Nursing Home Abuse

Reporting Nursing Home Abuse

Anyone is capable of reporting nursing home neglect or abuse. If you suspect foul play, or a resident complains about mistreatment, it is your responsibility to notify authorities. It is a violation of state and federal law for anyone, including staff, volunteers, family members, guardians, or neighboring residents neglect or abuse a nursing home inhabitant. Many states have established legislation requiring anyone to come forward who may claim to have witnessed wrongdoing.

If you are considering filing a nursing home abuse report, you should also consider your legal options. Fill out our free case evaluation today to hear from a nursing home abuse attorney today.

When filing a nursing home abuse report, make sure it is in writing and dated. Always keep a copy that you can refer to in case the original is tampered with or lost. In your document, be sure to include:

• Who
  • Name of victim, including age and address
  • Name of facility
  • People overseeing victim's care
  • Description of person you believe is responsible for maltreatment
• What
  • Nature of harm inflicted upon victim
  • Physical signs of abuse
  • How long abuse or neglect has been occurring
• Where
  • Place in which incident took place
• When
  • Time and date of incident

Be as thorough as you can when describing the events; a detailed account will spur the investigation. Send your report to:

• Nursing home administrator, nursing director, and social worker
• Local or state ombudsman
• Local or state police
• Protection and Advocacy or Adult Protective Services agencies
• State agency responsible for licensing and certifying nursing homes (usually part of health department)
• Citizen advocacy group, church group, or community committee that visits on a regular basis

Keep trying until you are pleased with the response.

In addition to filing a complaint, nursing home residents and their families have the option of speaking with a nursing home abuse attorney. Our nursing home abuse lawyers serve clients throughout Florida and nationwide and have obtained substantial settlements and verdict on behalf of these individuals. If you or a loved one has become a victim of nursing home abuse, contact our skilled nursing home abuse attorneys today.