Nursing Home Negligence

Protecting the Elderly from Abuse or Neglect

It can be a very sad time for families that have to make the decision to move an elderly parent or relative into a nursing home, assisted living facility (ALF), or any other type of life-care residential setting. But that scenario goes from sad to tragic when the people you have entrusted with the care of your loved one break that trust by abusing or neglecting someone close to you.

If you or a parent are among the sufferers of nursing home negligence or abuse, it is critical to work with an attorney who can protect your rights and help you get compensation. At Goldberg Noone Abraham, we have decades of experience handling these cases. We will fight for you.

Senior Woman With Black Eye — Fort Myers, FL — Goldberg Noone Abraham

Nursing Home Negligence And Abuse Comes In Many Forms

While there are some cases of nursing home negligence that can be easily discovered, there are many cases in which verifying that a nursing home did not act responsibly in the care of one of their residents may not be easy. Some of the different types of abuse or neglect of the elderly can include:

Neglect

Ignoring the needs or life-threatening medical care of the patient

Abandonment

Withholding care or services of an elderly patient, or not establishing any type of plan for their reasonable care

Physical Abuse

Actual bodily harm inflicted on a nursing home resident by slapping or hitting, pushing them or some other form of personal injury

Pyschological Abuse

This is also known as emotional abuse and may involve hateful or derogatory comments, threats of bodily harm or withholding food or medication, verbal abuse or refusing to allow them visitations by friends or family members.


Sexual Abuse

When a nursing home caregiver physically assaults the patient in a sexual manner or forces them to view or participate in a sexual act

Financial Abuse

Theft of a resident's money, credit cards, blank checks, jewelry or other personal property, absconding with retirement funds or other financial benefits like social security payments

How Can I Tell If Someone Is Being Abused Or Neglected?

Here are a few signs that could be an indicator of trouble:

  • Violence or agitation
  • Unexplained bruising, scars, cuts, bumps or burns
  • Bedsores or other physical signs of abuse
  • Withdrawal from previous daily activities
  • Unkempt or messy appearance
  • Depression or confusion that was not previously noticeable
  • Sudden weight loss with no apparent reason
  • Signs of anxiety or stress
  • Inability to sleep

It's important to communicate with the resident as much as possible to try to determine what is going on. In many cases, they may be hesitant to tell you anything because they fear what will happen once you leave. Sadly, some staff members may resort to retaliation against the patient if they feel they have been outed as an abuser.

These Instances Are More Common Than You Might Think

There are so many cases like this in Florida, thanks largely to the high number of senior citizens here and people who move here for retirement. According to the Florida Department of Children and Families, there were 1,448 verified cases of elder abuse or neglect statewide in 2011, and that number shot up to 2,525 in 2015 – an incredible 74% increase.

You Are Not Alone – We Can Help You

At Goldberg Noone Abraham, you will never pay any attorney fees unless we bring a successful case for you. And we do not mind you calling to ask us about your case. Call 239-208-3000 in Cape Coral, 239-461-5508 in Fort Myers, or email us.

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