Hialeah Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Nursing home abuse is a critical issue in Hialeah, Florida, impacting many elderly residents. If you suspect your loved one has suffered abuse in a nursing home, it’s vital to take immediate action. It is important to seek legal recourse to hold those responsible accountable and secure the compensation your family deserves.

Why Hire Nursing Home Law Center

At Nursing Home Law Center, our mission is to secure justice and fair compensation for those affected by nursing home abuse and neglect. Our dedicated legal team has a strong history of successfully managing nursing home abuse cases with care and securing substantial settlements and verdicts.

We perform in-depth investigations to make sure that every aspect of the abuse—ranging from medical costs to emotional distress and other damages—is thoroughly addressed. With our extensive knowledge in handling nursing home abuse claims, we efficiently manage the complexities and fight relentlessly to safeguard your rights.

We offer compassionate and clear support throughout the entire process, ensuring that you and your loved ones stay informed, protected, and confident every step of the way.

Types of Cases Handled by Our Hialeah Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers

Nursing home abuse refers to any intentional or negligent act that causes harm to elderly residents in nursing homes. Our Hialeah nursing home abuse lawyers are experienced in handling a wide range of cases, including:

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse involves the use of force against a nursing home resident, resulting in serious injury, pain, or impairment. This assault includes hitting, slapping, or pushing, as well as improper use of restraints.

Mental and Emotional Abuse

Mental and emotional abuse occurs when a resident is subjected to verbal assaults, threats, humiliation, or isolation, causing psychological harm. Examples include staff members yelling at residents, belittling them, or intentionally isolating them from social interactions, leading to feelings of worthlessness, depression, and anxiety.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse in nursing homes involves any non-consensual sexual contact with a resident. This violation can range from inappropriate touching to rape. Senior residents, particularly those with cognitive impairments, are vulnerable to this horrific form of abuse, which can leave lasting emotional and physical scars.

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice in nursing homes occurs when residents receive inadequate medical care, leading to serious health complications. Common examples include the development of bedsores due to improper care, medication errors that cause harm, and failure to diagnose or treat medical conditions promptly.

Negligence

Negligence involves the failure to provide proper care and attention. This neglect can manifest in poor hygiene, malnutrition, dehydration, and even elopement, where a resident wanders away from the facility unsupervised.

Financial Abuse

Financial abuse occurs when someone illegally or improperly uses a resident’s funds, property, or assets. This can include stealing money, forging signatures, or coercing the resident into altering their will or financial documents. Senior residents, particularly those with limited cognitive abilities, are often targeted for financial exploitation.

Wrongful Death

Wrongful death in nursing homes happens when a resident dies due to abuse, neglect, or medical malpractice. This loss could result from severe neglect, such as untreated bedsores leading to infection, or from physical abuse that causes fatal injuries. 

Families affected by wrongful death have the right to seek legal recourse and hold the responsible parties accountable.

Understanding Your Legal Rights

Nursing home residents in Hialeah, Florida, and the United States are entitled to certain fundamental rights that protect them from abuse, neglect, and inadequate care. These rights are guaranteed under federal and state laws, ensuring that residents in nursing homes receive the respect and care they deserve.

Federal Legal Protections

The Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987 is one of the key federal laws safeguarding the rights of nursing home residents. This act mandates that nursing homes participating in Medicare and Medicaid programs meet specific standards to ensure the safety, health, and well-being of their residents.

Florida State-Specific Protections

In addition to federal protections, Florida has its own set of laws designed to protect residents in nursing homes. The Florida Legislature has enacted several statutes that outline the responsibilities of nursing homes and the rights of their residents. These include:

• The Florida Nursing Home Residents’ Bill of Rights: This state law provides specific protections for nursing home residents, including the right to be treated with dignity, the right to privacy, and the right to receive adequate care and services.
• Mandatory Reporting Laws: In Florida, strict laws require healthcare providers, nursing home staff, and even family members to report nursing home abuse or neglect to the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration or other relevant authorities.

These legal frameworks ensure that nursing home facilities in Hialeah and throughout Florida maintain high standards of care and that any violations are addressed promptly.

Eligibility to File a Claim 

When nursing home negligence occurs, several parties have the right to file a claim on behalf of the affected resident. These include:

• The Resident Themselves: If the resident is capable, they can file a claim directly to seek justice and recover compensation for the harm they have suffered.
• Family Members or Legal Guardians: If the resident is incapacitated or unable to advocate for themselves, family members, such as adult children, spouses, or legal guardians, can file a claim.
• Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys: A qualified Hialeah nursing home abuse lawyer can also initiate a claim on behalf of the resident or their family, ensuring that the legal process is followed correctly and the resident’s rights are fully protected.

Liability in Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse Cases 

In cases of nursing home neglect and abuse, multiple parties may be held accountable for the harm caused to residents. Examples of liable parties in nursing home abuse lawsuits:

Nursing Home Facilities

If the facility fails to provide proper staffing, training, or supervision or overlooks signs of abuse, it can be held accountable. This responsibility includes situations where the facility did not perform proper background checks on staff members or failed to maintain the premises, leading to unsafe conditions.

Nursing Home Staff Members

Individual caregivers, such as nurses, aides, and other staff members, can also be held personally liable for acts of abuse or neglect. This includes direct actions such as physical or emotional abuse, as well as neglecting to provide necessary care, leading to a resident’s injury or deterioration in health.

Nursing Home Administrators and Management

Administrators and management personnel who oversee the daily operations of nursing homes can be liable if they fail to implement and enforce policies that protect residents from abuse and neglect. 

This includes situations where management knowingly ignores reports of abuse or fails to address systemic issues such as inadequate staffing levels or poor hygiene practices. In some cases, nursing home administrators may be liable for not adhering to state and federal regulations that govern the facility’s operation.

Third-Party Contractors

Nursing homes often rely on third-party contractors to provide various services, such as physical therapy, food services, or maintenance. If a third-party contractor’s negligence or misconduct leads to a resident’s injury or abuse, that contractor can be held liable. 

For instance, if a contractor hired to maintain medical equipment fails to do so correctly, resulting in a resident’s injury, the contractor may be responsible for the harm caused.

Medical Professionals

Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals working within or associated with a nursing home can be held liable for medical malpractice if their negligence harms a resident. This could include misdiagnosing a condition, failing to provide appropriate treatment, or not responding to a resident’s medical needs promptly.

Owners and Parent Companies

In some cases, the owners or parent companies of nursing homes can be held liable if abuse or neglect occurs. This liability is particularly true if the corporate entity’s policies or financial decisions contribute to conditions that foster abuse, such as underfunding staff, cutting corners on resident care, or prioritizing profits over resident safety.

How Our Hialeah Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys Can Help

At our law firm, we understand the profound impact that nursing home abuse and neglect can have on the lives of nursing home abuse victims and their families. 

With years of experience in handling nursing home neglect cases in Hialeah, Florida, our dedicated team of personal injury attorneys is committed to seeking justice for those who have suffered at the hands of negligent caregivers and facilities.

Free Case Evaluation

Our law firm offers a free initial consultation, allowing you to discuss the details of your situation with an experienced Hialeah nursing home abuse lawyer. During this confidential consultation, we will listen to your concerns, review any evidence you may have, and provide an honest assessment of your nursing home abuse case.

Case Investigation

Once we take on your nursing home abuse case, our nursing home abuse lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation to gather evidence and build a strong case on your behalf. This step includes reviewing medical records, interviewing witnesses, and examining the practices and policies of the nursing home facility in question.

Filing the Claim

After completing our investigation, we will file a claim against the negligent parties on your behalf. This claim will outline the specific acts of abuse or neglect that occurred, the damages suffered by the resident, and the legal basis for holding the responsible parties accountable.

Settlement Negotiation

Many nursing home abuse cases are resolved through settlement negotiations before reaching trial. Our attorneys are skilled negotiators who will work tirelessly to secure a fair settlement that compensates you for medical expenses, emotional trauma, and other damages associated with the abuse.

Trial if Needed

If a fair settlement cannot be reached, our law firm is fully prepared to take your case to trial. Our experienced trial attorneys will present a compelling case in court, advocating for your rights and seeking justice for the abuse or neglect that occurred.

Common Signs of Elder Abuse Among Nursing Home Residents 

There are 77 Medicare-approved nursing homes in Hialeah, and 25 (32.5%) have an overall rating of below or much below average. 31 facilities, or 40.3%, scored poorly in health inspections, and 11 nursing homes (14.3%) had inadequate staffing levels. Regarding quality measures, eight nursing homes, or 10.4%, received low ratings for Medicaid services. [1]

The worst nursing homes in Hialeah include:

• Aspire at the Sea – Harbor Beach
• Coral Reef Subacute Care Center LLC
• Gardens Nursing and Rehab Center
• North Beach Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center
• Pines Nursing Home
• South Dade Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
• Treasure Isle Care Center
• Westlake Nursing and Rehab Center

Recognizing the warning signs of elder abuse promptly can help protect assisted living facility residents from further harm and ensure that they receive the care and respect they deserve. Common signs include:

• Unexplained bruises, cuts, or burns
• Sudden changes in behavior
• Fractures or broken bones
• Fearfulness around certain staff members
• Signs of restraint
• Verbal aggression or outbursts
• Poor hygiene
• Unexplained withdrawals or transfers
• Untreated medical conditions
• Changes to wills or power of attorney
• Malnutrition or dehydration
• Missing personal belongings

What to Do If You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse

If you suspect nursing home abuse and neglect, it’s crucial to act quickly to protect your loved one. Here are the steps you should take:

• Call 911 if There Is Immediate Danger: If your loved one is in immediate danger, call 911. Emergency services can intervene to ensure their safety and provide necessary medical attention.
• Report to the Nursing Home Administrator or Management: If the situation is not life-threatening, report your concerns to the nursing home administrator or management. Document your report in writing and keep a copy for your records.
• File a Complaint with Your Local Ombudsman’s Office: The Long-Term Care Ombudsman advocates for residents’ rights. They can investigate your complaint and work to resolve the issue. The Ombudsman’s office ensures that residents are treated with dignity and respect.
• Contact a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer: Consult a qualified nursing home abuse lawyer to understand your legal options. An experienced Hialeah nursing home abuse lawyer can help with gathering evidence, filing a lawsuit, and seeking financial compensation for the harm your loved one has suffered.

Damages You Can Recover Through a Nursing Home Abuse Claim

When a nursing home resident suffers from abuse or neglect, they and their families may be entitled to recover various types of damages through a nursing home abuse lawsuit.

Economic Damages

Economic damages compensate for the direct financial losses incurred due to the abuse or neglect. These can include:

• Medical bills
• Lost income or financial support
• Relocation costs

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages compensate for the intangible harm suffered by the resident. These include:

• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Emotional distress

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are awarded in cases where the abuse was particularly egregious or involved intentional misconduct. These damages are meant to punish the responsible parties and deter similar behavior in the future.

The Cost of Hiring a Hialeah Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

One of the primary concerns for families considering legal action for nursing home abuse is the cost of hiring a lawyer. At our law firm, we understand the financial stress that abuse or neglect can place on families. 

That’s why we operate on a contingency fee basis. This option means that you pay nothing upfront, and our fees are only collected if we successfully recover compensation for you.

You Have Limited Time to Take Legal Action in Hialeah

In Florida, you typically have two years from the date you discovered or should have discovered nursing home abuse to file a lawsuit. This statute of limitations means that you could lose your right to seek justice and compensation if you delay. 

Exceptions may apply, so it’s vital to consult with a Hialeah nursing home abuse lawyer promptly. Acting quickly protects your legal rights and helps prevent further harm to your elderly loved one and others at risk.

Contact a Hialeah Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Today!

At our law firm, we have extensive experience handling nursing home abuse lawsuits in Hialeah and are dedicated to protecting the rights of vulnerable residents. 

Our team of skilled personal injury attorneys is committed to seeking justice for those who have suffered from neglect, abuse, or exploitation in nursing homes. We offer a free legal consultation to discuss your case and help you understand your options.

Call us at (800) 926-7565 or fill out our contact form.

References: [1] Medicare