Nursing homes and assisted living facilities should care for your loved ones as much as you do. But nursing home abuse or neglect can occur in many different ways, and when it does, the devastating result could mean permanent harm to your loved one and sometimes even wrongful death.
While most nursing homes in West Palm Beach operate efficiently and safely, it’s OK to be concerned. And if you do notice signs of nursing home abuse, you should report it as soon as possible. A West Palm Beach nursing home abuse lawyer can help you figure out who is to blame and what your legal rights are in this situation.
Having served the local community for 25 years, GOLDLAW knows how to support your claim. Our West Palm Beach personal injury lawyers will fight to get your loved one the maximum amount of compensation possible, while prioritizing their safety.
Types of Nursing Home Abuse Cases We Handle in West Palm Beach
Sadly, nursing home residents can experience physical abuse, emotional abuse, financial abuse, mental abuse, and suffer from medical malpractice. Sexual assault and abuse also happen to some patients in nursing homes and can cause lifelong trauma, anxiety, PTSD, and other issues for the victim.
But GOLDLAW is dedicated to protecting vulnerable residents and holding negligent or abusive facilities and caregivers accountable. We’ll handle every case and provide the legal advice you need to move forward with your claim.
Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
If you notice any changes in your family member’s mood, behavior, or personal hygiene, they could be indicators of nursing home abuse. However, you may also notice evidence of physical harm, such as:
- Fractures or bruises
- Open wounds
- Head injuries
- Torn clothing
- Bed sores or pressure sores
- Unexplained cognitive impairment
- Wandering/Leaving facility
- Dehydration
- Malnourishment
- Unexplained diseases or infections
- Medication errors
- Unreasonable physical restraints
- Weight loss due to malnutrition
Our nursing home abuse injury attorneys in West Palm Beach will take the time to investigate the details of your case. We will also assist you if you need help moving your loved one to another facility in an emergency, so you can prevent further abuse.
For a free legal consultation with a nursing home abuse lawyer serving West Palm Beach, call 561-222-2222
Proving Liability And Recovering Damages In Nursing Home Neglect Claims
In order to recover the most compensation possible from the insurance company, you need to work with an experienced attorney. Our team of highly skilled lawyers will help to prove liability and collect all the evidence you need to strengthen your personal injury claim.
Florida law (Statute § 400.023) gives nursing home residents the right to bring a civil action against a facility for negligence or violation of their rights. To succeed, a claim must generally establish four elements of negligence:
- Duty of care: the defendant had a legal duty to care for the plaintiff
- Breach: the defendant breached their duty of care to the plaintiff
- Cause: the breach in duty of care caused the plaintiff to be injured
- Damages: the injury caused the plaintiff to suffer real damages
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Potential Compensation Available in Elder Abuse Cases
Abuse victims in nursing homes may be able to recover various types of compensation if their claim is successful. At GOLDLAW, our goal is to hold the insurance company responsible for economic and non-economic damages, based on the losses you and your loved one have suffered.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are based on your financial losses from the incident. For nursing home abuse victims, this may include medical care expenses for treating physical injuries, rehabilitation costs, and therapy for psychological harm.
If your family member requires a change in care facilities, relocation expenses may also be included. Economic damages could also cover financial exploitation, helping to cover the recovery of stolen assets or misused funds. The aim of awarding economic damages is to restore the victim financially to the position they were in before the abuse occurred.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages provide compensation for the physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of companionship or consortium.
These damages look at the profound impact abuse can have on a victim’s quality of life and psychological well-being. Unlike economic damages, they are subjective and vary significantly from case to case, reflecting the personal suffering and emotional toll the abuse has taken on the victim.
Punitive Damages
In some elder abuse cases, punitive damages may also be available. Instead of compensating victims for their losses, these damages are designed to punish particularly reckless and negligent behavior and prevent it from happening in the future.
Call or text 561-222-2222 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
Steps to Take if You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse
If you suspect your loved one has suffered any type of abuse at their nursing home or assisted living facility in West Palm Beach, there are several steps you can take to protect your loved one.
If there’s an immediate threat, you should contact emergency authorities immediately and make sure your loved one receives proper medical treatment.
After that, here’s what you should do:
- Document the evidence: Take immediate note of any signs of abuse or neglect you observe, including physical harm, emotional changes, or unsanitary living conditions. Photographs can serve as critical evidence, but you can also ask for copies of police reports and witness statements to strengthen your claim.
- Speak with your loved one: If possible, have a private conversation with them about your concerns. They may be afraid or reluctant to speak up about their experience. Reassure them of your support.
- Report the abuse: Contact the nursing home administration to report your concerns. They are required to investigate all allegations of abuse.
- Seek medical care: If there are visible injuries or health concerns, make sure your loved one has a complete medical examination. This will address their immediate health needs and also document their condition and medical bills.
- Consult with a West Palm Beach nursing home abuse attorney: A specialized personal injury attorney can offer guidance on how to proceed legally to hold the responsible parties accountable. We can help you navigate the complex process of filing an injury claim in court and seeking justice for your loved one.
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Contact a West Palm Beach Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Today
Don’t hesitate to hold the at-fault party responsible for the neglect your loved one suffered. If you’re unsure about what to do, GOLDLAW can explain your options and guide you through the claims process. We treat clients like family and provide compassionate care for every client.
Your loved one shouldn’t have to suffer at the hands of a negligent nursing home. Contact our elder abuse lawyers to book a free consultation and discuss your case in detail. Get GOLDLAW and get the help you need and the compensation you deserve.
