Elder Abuse

The nursing home environment is often the most engaging and safest place for individuals who cannot live independently because of age-related medical conditions or dementia. Fortunately, there are many options available depending on the resident’s needs. The Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) reports that there are 691 nursing homes licensed to operate in the state, representing almost 84,500 beds. Facilities range from group homes and assisted living to memory care units and skilled nursing services.

Most nursing homes provide quality care as expected, but there are serious consequences for those that fail in their legal duty. Residents can suffer serious harm, which is why Florida law protects them by providing legal recourse. You may qualify to recover damages, either on behalf of a loved one or for injuries to you. There can be challenges with compensation, so count on a Miami nursing home abuse and neglect lawyer to ensure you receive a fair amount. Some background information is useful for understanding damages.

Basics of Monetary Damages

If you observe nursing home abuse in a Florida assisted living facility, one of the first things on your mind is notifying the proper authorities and getting officials to take appropriate action. Every US state has a procedure for reporting misconduct, and the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) is tasked with processing complaints in Florida. You can call to speak to a representative and be prepared to provide all relevant details. Alternatively, you can file a form online and include a description of your concerns. The Complaint Administration Unit will conduct an investigation and determine how to proceed, possibly requesting additional information from you.

However, even the most outrageous forms of nursing home abuse may only lead to criminal penalties and/or fines paid to the government. You will need to pursue civil remedies to recover damages, so your main priority after filing an AHCA report is retaining a Miami nursing home abuse lawyer. There are also a few additional tasks to keep in mind.

Next Steps After Reporting Nursing Home Misconduct

Articles Posted in Elder Abuse

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