We trust nursing homes to take care of our loved ones when we can’t give them the skilled care they need. Tragically, many vulnerable seniors are instead abused and mistreated.
Do you suspect your loved one has suffered abuse or neglect in a nursing home in Miami, Florida? A Miami nursing home abuse lawyer can help you hold abusive staff and negligent facilities accountable.
At Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys, we advocate for vulnerable seniors. Contact us at (305) 916-6455 to schedule a free consultation to discuss what we can do to help you.
How Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys Can Help if You or a Loved One Has Experienced Nursing Home Abuse in Miami, FL
When you suspect nursing home abuse or neglect, it can be challenging even to know where to begin. The legal team at Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys is ready to give you the legal guidance you need.
We have decades of experience helping families and seniors hold negligent facilities responsible. Our attorneys have recovered over $100 million for our clients.
Here’s what our Miami injury lawyers can do for you:
- Provide personalized legal advice and guidance
- Conduct an in-depth investigation to gather evidence
- Identify liable parties by analyzing the facility’s corporate structure
- Work with experts to build the strongest case possible
- Advocate on behalf of your loved one to make sure they receive the care they need
- Negotiate on your behalf to seek a just settlement agreement
- File a lawsuit and take your case to court if needed to secure full compensation
If you suspect your loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse in Miami, FL, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to provide the support and legal guidance you need during this challenging time. Schedule a free consultation today to discuss your concerns and explore your legal options.
What Is Nursing Home Abuse?
Nursing home residents are vulnerable to both neglect and abuse. Neglect is a failure to provide necessary care to meet a resident’s needs, while abuse refers to intentional harm.
Abuse can manifest in various forms, including:
- Physical abuse: Inflicting bodily harm through actions like hitting, pushing, or improper use of restraints.
- Emotional abuse: Causing psychological distress through social isolation, threats, or verbal assaults
- Sexual abuse: Any non-consensual sexual contact or behavior
- Financial abuse or exploitation: Improper or illegal use of a resident’s property or funds
- Neglect: Failing to provide necessary care, leading to harm or distress
Poor supervision, inadequate prevention measures, and a lack of support can lead to serious injuries. Mistreated seniors are prone to traumatic brain injuries, fractures, and even wrongful death. Neglect can also lead to health complications, life-threatening infections, and other serious effects.
Medical malpractice is common in nursing facilities.
This form of neglect can include:
- Failure to diagnose or treat conditions before they worsen
- Not seeking medical care for injuries
- Failing to follow a resident’s care plan
- Failing to move residents often enough to avoid bedsores
Recognizing the signs of abuse is crucial. These may include unexplained injuries, poor hygiene, sudden behavioral changes, fearfulness around staff, bedsores, and repeated injuries. If you notice any of these indicators, it’s essential to take immediate action.
How Do I Report Nursing Home Abuse in Miami?
If you suspect a loved one is being abused or neglected in a skilled nursing facility, there are many resources to help you.
Here are some of the ways to report nursing home abuse or neglect in Miami, Florida:
- 911: Call 911 if you believe your loved one’s health or safety is at imminent risk.
- Miami Police Department: Report deliberate abuse by calling the non-emergency number.
- Florida Agency for Health Care Administration: This agency licenses, regulates, and inspects nursing facilities. They also investigate reports of abuse or neglect. You can submit a complaint online using the Health Care Facility Complaint Form.
- Florida Abuse Hotline: You can report suspected abuse via the 24-hour hotline.
- Florida Health Care Complaint Portal: Answer a few questions to find the right state agency to file a complaint.
After you’ve made a report, it’s best to contact a Florida nursing home abuse attorney for legal advice.
What Damages Are Available to Nursing Home Abuse Victims and Families in Miami?
Florida law allows residents, families, and guardians to hold facilities liable for negligent care and abuse.
Victims of nursing home abuse and their families may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:
- Medical expenses for treating injuries resulting from abuse or neglect
- Relocation costs to move the victim to a safer facility
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional anguish
- Reduced quality of life
With evidence of gross negligence or intentional harm, a jury may award punitive damages. These damages are intended to punish abusive nursing home facilities and staff.
What Is the Deadline to File a Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit in Florida?
In Florida, the statute of limitations for filing a nursing home abuse lawsuit is generally two years from the date the injury occurred (or was discovered). However, there could be exceptions. It’s crucial to act promptly. Delays in filing can result in losing the right to pursue legal action. Consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible to protect your loved one and make sure the facility is held accountable.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Miami Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers
If your loved one has suffered from nursing home abuse in Miami, FL, you don’t have to face this challenging situation alone. At Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys, our compassionate and experienced team is ready to stand by your side. We are committed to holding negligent parties accountable and securing justice and compensation for vulnerable seniors.
Schedule a free case evaluation with a Miami nursing home abuse attorney today to take the next steps in protecting your family and pursuing fair compensation.