Missouri Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys
Nursing home abuse and neglect is a sad reality in Missouri and the rest of the nation. With more and more seniors heading to nursing homes, the issue of nursing home abuse has become extremely significant. If you suspect that your loved one is being neglected or abused in a Missouri care facility, it is important that you file a complaint with nursing home administrators. If you do not get the desired response, please contact an experienced St. Louis injury lawyer, who will advise you about your legal rights and options.
Types of Missouri Nursing Home Abuse
Sadly, nursing home abuse continues to be a serious issue for many families. Nursing home abuse may be physical, sexual, psychological, verbal or financial.
- Nursing Home Physical Abuse: Unexplained bruises and broken bones could be signs of physical abuse.
- Nursing Home Sexual Abuse: Types of sexual abuse include indecent exposure, unwanted touching and rape. Facilities have an obligation to prevent these heinous acts. They also must conduct the necessary background checks to prevent the hiring of potentially dangerous workers. Signs of sexual abuse may include bruising on the inner thighs, bleeding from the genitals and a sudden change in personality such as becoming fearful, withdrawn or even violent.
- Nursing Home Psychological and Verbal Abuse: It is not acceptable for workers to belittle, insult or yell at the residents of Missouri nursing care facilities. Victims of psychological abuse may become despondent and depressed. Victims of this type of abuse may also actively avoid discussing their problems because of embarrassment.
- Financial Abuse: It is a crime to take property or money from the resident of a Missouri nursing home. Financial abuse may involve forged checks, false identities, theft and inappropriate changes to a will. Sudden and unexplained changes in finances may be a symptomatic of abuse.
- Neglect: Nursing home neglect is also a serious problem and a form of abuse in many care facilities. Nursing homes that are understaffed may leave their residents uncared for and serious illnesses and injuries can occur as a result of such neglect.
Rights of Nursing Home Abuse Victims and Their Families
Anyone who suspects abuse or neglect should act quickly. You may first want to file a report with the facility supervisor. You can also contact the state ombudsman regarding your options. If you believe there has been serious abuse it may be in your best interest to immediately contact the authorities and then a skilled nursing home abuse attorney to discuss your legal options.
The Missouri nursing home abuse attorneys at Page Law fight to protect the rights of the elderly in Missouri. If you suspect that a loved one has endured abuse or neglect in a Missouri nursing home, call our offices today. We will provide you with a free consultation and offer advise about how to protect your family and how to hold the responsible party liable. Call us for a free, comprehensive and completely confidential consultation.