WHAT IS THE DEFINITION OF ELDER ABUSE IN FLORIDA?

If the abuse or neglect is still happening, make sure to move your loved one to a safe place immediately and report the abuse to nursing home management and law enforcement. You should also seek medical advice to ensure your loved one is getting the help they need.

Your next best step can be to contact an elder abuse lawyer to find out about your options and next best steps. An attorney can offer advice and initiate legal action to pursue compensation from the liable party.

Collect Evidence as Soon as Possible
The definition of elder abuse in Florida is quite clear: the law is on your side if your loved one was physically or mentally abused. However, even if you have a good case, you will require evidence to prove your case, such as:

• Photographs of any injuries and other evidence
• A medical report detailing your loved one’s injuries 
• Witness statements
• Police report 
• Reports you filed with state agencies

An elder abuse attorney can help gather crucial evidence that may be challenging to obtain, such as nursing home records.

Reporting ill-treatment or neglect is critical to protecting your loved one and potentially protecting other seniors. In addition, Florida law requires reporting of known or suspected abuse of elderly or disabled adults. 

Medicare advises to report suspicions of nursing home abuse to nursing home staff and administration in the first instance, which can include: 

• Nursing home supervisors
• The director of nursing 
• A nursing home administrator

Nursing homes usually have grievance procedures that you can follow.

In Florida, you can also report elder abuse to the Florida Department of Children and Families. However, if your loved one is in immediate danger, dial 911 for help and medical assistance.

Every case of elder abuse is unique. However, if your elderly relative incurred medical bills and other damages due to their ordeal, you could recover adequate compensation to cover any costs. Your loved one could also qualify for awards for their pain and suffering. Other types of damages available can include:

• Costs of medical devices
• Transportation costs
• Future medical expenses
• Out-of-pocket costs
• Physical and emotional anguish

Sadly, abuse and neglect of the elderly can cause premature deaths. Therefore, families whose loved ones experienced abuse and neglect could be entitled to compensation even after their relatives have passed. Our Florida elder abuse attorneys can help with navigating the process of filing a wrongful death claim.

Elder abuse lawsuits can be challenging to litigate and involve complex medical issues, sifting through stacks of nursing home records, and working with expert witnesses. An elder abuse attorney knows how to investigate allegations of nursing home abuse thoroughly and effectively.

Moreover, a nursing home or assisted living facility will most likely fight claims vigorously and may even try to destroy or block access to crucial evidence. An experienced elder abuse attorney can gather the evidence required to build a case against the liable parties. Elder abuse attorneys can handle your case from beginning to end. They have the necessary skill-set and experience to effectively advocate for your loved one.

Our seniors deserve respect and dignity. If your loved one suffered emotional or physical injuries due to abuse or neglect, you could have the right to hold the responsible party to account. 

Morgan & Morgan understands what families of abuse victims are going through. We know that your priority is to provide comfort and safety to your loved one during this upsetting time. However, we also believe that you should not have to carry the financial burden when someone else is responsible for causing your relative’s suffering. We have helped countless families get justice and could help you too. 

Don’t let financial considerations stand in the way of getting justice. If we take your case, you pay nothing out of pocket. We get paid if and when we win. Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation today.