Unexplained injuries, sudden decline, or staff who won’t give you straight answers? That’s a red flag. If you’re worried something is very wrong at a nursing home, a Florida nursing home abuse lawyer can step in—fast—preserving evidence, explaining your options clearly, and moving to protect your loved one. Our team focuses on justice, holding those who break laws accountable.
A Florida nursing home abuse lawyer at Distasio Law Firm has handled these cases for more than three decades. Founder Scott Distasio is a Board-Certified Civil Trial Lawyer, and our results reflect deep experience in nursing home abuse Florida litigation. If you’re searching for compassionate nursing home abuse lawyers or a nursing home neglect lawyer, our team is ready to start today. Speak with a Florida nursing home abuse attorney if you suspect mistreatment.
Proven Results in Florida Nursing Home Abuse Cases
Our team has secured outcomes that reflect both compassion and courtroom strength.
- $1.7M after a short-staffed facility ignored a pureed-diet order and left a resident unsupervised, leading to a fatal choking.
- $3M after a dementia resident was murdered by her roomate
- $750K after weeks of ignored limb-ischemia warnings ended in amputation and death
- Plus multiple six-figure resolutions, including $450K for repeated wheelchair falls and $250K for a Stage 3 bedsore.
Families notice the difference too—one client praised that our team, “helped turn a stressful situation into a winning one.”
Florida Nursing Home Lawyer for Abuse and Neglect
Nursing home cases are governed by a mix of federal regulations (for facilities that receive Medicare/Medicaid) and Florida statutes that create specific resident rights. Knowing the rules is only half the job; the other half is proving what went wrong with clear medical evidence and credible experts.
That’s where our experience matters. We investigate staffing, policies, training, prior deficiencies, and care plans to show how neglect or abuse caused harm.
Don’t trust a complex claim to a generalist. Choose a firm that focuses on long-term-care and is prepared to take your case to a jury when necessary. Our nursing home abuse attorney Florida team is ready to begin the presuit process immediately.
Types of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
Warning signs appear in patterns. If you see any of the following—or you simply feel something isn’t right—call us, now. We’ve seen these issues across Florida Facilities:
1. Basic Care Neglect
- Poor hygiene, soiled linens, untreated rashes
- Dehydration or malnutrition (rapid weight loss, dry mouth)
- Pressure injuries/bed sores that appear or worsen
2. Falls and Mobility Failures
- Unsupervised transfers, dropped patients, wheelchair mishaps
- Repeated “unwitnessed” falls, fractures, or head injuries
3. Medication and Treatment Errors
- Missed doses, wrong drugs, over-sedation
- Feeding tube or ventilator neglect; restraint misuse
4. Preventable Medical Complications
- Aspiration pneumonia (food/liquid in lungs)
- Sepsis, impacted bowels, untreated UTIs
5. Supervision and Safety Breakdowns
- Elopement/wandering, smoking accidents, bed rail entrapment
- Combative residents harming others without staff intervention
5. Abuse and Exploitation
- Physical, sexual, or verbal abuse; unexplained bruises or broken bones
- Retaliation or staff stories that keep changing
A Quick Red Flag Checklist (Act now if you see these):
- Sudden decline, confusion, or personality changes
- Frequent ER transfers or “accidents” with vague explanations
- New wounds, weight loss, or signs of fear around certain staff
Not really sure whether it’s neglect or an honest mistake? You don’t have to try to figure it out on your own. A nursing home neglect lawyer can sort it out and move fast.
The Reason for Bad Care in Nursing Homes
Most facilities want to do right by residents, but chronic understaffing, high turnover, and poor training can create dangerous gaps in care. Federal rules require “sufficient nursing staff,” with appropriate skills for each resident’s needs, and Florida law expect facilities to follow care plans and protect resident rights.
When they don’t, neglect and preventable injuries follow. We know how to uncover these system failures and use Florida nursing home laws to hold facilities accountable.
What Happens if We Agree to Take Your Case
You pay nothing up front. Here’s how we move:
- Records & Evidence: We secure the nursing home chart, hospital records, care plans, incident reports, staffing data, and photos/video when available.
- Expert Review: Trusted medical and nursing experts analyze what should have been done—and what wasn’t.
- Presuit Notice (Required): Florida law requires a written notice and a 75-day evaluation period before filing suit. We handle it, including the certificate showing a good-faith basis for your claim.
- Lawsuit & Discovery: If the facility refuses fair resolution, we file promptly, take sworn depositions, and demand the documents that prove your case.
- Trial-Ready: Many cases settle during litigation, but we prepare as if a jury will hear your story. That preparation drives results.
What Damages Can You Collect
Even when residents don’t have lost wages, Florida law allows recovery for:
- Medical expenses tied to the neglect (past and future)
- Pain and suffering
- Disability or physical impairment
- Disfigurement
- Mental anguish
- Inconvenience
- Loss of capacity to enjoy life
In egregious cases, punitive damages may be available to punish and deter extreme misconduct.
The Statute of Limitations in Nursing Home Abuse Cases
Time limits are strict. In most cases, you have two years from the incident—or from when it was, or should have been, discovered—to bring a claim.
There is also a four-year outer deadline (called a “statute of repose”). If the facility fraudulently concealed facts, limited extensions may apply. Bottom line: act quickly so your rights—and evidence—are preserved.
Hiring an Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Is Not Just About Money
Families come to us for accountability. Reporting to regulators is important, but civil claims can do what fines rarely accomplish: require corporate decision-makers to answer system failures and change dangerous practices. When facilities must pay for harm, it creates a powerful deterrent effect—preventing future injuries and honoring what your loved one endured. Our mission is simple: holding wrongdoers accountable and helping families move forward.
Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit Process
If you decide to hire our Florida nursing home abuse lawyer , here’s what you can expect from the legal process:
Initial Consultation
Our team will meet with you and your loved one to discuss the case. They will gather information about your loved one’s injuries, medical history, and the circumstances of the abuse or neglect. The lawyer will also explain the legal process and answer any questions you may have.
Investigation
The lawyer will investigate the case, gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses. They may consult with medical experts to determine the extent of your loved one’s injuries and the care they will need in the future.
Demand Letter and Settlement Negotiation
If the evidence supports your loved one’s claim, the lawyer will send a demand letter to the nursing home administration and their insurance company, outlining the injuries and damages suffered by your loved one and demanding compensation. The lawyer will negotiate with the nursing home administration and their insurance company to reach a fair settlement for your loved one’s harm.
Litigation
If a settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will file a lawsuit on behalf of your loved one. They will represent your loved one’s interests in court and fight for their legal rights. The legal process can be lengthy and complicated, but your lawyer will be with you every step of the way, keeping you informed of any developments and advocating for your loved one’s best interests.
What To Do If You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse
Facilities rarely police themselves. If you have concerns:
- Immediately seek medical attention.
- In emergencies, call 911. Tell providers you suspect wrongful injury.
- Report the abuse or neglect (contacts below).
- Photograph and document: Take dated photos of injuries over time; keep notes of symptoms, staff comments, and all appointments.
- Speak with our attorneys: A nursing home neglect lawyer will explain the next steps and deadlines.
- Let Distasio Law Firm handle your case: We take over records, experts, and deadlines—pursuing settlements or trial to achieve justice and accountability.
How to Report Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation of Vulnerable Elderly Adults
While reporting to stat agencies is essential, those agencies are often overburdened. Pair your report with an immediate call to our office so we can protect you, your loved one, and your legal rights while preserving evidence.
Florida Abuse Hotline
- English: 800-962-2873
- Spanish/Creole: 800-962-2873
- TTY: 800-955-8771
- https://reportabuse.dcf.state.fl.us/Adult/AdultForm.aspx
Florida Agency for Health Care Administration
- Telephone: 888-419-3456
- https://ahca.myflorida.com/contact/what_happens.shtml
Florida Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
- Telephone: 850-414-2323
- https://ombudsman.elderaffairs.org/file-a-complaint/
It’s Ok If You’re Not Sure If You Have A Case – Call A Florida Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Now
If you are not sure if you have a claim, or are unsure if you should file a claim, that is ok. A confidential conversation with a Florida nursing home abuse attorney can clarify your options. If you’re looking for help, please call our offices in Tampa, Wesley Chapel, or Largo to discuss your legal options today.
You and your loved ones deserve safety and protection. Let us ensure that happens to you.
If you’re looking for an nursing home abuse lawyer call our offices in Tampa, Wesley Chapel, or Largo for a free consultation of your legal options today. NO fee until we win!
If you’re looking for an nursing home abuse lawyer call our offices in Tampa, Wesley Chapel, or Largo for a free consultation of your legal options today. NO fee until we win!
