Trusted Legal Advice for Nursing Home Abuse Victims

Doral is known for its business-friendly environment, excellent schools, and proximity to Miami. Many families trust local nursing homes and assisted living facilities to care for aging parents and grandparents. But when that trust is broken, the consequences can be devastating. Abuse and neglect in nursing homes can take many forms—and in Doral, as in the rest of Florida, it happens more often than most people realize.

What Abuse Looks Like in Doral Facilities

Not all abuse is visible. While some signs show up on the skin—like bruises or cuts—others are harder to detect. Emotional abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation can occur quietly. In some cases, residents are too afraid or unable to speak up. That’s why families must stay alert and informed.

Common types of abuse in nursing homes include:

  • Physical abuse: Rough handling, slapping, pushing, or using restraints unnecessarily.
  • Emotional abuse: Yelling, humiliating, threatening, or intentionally isolating a resident.
  • Neglect: Not providing food, water, clean bedding, proper medication, or assistance with hygiene.
  • Sexual abuse: Any non-consensual sexual contact, particularly against vulnerable or incapacitated residents.
  • Financial abuse: Stealing money, forging checks, pressuring a resident to sign documents, or accessing accounts without permission.

Warning Signs to Watch For

It’s not always obvious when something is wrong. People in nursing homes might not be able—or willing—to tell someone about their mistreatment. These warning signs may point to abuse or neglect:

  • Sudden weight loss or signs of dehydration
  • Bedsores or frequent infections
  • Dirty or unchanged clothing and bedding
  • Bruises, burns, or unexplained injuries
  • Withdrawal from social activities
  • Unexplained fear or anxiety around certain staff members
  • Sudden changes in financial behavior or missing personal items

If you see any of these signs in your loved one, don’t wait. Start asking questions and keep a record of what you notice.

Steps You Can Take Right Now

If you suspect abuse or neglect at a nursing home in Doral, take action immediately. Your response could protect not only your family member but also other residents in the facility.

  1. Gather Evidence: Document injuries, unsanitary conditions, or anything suspicious. Take photos and write down what you see and hear.
  2. Talk to Staff: Ask direct questions. Write down who you spoke with, when, and what they said.
  3. Request Medical Records: These may show patterns of mistreatment or missing care.
  4. Report the Facility: You can file a complaint with the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) or Adult Protective Services.
  5. Contact an Attorney: Legal help is essential in building a strong case and holding the facility accountable.

Doral Legal Advocates Who Stand Up for Your Loved Ones

At Jimenez Mazzitelli Mordes, we know how hard it is to find out that someone you trusted has hurt someone you love. Nursing homes are supposed to be places of safety and care—not pain and fear. Our legal team is experienced in handling nursing home abuse and neglect cases. We take the time to investigate thoroughly, collect all necessary evidence, and fight for justice.

We’re local, and we care about protecting families in Doral. Whether your loved one was injured, became seriously ill, or passed away because of abuse or neglect, we are here to help you get answers and accountability.

We know the laws that govern nursing homes in Florida. We know the tactics some facilities use to cover up wrongdoing. And we don’t let them get away with it.

Call us at 305-548-8750 or use our contact form for a free consultation. We’ll listen, and we’ll tell you what you can do next.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is there a difference between abuse and neglect in a nursing home? Yes. Abuse usually involves intentional harm—like hitting, yelling, or stealing. Neglect happens when a facility fails to meet a resident’s basic needs, whether that’s feeding them, bathing them, or providing medical help. Both are serious and may justify legal action.

2. Can I take legal action if my loved one was abused in a Doral nursing home? Absolutely. Florida law allows victims and their families to file lawsuits for nursing home abuse and neglect. You may be able to recover money for medical bills, pain and suffering, and more. An experienced attorney can walk you through your options.

3. How much time do I have to file a claim? In Florida, the general statute of limitations for nursing home abuse claims is two years from the date you discovered (or should have discovered) the abuse. That’s why it’s so important to act quickly. The longer you wait, the harder it may be to find evidence or witnesses.