Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Auburndale, FL

Our Auburndale, FL Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Protects The Vulnerable

Nursing home neglect and abuse is one of the most tragic types of personal injury claims. Residents in skilled nursing facilities, assisted living homes, or memory care units are especially vulnerable and be physically or mentally unable to stop abuse or report the mistreatment they suffer.  If you suspect someone you love is a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, our Auburndale, FL nursing home abuse lawyer can help you learn about your legal options and the best steps to take to protect your loved one.

The attorneys at The Turnbull Firm take nursing home abuse claims seriously. We’re dedicated to protecting the rights of the most vulnerable and want to help you help your loved one. We can evaluate the possibility of seeking appropriate compensation to help your loved one recover and move to a new facility. Call us today for a free consultation.

What Does Nursing Home Abuse Entail?

We investigate the nature of nursing home abuse and identify all responsible parties. These often include facility employees, management, and the company that owns the facility. Management is responsible for conducting due diligence in the hiring process and properly supervising employees and residents to ensure that abuse does not occur. Even if the abuse is resident-on-resident, the staff should have been aware and present enough to stop it.

In some instances, nursing homes may be understaffed or employ inadequately trained caregivers, leading to improper care. Residents may not receive adequate food or water or be repositioned often enough to avoid painful bedsores. In other cases, there may be enough staff, but the workers fail to provide the level of care needed for residents to recover from an illness or injury and to maintain their quality of life.

We consider neglect to be a form of abuse, as well, and in nursing homes, neglect can lead to dangerous situations, such as residents attempting to move on their own when they’re physically unable to or potentially choking on food.

Seeking Compensation In A Nursing Home Neglect Case

Proving neglect can be difficult, as many nursing home residents are already in poor health, and it may be hard to discern injuries from neglect from the progression of their disease. Investigating must be done delicately, as nursing home management may attempt to avoid allegations by removing the staff accused of abuse or destroying evidence. This can make it harder for us to demonstrate that your loved one was neglected.

We help you understand how to discreetly collect evidence of neglect and abuse. Trust our attorneys to take appropriate legal action on your behalf, including filing complaints and a civil suit. We have extensive experience in these kinds of matters and can avoid jeopardizing your case. We’ll support you throughout the process, offering guidance and insight to help you make informed decisions.

Get Help Today

If you’re worried that your loved one is suffering abuse or neglect in their memory care facility, nursing home, or assisted living community, please call The Turnbull Firm right away. Many times, abuse can be waved off by claiming that the resident “simply fell” or is too incapacitated to be telling the truth. We believe you, we believe your loved one, and we’re here to help you secure fair compensation to treat the injuries from the abuse and move them to a safer home. Call us today for a free consultation with our Auburndale nursing home abuse lawyer.

Common Types Of Nursing Home Abuse

An Auburndale, FL nursing home abuse lawyer knows this is a serious and distressing issue affecting vulnerable elderly individuals who often rely on caregivers for daily assistance and support. Abuse can take many forms, and it is important for families and loved ones to be aware of the signs to prevent and address such behavior. The most common types of nursing home abuse include physical abuse, emotional or psychological abuse, sexual abuse, and financial exploitation. Each form of abuse can have severe consequences for the victim and can lead to long-term physical and mental health issues. If you suspect your loved one is being abused, call The Turnbull Firm for help.

1. Physical Abuse

Physical abuse in nursing homes occurs when staff members intentionally cause bodily harm to a resident. This abuse can include hitting, slapping, pinching, pushing, or using excessive force while providing care. Physical abuse may also involve restraining a resident without their consent or using improper techniques that lead to injury. An Auburndale nursing home abuse lawyer should be called immediately if you suspect abuse.

• Signs of Physical Abuse: Bruises, cuts, broken bones, or unexplained injuries are common signs of physical abuse. Sudden changes in the resident’s behavior, such as becoming fearful, anxious, or withdrawn, can also indicate physical mistreatment. The victim may become reluctant to speak or make eye contact with caregivers, especially the abuser.
• Consequences: Physical abuse can cause both immediate harm and long-term health consequences, such as chronic pain, disability, or even death. It can also lead to emotional trauma, which may not be immediately visible.

2. Emotional Or Psychological Abuse

Emotional or psychological abuse involves the use of verbal attacks, threats, humiliation, isolation, or manipulation to control or intimidate a resident. This form of abuse can be just as damaging as physical abuse, though the signs may be harder to detect.

• Signs of Emotional Abuse: Residents who are emotionally abused may exhibit symptoms of depression, anxiety, fear, or agitation. They may withdraw from social interactions, display signs of confusion or a lack of self-worth, and have difficulty sleeping. Victims might also be reluctant to speak about their caregivers or become nervous in their presence.
• Consequences: Emotional abuse can lead to lasting psychological damage, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and a decline in overall quality of life. It can erode a resident’s self-esteem and sense of security, leading to helplessness and isolation.

3. Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse in nursing homes involves any non-consensual sexual contact or behavior toward a resident. This form of abuse may involve physical acts such as unwanted touching or more subtle forms of exploitation, including coercion or manipulation to engage in sexual activities.

• Signs of Sexual Abuse: Unexplained bruising or injuries to the genital or breast areas, difficulty walking or sitting, and emotional symptoms such as shame or fear can be indicators of sexual abuse. Residents may also suddenly fear certain caregivers or specific areas of the nursing home.
• Consequences: Sexual abuse can have severe and long-lasting physical and emotional effects on the victim. In addition to physical injuries or infections, the trauma from sexual abuse can cause significant psychological distress, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. The victim may also experience a loss of trust in caregivers and the healthcare system.

4. Financial Exploitation

Financial exploitation occurs when nursing home staff, family members, or others take advantage of an elderly resident’s financial resources. This abuse can involve stealing money, forging signatures, coercing residents to change their wills, or charging for services that are not provided.

• Signs of Financial Exploitation: Sudden changes in the resident’s financial situation, such as missing money or valuable items, unexplained large withdrawals from bank accounts, or a new “trusted” individual gaining control over the resident’s finances, may indicate financial abuse. Additionally, residents may show confusion or distress when discussing their finances.
• Consequences: Financial exploitation can cause significant harm, leaving the resident without the financial resources needed for their care and daily needs. It can also cause emotional stress, feelings of betrayal, and insecurity, which can exacerbate the physical and psychological toll of the abuse.

Is Your Loved One A Victim?

Nursing home abuse is a serious issue that affects many elderly residents, and its impact can be devastating. Whether the abuse is physical, emotional, sexual, or financial, it can have long-lasting effects on the health, well-being, and dignity of the victim. Reporting suspected abuse and taking legal action can help protect vulnerable residents and ensure they receive the care and respect they deserve. Calling an Auburndale nursing home abuse lawyer to find out your legal options is also critical. Contact The Turnbull Firm to learn more.