West Palm Beach Inattentive Staff at Nursing Homes

In Florida, elderly and disabled individuals are often placed in nursing homes because they need the extra care that these facilities are supposed to provide. However, some residents are neglected and do not receive the essential care they deserve because of inattentive staff at West Palm Beach nursing homes.

The lack of skill or attention by staff in these homes could lead to many severe problems, including serious injury or death. If you or your loved one is not getting the care they need and deserve in a nursing home, contacting a seasoned nursing home abuse lawyer might prove beneficial.

The Responsibilities of Employees in Nursing Homes

Working in a nursing home can be a physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding job. Because of this, nursing home management must be highly selective during the hiring process. When they are not, they put their residents at risk for maltreatment.

Depending on their specific role, nursing home staff should be required to provide specified care to residents, possibly including:

• Assistance with use of restrooms and personal hygiene, including oral care and bathing
• Help with mobility, including pushing residents in a wheelchair or helping them use another assistive device
• Assistance with eating or receiving nutrition
• Ensuring safety of the residents
• Reporting concerns and problems to other staff members, management, or local authorities
• Treating all residents with the respect and dignity that they deserve

Consequences of Negligent Staff

Because of the high demands of nursing care, inattentive staff could lead to severe consequences for residents. These damages might cause physical damages such as falls, infections, dental problems, bed sores, pneumonia, and broken bones. In addition, nursing home residents in West Palm Beach who are neglected by employees could suffer from a lack of nutrition, depression, and other physical and psychological ailments.

When these or other damages occur, the inattentive nursing home staff at West Palm Beach nursing homes could be held liable. A dedicated lawyer might be able to help a claimant seeking compensation by gathering evidence of neglect by inattentive staff.

Statute of Limitations in West Palm Beach

As detailed in Florida Statutes §492.296, victims or family members of victims who have experienced or observed neglect in a nursing home have a limited amount of time to make a report. This law, known as the statute of limitations, allows up to two years from the date of the incident that led to damages wherein a report can be filed.

There are exceptions to this statute, however, such as when an injury was not discovered immediately. In this scenario, the report could be made within two years of the date it was discovered. To avoid a dismissal, however, it is advisable to file a claim against neglectful nursing home staff as soon as possible to meet the statute of limitations in West Palm Beach.

Reporting Negligent Staff in West Palm Beach Nursing Homes

If your loved one has suffered an injury or ailment as a result of inattentive staff at a West Palm Beach nursing home, you have a legal right to seek compensation. However, navigating the legal system alone could prove difficult. Fortunately, a well-versed nursing home attorney could discuss your options with you.

If it is determined you have a valid claim, your lawyer could work with you to demand compensation for financial as well as physical and emotional damages such as mental anguish, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. To learn more about this process, call today.