A Miami Personal Injury Lawyer Fighting Nursing Home Abuse And Neglect
Unfortunately, with its large elderly population residing in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, Florida is ground zero for nursing home abuse. If you know or suspect that your loved one has been abused in a Miami-area nursing home, it is imperative that you hire an attorney familiar with the Florida laws governing these facilities. I am Eli Stiers, founder of Stiers Law, P.A. After more than 20 years practicing personal injury law, I have the experience it takes to investigate your nursing home abuse claim and to advocate aggressively and effectively on behalf of your family.
Recognizing Signs Of Nursing Home Abuse
Abuse in nursing homes can manifest in various forms, including physical, emotional, sexual and financial abuse. It is essential to identify the signs of each type to safeguard your loved one.
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse entails inflicting bodily harm on an elderly individual. This may involve actions such as hitting, shoving or applying excessive force. Indicators of physical abuse can include unexplained bruises, cuts, or welts, broken bones or fractures, burns or abrasions, and marks suggesting restraint on wrists or ankles.
Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse can be as harmful as physical abuse. It encompasses verbal assaults, threats, humiliation and harassment. Signs of emotional abuse might include sudden and unexplained changes in behavior or mood, withdrawal from social activities, unusual levels of fear or anxiety, or sudden depression or apathy.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse in nursing homes refers to any nonconsensual sexual contact. Although it can be challenging to detect, some signs include bruising around the genital area or breasts, unexplained infections or sexually transmitted diseases, torn or stained underwear, and a reluctance to be touched.
Financial Abuse
Financial abuse occurs when an individual’s money, property, or assets are used illegally or improperly. Warning signs of financial abuse include missing personal belongings or cash, unexplained withdrawals from bank accounts, or unauthorized changes to wills or legal documents.
Do Not Overlook Indicators Of Nursing Home Neglect
Neglect involves the failure to provide necessary care and attention, resulting in harm or distress. It can be intentional or due to insufficient staffing. Signs of neglect include poor hygiene or unclean living conditions, untreated medical issues such as bedsores, malnutrition or dehydration, and inadequate clothing or bedding.
If you observe any of these signs, it is crucial to take action. Document your observations, speak to the nursing home administration, and consider consulting a legal professional to protect your loved one.
Legal Experience You Can Rely On
Throughout my career, I have successfully litigated cases where the nursing home itself, or their employees, acted negligently, including:
- Actual physical and emotional abuse by staff
- Negligent hiring by the facility
- Under-staffing by the facility
- Inadequate training of employees by the facility
I will help you seek full compensation for physical injuries, medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages. In some cases of particularly egregious misconduct, compensation can include punitive damages meant to punish the responsible facility.
Share Your Concerns With Me During A Free Initial Consultation
Don’t ignore your instincts. It is better to say something and be wrong than to keep silent and allow abuse or neglect to continue. At Stiers Law, P.A., I make it easy to share your concerns by offering free and confidential consultations. To schedule yours, call my office in Miami at 305-290-2883 or send me a message online.