When I’m retained in Florida nursing home abuse cases, if the resident is still competent, typically they sign up the case with me directly. If the resident, however, is not competent and not able to care for themselves, whoever has power of lawyer, usually the spouse or the child, will become my client on behalf of that resident. In the unfortunate and tragic occurrence of a nursing home wrongful death, the personal representative of the estate is the sole individual allowed to bring the claim on behalf of all the survivors.