Nursing home abuse and neglect can leave your family suffering in unimaginable ways. If your loved one was a victim of nursing home abuse in Orlando, FL, you may deserve financial compensation. Call Payer Personal Injury Lawyers at (407) 648-1510. An experienced Orlando nursing home abuse lawyer can help your family fight to recover the compensation you deserve.
Our lawyers have over 28 years of combined experience handling personal injury law cases. We’ve collected over $100 million in settlements and verdicts for families like yours.
You can count on us to do everything possible to get the compensation you deserve. Contact our law offices in Orlando, Florida, to schedule your free consultation today.
How Payer Personal Injury Lawyers 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 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
Our Orlando personal injury attorneys have been protecting clients like you since 1999. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your family get justice.
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.
Our Attorneys in Orlando Handle All Types of Nursing Home Abuse Cases
Nursing home abuse can come in many forms. Each has the potential to cause lasting damage.
At Payer Personal Injury Lawyers, we handle nursing home abuse cases involving:
- 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. Our law firm in Orlando is here to help you fight for justice and stop the abuse. Contact our Orlando nursing home abuse attorneys today to schedule a free case review to learn more about your legal options.
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 our nursing home abuse lawyers today. We can investigate and help you report the potential abuse to the relevant authorities (you can also call 1-800-96-ABUSE (800-962-2873)).
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. Our lawyers will be sure to account for all of the physical, emotional, and financial losses your family has suffered due to the abuse.
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. At Payer Personal Injury Lawyers, we always review your case for free.
