Valenzuela Law Firm, PA | Trial Attorney
Attorney Henry E. Valenzuela

Protecting The Vulnerable From Nursing Home Abuse

As people live longer, a larger portion of the elder population, than ever before, will find themselves in a long-term care situation. Choosing a nursing home or other care facility is not an easy matter. You want to make sure your older family member will be safe and well cared for. You place your trust in a facility that genuinely seems to care about the well-being of your loved one. Unfortunately, your trust may be mislaid.

Nursing home abuse and neglect are a quiet horror that far too often goes unnoticed. The pain and humiliation endured by elderly persons can be hard to imagine. If you suspect your loved one may be a victim of nursing home abuse and neglect, do not hesitate to take action. Waiting too long may cost the ultimate price — the life of your loved one.

The Tampa, Florida, personal injury trial lawyers of Valenzuela Law Firm, P.A., have more than two decades of experience holding long-term care facilities responsible for acts of nursing home abuse and neglect. By allowing us to help you seek the compensation you deserve, you are not only helping your elderly loved one, but possibly saving countless others from the same substandard treatment.

Contact us online or call 813-217-5613 to arrange a free consultation with a knowledgeable attorney. Your elderly loved one deserves to live a life of dignity.

Signs Of Nursing Home Abuse And Neglect

Nursing home residents may be hesitant to disclose maltreatment. They are fearful the abuse will worsen, or they will become a burden to their family. Others may not be able to communicate what is taking place due to physical or mental impairments. Any of the following can indicate nursing home abuse and neglect:

  • Dehydration or malnutrition
  • Unexplained bruises, cuts or fractures
  • Bedsores, also called Decubitus ulcers
  • Abrupt changes in behavior
  • Residents being kept in an over-medicated state
  • Staff not allowing a visitor to be alone with a resident
  • Loss of a resident’s possessions

$575,000 Settlement For Wrongful Death Of 80-Year-Old Due To Untreated Decubitus Ulcers

The plaintiff was an 80-year-old resident of a nursing home following hip surgery. The plaintiff developed a decubitus ulcer due to failure to timely turn and reposition her. The ulcers were not timely treated became infected, septic and later led to the plaintiff’s death. The plaintiff alleged that the nursing home was negligent and violated her resident’s rights. The defendant denied these allegations. The case settled for policy limits of $575,000.

$565,000 Settlement In Wrongful Death Action Against Nursing Home Failing To Treat Decubitus Ulcer

The plaintiff was an 80-year-old male with dementia and extensive comorbidities who was in a nursing home following a stroke. Prior to his discharge he developed signs and symptoms of a decubitus ulcer which were ignored. At the time of his discharge his family was not told of this developing condition. The family proceeded to drive him to Michigan where his condition was discovered by the transferee facility. At that time he was admitted to a hospital with a stage 4 decubitus ulcer plus sepsis. He subsequently died from sepsis leaving multiple adult children as survivors. The case settled for $562,000 prior to trial.

Suspect Nursing Home Negligence? Contact Us.

Contact our law offices to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation opportunity to meet with us if there is suspected nursing home abuse and neglect. We will provide an honest assessment of your potential case and the legal challenges. Call 813-217-5613 or complete our online contact form.

Verdicts & Settlements

$565,000 Settlement in Wrongful Death Action Against Nursing Home Failing to Treat Decubitus Ulcer