Missouri Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
Nursing homes have a duty of care to their patients and residents to be treated with respect and dignity. Unfortunately, thousands of nursing home negligence and abuse complaints are reported every year. We often see evidence of negligence, carelessness, or outright abuse of nursing home residents.
Under the laws of the State of Missouri, nursing home abuse victims, and their family members have the right to file personal injury claims against nursing homes. If an injury, illness, or even death is suffered as a result, Missouri nursing home lawyers can represent you in court trials and negotiate with insurance companies.
The nursing home abuse attorneys at the Injury Lawyer Team can help victims and their family members pursue justice. Schedule a free consultation and we will advise you on the best legal recourse for your case.
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Contact our Missouri nursing home abuse lawyers to schedule a free consultation. All confidential or sensitive information shared with your Missouri nursing home abuse lawyer remains private through an attorney-client relationship.
Everything You Need to Know About Missouri Nursing Home Abuse Cases
The National Center for Victims of Crime (NCVC) reports over 10,000 nursing home complaints each year. Among them, 27.4% involve physical abuse by staff or administrators, and 22.1% involve harm caused by other residents who aren’t properly restrained. Over 15.3% are cases of serious neglect, causing serious suffering.
A 2020 World Health Organization (WHO) survey found that 66% of nursing home staff admitted to abusing residents.
According to a 2023 AARP report, Missouri ranks 48th nationwide in nursing home quality.
From the period 2013 to 2016, Missouri’s Division of Senior and Disability Services investigated over 25,000 suspected abuse reports of nursing home residents and assisted living facilities annually.
Of Missouri’s 510 nursing homes, 126 haven’t been inspected in at least two years, based on 2023 data from the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Federal law mandates inspections of nursing home facilities every 15 months to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
In 2019, reports revealed that nearly half of the approximately 92,000 calls to Missouri’s elder abuse hotline went unanswered.
Between January and April 2019, only 39% of calls to the Missouri Elder Abuse Hotline were answered, per records secured by The Columbia Missourian and the NPR station KBIA.
Missouri passed the “Authorized Electronic Monitoring in Long-Term Care Facilities Act” in 2020, allowing residents or their guardians to install monitoring equipment in rooms of care facilities.
Missouri receives 116 elder abuse reports each day.
In What Forms Is Nursing Home Abuse Witnessed in Missouri?
In Missouri, nursing home abuse can take several forms, including physical, psychological, sexual, and financial exploitation, and neglect.
Physical abuse includes unnecessary aggression or violence that may cause a nursing home resident injuries like fractures or bruises.
Psychological abuse can manifest as signs of depression, withdrawal, or yelling from staff members.
Sexual abuse may involve unreported misconduct, often evidenced by STDs, bruises, or unusual behavior.
Financial exploitation occurs when staff misuse relationships for financial gain, leading to suspicious transactions or changes in estate planning.
Neglect happens when staff fail to provide a nursing home resident adequate care, leading to weight loss, medication errors, and poor living conditions.
Self-neglect involves an elderly person ignoring their safety by not consuming enough food or water, avoiding timely medication, or hygiene. Nursing home staff may neglect residents by not intervening in such cases.
If you suspect any form of abuse in an assisted living facility, consult a Missouri nursing home abuse lawyer for assistance. They can help investigate the personal injury case and help your family seek the financial compensation you deserve.
What are the Signs of Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse?
In Missouri, nursing home neglect and abuse can present in various ways and impact residents physically, emotionally, and psychologically. Here are some of the evident signs of nursing home neglect or abuse:
- Poor hygiene, unclean living spaces, or soiled clothing and bedding.
- Unexplained weight loss, dehydration, or malnutrition.
- Inadequate medical care for bed sores or infections.
- Changes in mobility, such as increased falls or bedsores.
- Neglecting a nursing home resident’s need for companionship and social interaction
- Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries.
- Sudden changes in mood, such as depression, anxiety, or withdrawal.
- Fearfulness or avoidance of staff members.
- Misuse of prescription medication, which falls under medical malpractice
- Financial exploitation, such as unexplained bank transactions or missing belongings.
If family members suspect Missouri nursing home abuse, they must consider seeking legal representation services from a Missouri nursing home abuse lawyer. A personal injury attorney can help investigate the case and pursue justice for the nursing home resident.
What to do After I Suspect Elder Abuse in a Missouri Nursing Home?
If an elderly person or your loved one has suffered nursing home abuse or neglect in Missouri, it can be distressing and challenging to navigate. Here are the steps you should take after identifying the neglect or abuse:
- Begin by calling 911 if there’s immediate danger. Otherwise, file a report with the St. Louis Police Department.
- For less urgent cases, report the abuse to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services online or by calling (800) 392-0210.
- Gather evidence such as documents, medical records, photographs, and conversation notes with nursing home staff, other residents, family members, and medical professionals.
- Speak with other residents and their families about your experienced abuse to learn more about the situation.
- Contact the Injury Lawyer Team for a free case evaluation to explore legal options and seek financial compensation.
A nursing home abuse attorney can help you in reporting abuse, investigating claims, and gathering evidence. They can represent your loved one in pursuing compensation for damages and can advocate for your legal rights.
Missouri Statute of Limitations for a Nursing Home Abuse Claim
Missouri statute of limitations for most nursing home abuse claims is five years from the date of the resident’s injury (or the last injury). However, there are some exceptions to this statute of limitations law.
Wrongful death claims must be filed within three years of the nursing home resident’s death, while medical malpractice claims must be filed within two years of the negligent treatment.
Missing these deadlines can result in the permanent dismissal of your case, preventing you from seeking financial recovery in court. Therefore, it’s crucial to act quickly and consult with a nursing home abuse attorney to ensure you file your claim on time.
How Lawyers at the Injury Lawyer Team Help Resolve Your Nursing Home Abuse Case
Our St. Louis nursing home abuse lawyers can help you handle complex elder abuse cases and protect your loved one’s rights. We evaluate your case by reviewing medical expenses, police and witness reports, and gathering pieces of evidence.
Our law firm conducts interviews with witnesses, residents, and staff, and consults with medical experts to build a strong case. We partner with law enforcement and advocate for victims during legal proceedings, negotiating settlements for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other losses resulting from abuse or neglect.
Our nursing home abuse lawyers will evaluate the timeline of your case and ensure it’s filed before the statute of limitations. Additionally, we calculate the financial value of your compensation claim and negotiate favorable settlements on your behalf.
All personal injury lawyers at our law firm work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront until we resolve your nursing home abuse lawsuit through negotiations or litigation.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Experienced Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys
Have you suspected abuse of an elderly person or your loved one in a Missouri nursing home? Did the elder confess to being neglected or exploited by the hands of nursing staff members, medical professionals, or other nursing home residents? If yes, we are here to provide you with filing a nursing home abuse lawsuit or claim and seek fair recovery for damages.
The Injury Lawyer Team, sponsored by Rosenfeld Law Offices, has experienced personal injury lawyers who specialize in filing nursing home abuse claims and negotiating maximum compensation from insurance companies of negligent parties.
Let us hold responsible nursing homes accountable and provide comprehensive legal support throughout your case. Contact our law firm today at (888) 424-5757 to schedule a free case evaluation with a St. Louis nursing home abuse lawyer.