Note: This content is for informational purposes only. Our law firm partners with other law firms that specialize in cases involving nursing home abuse.

Dealing with nursing home abuse in your family can be very difficult. The anger and frustration can be intense. You need someone on your side who sees the big picture.
You want to hold the nursing home and its staff accountable. You have the right to seek financial compensation from those responsible. After all, nursing home abuse can change your loved one’s life forever.
How A Lawyer Can Help if My Loved One Was a Victim of Nursing Home Abuse in Orlando, FL

Nursing homes are supposed to keep your loved one safe when they need more care than you can provide. Unfortunately, many nursing facilities in Florida don’t live up to these expectations. Abuse and neglect are far too common.
It can also be extremely difficult to prove. An experienced Orlando personal injury lawyer can help you hold the responsible nursing home accountable.
Our team at Payer Law Personal Injury Lawyers has earned a spot on both the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
We’ll fight for you by:
- Investigating the abuse and determining why it was allowed to happen
- Identifying all responsible parties
- Demanding fair compensation from everyone involved
- Calculating the full compensation award you deserve
- Handling all communications and insurance negotiations
- Filing a lawsuit and going to trial to get just compensation
Statistics on Nursing Home Abuse
Elder abuse is extremely common in the United States. Unfortunately, residents in assisted living facilities are much more likely to be victimized.
According to a World Health Organization study, about one in every six adults over age 60 experienced some type of abuse in community settings in 2021 and 2022. Shockingly, two out of every three nursing home employees admitted to committing some type of abuse during that same period. Psychological abuse was the most common type of abuse reported in the study.
Despite these reports, it’s important to remember that nursing home abuse is likely much more widespread than reported. Most studies have found that nursing home abuse is often unreported.
Types of Nursing Home Abuse Cases
Nursing home abuse can come in many forms. Each has the potential to cause lasting damage.
Nursing home abuse cases include:
- Psychological and emotional abuse, which can include humiliation, intentional isolation, belittling, name-calling, and more
- Physical abuse, or hitting, slapping, kicking, or even inappropriate use of restraints
- Sexual abuse, which can involve rape, unwanted sexual contact, or even forcing nursing home residents to watch sexual content
- Financial abuse or exploitation, which commonly involves identity theft, theft of personal belongings, or even coercing a resident to change their will
- Pharmaceutical abuse – or inappropriate use of medications
- Nursing home negligence, whether the employee is actively neglecting residents or passively neglecting residents due to understaffing
Your elderly loved one has the right to be treated with dignity and respect.
How Do I Know Whether My Loved One Has Been a Victim of Nursing Home Abuse?
Victims of nursing home abuse and neglect are often afraid to report the abuse. Many are scared that nursing home staff members will retaliate. Others are too ashamed and humiliated to tell their loved ones about the problem. That can make it tough to detect abuse.
There are, of course, some common signs to watch for in your loved ones.
While the signals can vary depending on the type of abuse involved, some of the most common signs of nursing home abuse or neglect include:
- Frequent injuries, including fall injuries or bruising
- Unexplained weight loss, which can signal malnutrition, dehydration, and even depression
- Changes in behavior
- Changes in hygiene
- Frequent infections
- Regressive behaviors, such as self-hugging or rocking
- Becoming withdrawn
- Marks around the wrists or ankles, which can signal improper use of restraints
- Fear of speaking to you when nursing home staff are present
- Nursing home staff who refuses to leave you alone with your loved one
- Bed sores and pressure ulcers
- STDs and genital injuries
- Unsanitary conditions
- Unexplained financial transactions or changes to wills and beneficiary designations
Because nursing home abuse is so common, you can never be too careful. If you suspect your loved one is being abused, contact a nursing home abuse lawyer.
What Is My Orlando Nursing Home Abuse Case Worth?
The value of your personal injury case will depend on many different factors, including:
- The type of injuries, harm, and suffering that your loved one has endured
- The cost of your loved one’s medical treatment and out-of-pocket expenses
- The type and cost of needed future medical care
- The cost of relocating to a safe long-term care facility
- The value of any lost wages while you care for your loved one
- How long the abuse has been happening
- The identity of the responsible parties and the nature of their actions
The more extensive the trauma, the more your case is likely to be worth. However, don’t count on the nursing home and their insurance companies to offer a fair settlement. You should, on the other hand, expect them to want a fast settlement–especially if the evidence is strong. Settling quickly can both avoid negative publicity and help them get away with paying less than you deserve.
Instead, consult a lawyer. An experienced lawyer can help you get a clear picture of how much you really deserve.
What Types of Damages Are Available to Victims of Nursing Home Abuse in Orlando, Florida?
Your loved one can seek compensation for their economic damages and non-economic damages like any other personal injury victim.
You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Medications
- Medical devices
- Relocation costs
- Rehabilitation
- Therapy
- Property damage and restitution
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Anxiety
- Depression
- PTSD
- Diminished quality of life
- Physical disfigurement and scarring
Punitive damages may also be available in a case against a nursing home employee who intentionally abused your loved one. When nursing homes act maliciously or with intentional disregard for human life and safety, they can be on the hook for punitive damages as punishment.
Nursing Home Abuse Often Leaves Victims Struggling With Severe Long-Term Injuries
Depending on the circumstances, nursing home abuse can result in:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Chronic infections
- Bed sores
- Internal injuries, which can happen due to malnutrition, dehydration, or lack of access to medications or quality medical attention
- Adverse medication interactions and reactions
- Financial instability
- Wrongful death of a loved one
Victims of nursing home abuse often suffer from severe mental trauma.
Why Does Nursing Home Abuse Happen?
Nursing home abuse can happen for many different reasons. Sometimes, abuse and neglect happen because the nursing home is understaffed.
Abuse and neglect also become more likely when nursing homes fail to conduct background checks and screen employees before hiring them. Nursing homes often fail to properly train and supervise employees who are responsible for resident care.
Who is Responsible for My Damages, and How Do I Prove Liability?
Most often, it is a nursing home employee who commits the abuse. However, multiple parties may be legally responsible for your damages.
Responsible parties may include:
- The nursing home
- A corporation that operates a chain of nursing homes
- Doctors, nurses, and medical professionals who commit medical malpractice
- Certified caregivers
- Government agencies responsible for licensing, inspection, and oversight
Anyone with a legal duty to keep your loved one safe can be held responsible for your family’s losses.
How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit For Nursing Home Abuse in Florida?
You typically have just two years to file a personal injury lawsuit for damages in Florida. The statute of limitations is a hard and fast deadline. If you miss the deadline, you give up the right to seek valuable compensation to make up for your family’s suffering.
Contact a Trusted Orlando Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer for a Free Consultation
Nursing home abuse is never acceptable. Contact an experienced Orlando nursing home abuse attorney if you suspect abuse is occurring.
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