Criminal Charges For Pinellas County Nursing Home Abuse And Neglect
People trust long-term care facilities to care for and protect their vulnerable loved ones. Nursing home abuse or neglect in Pinellas County is a serious matter, resulting in a strong public outcry and potentially severe criminal penalties. Our Seminole criminal attorney explains more about these types of cases and the steps nursing home workers need to take to protect their rights.
Accused Of Nursing Home Abuse In Pinellas County?
A 35-year-old certified nursing assistant is facing criminal charges of nursing home abuse in Pinellas County. The alleged incident occurred at a Dunedin nursing home in December. According to a January 2025 WTSP news report, he was arrested after a co-worker accused him of hitting two non-verbal residents and faces two counts of abuse or neglect of an aged or disabled person.
The National Institutes of Health reports that as many as ten percent of all nursing home residents are victims of abuse or neglect. Allegations draw widespread condemnation in the community and a swift demand for justice. Unfortunately, even if charges are not filed in the case, it can tarnish an otherwise good reputation and destroy your career.
Those guilty of harming vulnerable residents rightly face strict penalties. However, otherwise caring and hard-working nursing home employees may inadvertently take actions that prompt criminal charges. Examples include:
- Not keeping accurate records of patient care;
- Dismissing complaints and delayed responses due to caring for other patients;
- Handling patients in a way that others might see as overly forceful;
- Using restraints without proper authorization;
- Failing to give prescribed medicine or administering incorrect dosages.
Nursing home administrators may ultimately be at fault due to overscheduling and improper training, but they typically have teams of attorneys working to defend them. Nursing home workers generally face the most severe consequences and need someone to protect their legal rights.
Protecting Yourself Against Allegations Of Nursing Home Abuse Or Neglect
Nursing home care workers are often overworked and underpaid, but many still find it a rewarding and meaningful career. In doing your best to care for patients, it is devastating to be accused of abuse or neglect.
Under the Florida Statutes, there are strict penalties for nursing home abuse in Pinellas County. These include revocation of health care licenses, thousands of dollars in fines and court costs, and a potentially lengthy jail sentence. If facing these allegations, take the following steps to protect yourself:
- Get professional legal help immediately;
- Preserve records, communications, and other evidence;
- Avoid contacting the victim or others associated with the case;
- Avoid making statements to the nursing home, police, or prosecutors without your attorney present.
Schedule A Consultation With Our Pinellas County Criminal Attorney Today
Being accused of nursing home abuse or neglect in Pinellas County can be devastating. These allegations impact every area of your life and could leave you facing a potential jail sentence. The Reep Law Firm provides the fierce legal representation needed to protect your rights. To build a strong defense, contact our office and schedule a consultation with our Pinellas County criminal attorney today.
Sources:
wtsp.com/article/news/crime/nursing-home-employee-arrested-hitting-residents-st-petersburg/
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8110289/
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0400/Sections/0400.023.html
