South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog
State officials are planning to force the closure of an Arlington, Florida nursing home after alleging a number of serious violations, including a finding that the facility allowed residents to harm each other, the Florida Times-Union reported.
It is the latest disturbing news from Florida’s troubled nursing home system. Our Fort Lauderdale nursing home neglect lawyers and Palm Beach elder abuse attorneys were disheartened by the passing of a recent measure that will permit nursing assistants to provide less care to patients.
The minimum-care hours were put in place as part of an agreement that limited a patient’s ability to collect damages in some cases. The industry successfully fought to reduce the care limits. The lawsuit limits remain in place. (Be sure to thank your lawmaker).
In this case, the Agency for Health Care Administration revoked the license of Glenwood Nursing Center and gave it until next month to relocate its 107 residents. The agency alleges a host of abuse and neglect issues due to a lack of monitoring. The facility has been sued for the death and rape of residents.
In other Florida nursing home news, a Polk County jury has awarded a $114 million verdict in a nursing home abuse case that resulted in the death of an elderly woman. The 76-year-old woman fell within two weeks of being admitted. She suffered head trauma, a broken arm and other injuries from which she never recovered.
Those considering a Florida nursing home can find a ranking system on the federal nursing home comparison website.
We encourage you to do your homework when selecting a Florida nursing home. Over half of all nursing homes are part of a large chain corporation operating for-profit companies. Choosing the proper home and monitoring the condition and well-being of a relative is crucial. Anyone who has concerns about the conditions of a local nursing home or who suspects a case of nursing home neglect and abuse, should consult an attorney. It is the responsibility of each of us to police the system and insure the care and dignity of our vulnerable older adults.
Freeman & Mallard is a personal injury and wrongful death law firm dedicated to helping clients who have been injured in Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and the Port St. Lucie/Fort Pierce areas. Call today for a free consultation. 1-800-529-2368.