Tallahassee Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Nursing home abuse is a distressing reality that affects many vulnerable elderly residents in Tallahassee and across Florida. When assisted living facilities fail to provide proper care and protection, it can lead to severe harm or even death. 

For victims and their families, seeking legal assistance from an experienced Tallahassee nursing home abuse lawyer is crucial to hold those responsible accountable and seek justice.

Why Hire Nursing Home Law Center

At Nursing Home Law Center, our priority is securing justice and compensation for those affected by nursing home abuse. Our law firm has a strong history of successfully managing nursing home abuse cases, handling them with care, and achieving substantial settlements and verdicts.

We leave no stone unturned, conducting detailed investigations to ensure all aspects of the abuse, from medical costs to emotional distress and other damages, are thoroughly addressed. With our extensive experience in handling nursing home abuse claims, we navigate legal challenges efficiently, relentlessly advocating for your rights.

We offer compassionate and clear guidance throughout the process, ensuring you and your loved ones remain informed, supported, and confident at every stage.

Types of Cases Handled by Our Tallahassee Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers

Nursing home abuse encompasses a wide range of harmful actions and neglectful behaviors. It is important to understand what constitutes nursing home abuse to recognize the warning signs and take appropriate action. Our Tallahassee nursing home abuse attorneys handle a variety of cases, including:

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse in nursing homes involves the intentional use of force against elderly residents, leading to injury or bodily harm. This assault can include hitting, slapping, pushing, or misusing restraints. Physical assault often leaves visible marks, such as bruises or broken bones, and can severely impact a resident’s well-being.

Mental and Emotional Abuse

Mental and emotional abuse can be just as damaging as physical abuse, though it may not leave visible signs. This type of abuse includes verbal insults, threats, humiliation, and other forms of psychological abuse that can lead to depression, anxiety, and emotional distress.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse in nursing homes is a particularly heinous crime that involves non-consensual sexual contact with elderly residents. This violation can include inappropriate touching, sexual assault, or any form of sexual harassment. Victims of sexual abuse often suffer in silence due to fear or shame, making it essential for family members to be vigilant.

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice in nursing homes can occur when residents receive improper medical care, such as medication errors, inadequate treatment of bedsores, or failure to diagnose and treat medical conditions. These errors can lead to severe health complications and even wrongful death.

Negligence

Negligence in care facilities often involves failing to provide basic needs and proper care. This neglect includes poor hygiene, malnutrition, dehydration, and elopement (when a resident wanders away from the facility unsupervised). Nursing home negligence can have devastating consequences for elderly residents.

Financial Abuse

Financial abuse in nursing homes occurs when staff members or others exploit a resident’s financial resources for personal gain. This exploitation can involve stealing money or possessions, forging signatures, or coercing residents into changing their wills or financial documents.

Wrongful Death

In some tragic cases, nursing home abuse or negligence can lead to the wrongful death of a resident. When this occurs, our Tallahassee nursing home abuse lawyers work tirelessly to hold those responsible accountable and to seek justice for the family members left behind.

Understanding Your Legal Rights

Nursing home residents are protected under federal and state laws, including the Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987. This act establishes their rights to receive proper care, live in a safe environment, and be free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. In Florida, specific statutes also safeguard nursing home residents, ensuring their right to dignity, privacy, and respect.

Eligibility to File a Claim

Spouses, children, legal guardians, or other designated representatives can file a nursing home abuse case on behalf of the victim.

Liability in Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse Cases 

In nursing home neglect and abuse cases, multiple parties can be held liable for the harm caused to residents, including:

• Nursing Home Facility: The nursing home can be held accountable if the abuse or neglect resulted from inadequate staffing, poor training, or failure to conduct proper background checks on employees. Facilities are responsible for ensuring a safe environment for their residents.
• Staff Members: Individual caregivers, nurses, or other staff members can be directly liable if they physically, emotionally, or financially abuse a resident. They can also be held accountable for neglecting residents’ basic needs, such as hygiene, nutrition, and medical care.
• Medical Professionals: Doctors, nurses, or other medical personnel may be liable if their negligence leads to medical malpractice, such as medication errors, untreated bedsores, or other forms of medical neglect.
• Third-Party Contractors: In some cases, third-party contractors, such as those providing food, cleaning services, or medical equipment, can be liable if their negligence contributes to the abuse or neglect of residents.
• Management and Administration: Nursing home administrators or management teams can also be held responsible if they fail to properly supervise staff, ignore complaints, or cover up incidents of abuse and neglect.

How Our Tallahassee Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys Can Help

Our Tallahassee nursing home abuse attorneys are dedicated to providing high-quality representation to victims and their families. We offer a range of services designed to help you seek justice and compensation, including:

• Free Case Evaluation: We offer a free consultation to discuss your case, understand the details, and advise on the best course of action.
• Case Investigation: Our team conducts a thorough investigation to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build a strong case against those responsible.
• Filing the Claim: We handle all aspects of your nursing home abuse case, ensuring that all legal requirements are met and your case is presented effectively.
• Settlement Negotiation: Our attorneys are skilled negotiators working to secure a fair settlement that covers medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages.
• Trial Representation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to trial and fight for your rights in court.

Common Signs of Elder Abuse Among Nursing Home Residents 

Recognizing the warning signs of nursing home abuse is critical to protecting your loved one. Common signs include:

• Unexplained injuries such as bruises or broken bones
• Sudden changes in behavior
• Poor personal hygiene
• Unsanitary living conditions
• Unexplained weight loss
• Financial irregularities

If you notice any of these signs, it is important to take immediate action.

What to Do If You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse

If you suspect that a family member or loved one is being abused or neglected in a nursing home, follow these steps:

• Call 911 if your loved one is in immediate danger.
• Report to Nursing Home Management: Notify the nursing home administrator or management about your concerns.
• File a Complaint with Your Local Ombudsman’s Office: Ombudsmen are advocates for nursing home residents and can help investigate your claims.
• Contact a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer: Reach out to a Tallahassee nursing home abuse lawyer to discuss your case and explore your legal options.

Damages You Can Recover Through a Nursing Home Abuse Claim

When pursuing a nursing home abuse claim, victims and their families may be entitled to various types of damages.

Economic damages are intended to cover the financial losses directly related to the abuse or neglect.

Non-economic damages compensate for the non-financial harm suffered by the nursing home resident.

Punitive damages are awarded in cases where the abuse or neglect was particularly egregious or involved malicious intent. These damages are not meant to compensate the victim but rather to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.

The Cost of Hiring a Tallahassee Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

At the Nursing Home Law Center, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. This arrangement allows you to seek justice without worrying about upfront legal fees.

You Have Limited Time to Take Legal Action in Tallahassee

The statute of limitations in Florida for filing a personal injury claim is limited. Victims typically have two years from the date of the abuse or its discovery to file a lawsuit. Taking legal action as soon as possible is important to ensure your case is heard. Our Tallahassee nursing home abuse lawyers can help you navigate the legal process and meet all deadlines.

Contact a Tallahassee Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Today!

If you or a loved one has been a victim of Florida nursing home abuse, don’t wait to seek justice. Our experienced Tallahassee nursing home abuse lawyers are here to help you seek compensation and justice.

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