Deerfield Beach Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer
As the Baby Boomer generation ages, more and more of our loved ones are entering nursing homes and other care facilities. We trust that these facilities will provide top-tier support for residents in their care, but sometimes that trust is violated by nursing homes who neglect our family members in their care. The Deerfield Beach nursing home neglect lawyers at Leifer & Ramirez have zealously defended our clients that have been subjected to nursing home neglect and are here to help you and your loved ones today.
Signs of Nursing Home Neglect
When a nursing home fails to give compassionate care to your loved one, there are signs to look for when you suspect neglect. Nursing home neglect differs from abuse in that neglect refers to such sub-standard care it results in harm. Neglect in nursing homes comes in many forms like emotional neglect, social neglect, personal hygiene neglect, basic needs neglect, and medical neglect. If you see or become aware of any of the following, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible.
- Skin lesions
- Bedsores
- Repeated infections
- Dehydration
- Significant weight loss
- Poor hygiene
- Unexplained falls
- Immobility
- Social withdrawal or isolation
- Mood swings
- Constant drowsiness, confusion, or sleepiness
- Environmental hazards in the nursing home (ex: slippery floors, poor lighting, etc.)
Florida Nursing Home Neglect Law
The Florida Resident Bill of Rights protects residents of care facilities and has a zero tolerance policy in place for nursing home abuse or neglect. The statute of limitations on a nursing home neglect case is four years from the date of the abuse or from the date that the abuse was discovered or should have been known. If the neglect is caused by a doctor or other medical professional at the care facility, there may also be a cause for medical malpractice. For medical malpractice claims, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the injuries.
In order to prove nursing home neglect in a lawsuit, the following elements must be proven in court. First, that the nursing home owed a duty of care to the patient. Second, that the duty of care was breached by such sub-standard care that it constitutes neglect. Third, that as a direct or proximate result of the negligent care, the patient was injured.
Once proven, the victim of nursing home neglect is entitled to a number of damages from the care facility. Compensation includes medical expenses, costs of transfer to another facility, rehabilitation, pain and suffering, disability, loss of enjoyment of life, and in case of severe neglect the family can collect damages for wrongful death. Due to the serious nature of nursing home neglect, the facility may also be liable for additional punitive damages to punish the nursing home for their negligence.
Our Law Firm Can Help
If you suspect that a loved one has been victimized by nursing home neglect in the Deerfield Beach area, our office is here to help. We have the resources to investigate claims of nursing home neglect and hold the nursing home accountable for its actions. Call our office or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with the nursing home neglect lawyers at Leifer & Ramirez today.