You should not have to fear that your loved one will be neglected or abused when entering a nursing home in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Unfortunately, nursing home neglect is more common than many people realize. We want to do something about that.
The Fort Lauderdale nursing home abuse lawyer of the Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers works with families to hold Florida nursing homes accountable when they fail to provide adequate care for residents. A nursing home resident deserves to be treated with respect and compassion. Residents also are entitled to proper medical care and personal care.
Our law firm has recovered millions of dollars for clients who have been injured through negligence or wrongdoing. We want to help your loved one receive fair compensation for the pain and suffering they incurred at the hands of nursing home staff members.
If your loved one suffered harm in a nursing home, call our Fort Lauderdale bedsore lawyer at 954-287-0566 for a free consultation to discuss how we can help you pursue justice for your family member.
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How Our Fort Lauderdale, FL Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Helps Nursing Home Residents
Residents of nursing homes need daily care. Most residents are unable to feed, dress, and bathe themselves without assistance. In many cases, a resident is bed-bound, which means they can develop bedsores quickly and easily.
At Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers, our Fort Lauderdale bedsore lawyer personally manages every nursing home abuse case. They work to hold parties accountable for elder neglect.
When you hire our legal team in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, you can expect us to:
- Investigate the nursing home to determine who is responsible for your family member’s injuries
- Work with government agencies in Miami-Dade County and other areas to address allegations of nursing home neglect and abuse
- Document your loved one’s physical injuries and other damages
- File insurance claims, complaints, and lawsuits to protect your family member’s legal rights
We want to help you and your loved one through this difficult and emotional situation. Call our law office to schedule a free consultation to discuss your legal options. You are under no obligation to hire our firm after meeting with our Fort Lauderdale nursing home abuse attorney.
What is a Bedsore?
A bedsore or pressure sore is a damaged area of skin caused by too much pressure on the skin for too long. The pressure reduces the blood flow to the area, causing a sore to form. Prolonged pressure could cause the skin to die.
Symptoms of bedsores vary by the stages of the bedsores. Stage I is the least severe form of bedsore. Stage IV is the worst.
Signs of a bedsore include:
- Stage I – Painful, red area of skin that does not turn white when you press on it. The skin could feel warm or firm
- Stage II – A skin blister or open sore forms. The surrounding area may be irritated, sore, and red.
- Stage III – There is a recessed, open hole in the skin where the tissue below the skin is damaged. Body fat may be visible in the hole.
- Stage IV – The bedsore has become an ulcer that is deep enough to damage bone, muscle, joints, and tendons.
Dead skin that is tan, brown, green, or yellow may cover bedsores. Pressure sores may also develop under the skin. These are called deep tissue injuries and cause maroon or dark purple areas.
Bedsores may develop anywhere on the body, especially in areas that receive pressure when sitting or lying for extended periods.
What Causes Bedsores in Fort Lauderdale Nursing Homes?
Neglect is the main reason nursing home residents have bedsores. Staff members often fail to turn patients who are bed-bound. They may leave patients in their beds too long without getting them up to walk or sit in a chair.
The reasons for the neglect vary. Common reasons for nursing home neglect and abuse include:
- Understaffed nursing homes
- Hiring staff members without conducting background checks
- Improper or inadequate training for staff members
- Hiring staff members who are not qualified to work with elderly patients
- Failing to have strict procedures for moving patients to prevent bedsores
- Inadequate supervision of staff members by administrators
- Failing to report bedsores immediately to nurses and doctors
It might be impossible to prevent all bedsores when a patient is unable to get out of bed. However, with the proper care, nursing homes can reduce the occurrence of bedsores.
Can I Sue a Nursing Home for Bedsores?
Nursing homes have a duty of care to provide adequate personal care and medical care for residents. When the nursing home breaches the duty of care, it can be held liable for damages. In addition, staff members who intentionally abuse or neglect patients could also be liable for damages and may face criminal charges.
Proving that the nursing home did not take reasonable steps to prevent bedsores is the first step in recovering compensation for damages. An experienced bedsore attorney in Fort Lauderdale can review your loved one’s situation to determine if there is evidence of abuse or neglect.
What Compensation is Available for a Bedsore Claim?
If the nursing home is found liable, your loved one could receive compensation for economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical treatment
- Permanent damage and disfigurement
- Pain and suffering, including physical, emotional, and mental suffering
- Physical therapy
In cases of gross negligence or intentional acts, punitive damages could be awarded.
Bedsores can cause extreme pain. Residents with Stage IV pressure ulcers may develop complications that cause more suffering and require additional medical treatment. Treatments for Stage IV bedsores are often expensive.
Suing a nursing home may not undo the damage caused by bedsores, but it can result in changes that prevent other residents from suffering the same fate.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale
If you are unsure what steps to take to protect a nursing home resident, call us to discuss the matter. Our personal injury attorney in Fort Lauderdale, FL is available to discuss your concerns. We can help you protect your loved one’s health and rights.
