855-722-2552Florida has the second-highest percentage of individuals aged 65 and older in the nation. It’s also home to some 700 nursing home facilities, which together serve nearly 74,000 of the state’s elderly residents.
Unfortunately, nursing home neglect can and does happen in Florida facilities, with our home state ranking 43rd out of 51 states on the AARP’s latest Long-Term Services and Supports Scorecard. This report evaluates the quality of nursing homes in the U.S., ranking states based on things like care innovation and caretaker recruitment, training, and pay. It also considers instances of nursing home neglect – a violation that happens all too often and can result in serious injury to vulnerable residents.
Learn more about nursing home negligence below, and if your loved one has experienced neglect at a nursing facility in Florida, contact us as soon as possible to speak with one of our Florida nursing home neglect lawyers at no cost.
What is Considered Neglect in a Florida Nursing Home?
Nursing home neglect is when a staff member fails to take action to protect a resident’s health, safety, and/or well-being. Consult with our nursing home negligence lawyers in Florida if you notice any signs of nursing home neglect, including (but not limited to):
- Failing to meet the resident’s personal hygiene needs
- Failing to provide necessary medical care
- Providing inadequate food or water
- Leaving patients unattended or isolated for long periods of time
- Leaving patients in an unclean or unsafe environment
Keep in mind that nursing home negligence is different from nursing home abuse, which is when a staff member intentionally inflicts harm on a resident. It also differs from general carelessness, which refers to instances where a nursing home staff member provides expected services but with a lack of care or attention.
If you believe your loved one has suffered neglect in a Florida nursing home, we may be able to help. Our nursing home neglect attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, and you won’t owe a dime until you win your case. Call or fill out an online contact form to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation and take that first important step toward justice.
Nursing Home Negligence and the Legal Duty of Care
Under Florida’s Nursing Home Residents’ Bill of Rights, all nursing home residents have the right to “live in a safe and decent living environment, free from abuse and neglect.” This is part of a nursing home’s duty of care – a legal, moral, and professional obligation that covers things like providing residents with appropriate medical care, proper diet, and a safe and clean environment.
To treat a patient negligently is a clear violation of both state and federal law, and your loved one may be entitled to damages. Speak with a skilled attorney for nursing home negligence in Florida to learn about your legal options and possible compensation.
Common Signs of Nursing Home Negligence
The sooner you can identify that nursing home neglect is going on, the sooner you can get your loved one to safety. Common signs and symptoms of nursing home negligence include:
- Soiled clothing or bedding
- Medication errors
- Bedsores (pressure ulcers)
- Malnutrition or dehydration
- Unsanitary or unsafe living conditions
- Severe unexplained weight loss
- Poor resident hygiene
The potential consequences of neglect in a nursing home include infection, injury, cognitive decline, and even death. It’s essential that you connect with Florida nursing home negligence lawyers who can advocate for your loved one and hold at-fault parties responsible for the harm they caused.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim of Nursing Home Neglect?
The statute of limitations on nursing home neglect is two (2) years from when the neglect was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered — and that time goes by a lot faster than you might think.
It is always recommended that you consult with a lawyer right away about suspected nursing home negligence. Your lawyer can oversee your claim from start to finish to ensure that you meet all deadlines and will handle your case while you focus on what matters most to your family: the health and safety of your loved one.
Our nursing home negligence lawyers in Florida have more than 200 years of combined experience fighting for the rights of personal injury victims, including victims of nursing home neglect. Schedule a free consultation to find out if you have a case.
Speak Today with a Florida Attorney for Nursing Home Negligence
A skilled nursing home negligence lawyer is your best defense against nursing home companies and substandard care practices. Call at the first sign of neglect, and make sure your loved one has a qualified legal expert by their side.
Services that an attorney may be able to provide your family include:
- Collecting evidence such as medical records and facility staffing reports, eyewitness testimonies, and expert opinions
- Filing an official claim of negligence against the nursing home
- Proving to insurance that negligence occurred and that direct harm was caused
- Proving damages
- Responding to requests for additional information
- Negotiating settlement amounts
- Appealing denied claims
- Pursuing additional compensation through a civil lawsuit
Potential damages for nursing home neglect vary depending on the specifics of your case. Both economic and non-economic damages are possible with these types of claims, including compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost quality of life.
Please contact us if you suspect that your loved one has experienced neglect in a nursing home. Our nursing home neglect lawyers in Florida are happy to review your case free of charge and will make sure that you know your loved one’s rights – and have someone to fight for them. Get in touch by calling us at (855) 423-5751 or filling out a confidential form.
- We represent the injured, not the powerful
- No legal fees, unless we win your case
- Over 200 years of combined experience
