Stuart Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
As the population ages, nursing home abuse is, unfortunately, becoming an increasingly prevalent issue across the country, including here in Stuart, Florida. If your loved one has suffered from such abuse, you need a compassionate and skilled Stuart nursing home abuse lawyer, Lance P. Richard, P.A. to guide you through the legal process.
What Constitutes Nursing Home Abuse?
Nursing home abuse takes many forms, from physical and emotional harm to neglect and financial exploitation. It can be as overt as assault or subtle as withholding medication or failing to assist with personal hygiene. Unexplained injuries, changes in behavior, or sudden financial problems can all be signs of abuse.
Florida Law on Elderly Abuse
Florida law takes a strong stand against nursing home abuse. Statute 825.102 holds that anyone who knowingly or willfully abuses an elderly person commits a felony. This law also protects against neglect, defined as failing to provide an elderly person with the services necessary to maintain their health and safety.
Filing a Complaint Against a Nursing Home in Florida
In Florida, complaints against nursing homes should be filed with the Florida Department of Elder Affairs or the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). Alternatively, local law enforcement can be contacted in cases where immediate intervention is required.
Reporting Abuse to a Nursing Home in Florida
When reporting abuse, it’s important to provide as much detail as possible. This might include the name of the victim, the nature of the abuse, the person or persons involved, and any evidence you might have. Contact the Florida Abuse Hotline or the local ombudsman council, a group dedicated to improving the quality of life for Florida residents living in nursing homes.
Who is Liable for Nursing Home Abuse?
Liability for nursing home abuse in Stuart, Florida can rest with different parties, including individual caregivers, administrators, and the nursing home itself. This can be due to direct abuse or neglect, negligent hiring practices, insufficient training, or inadequate staffing.
Investigations into Nursing Homes in Florida
The Florida AHCA and the Department of Children and Families (DCF) are tasked with investigating allegations of nursing home abuse in Florida. They examine complaints, conduct on-site visits, and can impose penalties or fines if violations are found.
Standing to Sue for Nursing Home Abuse
Generally, the victim of nursing home abuse, their legal representative, or certain close family members have standing to sue for nursing home abuse in Florida. Consult with a personal injury attorney in Stuart, Florida like Lance P. Richard, P.A. to determine if you have standing to file a lawsuit.
Nursing Home Abuse as Medical Malpractice
In some instances, nursing home abuse can fall under the umbrella of medical malpractice. If the abuse involved a failure to provide appropriate medical care, or an intentional action (or omission) by a healthcare provider that falls below the acceptable standard of care, it can constitute medical malpractice.
Navigating the complexities of Florida nursing home abuse law requires experienced, dedicated legal representation. If you or a loved one has suffered from nursing home abuse in Stuart, Florida, personal injury lawyer Lance P. Richard, P.A. is here to help. We can guide you through the legal process, from reporting the abuse to filing a lawsuit and seeking compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more.
Contact Stuart Nursing Home Abuse Attorney, Lance P. Richard, P.A.
The safety and dignity of our elderly loved ones should always be a priority. At Lance P. Richard, P.A., we’re committed to fighting for justice for victims of nursing home abuse. If you need legal assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation.
Remember, when it comes to elder abuse, silence is not an option. Stand up for your loved ones. Stand up for justice. Let Lance P. Richard, P.A., your trusted Stuart, Florida personal injury attorney, be your advocate to protect the ones you love.
