Skip to main content

Exit WCAG Theme

Switch to Non-ADA Website

Accessibility Options

Select Text Sizes

Select Text Color

Website Accessibility Information Close Options
Close Menu

Nursing Home Abuse is a Highly Prevalent Yet Underreported Problem in the U.S.

According to a study conducted by the National Center of Elder Abuse in 2000, 44 percent of nursing home residents have been the victim of caregiver abuse, 95 percent have been either the victim or witness of neglect, and more than 50 percent of caregivers admitted to mistreating a patient at one point or another in their career. A 2011 study done by the Inspector General revealed that approximately 1,538 nursing home patients died due to substandard care in a nursing home. Over a two year period, one in three nursing homes was cited for a violation that had the potential to cause harm, and nearly ten percent of all nursing homes had violations that did cause harm and serious injury, and that placed the elderly patient in jeopardy of death.

Nursing Home Abuse is a Largely Underreported Problem

Nursing home abuse and neglect is a very serious problem, one that is so underreported it has been allowed to continue in great prevalence across the globe. Unfortunately, when instances of abuse do get reported, not much is done to correct the situation. Take GraceWood Nursing Home in Pinellas Park, Florida for instance: not only was GraceWood under state surveillance since November of 2013 for not meeting minimum care standards, but also, in 2012, the facility received three fines in the last quarter of the year for improper care, and had two elderly residents fall from a chair lift in 2014. Furthermore, the facility has on record that a number of its patients are in dire need of dental care, but show that no dental appointments have been scheduled. The facility has also not denied claims of failing to report injuries, healthcare problems, and obvious symptoms of injury and/or illness to attending physicians.

The neglect and abuse prevalent at this Tampa nursing home facility has led to yet another nursing home wrongful death this past year. On April 30, 2016, 65-year-old Wilbert Henry Moten – who was immobile – was left unattended in the baking Tampa sun for hours on the facility’s grounds. Because of his immobility, he had to have been wheeled outside and left there, with no way of getting back inside on his own. After suffering from severe second degree burns, Moten passed away later that evening. Moten had no living relatives, but his health care proxy reported that no one from the facility tried contacting him about his death.

Signs of Nursing Home Abuse

While most of us want to believe that all nursing homes are loving and caring institutions, the sad reality is that nursing homes are a hotbed for abuse and neglect. If you have a loved one in a nursing home, keep your eyes out for the following signs and symptoms:

  • Dehydration;
  • Withdrawn or unusually agitated demeanor;
  • Injuries or fractures;
  • Infections;
  • Malnutrition;
  • Bedsores;
  • Rapid weight loss/weight gain;
  • Refusal to talk in front of the nursing home staff;
  • Unusual and sudden changes in behavior;
  • Unsanitary living conditions;
  • Heavy medication or sedation; and
  • Unexplained hospitalization or death.

When to Seek Help

If you suspect that a loved one is being abused by the staff of their nursing home facility, or if you yourself have experienced abuse by the staff of your nursing home facility, contact a Tampa abuse lawyer right away. Statistics prove that chronic abuse and neglect can lead to death, so the earlier you take action, the sooner we can put an end to the mistreatment. At The Pendas Law Firm, we give a voice to those who feel as if they do not have one. Contact our personal injury lawyers at 1-844-200-0000 or online to schedule your consultation today. Our firm serves clients throughout Orlando, Tampa, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale & Miami.

Read What Others Have To Say About Us

  • I can't express how much I appreciate this law firm. I had the honor to deal with attorney Daniel. He kept me updated on my case. I couldn't ask for a better law firm...

    — Terry Mcphillips
  • Speedy & superb handling of clients & cases, kind & caring. Highly recommended professionals. They made everything very easy for us, were outgoing & polite. I would call them again if ever in need, rather than call the larger firms that need to advertise & brag about winnings...

    — Joseph Kestell
  • Wow I called Pendas Law Firm the other day at their main intake line it was around 11 o’clock at night and I’ve got this wonderful representative his name was Jeffrey Alvarez. This guy was very professional and his compassion was out of this world..

    — Luis Sanchez
  • Thank you for helping us in our time of need. This firm handled my father’s workers comp case, and helped us with every question we had, and we had a plenty. Thankful for the entire legal team!

    — Enilno Resu
  • I just concluded a case with attorney Michael Sanchez and paralegal Camilo Lopez. I can only say they are exceptional. The customer service is unique, they have been battling alongside me since day 1. They are not only courteous and professional, but they also are amazing at their job...

    — Israel Garcia
  • Their attorneys are absolutely someone you want handling your car accident claim. They communicated with us promptly and thoroughly. I was very happy with our recovery. Already recommended them to others in the same circumstances, their staff speaks Spanish and you feel like in family.

    — Ian Brito
  • Very Professional law firm. They explained to you every detail what to do according to the laws (worker's compensation). Mr. Danilo Cruz is the best Lawyer and his team. They are very kind, friendly, responsible, I love this firm. They fight for their clients. AwesomeTeam!

    — Lau Rod
  • I am very proud and happy that my case was closed, and definitely won! Lizette Gonzalez was my case manager and I definitely recommend this P.A.! Honestly, no other lawyer even tried to fight my case at all, I was turned down by most of those who I called...

    — KingArroyoVEVO
  • Great lawyers who speak Spanish and English. Danny Cruz and Lizette Gonzalez helped with my case and put my parents worries at ease. They got my case over and done with within a year and helped get all my bills paid.

    — Caroline Matute
  • This was a positive, informative and pleasant experience concerning an unpleasant situation. Everyone I spoke to was very professional and compassionate. I always felt to be in the best and most capable hands. the Pendas Law Firm lives up to its reputation!

    — Jean Villarreal
  • Pendas Law did an awesome job working my claim against my homeowners insurance. They had refused to pay for the wind damage to the roof. Larry with Pendas Law Firm was assigned to my case and immediately started working on it. I could not be happier. Will definitely use Pendas Law in the future if needed.

    — John Hibbert
  • I'm thankful to have chosen them , very responsible and communicative , Went in the office with my family and the environment was great ,Sahily walked me through the process professionally, I got a good settlement faster than I expected, would totally recommend.

    — Juan Fernandez
  • I'm very happy with this firm... Joel is an excellent attorney and Carolyn is an amazing paralegal, After been ditched from another law firm, Pendas took care of me and they won my case. I recommend them 100%...

    — MARIA PASTOR
  • This law firm is amazing. I love how they always try to stay/keep in contact with you. It shows that they really care and want everything taken care of correctly, Thank You!...

    — SHANTELLE BLACKWELL
  • I'm very thankful for all the attention of all the Pendas staff that took care of my case and helped me through the process, thanks for your patience, collaboration and comprehension!...

    — CARLOS GUADALUPE
  • The Pendas Law Firm was amazing! They are very kind, professional, and hard-working! They always kept me informed. Larry Trias was great to work with! I always recommend Pendas to family and friends. Thank you for helping me with my case!

    — HEATHER PEPPER
  • Their attorneys are absolutely someone you want handling your car accident claim. They communicated with us promptly and thoroughly. I was very happy with our recovery. Their staff speaks Spanish and you feel like family.

    — IAN BRITO
  • I would definitely recommend this firm. The staff really helps you and they actually show you that they care, especially Siomara Roldan. She has been a great help for my family and myself, she is always helpful with any questions.

    — WILMER D SANTANA RODRIGUEZ
  • Pendas is the best! The paralegals are very attentive to your case, knowledgeable, and communicative! The attorney also won’t just be there the day of your sign up, but all throughout the process as needed. I truly recommend Pendas!

    — MCKENZIE CZABAJ
  • Previous
  • Next
 

By submitting this form I acknowledge that form submissions via this website do not create an attorney-client relationship, and any information I send is not protected by attorney-client privilege.

Florida Personal Injury Offices

Skip footer and go back to main navigation