Nursing Home Abuse in Fort Lauderdale
When local nursing home residents endure neglect, loved ones can help spot the signs. Here are some common signs that might signal neglect:
- Weight loss, excessive thirst, confusion can indicate dehydration and/or malnutrition caused by failure to provide proper nutrition and water.
- Soiled garments or bed linens may indicate that staff members aren’t responding to calls for assistance to the bathroom.
- Bruises, sprains, or broken bones can signal physical abuse or lack of assistance in moving about.
- Worsening of health conditions may indicate problems with medications or lack of proper medical treatment.
- Development of bed sores or frozen joints may mean that residents are not being moved frequently enough.
It is important to take note of any unusual or suspicious conditions when you visit a loved one in a nursing home. If you suspect abuse or neglect, take action immediately to ensure the resident’s safety. Contact the nursing home abuse and neglect attorneys at Freeman Injury Law, for informed legal advice and guidance.
Incorporated a century ago, Fort Lauderdale is Broward County’s largest city and serves as the county seat. Called the Venice of America for its plentiful water locales, the city boasts 165 miles of navigable waterways and almost a thousand acres of public parks. Fort Lauderdale’s population numbers about 180,000 and the city enjoys an enviable location just 23 miles north of Miami and about half an hour’s drive south of Palm Beach. Its Florida postcard climate and beaches make Fort Lauderdale a choice location for great living and a favorite resort destination.
The Fort Lauderdale nursing home neglect attorneys at Freeman Injury Law, understand the lure of the Florida lifestyle. We know that many people retire to our area for its wonderful amenities. But we also understand that illness and age can mean that some Fort Lauderdale residents must seek the help they need in local nursing homes. Our nursing home abuse lawyers know that heartbreaking statistics from the National Center on Elder Abuse show more than half a million reports of elder and vulnerable adult abuse are received every year in the U.S. Our experienced Fort Lauderdale nursing home abuse attorneys believe that everyone is entitled to the best possible quality of life. We are dedicated to protecting the rights of nursing home residents and other vulnerable elder citizens of Fort Lauderdale and South Florida.
Residents of nursing homes are at risk for becoming victims of many different types of abuse. Physical mistreatment can happen when nursing home staff become angry and handle residents roughly.
Residents may suffer physically, too, when they are bedridden and unable to move. Failure to turn ill residents frequently enough can lead to the formation of bedsores. Allowed to become infected, those wounds can result in the potentially fatal condition called sepsis. Sepsis occurs when a wound or other opening in the skin allows bacteria to enter the body. When the immune system responds aggressively, the condition can rapidly worsen, causing high fevers, breathing difficulty, mental changes, and eventual organ failure. Our Fort Lauderdale nursing home neglect attorneys have seen the tragic results of sepsis. We have the knowledge and the medical resources to take effective action on the part of nursing home residents who suffer harm because their needs have been disregarded.
Many other types of infections can happen in the nursing home environment, as can issues with medications, improper diagnosis or treatment of residents’ conditions, injuries due to falls, malnutrition, environmental problems, and much more. The Fort Lauderdale nursing home abuse and neglect lawyers in our firm know how to work with residents and their families to address the abuses that occur in nursing homes. When you or a loved one has been left with lasting physical problems or has suffered emotionally or financially because of nursing home abuse or neglect, our elder abuse lawyers will take action to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you’re due for the harm you’ve endured.
In Florida, the Agency for Health Care Administration lists nursing homes that have been cited for deficiencies in care provided. The most recent check of state records indicates reports on at least 17 facilities in Broward County. Types of problems noted range from administrative questions to environmental issues to quality of care, pharmacy services, and more.
When you or a loved one suspect that there are problems with care you’re receiving in a nursing home, call the Fort Lauderdale nursing home abuse and neglect attorneys at Freeman Injury Law. Our firm is dedicated to protecting your rights, and we offer you a free initial consultation to discuss your concerns. If you aren’t able to come to us, we’ll meet with you in your nursing home. Poor care and neglect can have deadly consequences. Call our firm today and get the help you need.
Freeman Injury Law – (800) 561-7777 -- Someone on YOUR Side