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How to report nursing home neglect?

July 20, 2020 by David R. Heil, PA

A nursing home or elder care facility can be held legally responsible when an act of negligence causes harm to a resident. But what kind of behavior can lead to a lawsuit? Actually, there are countless accidents and intentional acts that could leave a nursing home on the hook for damages. Whether it is the act of one employee or an overall policy of the facility, you should always consider speaking with a skilled personal injury attorney.

Physical or psychological abuse can have a detrimental impact on your loved one. Recognizing these issues can be difficult when many nursing home patients are incapable of speaking up for themselves. If you suspect that your family member is the victim of nursing home neglect, we encourage you to contact David R. Heil, PA who has offices in Winter Park, Melbourne and Orlando, Florida. We can help you recognize the signs of elder abuse and allow you to move forward with a lawsuit in confidence.

What is considered nursing home neglect?

When an elderly person moves into a nursing home or long-term care facility, they have a certain amount of rights. A facility must provide a certain level of care that allows residents to maintain the highest amount of physical and emotional well-being. Nursing homes should also provide these services for residents in a healthy environment that enhances their quality of life. When you visit your loved one, you should look for signs of potential abuse or neglect.

For example, victims of nursing home neglect sometimes suffer a decline in basic hygiene. When facilities become understaffed, the workload increases, causing employees to overlook important necessities. If you begin to notice problems like poor body odor, bedsores, or soiled sheets, these are all signs of a serious issue. When you call Heil Law in Winter Park, Melbourne or Orlando, we will let you know what kind of behavior is inappropriate in a nursing home and explain what your rights are.

Other common signs of nursing home neglect include:

Poor nutrition: keeping a proper diet is critical to the well-being of the elderly. Sometimes the right foods can help individuals avoid serious or even fatal health problems.
Unexplained injuries: although many elderly patients are prone to minor injuries, they should not sustain broken bones or bruises in the care of a nursing home.
Emotional changes: victims of abuse may develop emotional trauma that changes their personality and overall behavior. Abusers may intimidate victims, making them hesitant to ask for help.
Aloof staff: if staff members increasingly avoid your questions or simply refuse to be of assistance, this could be a sign of a bigger issue. It is not unreasonable to expect them to address your concerns in a reasonable timeframe.

How to sue a nursing home for neglect

If you have noticed any of the common signs of nursing home abuse in the Winter Park, Melbourne, or Orlando area, consider taking legal action with David R. Heil, PA. While filing a claim may not reverse the effects of abuse, it can help families navigate through life long after the incident takes place. Not only that, but the abusers will be held accountable for their actions. Learn more about the claims process by contacting a member of our legal team today.

What to Know About Dog Bite Cases

November 19, 2020 by Adam Page

Though dogs are widely known as man’s best friend, they can act in unexpected ways. A sudden dog attack is a frightening and often painful experience for people. Most dog attacks leave their victims with substantial damage and injuries. You should know that many states hold the owner responsible for injuries if the dog attack was unprovoked. If you or a loved one experienced a dog attack, call David R. Heil, a personal injury lawyer in Central Florida. He will work diligently to get the compensation you deserve.

What to do after a dog bite attack

Injuries from a dog attack include minor scrapes and serious injuries as well as broken bones and lacerations. Even a minor bite can lead to scarring on the skin. Others experience long-lasting pain and a fear of dogs in the future. Understanding the most common reasons a dog acts out is important for avoiding attacks. The main reasons include:

They are in pain
They feel trapped
They are protecting their home
They became too excited

People who have been assaulted by any animal should seek medical attention right away. Bite wounds are prone to infection and can lead to complications down the road. Once the initial injuries are dealt with, take photos of the affected areas and write down the details that led to the attack. You can reach out to a personal injury attorney in Orlando to determine whether legal action is appropriate.

When do I need an attorney?

Most victims of dog attacks have medical bills and other unwanted expenses. A trusted attorney can help you get compensation from the owner of the dog in certain circumstances. Exceptions include if you provoked the animal or were trespassing on private property. If you can prove the owner is liable for your injuries, we may be able to cover the following costs:

Medical bills
Lost wages
Physical therapy
Damaged property

Dog bites can also lead to emotional distress for which you can get compensation. This is because dog attacks are followed by emotional trauma that can affect someone for years. Heil Law will fight to obtain the maximum settlement for your case with detailed attention and a commitment to getting results.

How do I choose a lawyer in Winter Park, Orlando or Melbourne?

Finding the right attorney to represent you can be the most important factor in getting compensation. It is critical to find a dog bite lawyer who is experienced in these types of cases. Do not make the mistake of calling a lawyer based on advertisements alone. Some law firms may try to settle your case quickly without caring about results.

Contact us for your dog bite claim

Owners are most likely liable for dog attacks and the resulting injuries. You have the right to pursue legal action and obtain compensation for your injuries. The right thing to do is hire an attorney who will carefully evaluate your case and give you sound advice. Contact Attorney David Heil and get started today. We can help alleviate the stress involved with being bitten by a dog.

Do You Need a local Lawyer for a Florida Insurance Claim?

November 13, 2020 by Adam Page

When you file a claim with an insurance company, you expect them to pay based on your individual policy and premium. Unfortunately, many insurance companies will try any to reduce the value of your claim or deny it altogether. You may be disappointed to learn that insurance employees hope to minimize their losses as much as possible and pay the lowest figures that they can.

When an insurance dispute arises in Central Florida, you need an experienced professional by your side. Contact Attorney David R. Heil to help secure the resolution you deserve. He has years of experience ensuring insurance companies do not take advantage of their clients.

How is my claim assessed?

Insurance companies often use adjusters to determine the amount of your claim. They sometimes perform detailed inspections and ask questions about the claim and the resulting damages. If they have any reason to believe your claim should be disputed, the insurance company may use this as an excuse for lower payouts. You may need your own attorney at this stage of the process to protect your interests.

Types of insurance claims

Disputes with insurance companies can be difficult for a policyholder to manage. People sometimes become so frustrated with the process that they accept any payout, no matter how small it is. An insurance attorney has the time and resources to fight for the reimbursement you deserve. At Heil Law in Orlando, Mr. Heil has a strong reputation as tough negotiator. The most common kinds of insurance claims we handle include the following:

Storm and hail damage
Slab leak damage
Pipe leaks
Fire
Theft
Vandalism
Sinkhole

Why was my claim denied?

If your claim was denied in Florida, your insurance company may use certain excuses for not giving you the full payout. For instance, they may say that the damage falls outside of your scope of coverage. They may also try to claim that you did not try to file the claim quickly enough. An experienced attorney can evaluate your claim and determine if you have a case. At Heil Law, we have the skills to take on insurance companies and win.

What will an insurance claims lawyer do?

It is important to hire an insurance claims lawyer as soon as possible. By saying or doing the wrong thing right off the bat, people unknowingly jeopardize their claim and can lose the benefits they are entitled to. An attorney is specially trained to act on your behalf with your personal interests in mind. Heil Law personally promises to do everything possible to maximize your insurance claim in Florida.

Contact a trusted Local Central Florida Lawyer

Heil Law is proud to represent people, not insurance companies. If you are worried about attorney costs, you should know that most fees are paid out by the insurance company. According to Florida Statute 627.428, the insurance company must pay a penalty for not paying out a claim when it should have. To get the process started and learn more about your rights, contact Heil Law in Orlando.

What Happens During a Legal Consultation?

August 24, 2020 by Adam Page

Have you been involved in an accident? Before filing a personal injury claim, consider scheduling a meeting with an experienced law firm for a legal consultation. At David R. Heil, PA, this obligation-free consultation provides you with information about your rights and how to pursue damages successfully. Attorney David R. Heil is proud to have served the Orlando, Florida community for more than 35 years. Below, we have provided a helpful overview of what is involved in a consultation, along with how to prepare.

Preparing for your legal consultation

Whether you have suffered from a serious car accident or a slip and fall at a business, you can discuss your case in full with a personal injury attorney at Heil Law. It is important to give us as much information about your situation as possible. Even if you only require brief assistance in understanding your rights, our lawyer is here to help. Rest assured that everything you disclose is in complete confidence. If Mr. Heil believes you have a strong case, we can make recommendations for moving forward.

Questions to ask your attorney

Selecting the right attorney can seem intimidating. Not only should they be experienced in personal injury law, but they should also have your best interest at heart. Because you will be working closely with an attorney throughout your case, you should come prepared with questions. The following list will help you understand our level of experience and whether Heil Law in Winter Park, Orlando, and Melbourne is best suited to obtain the compensation you deserve.

What kind of law do you practice? Personal injury attorneys can specialize in different areas. Some practice areas include theme park accidents and burn injuries. It is best to choose a skilled attorney with experience in the kind of accident you suffered.
Is my case worth it? In your legal consultation, your personal injury attorney should provide you with specific information about your claim based on the damages suffered and the amount of evidence provided.
How long will my case take? Settlements could take weeks or years, but contacting an attorney is the best way to make sure it gets settled as quickly as possible. Factors include the severity of your injuries and the treatment you require afterward.

Contact Heil Law

At David R. Heil, PA, your case will not be handled by an investigator or case manager. Our staff will do everything in our power to answer your questions and move your claim forward. By the end of your consultation, you should understand what our team will be able to accomplish. Heil Law is here to help you make informed decisions. Because your privacy is important to us, we will also respect any personal information you give us. To begin the process of filing a personal injury lawsuit, contact us today in one of our Central Florida offices.

What Documents Do You Need for a Personal Injury Claim?

August 17, 2020 by Adam Page

Accidents happen every day. They most often occur as the result of another person’s careless conduct. If someone else’s reckless behavior caused your injury, you might be entitled to compensation. At David R. Heil, PA, we can help you collect the documentation you need to state your case. Our mission is to provide service to personal injury victims and their families in Orlando, Florida, and the surrounding areas. The following is an overview of what documents may be required.

Any law enforcement reports

It is important to have the right documentation when filing a personal injury claim. This includes any law enforcement reports that may have been filed as a result of the accident. Police officers who respond to the scene usually collect evidence and gather witness information, which could help your case. Attorney David Heil can use copies of these reports to learn how the accident occurred and who was at fault. They may also give us information about where to look for additional evidence.

Photos and witness statements

Pictures really are worth a thousand words. Any photos you take following your accident could shed new light on things you may not have noticed before. Try to take pictures of your injuries, any vehicles or equipment that could be on the scene, important roads and landmarks, and the surrounding area. You can also take photographs of your progress as you heal from your injury at home. Make sure to label each one with the correct date.

At the same time, witness statements are also essential. These are written reports of people who were on the scene at the time of the accident. These statements also prevent the witnesses from changing their stories weeks or months later. When working with Heil Law we can give you information about how to take down witness reports.

Medical documentation

Medical documentation proves the severity of your injury, giving Heil Law a more solid foundation for your case. This documentation may also prove that the accident was the result of someone else’s negligence or carelessness. Ask your doctor for a copy of your medical records, including their diagnosis, tests, prescription medications, treatments, and therapy involved. A recovery journal can also track injuries and medical appointments.

Insurance information and bills

If your insurance company is involved, save any correspondence you receive from them. They will give you information about your specific policy and what is recovered in recovery. Keep copies of your medical bills and any out-of-pocket costs that result from your injury. For example, if you need to buy gas to drive to your medical appointments, save the receipts. You may be able to ask for compensation for all losses involved.

Meeting with a personal injury attorney

With your documentation, the legal team at David R. Heil, PA will be able to build and present your case with confidence. If you need help gathering the right paperwork or want to file a personal injury claim, contact our staff in Central Florida. If you do not have these documents, we can gather them for you to present and pursue your claim.