Nursing home abuse is an unpleasant subject that most would prefer not to think about if possible. Unfortunately, it is a sad reality that happens countrywide, leading to severe, life-threatening, and sometimes fatal injuries.
Moving a person you love to a nursing home and trusting they will provide the same love and care as you is difficult. Discovering or suspecting that they have betrayed your trust through intentional or unintentional harm is infuriating and can have devastating effects. A compassionate personal injury attorney could help you hold a negligent facility accountable. Call our firm today to schedule a consultation with a Tavares nursing home abuse lawyer.
Common Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
Various forms of nursing home abuse may involve physical, emotional, mental, or financial harm. Common signs to watch for include the following:
- Questionable or unexplained bruises, broken bones, dislocations, or sprains
- Infections and bedsores
- Instances of wandering/elopement
- Bouncing checks and unexplained bank withdrawals
- Reluctance to speak in staff members’ presence
- Unattended medical needs and incorrect prescriptions
- Dehydration and malnutrition
- Falls and head injuries
- Unsanitary or unclean conditions
- Sudden changes in behavior, such as regression or withdrawal
- Heavy medication or sedation
- Being injured by another resident
Some types of mistreatment or neglect are more challenging to recognize than others. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), emotional abuse is the most common type of harm inflicted in rest homes. The NCEA defines emotional abuse as inflicting pain or distress through verbal or nonverbal acts, including insults, intimidation, humiliation, isolation, threats, and more. A caring Tavares attorney could review a specific case of suspected nursing home abuse and help individuals gather the information and evidence needed to establish liability.
The Rights of Nursing Home Residents
According to Florida Statute § 400.022, nursing home and long-term care facility residents have certain legal rights. A violation of those privileges is cause for civil litigation and, in some cases, criminal investigation. Residents have the legal right to the following:
- Freedom from physical, psychological, emotional, and financial abuse
- Services to improve or preserve their health
- Respect, fairness, and dignity
- The right to privacy within the facility, with sending mail and while making phone calls
- The ability to take part in healthcare planning, including refusing treatment, and a reasonable selection of healthcare providers and pharmacies
- Participate in social activities of their choosing, including religious, social, and communal
- The ability to submit complaints and grievances without retaliation
A solid understanding of these rules and regulations helps protect residents from victimization, leading to severe physical or psychological injuries or death.
The Right to Seek Civil Action
Florida statutes also grant residents the right to seek civil action when a facility violates their rights. Under Florida Statute § 400.023, nursing home and long-term care facility residents have the legal right to pursue action to recover damages from the facility or organization after violations. A skilled nursing facility abuse attorney in Tavares could conduct a rigorous investigation to determine if a rest home is in violation of Florida legislation.
Meet With a Tavares Nursing Home Abuse Attorney
Nursing home abuse can have devastating consequences on the lives of elderly individuals and their families. Residents deserve to live in comfort with dignity and respect. Sadly, abuse and neglect are significant nationwide problems in long-term care facilities. If you suspect harm is occurring, you must act quickly to protect your loved one and other residents.
Call an experienced Tavares nursing home abuse lawyer to begin investigating immediately.
