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
Our Locations:

Nursing Home Abuse on the Rise in Florida

NursingH3

Florida nursing homes have an obligation to their residents. Under Florida law, nursing homes must meet a specific standard of care, ensuring that they meet the basic needs of their seniors and maintain their quality of life. Homes are responsible for the actions of their staff and can be held liable in personal injury lawsuits (in addition to any criminal remedies).

But according to the Florida Department of Children and Families, elder abuse and neglect is on the rise. The number of verified abuse/neglect cases in Florida has risen 74 percent since 2011. The total for 2015 was 2,525. Many of those cases resulted in criminal charges.

Most cases of elder abuse happen at home. For example, last year the grandson of 95-year-old Lillian Moses was charged with abusing and neglecting his grandmother. While Lillian ultimately recanted her account of his alleged abuse and neglect, her story is an unfortunate reminder that seniors are a vulnerable population and aren’t always treated well.

While most cases happen at home, there are documented examples of elder abuse and neglect that happen at nursing homes. But recent reports have found that the state Agency for Health Care Administration has been censoring nursing home inspection reports and withholding details that could be used to prove abuse or neglect in a lawsuit.

Types of Nursing Home Abuse

Common types of elder abuse include:

  • Physical abuse — Inflicting physical harm on an elder is against the law and can also lead to civil liability. Illegal physical harm can range from hitting and kicking to sexual abuse.
  • Emotional abuse — Abuse isn’t limited to physical harm. Emotional abuse damages seniors in other ways, potentially leading to depression, anxiety and other issues. Examples include name calling and belittling the senior’s self-worth.
  • Neglect — This is similar to physical abuse in that it often results in physical harm to the senior, but from different causes. Any time a “caregiver” deprives a senior of a basic need (like food and hygiene), that is an example of neglect. One common symptom of neglect is if the senior develops bedsores.
  • Financial abuse — This might not be the first type of abuse that comes to mind, but it is a serious problem. Nursing home staff might steal money or property from residents, leaving them vulnerable to financial problems.

Injured seniors can bring personal injury lawsuits against the negligent nursing home seeking compensation for their medical expenses, pain and suffering and other damages. (Family may bring a wrongful death lawsuit.) The injured party has the burden of proving that the home acted negligently and that a reasonable facility would have acted differently.

Contact Us Today

If you or a loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse, you might have the right to compensation for your injuries. Contact the Orlando nursing home abuse attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm today for a free consultation.

The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Jacksonville, Fort Myers, Tampa, Miami, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Daytona and Bradenton areas.

Resources:

orlandosentinel.com/health/aging/os-elder-abuse-lillian-moses-20160527-story.html

orlandosentinel.com/opinion/columnists/os-ed-secret-nursing-home-inspection-reports-20170309-story.html

By Pendas Law Firm | Posted on April 3, 2017 Tags: Florida Nursing Home Abuse Attorney, Florida Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys, Florida Nursing Home Neglect, Nursing Home Abuse Orlando

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

Free Initial Consultation

 

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