If you or a loved one has been mistreated at an assisted living facility in Springfield, Missouri, you should get the help you deserve. Our Springfield nursing home abuse lawyers at Peterson & Associates, P.C. can provide legal support to ensure you get justice and compensation for your abuse.
Our Springfield personal injury law office specializes in helping victims of nursing home abuse get the compensation and justice they deserve. If you or a loved one has been a victim of nursing home negligence, contact our nursing home abuse attorneys for a free case evaluation.
If you or a loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse in Springfield, Missouri, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Our Springfield nursing home abuse lawyers at Peterson & Associates, P.C. specialize in helping victims of nursing home abuse get the compensation and justice they deserve. Contact our Springfield personal injury law office for a free consultation.
What is Nursing Home Abuse?
Nursing home abuse is a term used to describe any action or inaction on the part of an employee or agent of a nursing home that results in physical, psychological, or sexual abuse or harm to an elderly resident.
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality defines nursing home abuse as “any act or omission that results in substantial physical, psychological, or sexual harm to a person who is receiving care in a nursing home.” Nursing home abuse can include anything from verbal assaults to sexual molestation.
If you are the victim of nursing home abuse, you may be entitled to compensation. A Springfield nursing home abuse lawyer at Peterson & Associates, P.C. can help you pursue legal options.
Types of Nursing Home Abuse
When considering a nursing home for your loved one, speak with an attorney.
Nursing home abuse is a crime that can result in severe injury or even death. There are five types of nursing home abuse: neglect, physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual assault, and financial exploitation.
NEGLECT
Nursing home neglect occurs when nursing home staff fail to provide the necessary care and assistance to nursing home residents. This can include not giving residents enough food or water, not providing proper medical care, or not monitoring residents properly. Neglect can lead to residents becoming dehydrated or malnourished and can also result in other health complications.
PHYSICAL ABUSE
Physical abuse refers to any act that causes bodily harm to a person. This can include beating, slapping, kicking, punching, choking, or throwing objects at the victim. Physical abuse can be punishable by criminal sanctions (such as imprisonment), civil penalties (including financial damages), or both. If you are the victim of physical abuse at a nursing home, it is crucial to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. They can help you determine whether filing a lawsuit is the best course of action for you.
SEXUAL ASSAULT
Sexual assault occurs when a resident is forced to perform sexual acts against their will. Sexual assault can take many forms, including rape, fondling, and molestation. Sexual assault victims often suffer from PTSD, anxiety disorders, and depression, making it difficult for them to regain their life after the attack.
EMOTIONAL ABUSE
When a person is in a nursing home, they may be looking forward to the peaceful and serene environment that it promises. However, this may not be the case for those who are victims of emotional abuse. Emotional abuse is a form of mistreatment that can include verbal abuse, intimidation, isolation from friends and family, and cruel jokes. The effects of emotional abuse can be lasting and debilitating. Victims may experience anxiety and depression, as well as difficulty trusting other people. In some cases, emotional abusers may attempt to control their victim’s thoughts and behavior.
If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional abuse in a nursing home, please do not hesitate to seek help. A Springfield nursing home abuse lawyer can help protect your rights and ensure you receive the justice you deserve.
FINANCIAL EXPLOITATION
Financial exploitation occurs when a resident is financially coerced into performing illegal activities, such as gambling or stealing. Financial exploitation victims often have difficulty paying their bills and cannot afford to get lost in the system like other victims of nursing home abuse. An attorney can help you get justice for your loved one.
Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
If you are concerned about your loved one residing in a nursing home, it is crucial to know the signs of nursing home abuse.
This type of abuse can occur without any outward indications, so it is vital to be on the lookout for changes in your loved one’s behavior or appearance that may indicate they are being mistreated.
Here are some common signs of nursing home abuse:
- Your loved one has bruises or welts.
- Your loved one has wounds that do not heal properly and seem to get infected easily.
- Your loved one has lost weight despite being given adequate food and water, or they have developed an irregular appetite.
- Your loved one reports experiencing extreme pain or discomfort that their medical history or current condition cannot explain.
- Your loved one exhibits disturbing changes in mood or personality, such as becoming withdrawn or agitated.
What to do After Seeing Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
If you or a loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse, you can do a few things to protect your rights and get the help you need.
First, make sure you have a lawyer. A nursing home abuse lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and how to best protect them. They may be able to help negotiate settlements with the nursing home or get court orders protecting you from further abuse.
Second, document everything. Keep your notes, letters, emails, and other communication with the nursing home about your experience. This will help if you decide to file a lawsuit later on.
Finally, don’t hesitate to seek help if you feel like you’re in danger or experiencing abuse at the nursing home. A well-versed nursing home abuse attorney can provide resources and support to victims of elder abuse.
How to File a Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit in Springfield
If you are a resident of Springfield, Missouri, and believe you or a loved one have been the victim of nursing home abuse, you may be interested in filing a lawsuit against the nursing home.
Under Missouri law, all residents have the right to file lawsuits against anyone who has violated their rights, including nursing home staff members. You do not need any proof of abuse to file a lawsuit. All you need is evidence that someone has done something wrong.
You will need to gather all evidence supporting your claim of nursing home abuse. This evidence may include witness statements, medical records, and photographs. If possible, it is important to document the timeline of events surrounding your allegations of abuse.
Once you have gathered your evidence, you must contact a Springfield nursing home abuse lawyer. A lawyer can help you draft a solid legal argument in support of your claim and represent you during a trial if necessary.
You should seek professional medical care to protect your health if you suffer from nursing home abuse that has caused you physical injuries. You must take the steps necessary to obtain justice and hold those responsible for your suffering accountable.
Who is at Fault in a Nursing Home Abuse Case?
In a nursing home abuse case, the victim is often left confused and unsure who to turn to for help. This is because nursing home abuse cases can involve various parties–the nursing home itself, the staff members responsible for caring for the residents, and any individuals or corporations that may have contracts with the nursing home.
Nursing home abuse cases can be very complex, and it can be challenging to determine who is at fault. In most cases, multiple parties are involved in the care of a resident, and it can be challenging to determine which party was responsible for the resident’s injuries.
If you are a victim of nursing home abuse, you should speak with an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer can help you determine who is responsible for your injuries and may be able to take legal action against the party that was responsible.
How to Prove Liability in a Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit
If you are the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect in Missouri, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit. There are several steps you must take to prove your case. Here are a few tips to help you along the way:
- Collect evidence of your abuse or neglect. This may include medical records, police reports, photos, and other corroborating evidence.
- Document your injuries. These can include cuts, bruises, and other physical manifestations of abuse or neglect.
If you have been the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect in Missouri, speak with an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. They can guide you through the legal process and help ensure you receive justice for your injuries.
How Much Compensation is Available to Nursing Home Abuse Victims in Springfield?
When a nursing home resident is abused, they may be eligible for compensation from the nursing home. In Springfield, nursing home abuse victims may be eligible for three types of compensation: economic, noneconomic, and punitive damages.
Economic damages are monetary awards that help compensate the victim for losses, such as lost income or medical expenses.
Noneconomic damages are awards that compensate the victim for their emotional pain and suffering, such as grief or mental anguish.
Punitive damages are awarded to punish the perpetrator of the abuse and deter future abuse.
If you are a nursing home resident in Springfield and have been abused, you should speak to an attorney about your legal rights. An experienced lawyer can help you understand your options and find the best way to recover what you deserve.
Statute of Limitations on Nursing Home Abuse Cases in Missouri
Missouri’s statute of limitations for nursing home abuse cases is five years. This means that, unless there is some extenuating circumstance, most lawsuits filed within this period will be able to be successfully prosecuted.
If you are the victim of nursing home abuse and believe you may have a case, it is important to speak with an experienced legal representative as soon as possible.
Benefits of Working with a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
If you or a loved one has experienced abuse or neglect in a nursing home, it is important to seek the help of an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer.
Here are some benefits of working with a lawyer in this situation:
- A lawyer can help protect your legal rights and ensure you receive the care you need and deserve.
- A lawyer can investigate the abuse or neglect and get you the resources you need to make a dignified exit from the nursing home.
- A lawyer can take action on your behalf to ensure you receive compensation for your injuries.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of abuse or neglect in a nursing home, contact our Springfield nursing home abuse lawyers at Peterson & Associates, P.C. for a free consultation today.
Our experienced legal team can help you determine whether or not you have a case and, if so, work to ensure that you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.
Contact a Springfield Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
If you or a loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse in Springfield, the nursing home abuse attorneys at Peterson & Associates, P.C. can help. We are a senior abuse law firm with years of experience representing individuals harmed by those entrusted to care for them. Our attorneys have successfully represented clients in court and negotiated settlements on their behalf.
If you or a loved one is experiencing abuse at a nursing home, contact a Springfield nursing home abuse lawyer by calling 816-888-8888 for a free consultation.