St. Louis Personal Injury Attorney for Nursing Home Abuse

NURSING HOME ABUSE

When you place your loved one in the care of a nursing home, you expect their needs to be met and quality care given. Unfortunately, abuse and neglect, often leading to injuries and suffering, are occurring in a growing number of our nation’s nursing homes.

Although many state and federal regulations are placed on nursing home facilities to protect the rights of patients, gross violations occur daily, compromising the health and wellbeing of those who may be most vulnerable.

Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuits: Signs of Abuse

Nursing home abuse or neglect can take many forms including physical, financial, sexual, or mental abuse. Common problems that can be observed include:

•  Untreated bedsores or other injuries caused by inadequate medical care
•  Medication overdose or failure to administer prescriptions
•  Malnutrition
•  Dehydration
•  Increased anxiety or depression
•  An unwillingness to talk about care at the facility
•  Injuries caused by preventable accidents
•  Inadequate sanitation and hygiene.

Abuse may also include damages caused by other nursing home residents that the facility has failed to address.  Financial abuse or exploitation can happen through deception, intimidation or force for control over an elderly or disabled person’s property.

Unfortunately, it is often extremely difficult, or embarrassing, for victims of abuse to alert loved ones about dangers or mistreatment in a facility.

What To Do If You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse

Families of nursing home residents must be diligent in looking for signs of mistreatment so they can protect their loved ones. If you suspect negligence or abuse by a caregiver or facility, do not hesitate to act on your instinct.

Documentation is extremely important.  Be sure to send certified letters to notify key staff members of your concerns or suspicions as soon as possible.  You should also file documents or reports with all applicable regulatory agencies.

If immediate action is not taken to correct the situation at the nursing home, quickly seek alternative care.  Research your options carefully.  Read reviews and speak with residents and staff before selecting a new caregiver or facility.  You can also contact the Better Business Bureau and state regulatory agencies for information about complaints or previous reports of abuse.

Experienced Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers

If your loved one has suffered from a serious injury or other damages as a result of nursing home abuse, it is important to enlist the help of an experienced attorney.  The nursing home abuse lawyers at the Lieser Law Firm are dedicated to holding these businesses in Missouri and Illinois accountable to ensure the safety of our loved ones, and someday, perhaps ourselves.

If you or someone you love is a victim of caregiver neglect or nursing home abuse, contact the trusted personal injury attorneys at Lieser Law Firm to receive a FREE legal consultation.