Hollywood nursing home abuse attorneys often see cases involving nursing home neglect. These devastating situations occur when a nursing home fails to provide a decent level of care and a nursing home resident is injured as a result.
What are the Symptoms and Signs of Neglect?The signs of neglect are similar to the signs of abuse but they may be more subtle since physical injuries are not as common. Friends and worried family members may notice signs such as:
Any time you see overall poor physical condition in a senior citizen, it is important to investigate and to determine the cause. While these signs do not definitively prove negligence, they may be indicators something is wrong.
Who is Liable in my Elder Neglect Case?When neglect takes place in a nursing home or other care setting, multiple parties may be liable. For example, the manager or owners of the facility may be liable, especially if their hiring policies, lack of staff screening or management policies contributed to the problem. Individual staff members may also be liable for failing to provide adequate care. Others may also be liable, depending on circumstances.
It is important to find all persons responsible in cases of neglect, both in order to ensure they do not harm others and to ensure you have the strongest case possible. Pursuing multiple liable parties can improve your chances of securing the compensation your loved one needs to get quality care, medical treatment, and other support.
Should I File Civil or Criminal Charges With Elder Neglect Cases?Seniors and families may have the option of pressing criminal charges and seeking a criminal trial. In addition, the family of an elderly person who has suffered neglect may have a civil claim, which allows them to pursue compensation for the injuries suffered. Even if criminal charges are never filed and even if liable parties are found not guilty in a criminal court, you may have the right to pursue a civil claim in order to secure the financial resources you need to help an elderly friend or family member.
To find out more, contact an elder abuse and neglect attorney in Homestead, Miami, Hollywood, or your South Florida community. An attorney can explain your rights to you and can help you understand what your options are. If you decide to pursue a claim, an attorney can build a strong case for you.
If you’d like to speak to a personal injury or elder neglect attorney in Hollywood, Homestead, Miami or anywhere in southern Florida, contact Flaxman Law Group for a free accident consultation. You can reach us online or at 866-352-9626 to arrange a free accident consultation.