When Elder Care Turns to Neglect: Finding Legal Support
If your loved one has suffered harm in a nursing home, an attorney for nursing home neglect can help you seek justice and compensation. Here’s what you need to know:
Quick Guide to Nursing Home Neglect Attorneys
* Specialized lawyers who handle cases of inadequate care in nursing facilities
* Work on contingency fees (no upfront costs, only paid if you win)
* Help gather evidence, file claims within legal deadlines, and represent you in negotiations or court
* Can secure compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages
* Offer free initial consultations to evaluate your case
The decision to place a loved one in a nursing home is often made with heartfelt consideration and trust. When that trust is broken through neglect or mistreatment, the emotional and physical toll can be devastating.
Nearly 1 in 10 Americans over the age of 60 experience some form of elder abuse each year, with neglect being one of the most common forms in nursing homes. This neglect can manifest as bedsores, malnutrition, dehydration, medication errors, or unsafe living conditions.
“Nursing home residents are some of the most vulnerable members of our population, yet they are often tragically overlooked. The lack of accountability allows abuse to flourish,” notes one attorney with decades of experience fighting for elder rights.
When you notice signs of neglect, taking prompt legal action not only helps your loved one but can prevent harm to others. A nursing home neglect attorney brings specialized knowledge of elder care regulations, experience with similar cases, and resources to thoroughly investigate and document the neglect.
The legal system provides avenues for families to hold negligent facilities accountable, but these cases involve complex federal and state regulations with strict filing deadlines. Most states allow 2-3 years to file a claim, though some have deadlines as short as 1 year.
Understanding Nursing Home Neglect vs Abuse
When we talk about harm to our elderly loved ones in care facilities, the terms “neglect” and “abuse” often get used interchangeably. However, understanding the difference is crucial when seeking justice for your family member.
Nursing home neglect happens when caregivers fail to provide the proper care residents need and deserve. Unlike abuse, neglect isn’t always intentional. It frequently stems from deeper problems like understaffing, poor training, or mismanagement. Your loved one might experience neglect when staff don’t help them with daily activities like bathing or eating, when medications are forgotten, or when basic needs go unmet.
“Many families don’t realize that neglect can be just as harmful as intentional abuse,” says Attorney Barzakay. “The results—whether bedsores, malnutrition, or emotional withdrawal—cause real suffering regardless of intent.”
In contrast, abuse involves deliberate actions meant to harm a resident, such as hitting, threatening, inappropriate touching, or stealing money. Both neglect and abuse demand immediate attention and potentially legal intervention.
The statistics paint a troubling picture. According to research from the CDC on elder abuse, neglect is alarmingly common in care facilities. Perhaps most disturbing, about two-thirds of long-term care staff admit to having neglected residents in some way during the past year—often not from malice, but from systemic failures in how these facilities operate.
Every nursing home resident has specific rights protected by the federal Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987. This important legislation established a Resident Bill of Rights that includes:
- Freedom from abuse, mistreatment, and neglect
- Quality care that maintains or improves health
- Treatment with dignity and respect
- Participation in care planning decisions
- The right to voice concerns without fear
- Privacy and confidentiality in all aspects of care
- Freedom to communicate with anyone they choose
These aren’t just nice ideas—they’re legal rights. Staff duties include honoring these rights while providing appropriate medical care, assistance with daily living, proper nutrition, and maintaining a safe, clean environment.
“Every resident under Florida law, regardless of their age or health condition, has the right to human decency, protection, and the services they paid for,” explains Attorney Barzakay. “When facilities fail to honor these rights, families can and should take action.”
An attorney for nursing home neglect helps bridge the gap between identifying problems and actually holding facilities accountable. The legal system provides powerful tools to address neglect, but navigating these waters requires someone who understands both elder care regulations and how to build compelling cases that get results.
Remember—advocating for proper care isn’t just about one resident. When you stand up against neglect, you potentially protect everyone in that facility.
Recognizing the Warning Signs
Spotting the signs of nursing home neglect can be challenging, especially when your loved one has difficulty communicating or feels afraid to speak up. As family members, your watchful eye may be their strongest protection against ongoing mistreatment.
When you visit your aging parent or grandparent in their nursing facility, trust your instincts. That feeling that something isn’t quite right often has merit.
Physical Signs of Neglect
Bedsores are one of the most telling signs of neglect. Also called pressure ulcers, these painful wounds develop when staff fail to reposition immobile residents regularly. What starts as reddened skin can quickly progress to open wounds that expose muscle and bone. Sadly, advanced bedsores can lead to life-threatening infections and have resulted in numerous wrongful death cases.
Sudden weight loss often signals that something is wrong. Is your loved one’s clothing suddenly loose? Do their face or hands appear gaunt? This could indicate they’re not receiving proper nutrition or help with eating during mealtimes.
Poor hygiene is another red flag. When you notice unwashed hair, body odor, or soiled clothing during visits, it suggests staff aren’t providing basic care. Many residents depend entirely on caregivers for bathing and personal hygiene.
Dehydration can happen quickly in older adults and may be evidenced by dry mouth, cracked lips, and unusual thirst. One family I worked with noticed their mother’s dark urine and sunken eyes—clear signs she wasn’t receiving adequate fluids throughout the day.
Medication errors can have serious consequences. If your loved one seems over-sedated, unusually agitated, or mentions missed medications, these issues warrant immediate attention.
Behavioral and Environmental Signs
Beyond physical symptoms, watch for emotional withdrawal. Has your typically chatty father become eerily quiet? Does your mother seem fearful when certain staff members enter the room? These behavioral changes often speak volumes about their treatment.
Environmental hazards like wet floors, poor lighting, or broken equipment create dangerous conditions for vulnerable residents. One client noticed her father’s room consistently had frayed electrical cords and slippery floors—conditions that led to a serious fall.
Unsanitary conditions throughout the facility—such as strong urine odors, dirty common areas, or pest problems—often indicate systemic neglect that affects all residents.
Staff issues can directly impact care quality. If you notice constant new faces, visibly exhausted caregivers, or long response times to call buttons, the facility may be dangerously understaffed.
Perhaps most concerning is when facilities attempt to restrict family visits or insist staff be present during your time together. This could indicate they’re trying to prevent residents from reporting problems.
Normal Aging vs. Neglect Symptoms
| Normal Aging | Signs of Neglect |
|---|---|
| Gradual, modest weight loss | Sudden, significant weight loss |
| Some skin thinning and dryness | Bedsores, rashes, untreated wounds |
| Occasional forgetfulness | Dramatic personality changes, extreme confusion |
| Some mobility decline | Unexplained bruises, fractures, injuries |
| Reduced appetite | Obvious signs of hunger, dehydration |
| Slightly delayed wound healing | Infected wounds, untreated injuries |
When you notice these warning signs, document everything carefully. Take photos when appropriate, write down dates and times, and keep a journal of your observations and conversations with staff. This documentation will be invaluable should you need to consult an attorney for nursing home neglect.
In one case, a family’s careful documentation of recurring bedsores led to a $2 million recovery after their loved one developed fatal sepsis. Another family received $12.5 million after proving staff ignored their father’s deteriorating pressure ulcers that ultimately caused his death.
Your vigilance may not only protect your loved one but could prevent harm to other vulnerable residents as well. Trust your observations—what you’re seeing matters.
Taking Action: What to Do Immediately
Finding signs of neglect affecting your loved one can be heart-wrenching and overwhelming. The steps you take in those first crucial hours and days can make all the difference—both for your family member’s wellbeing and any future legal action. Here’s how to respond effectively:
1. Ensure Immediate Safety
Your loved one’s safety comes first. If you witness a dangerous situation or severe neglect that poses an immediate threat, don’t hesitate to call 911. Emergency services can intervene quickly and provide needed medical care.
“When I found my mother severely dehydrated and unresponsive in her room, I called 911 immediately,” shares one family member. “That decision likely saved her life—and created an official record of the neglect.”
2. Document Everything
Evidence makes all the difference in nursing home neglect cases. Use your smartphone to take clear, well-lit photos of:
- Any visible injuries like bedsores, bruises, or rashes
- Unsanitary conditions in the room or facility
- Safety hazards like broken equipment or wet floors
- Your loved one’s physical condition
Keep a detailed journal noting dates, times, and descriptions of what you observe. Write down names of staff members present and any explanations they provide. This documentation will be invaluable if you consult an attorney for nursing home neglect.
3. Report to Proper Authorities
Multiple reporting channels exist to address nursing home neglect:
Start by speaking with the nursing director or facility administrator—but don’t stop there. Report your concerns to your state’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman program, which advocates for residents’ rights. In Florida, you can reach them at 1-888-831-0404.
File a report with Adult Protective Services (APS), the agency responsible for investigating elder abuse and neglect. Your report can trigger an official investigation of the facility.
The Alabama Department of Human Resources offers comprehensive information about reporting elder abuse that can guide you through this process.
4. Seek Independent Medical Evaluation
Having your loved one examined by a healthcare provider not affiliated with the nursing home creates an unbiased medical record of their condition. This independent assessment can document injuries, malnutrition, dehydration, or medication issues resulting from neglect.
“The hospital documented severe dehydration, untreated UTIs, and stage 3 pressure sores—all preventable conditions that became powerful evidence in our case,” explains a family who successfully held a facility accountable.
5. Secure Medical Records
Request complete copies of your loved one’s records from the facility. Under HIPAA, you have a right to these records if you have proper authorization (such as power of attorney or guardianship). These records often reveal important information about care deficiencies, missed treatments, or medication errors.
6. Consider Relocation
If the situation is serious, moving your loved one to a safer environment may be necessary. Research alternative facilities carefully, reading reviews and checking state inspection reports. Arrange for a smooth transition to minimize trauma during this difficult time.
7. Consult an Attorney for Nursing Home Neglect
An attorney for nursing home neglect can evaluate your situation, explain your legal options, and help steer the complex process ahead. The Barzakay Law Firm offers free consultations to families facing these difficult circumstances.
Legal representation ensures your rights are protected while you focus on what matters most—your loved one’s recovery and wellbeing. Learn more about how our team approaches these cases in our Practice Areas section.
8. Gather Witness Statements
Other residents, visitors, or even current and former employees may have witnessed the neglect. Their testimonies can significantly strengthen your case. An attorney can help you properly collect and document these statements.
Timing matters. In Florida, you generally have two years from when the neglect was finded or should have been finded to file a claim. Don’t delay in taking these important steps to protect your loved one and hold negligent facilities accountable.
By acting quickly and thoroughly, you not only help your family member but potentially protect other vulnerable residents from experiencing similar harm.
Attorney for Nursing Home Neglect: Building Your Case
When you’ve decided it’s time to take legal action, partnering with an attorney for nursing home neglect becomes your most powerful ally. At The Barzakay Law Firm, we’re committed to building a rock-solid case that holds negligent facilities accountable.
The Initial Case Evaluation
We begin our journey together with a comprehensive, no-cost consultation. This isn’t just about paperwork—it’s about understanding your loved one’s story and the harm they’ve endured.
During this first meeting, we’ll carefully review the evidence you’ve gathered, discuss your family member’s condition, and explain how nursing home regulations apply to your specific situation. We’ll outline potential strategies, discuss possible compensation, and answer all your questions about what lies ahead.
“When families come to us, they’re often overwhelmed and unsure where to turn,” says Attorney David Barzakay. “Our goal is to provide clarity and a path forward during this difficult time.”
Evidence Collection and Case Building
If we take your case, our team springs into action, gathering and preserving critical evidence before it disappears.
Our medical professionals carefully analyze your loved one’s records, looking for telling inconsistencies, gaps in care, and failures to follow doctor’s orders. We’ve seen countless cases where facilities falsify records to cover their tracks—we know exactly what red flags to look for.
We dig deep into the facility’s history, reviewing state inspection reports and violation patterns. We examine staffing levels, turnover rates, and corporate structures to identify all parties who may share responsibility. In many cases, problems stem from profit-driven decisions made far above the level of direct caregivers.
Expert witnesses play a crucial role in nursing home cases. We work with geriatric care specialists, wound care professionals, and nursing standards experts who can clearly explain to a jury how the care fell short and directly caused your loved one’s suffering.
One family we represented finded their mother’s severe bedsores were completely preventable. Our wound care expert demonstrated how basic repositioning protocols were ignored for days, leading to tissue death and infection. This testimony was instrumental in securing a substantial settlement.
Determining Liable Parties
Nursing home neglect rarely has just one responsible party. We investigate every level:
The facility itself often bears primary responsibility, but parent companies making staffing and budget decisions may be equally culpable. Individual administrators, staff members, and third-party contractors may all share blame. We leave no stone unturned in identifying everyone who should be held accountable.
Types of Damages Available
The harm from nursing home neglect goes far beyond medical bills. We fight for full and fair compensation across multiple categories:
Economic damages cover tangible costs like additional medical care, rehabilitation, facility transfer expenses, and out-of-pocket costs. In wrongful death cases, funeral and burial expenses are also recoverable.
Non-economic damages address the human toll—the pain, suffering, emotional distress, and loss of dignity your loved one experienced. These damages, while harder to quantify, often represent the most significant harm.
In cases involving particularly egregious conduct, punitive damages may be available. These are designed not just to compensate your family, but to punish wrongdoers and deter similar behavior in the future.
The results can be substantial. We recently helped a family recover $3.1 million after their father developed fatal pressure sores due to blatant neglect. Another client received $1.5 million when untreated stage 4 bedsores led to life-threatening complications.
How an Attorney for Nursing Home Neglect Strengthens Evidence
Building a compelling case requires both legal knowledge and investigative skills. Here’s how we strengthen your position:
Creating Medical Chronologies
We develop detailed timelines that clearly show when problems began, how they progressed, when (or if) intervention occurred, and how delays impacted outcomes. These visual tools help jurors understand patterns of neglect that might otherwise be lost in thousands of pages of medical records.
Conducting Thorough Depositions
Our attorneys know exactly how to question facility staff, administrators, and corporate representatives under oath. Through careful deposition questioning, we often uncover critical admissions and inconsistencies that strengthen your case.
“I’ll never forget when a facility director admitted they were chronically understaffed but were afraid to report it to corporate,” recalls one of our attorneys. “That testimony completely changed the trajectory of the case.”
Securing Surveillance Footage
Video evidence can be powerfully persuasive. We move quickly to obtain and preserve facility security footage, visitor photos or videos, and any electronic monitoring before it can be deleted or overwritten.
Analyzing Staffing Logs and Records
Inadequate staffing lies at the heart of many neglect cases. We carefully examine staff-to-resident ratios, employee qualifications, training records, and shift assignments. When facilities prioritize profits over proper staffing levels, residents inevitably suffer.
Choosing the Right Attorney for Nursing Home Neglect Cases
Selecting the right legal representation can make all the difference in nursing home cases. Here’s what to look for:
Experience and Track Record
Seek attorneys who focus specifically on nursing home neglect and elder law, with a proven history of successful outcomes. This area of law combines complex medical issues with state and federal regulations—it’s not a sideline practice.
Resources and Team Support
Effective nursing home litigation requires a team approach with access to qualified medical experts and the financial resources to fully investigate complex cases. Ask potential attorneys about their access to these critical resources.
Communication Style and Accessibility
Your attorney should explain complex legal concepts in plain language, provide regular updates, and respond promptly to your concerns. At The Barzakay Law Firm, we pride ourselves on compassionate communication that respects what families are going through.
Contingency Fee Structure
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we secure compensation for you, and our fee is a percentage of the recovery that we agree upon in advance.
During your free consultation, we’ll evaluate your case, explain your options in clear terms, and help determine the best path forward. Our goal isn’t just to win your case—it’s to restore dignity and justice for your loved one while preventing similar harm to others.
Filing a Claim & Securing Compensation
Taking legal action for nursing home neglect isn’t just about holding facilities accountable – it’s about securing the resources your loved one needs for proper care and recovery. Working with an attorney for nursing home neglect helps steer this complex process with confidence.
The Pre-Filing Investigation
Before we file any paperwork, we need to build a solid foundation for your case. This thorough investigation phase is crucial for success:
“When we investigate a nursing home neglect case, we’re essentially reconstructing what happened to your loved one,” explains one of our attorneys. “We leave no stone unturned.”
We carefully examine all medical records, looking for gaps in care or documentation that doesn’t match what you observed. We talk with witnesses who might have seen the neglect or its effects. Medical experts help us identify exactly how the facility fell short of proper care standards.
Importantly, we identify everyone who might share responsibility – from the nursing home corporation to individual staff members. This comprehensive approach ensures we pursue all possible avenues for compensation.
Pre-Suit Notice Requirements
Florida law doesn’t let you immediately file a nursing home neglect lawsuit. Instead, you must first give the facility a chance to address the situation:
A formal written notice must detail what happened and how your loved one was harmed. The facility then gets 75 days to investigate your claims and potentially offer a settlement. Some courts also require mediation before proceeding further.
These requirements can actually work in your favor when handled properly. They create an opportunity to resolve your case without lengthy litigation. However, they also create procedural problems that require careful legal guidance to steer correctly.
Filing the Complaint
If the nursing home doesn’t offer fair compensation during the pre-suit period, we file a formal complaint in court. This document explains what happened, who’s responsible, and what compensation you’re seeking.
Each defendant (the nursing home, parent company, or specific individuals) receives this complaint and has limited time to respond. They typically deny wrongdoing and present legal defenses. The court then sets a timeline for how the case will proceed.
At this stage, having an attorney for nursing home neglect with courtroom experience becomes particularly valuable. We know how to draft complaints that withstand legal challenges and set the stage for successful litigation.
The Findy Phase
Findy is where both sides exchange information and evidence. It’s often the most revealing part of the legal process:
“What happens in findy can completely change a case,” notes a nursing home litigator. “We often uncover evidence the facility never expected would come to light.”
Written questions called interrogatories must be answered under oath. Document requests force facilities to produce records they might prefer to keep private. Depositions – recorded interviews under oath – allow us to question facility staff directly about what happened.
Expert witnesses provide professional opinions about the standard of care and how it was violated. Sometimes, independent medical examinations help establish the extent of injuries caused by neglect.
This information-gathering process helps both sides understand the strengths and weaknesses of the case, often leading to more productive settlement talks.
Settlement Negotiations
Most nursing home neglect cases resolve through settlement rather than trial. These negotiations can happen at several points:
During the pre-suit period, after filing the complaint, during formal mediation, or even on the courthouse steps before trial begins. The timing often depends on when both sides have enough information to realistically assess the case.
We prepare thoroughly for these negotiations, calculating the full value of your claim including medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, and other damages. Our experience with similar cases helps us recognize fair offers versus those that undervalue your loved one’s suffering.
“While we can’t guarantee specific results, we can promise to fight for every dollar your loved one deserves,” says our lead attorney. “We never recommend accepting less than what we believe is fair compensation.”
Trial Proceedings
If settlement talks don’t yield fair compensation, we’re fully prepared to present your case at trial:
A judge or jury hears testimony from witnesses, including family members who observed the neglect, facility staff, and expert witnesses who explain how proper care should have been provided.
Medical evidence demonstrates exactly how your loved one suffered. Economic experts help quantify both current costs and future expenses. We present this evidence clearly and persuasively, helping the judge or jury understand the full impact of the neglect.
Trials can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Throughout this process, we keep you informed and prepared for each step.
Post-Trial Matters
After a successful verdict, our work continues. Either side may file appeals challenging the outcome. Collecting the judgment sometimes requires additional legal steps if the facility doesn’t pay promptly.
For larger settlements or verdicts, we might recommend structured settlements that provide payments over time instead of one lump sum. This approach can provide more long-term financial security.
For elderly or disabled individuals, we often need to establish special needs trusts to preserve eligibility for important government benefits like Medicaid while still benefiting from the compensation.
Guardianship Considerations
If your loved one can’t make legal decisions due to cognitive impairment or other disabilities, additional legal steps are necessary:
A court-appointed guardian may need to represent their interests throughout the legal process. Any settlement must receive court approval to ensure it truly benefits the injured person. The funds are then carefully managed for your loved one’s care and well-being.
At The Barzakay Law Firm, we guide you through these complexities with compassion and clear explanations at every step.
Statute of Limitations and Key Deadlines
Perhaps the most important timing consideration in nursing home neglect cases is the statute of limitations – the legal deadline for filing your claim:
Florida generally allows 2 years from when the neglect was finded or should have been finded. Other states range from 1-3 years, with different rules for different situations.
Wrongful death claims related to nursing home neglect typically have their own deadlines (in Florida, it’s 2 years from the date of death).
Government-run facilities often have special notice requirements and shorter deadlines for claims.
Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your claim – even when the neglect is clear and documented. That’s why consulting an attorney for nursing home neglect promptly is so important.
Findy Rule and Tolling Provisions
In some circumstances, these strict deadlines may be extended:
The findy rule means the clock starts when you finded (or should have finded) the neglect, not necessarily when it first occurred. This helps in situations where the neglect was hidden or not immediately apparent.
If the facility actively concealed information or committed fraud to hide the neglect, the statute of limitations may be “tolled” (paused) until the deception is uncovered.
Some states extend deadlines during continuing treatment at the same facility. Others provide extensions for individuals with mental incapacity who cannot advocate for themselves.
“One of the hardest conversations we have is telling families their valid claim can’t proceed because too much time has passed,” shares one of our attorneys. “We never want to see justice denied because of a missed deadline.”
These timing rules vary significantly by state and circumstance. When you notice signs of neglect, prompt legal consultation helps preserve your rights and options for holding negligent facilities accountable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What evidence is most persuasive in neglect cases?
When building a strong nursing home neglect case, certain types of evidence tend to carry more weight than others.
Medical records often tell the most compelling story. These documents create a timeline showing how preventable conditions like bedsores developed and worsened over time. They reveal when staff noticed problems, what they did (or didn’t do) about them, and how your loved one suffered as a result.
“The medical records don’t lie,” says one family member who successfully pursued a neglect case. “When we could show that my mother’s bedsores went from stage 1 to stage 4 in just weeks with no intervention, it became impossible for the facility to deny their negligence.”
Photographs can be particularly powerful. Clear images of injuries, unsanitary conditions, or safety hazards speak volumes to judges and juries. Many families find that taking regular photos during visits provides crucial before-and-after documentation.
Expert testimony from healthcare professionals helps connect the dots between the facility’s actions and your loved one’s injuries. These experts explain complex medical concepts in terms anyone can understand, making it clear how the nursing home failed to meet accepted standards of care.
Staffing records and state inspection reports often reveal systemic problems that contributed to neglect. When these documents show chronic understaffing or repeated violations, they help establish that the neglect wasn’t just an isolated incident but part of a larger pattern.
An attorney for nursing home neglect will typically gather and present multiple forms of evidence that work together to create a comprehensive picture of what happened and who bears responsibility.
How long does a lawsuit usually take?
When families ask about timing, I always emphasize that nursing home neglect cases rarely resolve overnight. Most cases take between one and two years from start to finish, though some may resolve sooner or take longer.
In Florida, the process begins with a mandatory pre-suit notice period of at least 75 days, during which the facility investigates the claim before a lawsuit can even be filed. This built-in waiting period extends the timeline from the very beginning.
The complexity of your case significantly affects how long it takes. Cases involving multiple facilities, numerous staff members, or particularly severe injuries typically require more investigation and preparation.
Court schedules also play a role. In busy jurisdictions, simply getting a trial date can take many months. Your attorney for nursing home neglect will work to keep things moving, but some delays are beyond anyone’s control.
Many nursing home cases settle before trial, which can shorten the timeline considerably. If the facility recognizes their liability and offers fair compensation, your case might resolve within 6-12 months. However, if they refuse to make a reasonable offer, proceeding to trial extends the process.
“We understand waiting is difficult when your loved one has suffered,” shares a nursing home attorney. “We work as efficiently as possible while still being thorough. Cutting corners might save time, but it won’t get the best result.”
Throughout the process, your lawyer should keep you informed about progress and what to expect next, making the waiting period less stressful.
What if my loved one has dementia and cannot testify?
Many families worry that their loved one’s cognitive impairment will prevent them from seeking justice. Rest assured that dementia or other cognitive conditions don’t block the path to accountability.
When a resident can’t speak for themselves, other forms of evidence become even more important. Medical records provide objective documentation of care (or lack thereof). Facility care plans show whether staff properly addressed your loved one’s special needs as a dementia patient.
Family observations carry significant weight in these cases. Your notes about changes in your loved one’s condition, appearance, or behavior help fill in gaps when they can’t communicate. Did you notice unusual bruising? Weight loss? A sudden change in mood? These observations often provide the first clues that something is wrong.
From a legal standpoint, having power of attorney or guardianship allows you to act on your loved one’s behalf. This legal authority enables you to hire an attorney for nursing home neglect, access medical records, and make decisions about pursuing a claim.
“Residents with dementia are often targeted precisely because they can’t report what’s happening,” notes one advocate. “That’s why it’s so important for families to be vigilant and take action when they suspect neglect.”
The inability to self-advocate actually makes these residents more vulnerable to neglect, not less deserving of protection. An experienced nursing home attorney understands how to build compelling cases even when the injured person cannot testify on their own behalf.
At The Barzakay Law Firm, we believe every resident deserves dignity and proper care, regardless of their cognitive status. We’ve successfully represented many clients with dementia by carefully gathering the evidence needed to tell their story when they cannot.
Conclusion
When trust in a nursing facility is broken through neglect, families face not just heartbreak but also difficult decisions about how to proceed. Taking legal action isn’t just about money—it’s about dignity, justice, and protection.
The impact of nursing home neglect extends far beyond the immediate suffering. Your loved one deserves compensation for their pain and additional care needs. The facility needs to be held accountable for their actions or inactions. And perhaps most importantly, your case might spark changes that protect other vulnerable residents from experiencing similar harm.
Standing up for your loved one’s rights matters. It can provide a sense of closure and justice during an emotionally challenging time. It sends a powerful message that our elders deserve better.
At The Barzakay Law Firm, we see the human stories behind these cases every day. We understand the mix of emotions you’re feeling—anger, guilt, sadness, and determination. Our team approaches each situation with warmth and genuine concern, backed by thorough legal knowledge and a commitment to securing fair compensation.
We’re proud to serve families throughout Florida, with offices in Hollywood, Miami, Boca Raton, Sunrise, Orlando, and Fort Lauderdale. When you’re ready to talk, we’re ready to listen.
Nursing home neglect cases have strict time limits that vary by state. In Florida, you generally have two years to take action, but waiting can complicate your case as evidence may disappear and witnesses’ memories fade. That’s why we offer free consultations—so you can understand your options without any pressure or obligation.
An attorney for nursing home neglect can transform a painful situation into a pathway toward healing and prevention of future harm. Together, we can work toward the accountability and compensation your family deserves.
Contact us today for a confidential conversation about your loved one’s situation. You don’t have to walk this difficult path alone.