please contact the Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra Nursing Home Abuse law firm of Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
We serve Duval County, St. Johns County, and its surrounding areas:
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Jacksonville
9471 Baymeadows Rd #105,
Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 396-1100
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Downtown Jacksonville
121 W Forsyth St Suite 1000,
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 822-4225
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Ponte Vedra
480 Town Plaza Ave #130,
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32081
(904) 675-1167