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Negligence and abuse are serious problems in many nursing homes across Florida. The statistics on negligence and abuse in nursing homes are alarming, and every day, residents suffer at the hands of those who have been entrusted with their care. As a result, it is important to know how to protect yourself (or your loved one) if you have concerns. Here is some important information from Fort Myers nursing home abuse lawyer Randall L. Spivey.

What You Can Do if You Have Concerns About Nursing Home Negligence and Abuse

Despite the alarming statistics, nursing home residents have the right to be free from all forms of negligence and abuse under Florida law. As a result, when residents fall victim, they can—and should—take action to protect themselves. Family members who have concerns should take action to protect their loved ones as well. Taking action in this scenario involves the following:

1. Seek Appropriate Medical Treatment Outside of the Nursing Home

If your concerns relate to your (or your loved one’s) health, you should seek appropriate medical treatment outside of the nursing home right away. Nursing homes cannot prevent residents from getting the care they need, and residents have the absolute right to see a doctor of their own choosing in this scenario. When seeking treatment, it is important to provide as many details about your concerns as possible.

2. Document the Negligence or Abuse (if Possible)

If possible, you should do what you can to document the negligence or abuse that you or your loved one has experienced in the nursing home. This may include taking detailed notes, taking photos of your (or your loved one’s) injuries, taking photos of unhygienic or unsafe living conditions, and keeping copies of your (or your loved one’s) medical records, among other steps. If you cannot do anything to document the negligence or abuse, that is okay—but, in this scenario, it will be especially important for you to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.

3. Talk to a Lawyer Who Can Help You

Regardless of the circumstances at hand, you will want to arrange a free consultation with a lawyer who can help you. An experienced Fort Myers nursing home abuse lawyer at Spivey Law Firm will be able to help you understand your legal rights and the options you have available. This should not cost you anything out-of-pocket.

4. Work with Your Attorney to Make Informed Decisions About Your Next Steps

Along with helping you understand your legal rights and options, your attorney will also be able to help you make informed decisions about your next steps. Depending on the circumstances at hand, this may involve taking legal action against your (or your loved one’s) nursing home. The financial and non-financial costs of nursing home negligence and abuse can be substantial, and taking legal action may be necessary to recover the financial compensation your family needs and deserves.

5. Rely on Your Lawyer to Take Any Legal Action that is Warranted

If taking legal action is necessary, an experienced Fort Myers nursing home abuse lawyer with Spivey Law Firm will be able to take any and all legal action on your family’s behalf. In nursing home negligence and abuse cases, residents and their families can seek financial compensation for medical bills, emotional trauma, pain and suffering, and other financial and non-financial losses. These losses can add up quickly, and without financial compensation, residents and their families can continue to suffer unnecessarily.

What Not to Do if You Have Concerns About Negligence or Abuse in a Florida Nursing Home

In addition to taking the steps we have just discussed, there are also some mistakes that you should be careful to avoid. For example, if you have concerns about negligence or abuse in a Florida nursing home, you should not:

• Ignore Your Concerns – Nursing home negligence and abuse are serious issues that can have serious consequences. As a result, if you have concerns, you should not ignore them. As we discussed above, negligence and abuse are alarmingly common, so there is a good chance that your concerns are valid.
• Assume the Problem Will Get Better – Just as you should not ignore your concerns, you should not assume that the problem will get better on its own—because it probably will not. Negligence and abuse in nursing homes are rarely isolated incidents. Instead, they are usually indicative of systemic problems that need to be addressed in order to prevent additional harm.
• Let the Nursing Home Tell You What to Do – If you raise your concerns with the nursing home directly, administrators or caregivers may try to tell you what to do. Generally speaking, you should not take their advice. They will almost certainly be putting the nursing home’s interests (or their own personal interests) first in this scenario.
• Ignore the Risks Involved – All forms of negligence and abuse can pose serious risks for nursing home residents. From substandard care to physical attacks and from verbal assaults to unwanted sexual contact, all forms of negligence and abuse can lead to significant physical, psychological, and financial harm.
• Try to Handle Your (or Your Loved One’s) Situation on Your Own – Due to the challenges and risks involved, you should not try to handle your (or your loved one’s) situation on your own. Instead, you should seek help from an experienced Fort Myers nursing home abuse lawyer. At Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., we handle all nursing home negligence and abuse cases at no out-of-pocket cost to our clients.

Request a Free and Confidential Consultation with a Fort Myers Nursing Home Abuse Right Away

Attorney Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney.  In Florida, only 1 % of the lawyers admitted to practice with the Florida Bar Association are Board Certified in Civil Trial Law. As a certified attorney, he can hold himself out as a specialist or expert in Civil Trial Law. Attorney Randall L. Spivey has also received a Preeminent Attorney Rating from Martindale-Hubbell, which is the highest rating standard, signifying the top ranking for legal knowledge, communication skills, and ethical standards.

At Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., we are devoted to providing top-notch legal assistance to those injured or abused in nursing homes or to help the loved ones of those injured. The consultation is free and confidential. We work on a contingency fee basis. You do not pay any fees or costs until you receive a monetary recovery.

Do you have concerns about negligence or abuse in a Florida nursing home? If so, we strongly encourage you to contact us right away. To discuss your (or your loved one’s) situation with Fort Myers nursing home abuse lawyer Randall L. Spivey in confidence as soon as possible, call Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. at 239-337-7483, toll-free at 888-477-4839, or tell us how we can get in touch online at Spiveylaw.com now.