At Distasio Law Firm, we believe it is vital to hold any liable party accountable for the harm inflicted on your elderly loved one while in a nursing home. If we can collect evidence to prove that your family member was a victim of maltreatment, we may be able to recover compensation on their behalf.
Let a Hudson nursing home abuse lawyer from Distasio Law Firm review the facts of your case. We offer these reviews as a part of our complimentary consultations for victims and their families. We may be able to build a compelling case against the abuser, nursing home administration, and other liable parties. Call today to discuss your loved one’s case with a dedicated personal injury attorney.
Types of Nursing Home Abuse
If you or a loved one has been a victim of abuse, or injured due to neglect in a Florida Nursing Home, call Distasio Law Firm today.
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) reports that there are as many as 5 million elders abused in the U.S. each year. Recognizing the signs of nursing home abuse and neglect can be paramount to ensuring the highest quality of life for your loved one. Not all nursing home abuse cases look the same. Florida law states that any person who knowingly causes harm to an elderly person can be charged with a third-degree felony.
People can often prevent elder abuse when they entrust the care of a loved one to a nursing home by planning frequent visits to the facility, acquainting yourself with their attending staff, and being observant of sudden changes in your loved one’s health can make a huge difference in detecting some of the common forms of nursing home abuse, including:
Neglect
Nursing home neglect occurs when caregivers fail to provide adequate care and support to residents. This can manifest as missed doses of medications, missed meals, issues with cleanliness, pressure sores, and other concerns.
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse occurs when the abuser inflicts bodily harm on the senior. It is important to note that, because many nursing home residents are in fragile health, it does not take as much force to injure them as it would a younger adult. Physical abuse can range from assault to the unnecessary use of restraints.
Sexual Abuse
It is never appropriate for a nursing home staff member or another trusted adult to engage in a sexual act with a resident. Many nursing home patients lack the mental capacity to consent to any form of intimate contact.
What You Should Know About Elder Abuse
Many seniors endure threats, isolation, and other types of psychological abuse. Abusers commonly use these methods to conceal their misconduct. Some elderly residents may be mentally unable to understand the extent of the injuries or neglect they face every day. The American Journal of Psychiatry says that patients who have dementia are more likely to face mistreatment than their counterparts who do not.
A study reported by the U.S. Government Accountability Office noted that because many care facilities do not keep accurate records on elder abuse, it is difficult to provide accurate information. From this data, they were able to conclude that improved oversight was absolutely necessary for protecting elderly residents from harm in care facilities.
Your loved one should not suffer any longer. Call a capable Hudson nursing home abuse attorney with Distasio Law Firm today.
We Can Help You Seek Financial Recovery
Our legal team is committed to putting our clients’ best interests first. After a lifetime of caring for others, your loved one should not be subjected to any type of maltreatment. An experienced nursing home neglect lawyer at Hudson can commit our time and resources to ensure the safety of your senior and pursue the compensation they need.
Nursing homes are often willing to reach an out-of-court agreement to avoid the costs of going to trial. However, our team can take your case to court if necessary. Our goal is financial recovery and accountability.
Understanding the Damages Available in a Hudson Nursing Home Abuse Case
According to the NCOA, seniors who face abuse or neglect are at a 300% higher risk of death than seniors who receive adequate care. This is especially true for the most at-risk residents, those who depend entirely on their caregivers for help bathing, taking medication, and other necessities.
The abuse-related expenses and losses your loved one may be able to recover include:
- Medical treatment and related care costs
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of inheritance
- The cost of relocating to another facility
- Clothing, equipment, or other items needed for patient care
If your loved one passed away as a result of nursing home abuse or neglect, immediate family members may qualify to receive wrongful death damages. We know this will not bring your loved one back, but it can ease your financial stress and hold the nursing home liable for their disservice. Call now to learn more.
Florida’s Statute of Limitations
Florida Statute 400.0236 gives two years from the date you discovered the abuse (or reasonably should have) to take legal action. For negligence, this window extends to two years from the date of discovery. When discussing the facts of your case, a knowledgeable elder abuse attorney in Hudson can help you understand the importance of identifying this deadline and proceeding with litigation.
Talk to a Hudson Nursing Home Abuse Attorney
If your loved one suffered injuries because of nursing home abuse in their facility, they deserve to be represented by a law firm that will fight to protect their rights. We may be able to help you and your loved one recover compensation and hold the facility accountable for your financial recovery.
Speak with a Hudson nursing home abuse lawyer at Distasio Law Firm now to get started with a free case evaluation.
