Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer Lakeland, FL
Your Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer
If you have a family member in an assisted-living facility, you expect them to receive the best care possible – but if you suspect something isn’t right, you may want to contact your Lakeland, FL nursing home neglect lawyer. At The Turnbull Firm, we’ve won our clients hundreds of thousands of dollars in nursing home cases alone, and now we’re ready to use our 20 years of legal experience to help you.
Nursing home neglect can take many forms, and it isn’t always obvious. Before you contact us for a consultation, read on to learn more about the red flags and warning signs of neglect, and see what a lawyer can do to help.
What Counts As Nursing Home Neglect?
The exact definition can vary, but it ranges from emotional abuse and isolation, to malnutrition and even death. But regardless of the circumstances, you’ll still need evidence that supports your claim. Since nursing home neglect comes in so many varieties, you’ll have to be on the lookout for some of the most common signs.
If you have a loved on in a nursing facility, check in on them regularly. When you pay them a visit, are you able to speak with them alone, or is there always a staff member present? A nearby staff member may give the appearance of constant care, but it may also be a means of intimidating your loved one into silence. It’s important to get true one-on-one time.
While you’re paying your loved one a visit, take note of his or her behavior. Have there been any sudden changes in mood? Are you experiencing a lack of communication? Do they suddenly seem apprehensive or nervous? Neglect and abuse can change to a change in behavior.
There’s also more physical signs of neglect. Sudden weight loss may indicate malnutrition, and moldy or rotten food in the fridge may indicate that your loved on isn’t getting the regular care that he or she deserves. The red flags are numerous, but there’s one solution that can lead to compensation or closure.
The Role Of A Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer
When you trust a nursing facility with the wellbeing of an elderly relative, it can be shocking to discover that the staff is incompetent or even dangerous. Fortunately, your Lakeland nursing home neglect lawyer can help you secure a better life for your loved one. Whether it’s through investigation, building a case, or fighting against the nursing facility, you can still get justice in a time of need.
The right legal team can walk you through your options, and can help you investigate whether you have a real case of neglect on your hands. Your lawyer will know the signs of neglect – and importantly, your lawyer will know the next steps you should take.
Contact Us Today
If you suspect a loved on is being mistreated at a nursing or assisted care facility, there’s no time to waste. Get in touch with The Turnbull Firm today, and see what a nursing home neglect lawyer from our office can do for you.
Four Types Of Nursing Home Neglect
A Lakeland nursing home neglect lawyer knows that nursing home neglect refers to the failure of caregivers or facilities to provide the standard of care required to ensure the safety, health, and well-being of elderly residents. Neglect can manifest in various forms, each with its own set of consequences for residents.
Understanding these types of neglect is crucial for identifying issues and seeking appropriate interventions. Here, we explore four common types of nursing home neglect. Call The Turnbull Firm for more detailed information.
Physical Neglect
Physical neglect involves the failure to provide essential physical care and assistance to residents. This form of neglect can have severe consequences for the health and safety of elderly individuals. Examples include:
- Hygiene and cleanliness: Residents may be neglected in terms of personal hygiene, such as not receiving regular baths, having dirty clothing, or living in unsanitary conditions. Poor hygiene can lead to infections, skin conditions, and overall discomfort.
- Nutrition and hydration: Failure to provide adequate food and fluids can result in malnutrition, dehydration, and significant health decline. Residents might experience weight loss, weakness, and other health complications due to improper nutrition.
- Physical safety: This includes neglecting to address hazards in the environment, such as unsafe conditions that could lead to falls or injuries. For example, inadequate supervision or failure to maintain clean, hazard-free floors can result in serious accidents.
Medical Neglect
Medical neglect occurs when nursing home staff fail to provide necessary medical care, treatment, or medication. This type of neglect can lead to worsening health conditions and even life-threatening situations. Examples include:
- Medication errors: This involves failing to administer prescribed medications on time or in the correct dosage or neglecting to manage and monitor side effects. Medication errors can exacerbate existing health issues or create new complications.
- Failure to monitor health conditions: Regular monitoring and assessment of health conditions are essential. Neglect in this area can lead to untreated or poorly managed chronic conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, or pressure sores.
- Delayed or inadequate medical attention: If a resident shows signs of illness or injury and does not receive timely medical attention, their condition can deteriorate rapidly. Delayed responses to medical emergencies can have serious consequences for a resident’s health.
Emotional Neglect
Emotional neglect refers to the failure to address the psychological and emotional needs of nursing home residents. This type of neglect can lead to feelings of loneliness, depression, and a decline in mental health. Examples include:
- Lack of interaction: Residents may experience emotional neglect if they are left isolated without adequate social interaction or stimulation. Regular conversation, activities, and engagement are crucial for mental well-being.
- Ignoring emotional distress: If staff members disregard or fail to respond to residents’ expressions of emotional pain or distress, it can lead to feelings of abandonment and worsen mental health conditions.
- Failure to provide comfort: Residents may also be neglected emotionally if their comfort and personal preferences are not considered. This includes neglecting to offer emotional support during times of grief or distress.
Social Neglect
Social neglect involves failing to address the social needs and interactions of residents. This type of neglect can affect a resident’s overall quality of life and sense of belonging. Examples include:
- Isolation from family and friends: If a nursing home restricts or fails to facilitate regular visits and communication with family and friends, residents may feel cut off from their social support networks.
- Lack of social activities: Residents benefit from participating in social and recreational activities. Neglecting to provide or encourage engagement in such activities can lead to boredom, isolation, and a decline in overall well-being.
- Ignoring personal preferences: Social neglect also includes disregarding residents’ preferences and interests in social activities or routines. Personalizing social interactions and activities is essential for maintaining residents’ engagement and happiness.
Call Our Office For Legal Assistance
Nursing home neglect can take various forms, each with its own harmful effects on residents. Recognizing these types of neglect is crucial for ensuring that elderly individuals receive the care and respect they deserve in nursing homes. If your loved one has been a victim of nursing home neglect, a Lakeland nursing home neglect lawyer can help you get financial justice. Call The Turnbull Firm for a free consultation to learn what legal recourse you may have.
