Sarasota Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys

Protecting the Elderly from Nursing Home Negligence

When you place a loved one in a nursing home, you trust that the facility and its employees will provide the care and support they need. Unfortunately, many nursing homes in Sarasota and throughout the nation fail to live up to this expectation. In fact, nursing home abuse is a serious and growing problem in the U.S.

If your loved one suffered abuse or neglect in a Sarasota nursing home, you have the right to take legal action. Burnetti, P.A. is here to help you hold the facility accountable and recover the compensation your loved one deserves.

Call (941) 366-2838 or contact us online today for a free consultation with our Sarasota nursing home abuse lawyers.

What is Considered Nursing Home Abuse in Sarasota?

Nursing abuse refers to any form of mistreatment, harm, or negligence directed towards individuals who are receiving nursing care. This can occur in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home healthcare. Nursing abuse encompasses a range of behaviors that violate the rights, well-being, and dignity of patients.

Here are common types of nursing abuse:

• Physical Abuse: Intentional use of force that causes injury or bodily harm to a patient. Common examples include hitting, slapping, pushing, restraining excessively, or any form of physical aggression.
• Emotional Abuse: Infliction of mental anguish or distress through verbal or non-verbal actions. Common examples include verbal harassment, humiliation, intimidation, isolation, or any behavior that undermines a patient's emotional well-being.
• Sexual Abuse: Non-consensual sexual contact or activity involving a patient and a healthcare provider. Common examples include inappropriate touching, sexual harassment, coerced sexual acts, or any form of unwanted sexual behavior.
• Neglect: Failure to provide adequate care, attention, or assistance to meet a patient's basic needs. Common examples include ignoring calls for help, withholding necessary medical care, not providing proper nutrition or hygiene, and failing to administer prescribed medications.
• Financial Abuse: Unauthorized or improper use of a patient's financial resources or property. Common examples include stealing money or valuables, forging signatures, coercing patients to change their wills or financial arrangements, or any form of exploitation for personal gain.
• Healthcare Fraud: Deceptive practices within the healthcare system aimed at obtaining financial gain through false claims or misrepresentation of services. Common examples include billing for services not provided, upcoding (charging for a more expensive service than performed), kickbacks, and other fraudulent activities within the healthcare billing and reimbursement system.

What Are the Signs of Nursing Home Abuse in Sarasota?

Detecting signs of nursing home abuse is crucial for ensuring the well-being and safety of elderly residents. It's important to be vigilant and observant, as victims of abuse may be unable or hesitant to report the mistreatment themselves. Here are common signs of nursing home abuse:

• Physical Signs:
  • Unexplained injuries such as bruises, cuts, or fractures.
  • Signs of restraint, such as marks on wrists from restraints.
  • Bedsores or pressure ulcers, which can indicate neglect.
  • Sudden weight loss or malnutrition.
  • Poor hygiene, including unwashed clothes or lack of personal grooming.
• Emotional and Behavioral Signs:
  • Unexplained changes in behavior, such as withdrawal or sudden mood swings.
  • Fear or anxiety around certain staff members.
  • Agitation, aggression, or emotional distress.
  • Social withdrawal or isolation.
  • Unexplained changes in sleep patterns.
• Verbal Signs:
  • Reports of abuse from the resident, even if indirectly communicated.
  • Fearful or hesitant to speak openly about their experiences.
  • Inconsistent or contradictory explanations about injuries or incidents.
• Environmental Signs:
  • Inadequate staffing levels or high turnover among staff.
  • Poor living conditions, such as unclean or unsafe environments.
  • Lack of appropriate security measures to protect residents.
• Financial Signs:
  • Unexplained withdrawals or changes in the resident's financial situation.
  • Missing personal belongings or valuables.
  • Changes in legal documents, such as wills or power of attorney, without the resident's clear and voluntary consent.
• Healthcare Signs:
  • Failure to administer prescribed medications or provide necessary medical care.
  • Lack of communication between staff and healthcare providers.
  • Inappropriate use of medical restraints.
  • Overmedication or sedation without proper justification.
• Social Signs:
  • Lack of social engagement or participation in activities.
  • Isolation from other residents or family members.
  • Staff members not allow private visits or conversations with the resident.

If you notice any of these signs, it is important to take action right away. You should also take steps to prevent elder abuse in Sarasota facilities.

How Do I Report Nursing Home Abuse in Sarasota?

Reporting nursing home abuse in Florida involves contacting the appropriate authorities to ensure a swift and thorough investigation. If you suspect abuse or neglect in a nursing home, follow these steps:

• Immediate Safety Concerns: If the resident is in immediate danger or requires emergency medical attention, call 911 or your local emergency services.
• Contact the Florida Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA): The DOEA is responsible for overseeing the welfare of elderly individuals in Florida. You can contact the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873) to report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of elderly individuals.
• Contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program: The Florida Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program advocates for residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities. They can provide assistance and investigate complaints. To contact the Ombudsman Program, you can call 1-888-831-0404.
• Contact the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA): The AHCA is responsible for licensing and regulating healthcare facilities in Florida. You can file a complaint against a nursing home with the AHCA by calling the toll-free number at 1-888-419-3456 or by visiting the AHCA website and using their online complaint form.
• Contact the Local Law Enforcement: If you believe a crime has occurred, contact your local law enforcement agency to report the incident.
• Contact an Attorney: If you suspect abuse and want to explore legal options, you may consider consulting with an attorney specializing in elder law or nursing home abuse. They can provide guidance on potential legal actions.
• Document Your Concerns: Keep detailed records of your observations, including dates, times, and descriptions of any incidents or signs of abuse. Document any conversations you have with staff or administrators.

Once you have reported the abuse, you should contact a Sarasota nursing home abuse attorney at Burnetti, P.A. to discuss your legal options. We can help you take action against the facility and its employees and fight for the justice your loved one deserves.

Why Choose Burnetti, P.A.?

Our firm understands the unique challenges that nursing home abuse cases present, and we know how to overcome them. We have a proven track record of success, and we are ready to put our experience to work for you.

When you choose Burnetti, P.A., you can expect:

• Free initial consultations
• Personal attention
• Compassionate service
• No fees unless/until we win your case

If your loved one suffered abuse or neglect in a Sarasota nursing home, you have the right to take legal action. Do not hesitate to let us help you protect your loved one from nursing home abuse.

Call Burnetti, P.A. at (941) 366-2838 or contact us online today for a free consultation with our team.