Columbia Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Sadly, one of the most epidemic problems in our country today is nursing home abuse. According to 2019 data from Nursing Home Abuse Justice, there are 5 million elder abuse cases every year, with about 10% of all people over 60 reporting instances of being abused. This includes physical, emotional, and unwanted sexual contact, as well as financial exploitation. And in a report by the National Library of Medicine, it was estimated that elderly individuals who’ve suffered abuse have a 300% higher risk of death compared to those who have not been. There is no question that nursing home mistreatment is a serious problem. If you or a loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse, retain a Columbia nursing home abuse lawyer. You deserve assistance from a dedicated personal injury attorney.

What Defines Nursing Home Abuse?

There are many forms of nursing home abuse. It is important to be aware of these signs, as they may not be immediately apparent. Some of these include:

Physical abuse

This is a common type of abuse and includes any kind of hitting, slapping, shoving, grabbing, pinching, biting, choking, hair pulling, shaking, burning, or the use of any object that can cause injury.

Emotional abuse

Emotional abuse in a nursing home involves yelling at an individual, belittling them, or making them feel humiliated, scared, or worthless.

Sexual abuse

Any sexual contact or activity that is forced on an individual without their consent is considered sexual abuse. This includes rape and molestation.

Financial exploitation

When someone uses an elderly person’s personal information or finances without their permission or steals from them, it is considered financial exploitation. This could include using their credit cards, writing bad checks in their name, or cashing their social security or retirement checks without their knowledge.

Neglect

Neglect is a type of abuse that happens when a nursing home staff member fails to provide an individual with the basic necessities they need to live, such as food, water, clothing, personal hygiene items, or proper medical care.

Signs of nursing home abuse can include bruises, broken bones, bed sores, weight loss, anxiety, depression, fearfulness, withdrawn behavior, and sexually transmitted diseases. Isolation and impairment as a result of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease can exacerbate the problem as well, since victims may be unable to communicate what’s happening to them.

A compassionate attorney is Columbia could ensure that any nursing home abuse against your loved one does not go unnoticed.

Rights of Nursing Home Abuse Victims

If you find or even have a suspicion that your loved one is being abused in their nursing home, it is important to act right away. The first step is to contact the police and make a report. You should also reach out to an experienced legal representative who can file a claim. Missouri law provides that any person who suffers injuries as the result of the negligence of another can seek compensation for their damages. This includes victims of nursing home abuse. Mistreatment by a nursing home is considered a personal injury because it results in physical, emotional, and financial injuries. An injury claim as a result of nursing home exploitation can seek compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, mental anguish, and more. A knowledgeable lawyer in Columbia could help your family heal after nursing home abuse through financial compensation.

How an Attorney Assists with Nursing Home Abuse Cases

Nursing home mistreatment can often be difficult to prove. There are many reasons for this, from the victims being afraid to come forward to the abusers threatening them if they do. That is why it is important to have experienced legal counsel on your side. A skilled attorney can help you gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build a strong nursing home abuse case. They can also negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and make sure that you are fairly compensated for your injuries. Should it be necessary, a legal representative will file a lawsuit on your behalf and take your case to trial. Regardless of the type of abuse, a lawyer can help you get the justice you deserve.

Discuss a Claim with a Columbia Elder Abuse Lawyer

If you suspect that your loved one is a victim of mistreatment, it is important to take action immediately and contact an experienced Columbia nursing home abuse lawyer. The lawyers at the Law Offices of Chris Miller are dedicated to helping victims of nursing home abuse get the justice they deserve. Call our firm today to learn about your options.