Nursing Home Abuse / Neglect

Protect Your Loved Ones From Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect in Missouri

Caring for an elderly loved one often involves trusting a nursing home to provide them with the attention and care they deserve. However, cases of nursing home abuse/neglect can happen, leaving families feeling upset and uncertain about what to do. If you suspect mistreatment, consulting with our elder abuse lawyer in Liberty, Missouri, can help you take action.

Abuse and neglect in nursing homes include physical harm, emotional abuse, or even failure to meet basic needs like food and hygiene. Knowing your loved one’s rights under Missouri law is a step toward ensuring their safety and well-being. 

Quick Summary:

• Nursing home abuse and neglect occur when staff members harm or fail to properly care for residents. Abuse can be physical, emotional, or financial, while neglect involves not meeting basic needs like food, medication, or hygiene. Residents in Missouri are protected by law under the Adult Abuse and Neglect Act, which ensures they are treated with dignity and respect. Common types of abuse and neglect include physical harm, emotional mistreatment, financial exploitation, and sexual abuse.
• Recognizing the signs of nursing home abuse and neglect is vital for protecting your loved ones. Physical injuries, like unexplained bruises or broken bones, could indicate abuse, while sudden weight loss or dehydration might suggest neglect. Poor hygiene, emotional changes such as fear or withdrawal, and untreated bed sores are also common signs of mistreatment. Additionally, unusual financial activity, such as missing funds or unexpected withdrawals, may point to financial exploitation. If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to take action and address the situation to ensure your loved one’s safety.
• Nursing home abuse and neglect can stem from several factors, including understaffing, poor training, and inadequate supervision. When nursing homes don’t have enough staff, residents may not receive proper care, leading to neglect. Lack of training can result in accidents and mistreatment, while insufficient supervision may allow abuse to occur. Financial pressures on nursing homes can also lead to cost-cutting measures that affect the quality of care. Additionally, vulnerable residents, such as those who are frail or confused, may be at higher risk for abuse and neglect.
• In Missouri, victims of nursing home abuse or neglect have several legal options to seek justice and compensation. You can file a complaint with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services to report abuse and initiate an investigation. Victims can also file a civil lawsuit for compensation. In severe cases, criminal charges can be filed against those responsible, and protective orders can be requested to safeguard vulnerable residents.

What is Nursing Home Abuse / Neglect in Missouri?

You trust nursing homes to care for loved ones, but sometimes, they fail to meet those expectations. Nursing home abuse and neglect happen when staff members harm residents or fail to provide proper care. Abuse can involve physical harm, emotional mistreatment, or financial exploitation. Neglect occurs when basic needs, like food, medication, or hygiene, are not met.

Nursing home residents deserve to live in a safe and caring environment, and when that does not happen, it is a violation of their rights. Missouri law protects nursing home residents under the Adult Abuse and Neglect Act (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 198.070), ensuring they are treated with dignity and respect. 

What are the Different Types of Nursing Home Abuse / Neglect?

Nursing home abuse and neglect can take many forms, harming residents physically, emotionally, or financially. Knowing the different types of abuse and neglect can help you spot the signs and take action to protect your family members. Here are some of the most common types: 

• Physical Abuse: Physical abuse is any intentional use of force that causes or could cause bodily injury. This can include hitting, slapping, kicking, pinching, or using restraints inappropriately.
• Emotional Abuse: Emotional abuse involves actions or words that make a resident feel scared, upset, or ashamed. This includes yelling, threats, or isolating the person from others.
• Financial Exploitation: Financial exploitation happens when someone takes or misuses a resident’s money or property. This can include unauthorized withdrawals, forged signatures, or pressure to change a will.
• Neglect: Neglect occurs when staff fails to meet a resident’s basic needs, such as providing food, medication, or hygiene. 
• Sexual Abuse: Sexual abuse involves unwanted sexual contact or behavior toward a resident. This can include unwanted touching, forced sexual intercourse, and sexual assault.

What are the Signs of Nursing Home Abuse / Neglect?

Recognizing the signs of nursing home abuse and neglect is essential for protecting your loved ones. Many elderly residents may not report their mistreatment due to fear or inability to communicate. You should be aware of the common signs that indicate something may be wrong in a nursing home. If you notice any of these signs, it may be time to take action.

• Physical Injuries: Unexplained bruises, cuts, burns, or broken bones can be signs of physical abuse. You may also notice injuries that don’t match the explanations given by the staff. A physical abuse in nursing homes attorney in Missouri can help you address these issues and take legal action.
• Weight Loss or Dehydration: Sudden weight loss or signs of dehydration, like dry skin or lips, may point to neglect. These issues can happen when residents are not given enough food or water.
• Poor Hygiene: Neglect may show through unwashed hair, dirty clothes, or unchanged bedding. This happens when staff fails to assist with bathing or maintaining cleanliness.
• Emotional Changes: Fear, withdrawal, or sudden mood swings could mean emotional abuse. Your loved one might appear scared of certain staff members or avoid talking about their care.
• Bedsores or Infections: Bedsores, untreated wounds, or frequent infections are common signs of neglect. These issues often occur when residents are left in one position for too long or when medical needs are ignored.
• Unusual Financial Activity: Missing funds, unexpected bank withdrawals, or changes in legal documents could mean financial exploitation. Keep an eye on your loved one’s finances for any suspicious activity.

What are the Common Causes of Nursing Home Abuse / Neglect?

Nursing home abuse and neglect can happen for various reasons. While some staff members may act out of malice, there are other factors that contribute to these harmful situations. Recognizing the causes of abuse and neglect can help you protect your loved ones and take action if needed. Here are some of the most common causes:

• Understaffing: When nursing homes don’t have enough staff, residents may not get the care they need. This can lead to neglect, such as not getting enough food or water or not being helped to the bathroom.
• Poor Training: If nursing home staff are not adequately trained, they may not know how to care for residents safely and effectively. This can lead to accidents, injuries, and other forms of abuse.
• Inadequate Supervision: If nursing home staff are not supervised properly, they may be more likely to abuse or neglect residents. This can happen if supervisors are overworked or if they don’t take their jobs seriously.
• Financial Pressures: Nursing homes may cut corners to save money, which can lead to poor quality care. This can include reducing staff hours, not hiring enough qualified staff, or not purchasing necessary supplies.
• Resident Vulnerability: Older adults who are frail, ill, or confused may be more vulnerable to abuse and neglect. Nursing homes have a duty to protect these vulnerable residents.

What are the Legal Options for Victims of Nursing Home Abuse / Neglect in Missouri?

Missouri law provides several legal options for victims and their families to seek justice and compensation. Whether it’s physical, emotional, or financial harm, holding responsible parties accountable can help protect your loved one and prevent further mistreatment. Knowing your rights can also guide you in taking action when abuse or neglect occurs. Here are your legal options:

Filing a Complaint with State Authorities

Missouri law allows you to report nursing home abuse or neglect to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. The department investigates complaints and takes steps to ensure the safety of residents. Filing a complaint can help identify and stop harmful practices. You can also request that investigators visit the facility to check on your loved one’s well-being. Reporting abuse is an important step in holding nursing homes accountable for their actions.

Pursuing a Civil Lawsuit for Compensation

Victims of nursing home abuse or neglect can file a civil lawsuit to seek compensation for their injuries. A lawsuit can also encourage the nursing home to make changes to its practices and prevent future abuse. Taking legal action helps hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions. Here are some types of compensation you may be able to recover:

• Medical Expenses: This includes the cost of treating any injuries or illnesses caused by the abuse or neglect.
• Lost Wages: If you were unable to work due to your injuries, you may be able to recover lost wages.
• Pain and Suffering: This compensation is for the physical and emotional pain and suffering you have experienced as a result of the abuse or neglect.

Filing Criminal Charges

In cases of severe abuse or neglect, you may be able to file criminal charges against the responsible parties. Missouri law treats elder abuse as a serious offense, with penalties ranging from fines to prison time. Criminal charges hold individuals accountable for their actions and can help prevent further harm. Filing criminal charges sends a clear message that abuse will not be tolerated.

Requesting Protective Orders

If you believe your loved one is in immediate danger, you can request a protective order. A protective order can prevent abusive individuals from contacting or approaching the victim. Missouri courts issue protective orders to safeguard vulnerable adults from harm (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 455.010). Protective orders can also serve as evidence in future legal actions. 

Legal Representation

Working with an elder abuse lawyer in Liberty, Missouri, who focuses on nursing home abuse cases is vital for effectively handling your legal options. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney will represent you in court to fight for justice and compensation. Having legal support can make a significant difference in achieving a successful outcome for your case. 

Why Do I Need an Elder Abuse Lawyer in Liberty, Missouri?

If you suspect that a loved one is experiencing elder abuse or neglect in a nursing home, it is vital to seek help from our elder abuse lawyer in Liberty, Missouri. You may feel overwhelmed by the situation, but having an attorney by your side can make a significant difference. Here are some reasons why hiring an elder abuse lawyer is essential:

• Knowledge of the Law: We have an in-depth knowledge of the laws related to nursing home abuse and neglect in Missouri. We can provide you with clear and concise legal advice.
• Investigating Claims: Our elder neglect claims lawyer in Missouri can help you strengthen your case and increase the chances of a successful outcome. We will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and collect medical records to support your claim. 
• Negotiating Settlements: We can negotiate with insurance companies and nursing homes on your behalf to reach a fair settlement. We can help you secure the compensation that you and your loved one deserves.
• Representation in Court: If your case does go to trial, we will represent you in court and present your case to a judge or jury. This representation is essential for making sure that your loved one’s story is heard and that justice is served. 

If you believe that someone you care about is suffering from elder abuse or neglect, our elder abuse lawyer in Liberty, Missouri, can guide you through the process and help protect your rights under the law. We can increase your chances of obtaining justice for your loved one and holding the responsible parties accountable.

Call Our Elder Abuse Lawyer in Liberty, Missouri, Now!

Nursing home abuse and neglect is a serious problem that can have devastating consequences for older adults. If you suspect that your loved one is being abused or neglected, it’s important to take action. By understanding the signs of abuse and neglect, knowing your legal rights, and seeking the help of our elder abuse lawyer in Liberty, Missouri, you can protect your loved one and seek justice.

At Noland Law Firm, LLC, we are dedicated to fighting for the rights of those who have been harmed in nursing homes. Our nursing home abuse law firm will help you through every step of the legal process, from gathering evidence to holding the liable parties accountable. We work hard to secure the compensation your loved one deserves for medical costs, pain, suffering, and other damages.

You do not have to face this challenge alone. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation, and let us work together to ensure that your loved one receives the justice they deserve. Taking action now can make a difference in their life and help prevent further abuse in nursing homes across Missouri. We also handle personal injury, worker’s compensation, and wrongful death cases.