Delray Beach Nursing Home Abuse Attorney

Protecting Victims of Elder Abuse Throughout Florida

Making the decision to place an elderly loved one in the care of a nursing home, assisted living community, or other elder care facility is rarely easy. When the nursing home that you trusted to take care of your loved one turns out to be unsafe, it can be devastating.

Unfortunately, nursing home abuse has become an epidemic in the United States, making this scenario a reality for many. At the law firm of Samuel M. Yaffa P.A., we take cases that involve elder abuse very seriously.

If someone you love has been mistreated while in elder care, we will do everything we can to make the situation right. Our Delray Beach nursing home abuse attorney Mr. Yaffa is available to help you and your family hold the negligent nursing home responsible, secure safe and trustworthy care for your loved one, and obtain compensation to cover your losses.

We understand that this is a trying time and are here to provide the support, guidance, and legal representation you and your loved ones need.

For compassionate and comprehensive representation in the best interests of you and your family, call Samuel M. Yaffa at (561) 677-8566 or fill out our online contact form.

Facts & Statistics on Nursing Home Abuse

Roughly 1 in 10 Americans over the age of 60 has experienced a form of elder abuse. However, it is incredibly difficult to say exactly how many instances of abuse occur each year because only a fraction of cases are formally reported due to the shame, trauma, and fear that surrounds the topic.

According to Nursing Home Abuse Justice:

• An estimated 5,000,000 elders are abused every year in the United States.
• It is likely that only about between 1 in 14 and 1 in 25 incidents of elder abuse are reported.
• Both men and women are at risk of elder abuse, but women are more likely to be affected.
• Elderly people who suffer from mental impairments are most vulnerable to abuse.
• About half of people with dementia are neglected or abused at some point.
• Individuals who have been abused in the past are more likely to be repeat victims in the future.
• More than 50% of nursing home staff have confidentially admitted to participating in some form of elder abuse.
• The most common type of nursing home abuse is financial exploitation.

Types of Nursing Home Abuse

Elder abuse can come in many forms, from gross neglect to physical violence. Many nursing homes are understaffed, which may result in patients being ignored because there is no one on hand to take care of them—or staff members taking out their frustrations on their helpless patients.

Other possible reasons for elder abuse may be attributed to a lack of nursing home employee training, little to no supervision from managers, underpaid staff, a shortage of resources, and the personal issues of individual caregivers.

The types of elder abuse are divided into the following categories:

• Physical abuse
• Psychological abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Gross neglect
• Financial exploitation
• Resident-on-resident abuse (physical or sexual)

What to Do If You Suspect Your Loved One Is Being Abused

Nursing home residents who are being abused may be reluctant to talk about it due to fear or embarrassment. In some cases, your elderly loved one may not even be aware they are being abused—especially if they have a cognitive disorder like dementia or another mental impairment.

Signs Your Loved One Is Being Abused

Signs that your loved one is being abused include:

• Unexplained changes in their behavior
• Poor hygiene
• Bedsores
• Unexplained injuries
• And financial problems despite possessing adequate assets

Pay attention when you visit your relative in nursing home care for any other things that strike you as unusual and don’t take anything lightly. Document anything unusual you observe that might point to abuse and save the information in a single, safe place.

If you know or suspect your loved one is being abused, you can do one or more of the following:

• Call 911 if they are in immediate danger
• Contact Adult Protective Services or notify the police to report abuse—or ask them to investigate a possible case
• Report the abuse to the manager of the nursing home
• Talk to your elderly relative directly—but make sure to do so in a space where they feel safe and don’t push them to admit anything if they seem uncomfortable
• Consult with an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer in your area

Our Delray Beach nursing home abuse attorney is standing by to assist you if you have any questions or concerns regarding elder abuse. We are prepared to make sure your friends and loved ones get to safety.

Filing a Nursing Home Abuse Claim in Florida

When pursuing a nursing home abuse claim or lawsuit, the process typically involves several important steps, and the role of an attorney is vital throughout. Firstly, your attorney should conduct a thorough investigation, gathering evidence such as medical records, witness statements, and any available surveillance footage to establish the presence of abuse or negligence. They will then work to build a strong case by consulting with experts, such as medical professionals or forensic specialists, to strengthen the evidence. The attorney should also handle all communication and negotiations with the nursing home and their insurance company, seeking a fair settlement on behalf of the abused individual or their family.

If a settlement cannot be reached, the attorney will proceed to litigation, preparing and filing the necessary legal documents, representing their client in court, and presenting a compelling case to the judge and jury. Our Delray Beach nursing home abuse attorney will provide guidance, support, and legal advice ensuring that our client's rights are protected and advocating for maximum compensation for the damages suffered as a result of abuse or negligence.

Contact us now at (561) 677-8566 or online to schedule your free, no-obligation case evaluation with our Delray Beach nursing home abuse lawyer.