Nursing homes are businesses that specialize in caring for elderly residents who can no longer live on their own. When a family places an elderly relative into the care of a nursing home, they expect them to receive the attention and assistance they require.
Most nursing home employees are hard working professionals who take pride in providing the best care possible to their residents. Unfortunately, there are always a few bad apples that detract from the multitude of caring, compassionate nursing home workers. When abuse and neglect in Fort Lauderdale does occur, it can result in serious injuries and even death for the victim.
Types of Fort Lauderdale Nursing Home Abuse Injuries
Bed sores and other types of pressure ulcers are one of the most common injuries that our Broward County nursing home abuse attorneys encounter while investigating claims of abuse and neglect in nursing homes.
Other types of nursing home abuse in Fort Lauderdale include:
- Physical Abuse
- Sexual Abuse
- Verbal Abuse
- Mental Abuse
- Physical or Chemical Restraint
- Wandering, Escape, and Elopement
- Slips, trips or falls
- Medication Errors
- Malnutrition and dehydration
- Burns
- Bruises
- Broken bones
- Infection from COVID-19/coronavirus
If these actions culminate in the death of a resident, the nursing home facility can be held liable for wrongful death.
Injury Victim
Nursing home abuse can also include property theft, fraud and identity theft.
Warning Signs of Nursing Home Abuse in Fort Lauderdale
Sometimes victims are unable to articulate that they are experiencing abuse and neglect. However, there are many warning signs to look out for, including:
- Sudden weight loss/loss of appetite
- Unusual mood swings
- Poor hygiene
- Bedsores
- Severe bruising
- Injuries resulting from slips, trips or falls
- Dehydration and malnutrition
- Restricted access to residents
- Unexplained bruises and other injuries
- Missing personal items
- Unusual financial transactions such as signing over homes and other forms of property
- Slow response by staff to answer call lights
- Reluctance to meet with visitors
Reporting Nursing Home Abuse Injuries in Broward County
The State of Florida and the U.S. government have established minimum standards for the care of residents at nursing homes and assisted living facilities. If these standards are not being followed, residents and their families may have grounds to file a claim for nursing home abuse and neglect.
FAQs About Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
In the event of physical, emotional, or psychological harm, is it possible for a nursing home resident to sue?
Nursing home abuse and neglect can result in physical injuries as well as emotional and psychological trauma for patients or residents. Florida law allows victims of abuse to sue for all three types of damages.
How Can I Get Compensation If My Loved One Died Due to COVID-19?
Keeping residents safe from infectious diseases such as COVID-19 is a legal requirement in Florida. The facility is required to take precautions to prevent Coronavirus from entering and spreading. They must also maintain an appropriate level of care for all residents. The nursing home may be liable for COVID-19 wrongful death lawsuits if it fails to fulfill any of these responsibilities.
Can a doctor be held responsible for nursing home abuse or neglect?
If a patient is injured by a doctor’s actions, the case becomes a medical malpractice case and a nursing home case. There is also the possibility that the injury could be caused by the home failing to follow doctor’s orders or not referring a patient to a doctor in a timely manner. In the second example, nursing home negligence is likely to be involved.
Speak With an Experienced Fort Lauderdale Nursing Home Abuse Injury Attorney
If you or a family member has been injured as a result of nursing home abuse or neglect, you have a right to seek compensation for damages that can include pain, suffering and medical bills.
Renowned nursing home negligence lawyer Lisa Levine, P.A. has extensive experience helping victims of nursing home abuse and neglect and their families in Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Coral Springs, Miami, Weston, Hollywood FL, Boca Raton and other South Florida communities. She will fight the nursing homes and their insurance company to get victims the fair and just compensation they deserve.
Call Lisa Levine today at (954) 256-1820 and schedule a free consultation to discuss the facts of your situation. Lisa accepts most of her nursing home injury cases on a contingency basis, meaning there are no up-front costs for her clients and she only collects her fee after they collect a settlement.
