How Can a Florida Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Help?
A Florida nursing home abuse lawyer can help individuals affected by nursing home abuse or neglect hold facilities and staff members accountable for the harm they caused.
Victims of nursing home abuse often face long-lasting physical and psychological harm. Severe cases of nursing home abuse can even lead to death. A skilled Florida nursing home abuse attorney can file a lawsuit to pursue compensation and justice for negligent care.
Experienced Florida nursing home abuse lawyers will make filing a lawsuit as stress-free as possible for your family. They will collect evidence, build your case, and fight to win the compensation your loved one deserves.
The Nursing Home Abuse Center partners with skilled nursing home attorneys across the country. Together, our legal partners have recovered over $280 million for the victims of nursing home abuse and neglect.
The Florida nursing home abuse lawyers we work with are fully vetted and part of our extensive national network.
Get a free case review right now to see if we can connect you with a top Florida nursing home abuse attorney near you.
Florida Nursing Home Abuse Settlements and Verdicts
Nursing home settlements and verdicts provide the financial support needed after abuse or neglect causes injury or death. Many nursing home settlements have awarded millions of dollars to families.
Settlements are the most common outcome of nursing home abuse and neglect lawsuits. Most happen out of court. However, if a fair settlement isn’t reached, nursing home claims may proceed to trial, where a judge or jury delivers a verdict.
Reported Florida nursing home abuse and neglect payouts include:
- $2.5 million to a mentally impaired stroke victim impregnated by a nurse assistant
- $2.1 million to a 70-year-old for a stage 4 bedsore in an Auburndale facility
- $1.8 million on behalf of a 61-year-old who developed fatal sepsis
- $1.3 million for the family of a resident who wandered and died from exposure
- $1.2 million on behalf of a dementia patient who died from infected bedsores
- $900,000 to the widow of a nursing home resident who died from severe bedsores
- $350,000 for a resident who suffered from broken bones that could have been prevented
The average compensation for serious harm caused by a nursing facility is about $400,000. However, some families that have worked with our legal partners have received $1 million or more.
For many families, working with an experienced Florida nursing home abuse lawyer helped increase their payout.
Call us at (855) 264-6310 or Click to Live Chat to find out if we can connect you.
Florida Nursing Home and Elder Abuse Statistics
An estimated 4.7 million people aged 65 and older live in Florida, making up 21% of the state’s population, which is significantly higher than the national average of around 16%.
The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) received 30,581 reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of persons aged 60 or older in 2022.
Additionally, DCF investigated 206 deaths and verified 5,167 allegations of abuse or neglect that same year.
Here are more statistics on nursing homes and elder abuse in Florida:
- 1 in 10 elders is abused, but less than 5% of cases are reported
- Almost 1.5 million senior citizens in Florida live in medically underserved areas
- 758,000 seniors in Florida have one or more disabilities
- Florida has 691 licensed nursing homes with about 84,448 beds, according to the Agency for Health Care Administration
- The state also has 3,080 licensed assisted living facilities (ALFs) with about 106,103 beds
- Abused seniors are twice as likely to be hospitalized and three times more likely to die than non-abused seniors
Alarmingly, experts are concerned that the number of reported elder abuse cases doesn’t reflect the true extent of the issue.
“Florida’s counties don’t collect elder abuse data consistently … making it impossible to tell how many elder abuse cases happened at any given time.”
—Hope Dean, Fresh Take Florida, WUSF (NPR affiliate, greater Tampa Bay)
For instance, the pandemic has made tracking elder abuse harder, leading to decreased reporting and visibility of abuse cases.
Examples of Nursing Home Abuse in Florida
Over 70,000 Florida residents live in Certified Nursing Facilities, according to a 2023 report released by KFF, a nationally recognized independent source for health policy, polling, and journalism.
Here are 4 examples of recent Florida nursing home abuse cases:
- Brevard County: Two employees at a senior living facility in Rockledge were arrested for elder abuse. They were accused of physically abusing residents and neglecting their basic needs, leading to significant harm.
- Duval County: A facility in Jacksonville faced scrutiny after several residents were hospitalized due to nursing home neglect. Investigations showed that the facility failed to provide necessary medications and proper care, leading to severe health complications.
- Pinellas County: In Clearwater, a nursing home was fined after an investigation revealed systemic neglect. Residents were found with untreated bedsores, poor hygiene, and inadequate medical care, which endangered their health and well-being.
- Sumter County: An 87-year-old advanced dementia patient died from a nursing home fall due to neglect. The nursing home employee responsible was released from probation after 19 months.
Unfortunately, incidents of abuse and neglect like these ones in nursing facilities are not uncommon.
Thankfully, experienced Florida nursing home abuse lawyers can help families take legal action to hold negligent facilities accountable.
Types of Cases Florida Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers Handle
Florida nursing home abuse lawyers handle cases of serious harm that occur in assisted living, long-term care, or other types of nursing facilities.
You may also need help from a Florida nursing home abuse lawyer if you believe a nursing home or its staff is providing a substandard level of care.
Situations Florida nursing home abuse lawyers handle include:
- Broken bones that should have been prevented
- Bruising or bleeding around the genitals, indicating sexual abuse
- Dehydration or weight loss caused by malnutrition
- Injuries from bedrails malfunctioning or being misused
- Lack of proper medical care for infections
- Medication errors or prescribing unnecessary medications
- Serious injuries that go untreated by health care providers
- Staffing issues that cause harm (understaffing or lack of staff training)
- Preventable pressure ulcers, especially stage 4 bedsores
If you or a loved one experienced any form of abuse or neglect in a Florida nursing home, don’t wait to take action.
Call (855) 264-6310 right now to talk with one of our compassionate patient advocates.
Working With a Florida Nursing Home Abuse Attorney
An experienced Florida nursing home abuse lawyer can simplify your family’s role in the lawsuit process. They will handle all legal work on your behalf and create a personalized plan.
Here is what a skilled Florida nursing home abuse lawyer can do:
- Provide a free consultation: Top Florida nursing home abuse lawyers offer free case reviews to determine if there may be a valid claim.
- Investigate the nursing home: Your lawyer carefully evaluates the details of neglect or abuse to determine if the facility or staff could be held responsible.
- Collect evidence: Florida nursing home abuse lawyers gather medical records, bills, expert opinions, and other evidence to build a strong case.
- File the lawsuit: They handle each step of the legal process, ensuring all documents are filed correctly and within your case’s specific deadlines.
- Negotiate on your behalf: They will work to secure the highest nursing home settlement without going to court.
- Represent you in court: If a fair settlement isn’t reached, they will take your case to trial to continue fighting for your family.
Hiring an experienced Florida nursing home abuse attorney allows you to focus on helping your loved one recover and relocate them to a facility you can trust.
Meanwhile, your legal team will work tirelessly to secure the financial support and justice your family deserves.
When Should I Hire a Florida Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer?
Consider hiring a Florida nursing home abuse lawyer as soon as you suspect neglect or abuse has occurred.
It’s important to act quickly because there’s a strict deadline for filing lawsuits, known as the statute of limitations. Once this window passes, you won’t be able to pursue legal action.
Each state has a specific deadline, making it essential to talk with a lawyer who understands the laws in your area. In Florida, the statute of limitations to take legal action for nursing home abuse or neglect is typically 2 years from the date the abuse occurred or the injury is discovered.
However, these laws can be tricky to understand. A Florida nursing home abuse attorney can tell you exactly how much time you have to file your lawsuit. They will make sure your case is filed before the deadline.
Don’t wait to learn about your legal options. Call our team at (855) 264-6310 or Click to Chat right now.
How to Find the Best Florida Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers
Finding the right Florida nursing home abuse lawyer for your case is essential to increase your chances of a successful outcome. Nursing home cases can be challenging to prove, but experienced attorneys can help.
Below are some qualities to look for in Florida nursing home abuse attorneys.
No Upfront Costs
Generally, the best Florida nursing home abuse lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means there are no upfront costs, and you only pay legal fees if your case is successful.
Your Florida nursing home abuse attorney will receive a percentage of your compensation if they negotiate a settlement or win a verdict for you.
Additionally, top lawyers offer free case reviews, so you don’t have to pay out-of-pocket to find out if you may have a valid claim. Get a free case review right now.
Experience With Nursing Home Abuse Cases
Seek Florida nursing home abuse lawyers with a history of handling similar cases involving various types of nursing home abuse.
Nursing home residents are often frail and prone to injuries, falls, and infections. Therefore, proving that harm was preventable and directly caused by negligence or abuse can be difficult.
Top lawyers know how to gather the evidence needed to build a strong case linking harm to negligence in nursing facilities.
History of Winning Nursing Home Abuse Compensation
Experienced Florida nursing home abuse attorneys have a proven track record of success in getting compensation for nursing home cases. This means they can accurately assess the impact of the harm done and calculate the amount of money your family needs and deserves to recover from the trauma caused.
Works at a Reputable Nursing Home Abuse Law Firm
Your Florida nursing home abuse lawyer should work at a trusted nursing home law firm. This allows them to partner with other nursing home lawyers on their cases to get the best results for families. They can also access key resources such as expert witnesses, paralegals, and other legal professionals.
What Areas Do Florida Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers Serve?
The Florida nursing home abuse lawyers in our network can help families across the state.
Here are some areas Florida nursing home abuse attorneys serve:
- Apalachicola
- Arcadia
- Blountstown
- Bonifay
- Bradenton
- Bronson
- Brooksville
- Bushnell
- Cape Coral
- Chipley
- Clearwater
- Clewiston
- Coconut Creek
- Coral Springs
- Crawfordville
- Crestview
- Cross City
- Daytona Beach
- DeFuniak Springs
- Deerfield Beach
- Delray Beach
- Deltona
- Fernandina Beach
- Fort Lauderdale
- Fort Myers
- Gainesville
- Green Cove Springs
- Hialeah
- Hollywood
- Homestead
- Inverness
- Jacksonville
- Jasper
- Jupiter
- Kissimmee
- Lake Butler
- Lake City
- Lakeland
- Largo
- Madison
- Macclenny
- Marianna
- Melbourne
- Miami
- Miami Beach
- Milton
- Monticello
- Moore Haven
- Naples
- New Port Richey
- North Miami
- North Port
- Ocala
- Okeechobee
- Orlando
- Palm Bay
- Palm Coast
- Palatka
- Panama City
- Pembroke Pines
- Pensacola
- Perry
- Plantation
- Pompano Beach
- Port Orange
- Port St. Joe
- Port St. Lucie
- Punta Gorda
- Quincy
- Sanford
- Sarasota
- Sebring
- St. Augustine
- St. Petersburg
- Starke
- Stuart
- Sunrise
- Tallahassee
- Tamarac
- Tampa
- Tavares
- Trenton
- Vero Beach
- Wauchula
- Wellington
- West Palm Beach
- Weston
- Zipcodes:
- 32043
- 32052
- 32054
- 32055
- 32063
- 32066
- 32091
- 32114
- 32137
- 32177
- 32301
- 32320
- 32321
- 32327
- 32340
- 32344
- 32347
- 32351
- 32401
- 32424
- 32425
- 32428
- 32433
- 32446
- 32456
- 32501
- 32536
- 32570
- 32601
- 32621
- 32628
- 32693
- 32771
- 32778
- 32801
- 32901
- 32960
- 33101
- 33301
- 33401
- 33440
- 33471
- 33513
- 33602
- 33701
- 33801
- 33870
- 33873
- 33901
- 33950
- 34102
- 34205
- 34236
- 34266
- 34450
- 34470
- 34601
- 34652
- 34952
- 34972
- 34994
These are just some of the cities and towns the Florida nursing home abuse attorneys we’ve partnered with serve.
Our network includes experienced lawyers ready to assist no matter where you are in Florida.
Get Help From a Florida Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
The Nursing Home Abuse Center team understands that protecting your loved one is your top concern. We believe that having the right Florida nursing home abuse lawyer can significantly improve the outcome of your case.
We partner with some of the country’s best nursing home lawyers. Together, they have helped families like yours recover over $280 million for nursing home abuse and neglect, including in Florida facilities.
Experienced Florida nursing home abuse attorneys can provide clear guidance throughout the legal process, tirelessly fighting for your rights and pursuing the compensation your family deserves.
Contact us right now at (855) 264-6310 or get a free case review to find out how we can help your family recover after nursing home neglect or elder abuse in Florida.
Florida Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer FAQs
What is the average nursing home neglect settlement in Florida?
The average nursing home neglect payout is about $400,000 in cases of severe and preventable harm. However, many families have received $1 million or more.
That said, the value of a nursing home settlement is affected by various factors, such as the severity of the injury and whether it could have been prevented.
Skilled Florida nursing home abuse lawyers can assess the specifics of your case and tell you what you may be able to expect. We can connect you right now if you qualify — call our team at (855) 264-6310.
Do I need an elder abuse attorney in Florida?
Yes, if you or a loved one was harmed in a nursing facility in Florida, consulting with a Florida nursing home abuse attorney is recommended. They can help assess your situation, protect your rights, and pursue justice and compensation for the harm caused.
Remember, if the harm occurred in Florida but you live in another state, you still need a Florida nursing home abuse lawyer to navigate the state’s legal system.
How do I report nursing home abuse in Florida?
You can report nursing home abuse in Florida in several ways. If the facility is regulated by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration, you can contact the agency at (888) 419-3456 or complete their Health Care Facility Complaint Form online.
You can also contact your local long-term care ombudsman program to report Florida nursing home abuse.
Complaints can be filed anonymously, but providing contact information allows for follow-up if necessary.
Additionally, you can take legal action by working with an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer.
Who are the best Florida nursing home neglect attorneys?
Choosing the best Florida nursing home neglect attorney is a personal decision based on your specific needs and circumstances. Factors to consider include the attorney’s experience, success rate, client reviews, and your comfort level with them.
How do I find a Florida nursing home lawyer near me?
The Nursing Home Abuse Center partners with top Florida nursing home neglect attorneys with the experience needed to help victims and their families navigate the devastating impacts of nursing home abuse and neglect.
The attorneys in our national network are fully vetted and have secured over $273 million for victims of nursing home abuse and neglect, including cases in Florida.
Call us at (855) 264-6310 or get a free case review right now to see if we can connect you with a top Florida nursing home abuse lawyer near you.
What is the statute of limitations on nursing home abuse in Florida?
In Florida, you typically must file a nursing home abuse claim within 2 years from when the injury was discovered or should have been discovered.
Working with an experienced Florida nursing home abuse lawyer means they can make sure your nursing home case is filed properly and before the deadline that applies to your case.
Call the Nursing Home Abuse Center right now at (855) 264-6310 to see if we can connect you.