The Baker Act law is important, but it must be used properly. Unfortunately, it’s sometimes misused, which results in a violation of people’s rights. It is important to know when these problems exist and what can be done to prevent them from happening to you or a family member.
This blog focuses on understanding the most frequently violated rights in the Baker Act, how to identify them, and what to do if your rights are violated.
Common Violations Of The Baker Act
As most professionals adhere to the rules, violations are still possible. It is always useful to know what to look for when you understand the common issues.
Here are some frequent violations:
- Unnecessary Detention – Detaining a person without any medical or legal justification.
- Extended Holds – The violation of the legal time frame for keeping a patient in a particular place.
- Neglect or Abuse – Lacking the necessities of life or being abusive to oneself or others.
- Lack of Communication – Failing to tell relatives or denying them access to a lawyer.
- Privacy Breaches – Disclosing private or health details with or without permission.
How To Recognize If Your Rights Were Violated
The first step towards identifying a violation is knowing the signs. Pay attention to these key indicators:
- No Proper Evaluation – Individuals are detained without proper evaluation by a qualified person.
- Restricted Access – Not allowed to communicate with their families, friends or even their lawyers.
- Mistreatment or Neglect – Suffering physical abuse, verbal assault, or no proper medical attention.
- Prolonged Stay – Detention beyond the time provided by statute.
- Ignored Concerns – Employees either ignore them or evade responding to issues to do with rights.
Steps To Take When You Spot A Violation
Undoubtedly, when you file a complaint yourself, it can be overwhelming. Therefore, it’s important to take the right steps to address.
So, do you want to know the steps?
- Document Everything
- Seek Support
- Contact Legal Help
Why Standing Up For Your Rights Matters
It’s important to speak up about the Baker Act violations.
Do you want to know why?
- Protects Future Patients: Reporting issues helps to avoid similar problems in the future.
- Improves Accountability – The institutions and staff become more sensitive to the provisions of the law.
- Strengthens Advocacy: Filing complaints also brings out the issue of patient rights.
- Drives Change: Your actions may help improve policies and the training of professionals.
- Speaking out for your rights is a strong method of making change in the mental health system.
Seek Justice With Talmadge Law Firm
Do you want to help yourself and your family members from legal sources? Then, contact Talmadge Law Firm. We understand your rights. Our main focus is to safeguard your rights and guarantee you fair treatment. So, don’t wait any longer! Contact us right away.
