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Tampa Nursing Home Financial Exploitation Lawyer
Experienced attorneys fighting against financial abuse in Tampa, FL nursing homes
When a family decides to place their loved one in a nursing home, they expect them to receive compassionate care – not to become victims of financial exploitation. Unfortunately, financial abuse in nursing homes is a growing problem, leaving our vulnerable elderly population at risk of losing their hard-earned savings, assets, and financial security. At MattLaw, we fight for justice on behalf of elderly nursing home victims and their families. Our legal team is experienced in holding nursing homes accountable for financial exploitation, and we’re ready to help you take action on behalf of your loved one.
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How we can help you
- What is financial exploitation in Tampa nursing homes?
- What are the signs of financial exploitation in Tampa nursing homes?
- Who is responsible for financial exploitation in Tampa nursing homes?
- What are the legal rights of nursing home residents in Florida?
- How can I prevent financial abuse in my loved one’s Tampa nursing home?
- How can MattLaw help with my Tampa nursing home financial exploitation case?
- Do you have a Tampa nursing home financial exploitation lawyer near me?
What is financial exploitation in Tampa nursing homes?
Financial exploitation in nursing homes happens when someone improperly or illegally takes advantage of an elderly person’s money, assets, or personal property. This abuse can come from staff members, caregivers, other residents, or even outside individuals who have access to a resident’s finances. Many senior citizens are unaware of the financial abuse happening to them or are too afraid to speak up and ask for help. Common forms of financial abuse in nursing homes include:
- Unauthorized withdrawals from a resident’s bank account.
- Forgery of checks or financial documents.
- Identity theft, which can lead to fraudulent credit card charges or loans.
- Coercion or manipulation into changing wills, trusts, or power of attorney.
- Overcharging for medical care, services, or unnecessary treatments.
- Theft of cash, jewelry, and personal belongings.
- Unauthorized use of Social Security or pension benefits.
If you happen to notice any suspicious financial activity involving your loved one, it’s important to take immediate action.
What are the signs of financial exploitation in Tampa nursing homes?
Financial abuse can be difficult to detect, especially if the elderly victim is unaware or unable to communicate what’s happening. Families must remain vigilant and keep an eye out for warning signs like:
- Unexplained withdrawals or large transactions from bank accounts.
- Missing personal belongings, like jewelry, credit cards, or cash.
- Changes in financial documents, like a sudden change in a will or power of attorney,
- Unpaid bills, despite sufficient funds to pay for expenses.
- Forged signatures on checks or legal documents.
- Fear or confusion when discussing the resident’s finances.
- New and unfamiliar individuals suddenly become involved in the resident’s financial matters.
- Overcharging or duplicate billing for nursing home services.
If you notice any of these warning signs, your loved one may be a victim of financial exploitation. You should seek legal help right away.
Who is responsible for financial exploitation in Tampa nursing homes?
A variety of parties might be responsible for financial abuse in nursing homes, including:
- Some nursing home staff and caregivers take advantage of elderly residents by stealing money, pressuring them to sign financial documents, or fraudulently using their personal information.
- Fellow residents with access to shared space or personal rooms may steal cash, jewelry, or other valuables from vulnerable individuals.
- Financial exploitation can also come from a resident’s own family members or close friends, who misuse power of attorney or gain unauthorized access to their finances.
- Outside individuals, like telemarketers, fraudulent charities, and fake investment companies, may target nursing home residents through phone scams, mail fraud, or online identity theft.
Regardless of who is responsible, nursing homes have a duty to protect their residents from financial abuse. When they fail, they can be held legally responsible.
What are the legal rights of nursing home residents in Florida?
Tampa nursing home residents are protected by state and federal laws designed to prevent financial abuse, including the following:
- The Florida Nursing Home Resident Bill of Rights helps ensure that residents have the right to manage their own finances or designate a trusted person to do so. Nursing homes cannot interfere with these rights or allow unauthorized individuals to access a resident’s financial information.
- Florida has strict elder abuse laws that criminalize financial exploitation. Anyone found guilty of financially abusing a senior citizen can face severe legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment.
- Federal laws like the Nursing Home Reform Act require nursing home facilities to protect residents from all forms of abuse, which includes financial exploitation. Nursing homes that fail to do this can face penalties, loss of license, or lawsuits.
If you believe your loved one has been financially abused in their Tampa nursing home, MattLaw can help you take the necessary legal action to recover stolen funds and hold the responsible parties accountable for the harm they’ve caused.
How can I prevent financial abuse in my loved one’s Tampa nursing home?
Legal action can help you and your family seek justice, but prevention is even more important for protecting nursing home residents from financial abuse. Here are some ways to reduce the risk of your loved one becoming a victim:
- Keep a close eye on your loved one’s bank statements, credit card activity, and financial records to spot any unusual transactions.
- Make sure that only trusted individuals have access to a resident’s financial accounts, and regularly review who has power of attorney or control over financial decisions.
- Encourage your loved one to keep valuables like cash, jewelry, and financial documents in a secure location, like a safe, to help prevent theft.
- Educate your loved one in recognizing common financial scams, like fake charities, lottery scams or fraudulent individuals pretending to be government officials.
- Before you select a facility, research its history, read reviews, and check for any complaints or violations related to financial exploitation.
If, despite these precautions, your loved one is a victim of financial abuse, you may need to take legal action to recover their lost assets and prevent further harm.
How can MattLaw help with my Tampa nursing home financial exploitation case?
At MattLaw, we are dedicated to protecting the rights of nursing home residents in Tampa and holding negligent facilities accountable. If your loved one has been financially exploited, we can:
- Investigate financial records to uncover fraudulent activity.
- Identify who is responsible for the financial abuse.
- Hold nursing homes legally accountable for failing to protect residents.
- Work to recover stolen assets and financial losses.
- Pursue compensation for damages, including emotional distress.
- Take legal action in court if necessary.
Our Tampa nursing home abuse attorneys understand how devastating financial exploitation can be for families. Our experienced lawyers fight tirelessly to seek justice for your loved one and help them regain financial security.
Do you have a Tampa nursing home financial exploitation lawyer near me?
Yes, we have an office in Tampa, located at 304 S Plant Ave, Tampa, FL 33606. You can schedule an in-person consultation or a virtual appointment with one of our attorneys to discuss your case.
Call a compassionate Tampa nursing home financial exploitation lawyer today
If you suspect that your loved one has been financially exploited in a Tampa nursing home, don’t wait to take action. Our team at MattLaw is here to help you fight for justice and protect your loved one’s rights. We can review your case, answer your questions, and help you determine the best legal course of action. Your loved one deserves safety, dignity, and financial security, and we are here to fight for them to get it. Reach out to schedule your free consultation with one of our Tampa nursing home abuse lawyers now.