Clearwater Nursing Home Abuse Attorney

Protecting the Rights of Nursing Home Patients

Nursing homes exist for the purpose of caring for the elderly. They should serve as clean and well-run facilities where the physical and medical needs of our elderly loved ones are met by caring, compassionate, and qualified professionals. Unfortunately, such is not always the case.

Abuse and neglect in nursing home are greater problems than many people realize. Every year, an unacceptable number of nursing home residents suffer from mental, emotional, and physical abuse and neglect at the hands of nursing home staff members. Many residents also suffer serious injury or emotional trauma due to nursing home neglect.

Unless things change and tougher controls are implemented to provide greater protection to nursing home residents, the problem will only continue to expand. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, adults aged 85 and up comprise the fastest growing segment of the American population. More elderly Americans live in Florida than any other state, as reported by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, so this is a problem that hits close to home for many people in Clearwater and throughout the state.

Examples of Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect

There are numerous signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect in nursing homes. If you have a loved one in a nursing home, make sure you know what to watch for and what to do in case you suspect abuse or neglect.

Common signs of abuse and neglect in nursing homes include:

• Bedsores
• Malnutrition / dehydration
• Unexplainable bruises, cuts, or other injuries
• Excessive or irrational fear, depression, or emotional withdrawal
• Wandering (also known as “elopement”)

Do not hesitate to contact our office if you have reason to believe that your elderly loved one is suffering from abuse or neglect in a nursing home. You can also contact us if your parent or other family member has passed away while in a nursing home and you believe that the death could have been prevented or might have been caused by some type of abuse or neglect. Our attorneys can help investigate the issue to determine whether you have cause for legal action; uncover and preserve evidence; and file a personal injury or wrongful death claim to recover fair compensation for you and/or your elderly loved one.

Consult an Injury Lawyer in the Tampa Bay Area

Cope, Zebro & Crawford, P.L. has more than 45 years of combined legal experience. Our team includes a former prosecutor and two attorneys who have been included in the list of Florida Super Lawyers™ Rising Stars℠. Attorney Thomas Cope also has an “Excellent” score on Avvo. Pick up the phone today at call (727) 502-6493 to schedule your free case evaluation and learn how our firm can handle your nursing home abuse and neglect case.