How to Report Nursing Home Abuse in Florida
We place our loved ones in nursing homes to provide a safe and caring environment for them. Unfortunately, nursing home abuse and neglect are far too common. If not dealt with, it can lead victims to suffer serious harm.
Help keep your loved ones safe and report any sign of nursing home abuse you see. You may not know how to report elder abuse or where to begin when reporting nursing home neglect, but the nursing home abuse lawyers at Armando Personal Injury Law are ready to help. We’ll go over your legal options and make sure to hold those responsible accountable.
What to do if you suspect abuse or neglect
If you have reason to suspect abuse or neglect, it is important that you take immediate action. What’s most important is the health and well-being of your loved one. If you believe they are in danger, here are some steps to follow:
- Seek medical care – Protect your loved ones and get them checked by a doctor. Their health is the priority. Make sure to keep documentation of all injuries and treatments. They can be sued as pieces of evidence and strengthen your potential case.
- Tell the nursing home – Many times, nursing home abuse goes unnoticed due to understaffing or negligence, so the facility may not be aware of the neglect. Report the abuse or neglect to administrators, and get it in writing so they can’t claim ignorance. If you feel uncomfortable contacting the nursing home, our law firm can assist you in filing a complaint.
- Call 911 – If you believe your loved one is the victim of a crime or in imminent danger, contact emergency services.
How to report nursing home abuse & neglect
There are different options when it comes to reporting elder abuse in a nursing home. You may ask yourself, “Who do you report nursing home neglect to?” The options differ from state to state. In Florida, you can file a report with the state’s Ombudsman program or the Florida Department of Health (DOH).
Florida Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
The Long-Term Care Ombudsman is a state-sponsored program staffed by government officials. They work to address nursing home abuse complaints and overall improve the quality of life for those in long-term care facilities. You may file a complaint on their website, a process which our law firm can also assist you in. You can file a report with the Long-Term Care Ombudsman for any instance of neglect or substandard care, even if your loved one was not injured.
Florida Department of Health (DOH)
You may also file a report with the Florida DOH if you suspect nursing home abuse or neglect. You must file a nursing home complaint online using the Florida Health Care Complaint Portal; no complaints are accepted over the phone. This is because the Florida DOH guarantees that the victim’s identity and records are confidential. Again, you can file a report with the DOH for any degree of substandard care, whether your loved one was injured or not.
However, it can take a while for them to investigate the abuse. If your loved one was injured, became ill, or died due to abuse or neglect, it is recommended that you speak with an attorney and take immediate action.
The right evidence will strengthen your claim
Nursing home neglect is a serious matter. To support your claim and suspicions of abuse, evidence is crucial. Our nursing home abuse attorneys will help you gather all the facts so that we can build you the strongest case. We can:
- Gather your loved one’s medical records
- Speak with medical experts
- Review nursing home inspection reports
- Review nursing home hiring records
- Interview witnesses
Get help from a Florida nursing home abuse lawyer
If your loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, you need to take legal action. Reporting the abuse is important, but it may be a lengthy process. To get the justice your loved one deserves, talk to an experienced nursing home neglect attorney.
The lawyers at Armando Personal Injury Law know how to secure evidence, interview witnesses, and find out the truth about what happened to your loved one. Attorney Armando Edmiston is familiar with Florida law and knows how to hold long-term care facilities in the Greater Tampa Bay Area accountable. Contact our law firm today so we can begin to take action. Our office is conveniently located in Tampa, Florida.