Orlando Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers
Protecting the Rights of Elderly Residents
When you place your loved one in a nursing home, you expect that they will be treated with the utmost care and respect. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Nursing home abuse and neglect are serious problems in the United States, and many elderly residents suffer from physical, emotional, and financial abuse.
If you suspect that your loved one is being abused or neglected in a nursing home, it is important to take immediate action. At Gunn Law Group, our Orlando nursing home abuse lawyers are committed to protecting the rights of elderly residents and their families. We have extensive experience handling these types of cases and can help you navigate the legal process.
Call 813-228-7070 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our team today.
What is Nursing Home Abuse?
Nursing home abuse is a form of elder abuse that occurs in long-term care facilities. It can involve physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, as well as financial exploitation and neglect. Nursing home abuse is a serious problem in the United States, and many elderly residents suffer from abuse and neglect.
There are several different types of nursing home abuse, including:
- Physical abuse: This involves the use of physical force that results in bodily injury, pain, or impairment. Physical abuse can include hitting, slapping, pushing, or restraining a nursing home resident.
- Emotional abuse: This involves the infliction of mental pain, anguish, or distress through verbal or nonverbal acts. Emotional abuse can include yelling, screaming, humiliating, or ignoring a nursing home resident.
- Sexual abuse: This involves any non-consensual sexual contact with a nursing home resident. Sexual abuse can include rape, sexual assault, or harassment.
- Financial abuse: This involves the unauthorized use of a nursing home resident’s funds, property, or assets. Financial abuse can include stealing money, forging signatures, or coercing a nursing home resident into signing a document.
- Neglect: This involves the failure to provide a nursing home resident with the care and services they need to maintain their physical and mental health. Neglect can include failing to provide food, water, shelter, clothing, or medical care.
What are the Signs of Nursing Home Abuse?
Nursing home abuse can be difficult to detect, especially if your loved one is unable to communicate with you. However, there are several signs that may indicate that your loved one is being abused or neglected in a nursing home.
The signs of nursing home abuse can include:
- Unexplained injuries, such as bruises, cuts, or broken bones
- Signs of restraint, such as rope marks on the wrists
- Signs of malnutrition or dehydration
- Unsanitary living conditions
- Unexplained weight loss
- Bedsores
- Changes in behavior, such as withdrawal from normal activities
- Depression or anxiety
- Unexplained changes in financial situation
- Missing personal items
If you notice any of these signs, it is important to take immediate action. You should report your concerns to the nursing home administrator and contact an experienced nursing home abuse attorney.
What are the Legal Rights of Nursing Home Residents in Orlando?
Nursing home residents have several legal rights under both state and federal law. These rights are designed to protect nursing home residents from abuse and neglect and ensure that they receive the care and services they need to maintain their physical and mental health.
Some of the legal rights of nursing home residents include:
- The right to be free from abuse and neglect
- The right to be treated with dignity and respect
- The right to privacy
- The right to be informed about their medical condition and treatment
- The right to refuse medical treatment
- The right to manage their own finances
- The right to communicate with people inside and outside the nursing home
- The right to participate in activities
- The right to complain about the care they are receiving
If a nursing home violates the legal rights of a resident, the resident or their family may be able to file a lawsuit against the nursing home. A nursing home abuse attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options.
How to Report Nursing Home Abuse in Orlando, FL
If you suspect that your loved one is being abused or neglected in a nursing home, it is important to take immediate action. You should report your concerns to the nursing home administrator and contact an experienced nursing home abuse attorney.
When reporting nursing home abuse, you should:
- Document your concerns in writing
- Take photographs of any visible injuries
- Keep a record of any conversations you have with the nursing home administrator
- Keep a record of any conversations you have with your loved one
- Keep a record of any medical treatment your loved one receives
It is also important to contact the Florida Department of Elder Affairs. The Department of Elder Affairs is responsible for investigating allegations of nursing home abuse and neglect and can take action to protect your loved one.
