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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 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.

Burn Injury Lawyer: What You Need to Know

July 13, 2020 by David R. Heil, PA

Have you or a member of your family sustained a burn injury? You might be concerned about missing time from work or the rising cost of medical care. If your burns were the result of someone else’s negligent behavior, David R. Heil, PA could get you the assistance you need. Our burn injury attorney, with offices in Orlando, Winter Park, and Melbourne, understands how difficult burns can be, especially if they result in future scarring or disfigurement. By calling our office, you may be able to secure compensation for hospital bills, lost wages, and more.

What is a burn injury?

Burns are usually caused by heat, certain chemicals like bleach or cleaning materials, or electricity. Scalds from hot liquids and fires are the most commonly reported burns in urgent care hospitals and emergency rooms. While some burns can be treated with antibiotic ointment and bandages, most injuries need to be brought to the attention of a medical professional. A physician will be able to assess the damage, provide treatment options, and prevent complications such as infection. Burn injuries can be categorized in the following ways:

Types of Burn Injury

First-degree burns: causes superficial damage that affects the top layer of skin. Although these injuries hurt, first-degree burns are likely to heal quickly and with little scarring.
Second-degree burns: affect the first and second layers of skin. Sometimes these burns lead to a red or white appearance along with some blistering.
Third-degree burns: may extend through three layers of the skin and into the underlying tissues below. Victims of these burns require immediate medical attention and take a longer time to heal.

What happens as a result of burns?

Unfortunately, burns can leave lasting effects on patients. Burn victims may require emergency treatment, which can involve surgery or skin grafting treatments. Procedures to address burns can be costly, even with medical insurance. Not only are the initial costs high, but these injuries may be slow to heal. Burns require frequent bandage changes during recovery since they require a clean environment. This means you may be out of work depending on the severity of the burn.

Once healed, burn victims may also have disfiguring scars that serve as a reminder of their experience. This can lead to emotional and psychological harm as well. When you contact Heil Law in Orlando, Winter Park, and Melbourne Florida, we can review all the different ways your burn injury has impacted your life and ability to participate in everyday activities. Our lawyer, David R. Heil, will work to hold others accountable for their negligence so innocent victims do not have to suffer from burn injuries in the future.

Your next steps

Burns often result in hospitalization or extensive procedures. It is no surprise that they are among the most painful injuries an individual can sustain. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a burn due to negligence, you may have the right to compensation. You do not have to face the claims process alone – David R. Heil, PA, and his highly experienced team are ready and willing to help. Begin the process of filing a personal injury lawsuit by calling Heil Law in Orlando, Winter Park or Melbourne, Florida today.

The Most Common Causes of Wrongful Death

June 18, 2020 by Adam Page

A wrongful death happens when a person loses their life due to the carelessness of another. While taking immediate legal action may not be a priority, it is important for family members and loved ones to retain a wrongful death attorney as soon as possible. In addition to the emotional trauma of having a family member pass away, people may also face financial difficulties without the help of the deceased. The compensation provided by a lawsuit might ease this financial burden. If you believe this is the case, reach out to David R. Heil, PA in Winter Park, Florida. We can discuss your situation with compassion and provide you with the right next steps.

Medical malpractice

Medical practitioners have a legal and ethical duty to care for the health and wellbeing of their patients. Medical malpractice occurs when a hospital or doctor does not provide the accepted standard of care, thus resulting in injury or death of a patient. When it comes to medical malpractice, however, there is a time limit for taking legal action. Under Florida law, a person must file a lawsuit within a certain time period or the case may not be accepted.

The most frequent cases of medical malpractice lawsuits in Orlando include:

Failure to properly diagnose or treat a patient
Errors in administering medications
Failing to follow proper safety procedures

Car or bike accidents

Motor vehicle accidents or bicycle accidents are major causes of wrongful death in Florida. This is because many collisions are caused by reckless or distracted drivers. Individuals are expected to take a reasonable amount of care and caution to avoid accidents on the road. Instead, their judgment may be impaired by alcohol use or cell phone use. Breaking traffic rules or running a red light are other sources of negligent behavior. When you contact David R. Heil, PA, we can review the case and determine whether any traffic laws were violated during the accident.

Workplace injuries

Construction, transportation, manufacturing, and similar industries experience a higher risk of injury and death compared to other jobs. Some examples of workplace accidents include falling debris or exposure to harmful chemicals. In reality, employers are required to keep the workplace safe and free of any hazards that could result in the death of an individual. Organizations should do everything in their power to train employees about these dangers and provide the right safety equipment to prevent them from occurring in the first place.

Get professional legal help

We understand that wrongful deaths can be a traumatizing event. If your family member was involved in a serious injury or wrongful death due to the above causes, you may be able to file a lawsuit. Professional help is required to assess your damages and review your case. It is important to find an experienced attorney who knows how to navigate the complicated process. To learn more, contact a David R. Heil today. We are sure to handle your wrongful death suit with care.