Miami Nursing Home Negligence Lawyer

While a very difficult topic to discuss, nursing home abuse and neglect sadly occur all too often. By some estimates, one in ten residents experiences some type of nursing home abuse or neglect at some point during their stay at the facility. Although it is the responsibility of nursing homes to take care of the elderly and to help them get through every day with respect and dignity, oftentimes, our loved ones are unfortunately taken advantage of, poorly cared for, or injured.

If you have a loved one in a nursing home and are concerned about how they have been cared for, reach out to the dedicated Miami nursing home negligence lawyers at Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada. Our compassionate attorneys have been helping nursing home residents enforce their rights for more than 45 years, and we know what it takes to hold negligent facilities accountable for the harm they’ve caused.

Nursing homes and assisted living facilities exist in a very competitive market, and there is constant pressure for them to keep costs down. Thus, some workers are underpaid, others are overworked, and still others are poorly trained. Of course, this is no excuse for neglecting a resident’s basic needs; however, often, cases of nursing home neglect stem from overworked employees who, despite doing their best, simply cannot provide the necessary level of care to all residents.

Identifying a good nursing home can be challenging. These facilities tend to keep most of their operations “behind closed doors,” and when families are allowed to visit a facility, nursing home administration is aware and puts their best foot forward. However, below are a few questions to ask and things to look into when selecting a nursing home:

• Is the facility in good standing with the state inspectors?
• Are visiting hours reasonable?
• Are therapeutic services available? (Speech, physical and occupational)
• Are social work services or other mental health services available?
• Are community organizations (library, church group, volunteers) involved?
• Do the charge nurses, social workers, department heads, and top-level administrators have geriatric experience and/or education?
• Are there handrails along the walls or beds? Are the doorways wheelchair-accessible?
• Does management take safety precautions to prevent residents from falling down stairs? Is the floor kept dry and free of litter?
• Does the facility appear clean? Are there lingering odors?
• Are heating and cooling adequate? Is the atmosphere pleasant?
• Do staff seem to genuinely enjoy working with the residents?
• Is there sufficient staff to address the residents’ needs?
• Does staff seem interested in speaking with visitors or residents?
• Are your questions answered clearly, frankly, and in sufficient depth?
• Are residents clean and adequately dressed?
• Is the food hot, attractive, and tasty?
• Are planned, posted, and varied recreational and social activities available?

If the answers to these questions don’t give you confidence in the nursing home or its staff, then seek another facility. And follow your instincts. If something just doesn’t seem “right,” then it probably isn’t. Get involved, get answers, and be very vocal and proactive.

Nursing home negligence and abuse takes many forms. Understanding the different kinds of abuse and neglect can help prevent it from happening to your loved ones. Also, knowing the signs of abuse will help you protect your family from suffering the consequences of abuse and neglect inflicted by others. Signs of abuse can be hard to identify because the victims cannot always communicate them.

According to NursingHomeAbuseCenter.org, signs of abuse include:

Unusual bruising or bleeding;

• Open wounds;
• Bed sores or cuts;
• Burns and abrasions;
• Sudden and unexplained change in weight;
• Soiling, poor hygiene, the smell of urine or feces;
• Infections;
• Loss of hair;
• Torn, stained or bloody clothing or bedding;
• Listlessness or unresponsiveness;
• Strange behaviors;
• Physical or emotional withdrawal;
• Disappearance of personal items; and
• Sudden and unusual financial transactions.

If you see any of these signs or staff members refuse to answer questions or refuse to allow you access to a loved one during normal visiting hours, this may be a red flag that something is amiss. It is important to register your complaints with the appropriate agency and contact our Miami nursing home abuse lawyers immediately if you suspect misconduct or negligence towards your loved one.

If you believe that your family member may have been the victim of nursing home neglect, reach out to the dedicated Miami personal injury lawyers at Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada. At our firm, we believe that the elderly should be treated with the utmost respect and care. In the unfortunate case that your loved one has been harmed or neglected in a nursing home or assisted living facility, we are here to help. Let us be the strong advocates fighting for you and your family. Call our Miami offices at 305-448-8585, and we will be happy to assist. You can also connect with us through our secure online contact form. We do not collect a fee unless and until there is a monetary resolution of the case.