Most of us prefer not to think about nursing home neglect and abuse. The idea that an elderly person would be mistreated by the people they depend upon is unbearable. Tragically, patients in residential nursing facilities can and do face unkindness, disrespect, and abuse.

When your loved one is in a nursing home, unfortunately, you must keep a close eye on their condition and the facility’s quality of care. If you have any concerns, take immediate action to protect them. Legal action may be your only way to hold the wrongdoers accountable, prevent future mistreatment, and seek justice for your loved one.

At OnderLaw, we are committed to standing up for abuse victims and their families. We will fight tirelessly to hold the wrongdoers accountable and get the compensation your loved one deserves for what they’ve been through. A Creve Coeur nursing home abuse lawyer at our firm will be the advocate and ally you need throughout the process.

Signs of Neglect and Abuse in a Nursing Home

Because nursing home patients are already in frail health, it can be difficult to distinguish signs of neglect and abuse from the natural effects of their conditions. Family members and visitors should closely observe their loved ones and seek explanations from staff for any concerning symptoms.

Common signs of neglect or abuse include:

  • Bedsores
  • Dehydration
  • Unexplained fractures
  • Frequent falls
  • Bruising or injury to the breasts, buttocks, or genitals
  • Repeated use of physical or chemical restraints
  • New diagnosis of a sexually transmitted disease

If the patient communicates fear or distress, take it seriously. Demand answers from staff members. If they are unable to give an adequate explanation, take your concerns to the nursing home administration. If you present your concerns in person, you should follow up in writing to create a record of the issue.

You can report your concerns of suspected abuse to the Missouri Department of Health, which regulates and licenses nursing homes. Removing your loved one from the facility and contacting an experienced Creve Coeur nursing home abuse attorney should be your next step.

Should You Contact a Lawyer for Nursing Home Mistreatment?

Although reporting the concern to authorities is critical, action is often slow. The department will investigate the matter, but the process could take weeks or months. Our proactive nursing home abuse lawyers in Creve Coeur can act immediately to improve the patient’s situation.

When a nursing home receives a letter from an attorney regarding a patient’s treatment, they are motivated to make immediate changes. This can improve conditions for your loved one if they remain at the facility. Even if you decide to move your loved one to a different facility, other patients will benefit from the intervention.

Missouri Revised Statutes § 198.093 states that the State Attorney General will investigate complaints that a nursing home or long-term care facility violated a resident’s rights. OnderLaw’s Creve Coeur attorneys can help your family draft a nursing home abuse complaint to the Attorney General.

Lawsuits for Nursing Home Abuse in Creve Coeur

In cases of nursing home abuse or neglect, our local attorneys can help file a lawsuit on behalf of your loved one seeking compensation from the facility. The OnderLaw legal team will handle every aspect of your case while you focus on your family. Our diligent Creve Coeur nursing home negligence attorneys can interview staff members and other patients. We will review patient medical records for signs of medical neglect and analyze the facility’s personnel files and hiring practices for signs of negligent hiring or ineffective supervision.

In some situations, it may be appropriate to bring a medical malpractice lawsuit alleging the facility did not provide adequate medical care. If the facility did not provide a reasonable standard of care, resulting in your loved one’s injury, your claim might allege negligence.

Our knowledgeable nursing home neglect lawyers meet with Creve Coeur families to determine an effective legal strategy for each nursing home abuse case. We are proud of our commitment to helping victims and their families receive the compensation they deserve, including payments for medical care, relocation costs, physical suffering, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.

Call a Creve Coeur Attorney to Take Action Against Nursing Home Abuse

Do not delay taking action when you believe your family member is experiencing neglect or abuse in their nursing home. Your loved one needs someone to stand up for them and prevent further mistreatment. We can stand with you.

A Creve Coeur nursing home abuse lawyer at OnderLaw will advocate for your loved one and hold the facility accountable for the inexcusable behavior. Our legal team will contact the facility and demand improvements in the patient’s care. If necessary, we are not afraid to initiate a lawsuit and demand the payments your loved one deserves for the harm they should have never suffered.

We will stand with you and your family every step of the way. Call our Nursing Home Abuse Team today to learn how we can fight for you and your cause.