FIDJ: Florida Nursing Home Abuse, Neglect, and Wrongful Death Lawyers
At FIDJ, our Florida nursing home lawyers fight for victims of nursing home abuse, neglect, and wrongful death. Nursing homes are designed to play a vital role in providing twenty-four (24) hour care and support to some of society’s most vulnerable members. Yet too often, nursing homes fail, leading to preventable injuries and incidents, including falls, fractures, wandering, malnutrition/dehydration, poor hygiene, skin breakdown, and infections. At FIDJ, we understand the physical and emotional toll nursing home abuse and neglect can inflict on residents and their families. While we cannot turn back the hands of time, we can seek justice and hold these facilities accountable for the pain and suffering they have caused.
If you suspect your loved one was injured at the hands of a nursing home, contact the experienced nursing home injury attorneys at FIDJ, before it’s too late.
What is Nursing Home Abuse?
Nursing home abuse occurs when staff intentionally cause harm to a resident or engage in conduct that they know, or should know, will cause injury, fear, or emotional distress. Abuse can be physical, emotional, sexual, or financial, and, in many cases, residents are pressured or intimidated into staying silent. Because victims of nursing home abuse often cannot advocate for themselves, it’s critical for families to watch for red flags and speak up at the first sign of danger.
Examples of Nursing Home Abuse Include:
-
Failure to Meet Basic Needs: Not providing sufficient food, clean drinking water, or assistance with eating puts residents at risk of malnutrition and dehydration.
-
Neglect of Personal Hygiene: Failing to help residents bathe, brush their teeth, change clothes, or have access to clean laundry leads to discomfort, skin infections, and loss of dignity.
-
Unsafe or Unsanitary Conditions: Allowing hazardous, cluttered, or dirty living areas increases the risk of accidents, infections, and overall poor health.
-
Infection Control Failures: Ignoring or violating infection control protocols can expose residents, especially those with weakened immune systems, to dangerous and potentially fatal illnesses.
-
Lack of Mobility Aids: Denying residents access to necessary mobility equipment, such as canes, walkers, or wheelchairs, can cause falls, injuries, and loss of independence.
-
Inadequate Physical Therapy: Skipping or improperly performing prescribed physical therapy can lead to loss of mobility, increased pain, and delayed recovery.
-
Medication Errors and Overmedication: Failing to provide required medications on time, giving the wrong dose, or using drugs to chemically restrain residents without medical justification can cause serious harm or death.
-
Emotional and Social Abuse: Isolating, ignoring, yelling at, or intimidating residents can cause severe emotional distress, depression, and withdrawal from activities.
Recognizing nursing home abuse can be challenging for families, particularly where residents are pressured, intimidated, or bribed to stay silent. That's why it's important for family members to be aware of the signs of abuse and remain vigilant.
What is Nursing Home Neglect?
Nursing home neglect is different from abuse. Abuse usually involves intentional actions meant to cause harm, while neglect often stems from inaction, carelessness, or inadequate staffing. Even without malicious intent, neglect still violates a resident’s rights and can cause serious injury or death.
Neglect occurs when a nursing home fails to provide the basic care, supervision, and services necessary to maintain a resident’s health and safety. While some warning signs like bedsores or malnutrition can also appear in abuse cases, neglect is generally defined by failure to act rather than purposeful mistreatment. However, when neglect is extreme, repeated, or knowingly ignored, it can rise to the level of abuse under Florida law. Because victims of nursing home neglect often cannot advocate for themselves, it’s critical for families to watch for red flags and speak up at the first sign of danger.
Examples of Nursing Home Neglect Include:
-
Lack of Personal Care Assistance: Not helping residents with bathing, grooming, dressing, or toileting.
-
Inadequate Nutrition and Hydration: Failing to provide adequate meals, clean drinking water, or necessary medical nutrition.
-
Untreated Medical Conditions: Ignoring or delaying treatment for bedsores, infections, or other health concerns.
-
Lack of Supervision: Leaving residents unattended in unsafe areas, resulting in falls or wandering from the facility.
-
Delayed Response to Needs: Failing to respond promptly to call bells, alarms, or urgent medical requests.
-
Poor Sanitation: Not maintaining clean bedding, clothing, or living environments.
-
Lack of Functional Aids: Failing to provide or maintain necessary eyeglasses, hearing aids, or mobility devices.
In Florida, nursing facilities can be held legally responsible when their inaction or inadequate care puts residents in harm’s way. Families have the right to demand accountability and seek compensation for nursing home injuries caused by neglect.
Signs and Symptoms of Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect
Spotting nursing home abuse or neglect is not always easy, especially when residents are afraid to speak out or unable to communicate what’s happening. Families should watch for changes in their loved one’s appearance, behavior, and living environment.
Physical Signs:
-
Unexplained bruises, cuts, burns, or fractures
-
Bedsores, skin infections, or rashes
-
Sudden weight loss, dehydration, or signs of malnutrition
-
Poor hygiene, dirty clothing, or unwashed hair
Behavioral Changes:
-
Withdrawal from social activities or family visits
-
Sudden mood swings, depression, or anxiety
-
Fearfulness around certain staff members
-
Unexplained silence or reluctance to talk
Environmental Red Flags:
-
Strong odors of urine or feces in the facility
-
Cluttered hallways or unsafe walking areas
-
Insufficient staffing during visits
-
Signs of pests, soiled bedding, or dirty dining areas
If you notice one or more of these warning signs, it’s important to act quickly. The earlier abuse or neglect is addressed, the better the chances of protecting your loved one from further harm.
How a Florida Nursing Home Abuse, Neglect, & Wrongful Death Attorney Can Help
Nursing home abuse, neglect, and wrongful death cases are not like ordinary personal injury claims. They involve highly regulated healthcare environments, complex medical records, and facility operators who are often backed by teams of defense lawyers and insurance companies. Without an experienced nursing home abuse, neglect, and wrongful death lawyer, families may be led into accepting low settlements that don’t reflect the harm done or misled by facility claims that the resident’s injuries were “unavoidable.” A lawyer who understands nursing home operations knows where to find the most important evidence, how to secure it before it disappears, and how to use it to hold the facility accountable. Nursing home abuse, neglect, and wrongful death lawyers can navigate Florida’s strict nursing home laws, work with medical experts to prove your case, and protect your loved one’s rights every step of the way.
Experience Matters: Why FIDJ is the Right Choice for Your Nursing Home Abuse, Neglect, or Wrongful Death Case
At FIDJ, we don’t take every type of personal injury case. We focus our injury practice on abuse, neglect, and wrongful death claims involving:
-
Florida nursing homes (also known as skilled nursing facilities)
-
Florida assisted living facilities
-
Florida group homes (for adults with disabilities)
-
Florida adult day care centers
This is where our experience matters. We understand the unique laws that protect Florida’s most vulnerable residents, and we know how to hold facilities accountable when they violate those laws.
When you hire FIDJ, you get focused lawyers that:
-
Previously spent decades on the other side, defending nursing homes. We know how nursing homes operate, where they cut corners, and the litigation strategies with the most impact.
-
Have over 73 years of combined litigation and trial experience.
-
Handle cases from start to finish, including jury trials, when needed.
-
Understand the unique evidence in nursing home cases and how to obtain it.
-
Pursue maximum compensation to cover medical bills, pain and suffering, and punitive damages when justified.
We’re not a volume personal injury firm trying to cover every practice area from dog bites to car accidents. Instead, we are committed to holding nursing homes, assisted living facilities, group homes, and adult day care centers accountable when they fail to meet their obligations and harm some of the most vulnerable members of our society.
We Don't Get Paid Unless We Recover
At FIDJ, we handle nursing home abuse, neglect, and wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront and no attorney’s fees at all unless we recover compensation for you. We invest the time, resources, and expertise needed to take on nursing homes and their insurance companies, and we take on all the financial risk so you don’t have to. If there’s no recovery, you owe us nothing.
Nursing Home
Residents
Have Rights!
Florida law guarantees powerful legal rights to every nursing home resident. These aren't just suggestions—they’re enforceable protections under Florida Statute § 400.022. If your loved one’s rights are being ignored, neglected, or outright violated, it’s time to take action.
Abuse and Neglect
Residents have the right to live free from physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, exploitation, and neglect. No one—not staff, caregivers, or administrators—has the right to harm or ignore a resident’s needs. Period.
Respect and Dignity
Nursing homes must treat residents with fairness, compassion, and the fullest measure of dignity—no exceptions.
Freedom from Restraints
Physical or chemical restraints can only be used when medically necessary and documented by a licensed physician. They may not be used for staff convenience or as punishment.
Visitation
Family, friends, clergy, legal advocates, and ombudsmen must be allowed to visit. Loved ones have a right to connection and support.
Privacy & Communication
Residents are guaranteed the right to private conversations, personal mail, and phone calls—free from interference.
Medical Decisions
Every resident has the right to be informed of their medical condition and participate in treatment decisions, including the right to refuse care.
Grievances
Residents can speak out, file complaints, and demand better care—without fear of retaliation. Facilities are required to address these concerns promptly.
Safe Living Conditions
Facilities must provide a clean, secure environment with proper nutrition, hygiene, social interaction, and healthcare services.
Financial Protections
Residents have the right to control their own money, or designate someone they trust. Facilities must keep resident funds completely separate from their own.
We Sue Florida Nursing Homes for Abuse, Neglect, and Wrongful Death
Call (844) FIDJ-LAW to speak with one of our experienced attorneys.
Who's Caring For Your Loved One?
If you're searching for a licensed nursing home in Florida — or something doesn’t feel right — use our directory. We've compiled a list of every Florida nursing home to help families stay in contact with their loved one, monitor care, and take action when needed. As advocates for the elderly, we believe transparency is the first step toward accountability.
FLORIDA NURSING HOME ABUSE AND NEGLECT LAWSUITS: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I find a lawyer for nursing home abuse cases in Florida?
When you’re looking for a lawyer to handle a Florida nursing home abuse or neglect case, the most important factor is focus. We’re not a volume personal injury firm that takes on everything from dog bite injuries to car accidents. Our nursing home injury attorneys are laser-focused on long-term care cases, holding nursing homes, assisted living facilities, group homes, foster homes, and adult day care centers accountable when they harm some of Florida’s most vulnerable residents.
That focus matters because nursing home cases fall under a unique statutory framework that requires specific knowledge and experience. For instance, Florida Statute § 400.022 sets out a defined list of resident rights, and § 400.023 provides families with a cause of action to enforce those rights when a nursing facility’s abuse or neglect causes injury or death. Our injury practice is built on navigating this framework, enforcing these protections, and holding facilities fully accountable when they fail in their duties.
I’m not sure if I have a Florida nursing home abuse or neglect case. Can I speak with an attorney at FIDJ?
Yes. If you have any concerns or suspicions about nursing home abuse or neglect, you should contact FIDJ. Our experienced nursing home abuse, neglect, and wrongful death attorneys are available seven days a week to evaluate your situation and guide you on a path forward.
What are the signs of elder abuse in nursing homes in Florida?
Signs of nursing home abuse or neglect can include unexplained bruises or fractures, repeated falls, sudden weight loss, bedsores, poor hygiene, emotional withdrawal, or fearfulness around staff. Families should also pay attention to environmental red flags such as unsanitary living conditions and strong odors, as well as staffing issues like chronic understaffing or high turnover. Florida Statute § 400.022 (Nursing Home Resident Rights) requires nursing homes to provide safe and adequate care, among other rights. These warning signs may indicate that those rights are being violated.
I cannot afford a lawyer. Can I still hire a lawyer to sue a Florida nursing home?
Yes. The experienced nursing home abuse, neglect, and wrongful death attorneys at FIDJ work on a contingency fee basis. That means we only get paid if there is a monetary recovery associated with your nursing home case.
Where can I get compensation for nursing home neglect in Florida?
Families may seek compensation for nursing home neglect by filing a civil lawsuit against the facility and, in some cases, related entities. Florida Statute § 400.023 authorizes claims for damages such as medical bills and pain and suffering, and in wrongful death cases, additional recovery may be available under the Florida Wrongful Death Act. Our firm assists families statewide in pursuing claims against nursing homes when abuse or neglect causes harm or death. For more details, see our page title "How Much is Your Florida Nursing Home Case Worth."
What legal options exist for wrongful death in elder care in Florida?
When abuse or neglect in a nursing home causes death, families may pursue a wrongful death claim under Florida law. Florida Statute § 400.023 provides a civil cause of action for negligence or a violation of residents’ rights outlined in Fla. Stat. § 400.022. Section 400.023 specifically incorporates Florida’s Wrongful Death Act, allowing surviving family members to bring a wrongful death lawsuit against a nursing home.
Available damages are broken into two distinct categories, and only one can be selected at the conclusion of litigation. Survival damages include the resident’s own claims, such as conscious pain and suffering, medical expenses, and other damages suffered before death. Wrongful death damages include the family’s claims, such as loss of companionship, emotional pain and suffering, and recovery of medical and funeral expenses. In cases of reckless or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may also be awarded.
To learn more about the damages available and the factors that affect case value, see our page titled "How Much is Your Florida Nursing Home Case Worth." Our attorneys pursue wrongful death claims statewide to hold nursing homes accountable when their failures lead to the loss of life.
I might have signed an arbitration agreement. Can I still sue the nursing home for damages?
Yes. It’s common for nursing homes to include arbitration clauses in their agreements as a way to keep cases out of the public eye and limit potential damages. However, the experienced nursing home injury attorneys at FIDJ can carefully assess the validity and enforceability of the arbitration clause. Depending on the circumstances, our experienced attorneys may be able to challenge and potentially invalidate the arbitration agreement, allowing your case to proceed to civil court, where it can be heard before a jury. In the event an arbitration clause is enforceable, our attorneys can still represent you in the arbitration process.
How long do I have to file a Florida nursing home abuse or neglect lawsuit?
In Florida, nursing home abuse, neglect, and wrongful death cases must be brought within two (2) years of the date of injury and/or the date of death. This two (2) year deadline is known as a “statute of limitations”. However, do not delay, as there may be prior injuries that you do not know about. In addition, many nursing homes have notoriously high staff turnover rates. Therefore, unnecessary delay can make it more difficult to locate potential witnesses. To learn more about the applicable statute of limitations, check out our blog, "The Deadline to File a Florida Nursing Home, Assisted Living Facility, Group Home, or Adult Day Care Center Abuse or Neglect Case."
My loved one was injured at the hands of a nursing home that I selected. Should I feel responsible for my loved one’s pain and suffering?
Absolutely not. Your intention was to provide the best possible care for your loved one by choosing a nursing home that you believed could meet your loved one’s needs. When a nursing home fails to uphold its duty to provide proper care and protection, the responsibility for any associated injuries lies with the facility, not with you. You are not at fault for the actions of a facility that failed to provide the care it promised.
How long do Florida nursing home injury cases last?
Each case is unique. While some cases settle before a lawsuit is filed, other cases require a trial. As a rule of thumb, however, you can expect a jury trial within two (2) years of filing your lawsuit. The finality of cases can be extended by the appellate process. If your case is subject to a valid arbitration clause, you can generally expect a quicker resolution.
Injuries & Incidents
At FIDJ, we help victims and their families hold Florida nursing homes, assisted living facilities, group homes, and adult day care centers accountable for abuse, neglect, wrongful death, and elder care facility negligence. Our Florida elder and disabled person abuse attorneys fight inequity and demand justice for victims and their families.
Learn more about cases involving assisted living facility abuse, group home abuse, and adult day care center abuse. Contact us for a FREE case review.
Evidence
Doesn't Last Forever.
In nursing home abuse, neglect, and wrongful death cases, time is critical, not just because of legal deadlines (known as Statutes of Limitation), but because vital evidence can disappear. Nursing facilities may lose or erase surveillance footage, staff with critical first-hand knowledge may leave or become unreachable, and records can be “lost” or altered. Acting quickly helps preserve the proof needed to hold nursing homes accountable.
What You Deserve to Know.
60%
of nursing home
injuries are preventable
1
94%
of nursing homes are chronically understaffed
3
43%
of nursing home falls
are not reported
2
1 in 3
residents suffer harm due to substandard care
4
Start Your Free Case Review
Check out our latest blogs...
We Proudly Represent Clients In and Around These Major Florida Cities
Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Sarasota, Naples, Fort Myers, Boca Raton, Hollywood, Lakeland, Ocala, Pensacola, Gainesville, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Port St. Lucie, Melbourne, Tallahassee, Kissimmee, Cape Coral, Coral Springs, Vero Beach, St. Augustine, Port Charlotte, Panama City
...and these Florida regions
.png){kind=small}
South Florida, Central Florida, North Florida, the Gulf Coast, Treasure Coast, Space Coast, the Panhandle, the Keys, Suncoast, Nature Coast, Big Bend, Emerald Coast, and First Coast.
What that Means
If you are searching for a "nursing home abuse lawyer near me", an "assisted living facility abuse lawyer near me", a "group home abuse lawyer near me", or an "adult day care center abuse lawyer near me", FIDJ has you covered.
Do you need an attorney who handles cases near you or your loved one? Our attorneys handle cases involving nursing home abuse and neglect, assisted living facility abuse and neglect, group home abuse and neglect, and adult day care center abuse and neglect in the following Florida counties: Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Brevard, Broward, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Escambia, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Glades, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Holmes, Indian River, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Nassau, Okaloosa, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Volusia, Wakulla, Walton, Washington.