Attorney for Nursing Home Abuse in St. Petersburg FL
Since 1970, the number of residents aged over 60 has quadrupled. The problem of nursing home neglect and elder abuse is on the rise as the senior citizen population grows. One in six senior citizens is abused or neglected. In Florida, criminal charges for elder abuse have risen by 500% in the last five years. Seeking justice often requires the help of a skilled nursing home abuse lawyer, as criminal charges are seldom filed against businesses that harm elderly residents.
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(727) 822-8818
Residents of nursing homes, and other eldercare facilities are often injured by abuse or neglect. Skilled nursing facilities gives Florida a dismal 2.9 out of 5 rating for the quality of care provided in nursing homes. Our St. Petersburg FL nursing home abuse attorney is dedicated to helping victims in Florida receive justice and compensation. Call us for a no-cost consultation.
What is elder abuse?
Elder abuse includes any physical, emotional or financial mistreatment a senior. The abuse can be perpetrated by caregivers at home or in institutions such as nursing homes, personal-care homes, and assisted-living facilities. Examples of elder abuse are:
- Physical abuse: Punching, burning or neglect that causes physical harm.
- Neglect: Failure to reposition patients bedridden can lead to dangerous blood clots and pressure ulcers. Dehydration and malnutrition are caused by a lack of monitoring diet and hydration. Neglecting hygiene can lead to life-threatening infections.
- Medication errors: Staff who are overworked often miss symptoms of patients, give the wrong medication or forget to take doses. This can lead to serious health problems.
Nursing homes have an obligation to monitor the health of their patients and make sure that medications are taken as prescribed. Staff who fail to fulfill these obligations can have devastating consequences.
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(727) 822-8818
Why Do Nursing Homes Neglect Their Patients?
These large corporations, which operate in multiple states, own many nursing homes. These companies prioritize profits over patient health, leading to chronic staffing shortages—the primary cause of nursing home neglect. Consulting a nursing home abuse lawyer can help hold these corporations accountable for their harmful practices.
Understaffing in Nursing Homes
Many nursing homes hire low-paid aides who are not licensed nurses. This practice leads to:
- A Lack of Care: When one aide is trying to manage the workload of two, it can lead to serious injuries such as fractures or falls.
- Dangerous Shortcuts: Federal law requires that two people operate a Hoyer lift, yet some aides try to do so alone, putting patients at risk.
- Case Study: Our firm represented the children of a woman who suffered a fatal brain hemorrhage after an aide dropped her while attempting to move her alone. The nursing home attempted to hide the incident through falsifying records. However, with the help of our team and a dedicated nursing home abuse lawyer, we proved their negligence and won the case.
Violations of Federal Regulations
According to federal regulations, nursing homes that receive Medicare funding must have a registered nurse on staff at least 8 hours per day, every day. Unfortunately, many nursing homes do not adhere to this standard. They often falsify compliance reports or meet the standard only when inspectors are present.
Abuse by Overworked Staff
Overworked aides, frustrated by their workload, may physically or emotionally abuse patients. Patients with dementia are particularly vulnerable because they require extra care and understanding. Additionally, some companies that provide in-home care fail to adequately train and supervise their employees, even hiring caregivers with criminal records.
The Effects of Abuse and Neglect
Abuse and neglect can lead to serious physical and mental harm. Victims have a right to compensation for their injuries and trauma. A skilled nursing home abuse lawyer can advocate for these victims, ensuring they receive justice and accountability. While Florida is working to improve the quality of nursing home care, abuse remains a harsh reality for many elderly residents.
How does Jeanette Secor, PA Attorney at Law help victims of elder abuse?
Our St. Petersburg FL nursing home abuse attorney is committed to helping victims recover their dignity, and holding wrongdoers responsible for their shameful acts. Our goal is to give families the satisfaction that they have held institutions accountable for abuse and neglect. If government regulators do not enforce the law, then lawsuits can be the most effective tool to influence the behavior of nursing homes and eldercare businesses. When faced with financial consequences, companies that put profits before people will be more motivated to protect their patients.
What elder abuse cases does Jeanette Secor, PA Attorney at Law handle?
We represent victims of abuse and neglect who have suffered physical and emotional harm, including:
- Sexual assault victims
- Patients with hip fractures after falls
- Hospitalized patients with malnutrition, or pressure ulcers infected.
- Strokes caused by medication mistakes
We also advocate for families who seek justice following the death of a loved one due to neglect or abuse.
Contact Jeanette Secor, PA Attorney At Law
Our St. Petersburg FL law firm represents victims in Florida of nursing home abuse or neglect. Our nursing home abuse attorney is available to answer all your questions 24/7.
- Phone: (727) 822-8818
- Email: js@jeanettesecor.com
- Online Contact Form: https://wonandover.com/contact/.
Do not wait to get justice for your loved ones. Call us now to speak with a nursing home abuse attorney and begin the process of holding negligent parties responsible.