Stuart Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect Attorneys
It’s not always obvious when a loved one is being neglected or abused in a nursing home. This is why a significant number of these cases are believed to go unreported. Neglect and other forms of mistreatment might not leave physical marks, and some residents are afraid or unable to report abuse. If you suspect an aging loved one received substandard care in a nursing home, contact our nursing home abuse attorneys in Stuart for a free consultation.
At Donaldson & Weston, we have assisted hundreds of clients in high-stakes personal injury and wrongful death cases. Our lawyers are well versed in the laws that govern elder care in Florida, and we will tirelessly fight to help your family obtain the justice and compensation you deserve. Call 772-266-5555 to speak with a member of our team.
Our Stuart Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys Handle a Wide Array of Cases
The five kinds of nursing home abuse are physical, sexual, emotional, financial, and neglectful. Each kind has its own warning signs, but there are also some general red flags you can look for every time you visit an aging loved one. Our attorneys accept cases that involve all kinds of nursing home abuse and neglect including:
- Poor Hygiene: Many seniors need help with bathing and grooming. If these residents are neglected by nursing staff, their personal hygiene will suffer.
- Unsanitary Living Conditions: Rooms in long-term care facilities can be small, which means clutter is likely, but they should still be relatively clean. Visible messes, foul odors, and dirty clothes warrant an investigation into living conditions at the home.
- Unexplained Injuries: Unexplained bruises, welts, lacerations, or broken bones are serious red flags that could be signs of physical or sexual abuse.
- Bedsores: Bedsores are a clear sign that the nursing home staff is not attending to patients as often as they should.
- Malnutrition: If your loved one is not getting three balanced meals a day—or the help needed to eat them—he or she will suffer from malnutrition and experience a gradual decline in health.
- Changes in Demeanor: Victims of any kind of abuse may exhibit dramatic changes in their personality and behavior. Withdrawing from friends and becoming depressed are common symptoms.
What to Do If You Suspect Abuse or Neglect of a Loved One
If you suspect that your loved one is being mistreated in a nursing home in Florida, it is essential to take immediate action. Below, we have listed a few critial steps to take:
Observe and Document
The first step is to observe and document any signs of abuse or neglect. Look for physical signs such as bruises, cuts, bedsores, or unexplained injuries. Pay attention to any changes in behavior or mood such as anxiety, depression, or fear. Document any concerns you have, including the date and time, and keep a record of any conversations you have with your loved one or the nursing home staff.
Report to the Appropriate Authorities
Reporting suspected abuse or neglect is crucial. Contact the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-962-2873 or the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program at 1-888-831-0404. You can also report to the nursing home’s management or the state licensing agency. Be sure to provide as much information as possible, including the name of the nursing home, the date and time of the incident, and any relevant details.
Seek Medical Attention
If your loved one has suffered physical injuries, seek medical attention immediately. Document any injuries, take photographs, and keep a record of medical treatment. It is also important to inform the medical professionals of your suspicions of abuse or neglect.
Contact an Attorney
If you suspect that your loved one has suffered abuse or neglect in a nursing home, you should contact a nursing home abuse and neglect lawyer in Stuart. A nursing home abuse attorney can advise you on your legal options and help you seek compensation for any damages your loved one has suffered. They can also help you understand your rights and the legal process.
Consider Moving Your Loved One
If you suspect that your loved one is being mistreated in a nursing home, consider moving them to a different facility. Ensure that you research and visit any potential new nursing homes before making a decision.
Call Today for a Free Consultation with a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
If you recently discovered that your loved one has been mistreated at a long-term care facility, turn to Donaldson & Weston. Our consistently superior results demonstrate our commitment to excellence in every personal injury case we handle. Call 772-266-5555 or fill out our Contact Form to schedule a free consultation with one of the leading nursing home neglect lawyers in Stuart.
