As our population continues to expand and grow older, the likelihood of our elders falling victim to neglect and abuse increases, as well. Though not solely confined to residents of nursing homes, a large majority of elder neglect and abuse cases occur within these residences regardless of the advertised quality. This is no surprise when 90% of the 16,639 registered nursing homes in 2010 lacked adequate staff to properly care for patients. Even with the many state and federal laws in place requiring nursing homes to comply with a certain standard of care and respect for residents, injuries, illness and premature death can still occur due to substandard and negligent care. This is true of all facilities, including those that participate in Medicare and Medicaid which must be certified as meeting federal requirements. Contact the experienced Florida nursing home abuse & negligence attorney at The Nurse Attorney, PLLC, for more information or assistance.
The Nursing Home Negligence and Abuse Case Step-by-Step
When you entrust a loved one to an assisted living facility you expect them to be treated as you would treat them yourself. When this trust has been violated and a loved one suffers from abuse, neglect of mistreatment at the hands of those who have promised to protect them it can be difficult to know where to turn next. Marjorie Chalfant’s nursing background gives The Nurse Attorney, PLLC a unique understanding of how and why a nursing home could fall short of their promise to keep your loved one safe. The Nurse Attorney, PLLC offers a free initial consultation to help you proceed if you or someone you know has become a victim of nursing home neglect or abuse.
FLORIDA NURSING HOME NEGLIGENCE & ABUSE FAQ
Types of Abuse & Warning Signs
If you suspect that your loved one’s injury, illness or premature death is a result of being abused or neglected in a nursing home, assisted living facility or retirement home, contact the nurse-attorney Marjorie Chalfant, RN, JD at The Nurse Attorney, PLLC for help. All nursing home negligence and abuse cases are on a contingency fee basis, so if The Nurse Attorney, PLLC is not able to obtain a successful financial recovery for you, you pay nothing for legal services or costs.
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse encompasses the actual inflicting, or threat of inflicting, physical pain or injury upon an elderly resident.
Warning Signs: slap marks, unexplained broken bones, bruises, burns (like cigarette marks) or blisters and the majority of pressure marks
If you suspect that your loved one’s injury, illness or premature death is a result of being abused or neglected in a nursing home, assisted living facility or retirement home, The Nurse Attorney, PLLC may be able to help. All nursing home negligence and abuse cases are on a contingency fee basis, so if you are not able to obtain a successful financial recovery, you pay nothing for legal services.
Neglect
Neglect encompasses the caregiver’s failure and/or refusal to supply basic necessities (for example, proper and sufficient food, water, health care or shelter) or provide for a vulnerable elder’s safety, physical and emotional needs.
Warning Signs: bed sores, unattended medical needs, poor hygiene, pressure ulcers, unkempt surroundings (for example, soiled bedding), malnutrition, dehydration, unusual or unexplained weight loss
Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse encompasses verbal and nonverbal acts including threats, rejection, isolation, or belittling that result in mental anguish, pain or distress.
Warning Signs: unexplained withdrawal from normal activities, unexplained changes in alertness, unusual depression or fear, frequent crying, or other unusual behavioral changes, or strained or tense relationships with caregivers
Financial Abuse/Exploitation
Financial abuse or exploitation encompasses the illegal taking, fraud, misuse, or concealment of money, property, or assets and undue influence/manipulation to gain control over money, property or assets.
Warning Signs: sudden, unexpected change in finances or accounts, unusual bank withdrawals, property loss, altered wills or trusts, or checks written as “gifts” or “loans”
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse encompasses forced, threatened, tricked or otherwise coerced nonconsensual sexual contact, including anyone unable to consent or refuse, or forced witnessing of sexual behaviors.
Warning Signs: unexplained sexually transmitted diseases, bruises or abrasions around the breasts and/or genital area
Contact Our Experienced Bradenton Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys Today
If you suspect that your loved one’s injury, illness or premature death is a result of being abused or neglected in a nursing home, assisted living facility or retirement home, nurse-attorney Marjorie Chalfant, RN, JD at The Nurse Attorney, PLLC may be able to help. All nursing home negligence and abuse cases are on a contingency fee basis, so if nurse-attorney Marjorie Chalfant is not able to obtain a successful financial recovery for you, you pay nothing for legal services or costs. There is no charge for a consultation, and there are no costs or fees unless your case is won. Please call The Nurse Attorney, PLLC today at (941) 210-4220 or send an email directly to Marjorie Chalfant, RN, JD at: mchalfant@TheNurseAttorney.com.