For many families, placing a loved one in a nursing home is a deeply personal and difficult decision. We do it hoping they will receive the attentive, compassionate care they need in their later years. Unfortunately, not all nursing homes live up to that promise. When abuse or neglect happens behind closed doors, it’s essential to understand your rights and the steps you can take to seek justice.
If you’re in Palm Beach and suspect that a loved one is suffering from nursing home abuse, you are not alone, and you are not powerless. At Joya Injury Law, we believe every person deserves dignity, safety, and respect, especially in their most vulnerable moments. Here’s everything you need to know to protect your loved ones and pursue a nursing home abuse claim.
What Counts as Nursing Home Abuse?
Nursing home abuse can take many forms, some of which are subtle and hard to spot. It’s not always physical, it can be emotional, financial, or even the result of neglect. Understanding the different types of abuse can help you recognize red flags early:
- Physical Abuse: Unexplained bruises, cuts, or broken bones.
- Emotional Abuse: Sudden withdrawal, depression, or fearfulness around specific staff members.
- Neglect: Bedsores, poor hygiene, dehydration, or weight loss.
- Financial Exploitation: Missing money, unauthorized purchases, or changes in wills and legal documents.
- Sexual Abuse: Bruising or injuries in sensitive areas, infections, or behavioral changes.
If you suspect any of these warning signs, don’t ignore them. Acting quickly could prevent further harm.
Who Can File a Claim?
In most cases, a family member or legal guardian can file a claim on behalf of the abused resident. This is especially important when the resident is unable to advocate for themselves due to medical or cognitive conditions like dementia.
By filing a nursing home abuse claim, you not only seek justice for your loved one, but also help protect others from suffering the same mistreatment.
What Compensation Can You Expect?
When pursuing a nursing home abuse claim in Palm Beach, the goal is to secure compensation that reflects the physical, emotional, and financial toll of the abuse. Depending on the circumstances, compensation may include:
1. Medical Expenses
This includes the cost of treating injuries caused by abuse or neglect, such as hospital stays, rehabilitation, therapy, and any future care needed.
2. Pain and Suffering
Compensation can be awarded for the emotional trauma and physical pain endured by the victim, which may be significant in these cases.
3. Relocation and Care Costs
If your loved one needs to be moved to a safer facility, your claim can help cover the cost of relocation and ensure better care moving forward.
4. Punitive Damages
In cases of gross negligence or intentional harm, the court may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and set a strong example for other care facilities.
What to Do If You Suspect Abuse
1. Document Everything
Take notes, photos, and gather medical records. Keep a detailed timeline of any suspicious behavior or unexplained injuries.
2. Report the Abuse
File a complaint with the facility and contact local adult protective services. Reporting abuse helps initiate an investigation and ensures it’s on record.
3. Remove Your Loved One from Harm
If your loved one is in immediate danger, consider relocating them to a safe environment. Their safety comes first.
4. Contact a Trusted Attorney
Filing a nursing home abuse claim is a complex legal process. Partnering with a skilled nursing home abuse lawyer in Palm Beach ensures your case is handled with care, knowledge, and urgency.
Why Choose Joya Injury Law
At Joya Injury Law, we are more than attorneys, we are advocates. We handle each nursing home abuse case with the sensitivity and commitment it deserves. Your loved ones matter, and we’ll fight to make sure their voice is heard and their dignity is restored.
Our team works tirelessly to hold negligent facilities accountable, uncover the truth, and secure meaningful compensation for families across Palm Beach.
If you believe a loved one is experiencing abuse or neglect in a nursing home, don’t wait. Contact Joya Injury Law today. And if you need an experienced and compassionate Palm Beach nursing home abuse attorney, we’re here to help you take the first step toward justice.