$3,100,000 Pressure sore death
$2,333,000 Fall involving traumatic brain injury
$1,500,000 Bedsore settlement
$1,499,000 Dementia patient injury
$1,250,000 Repeated fall injuries

Missouri Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Attorney Melissa Donlon
Licensed in Missouri

Nursing home abuse is a heartbreaking reality that many families face when entrusting the care of their loved ones to Missouri nursing homes.

Elderly residents are among the most vulnerable members of society. When nursing homes fail to provide the necessary care, it can result in serious physical harm, emotional trauma, and even wrongful death.

If you suspect that your family member is experiencing abuse or neglect, seeking legal help from an experienced Missouri nursing home abuse lawyer is critical.

Why Hire Nursing Home Law Center

At Nursing Home Law Center, our priority is to secure justice and fair compensation for those affected by nursing home abuse. Our seasoned legal team has a strong history of handling these cases with care and achieving significant settlements and verdicts.

We conduct thorough investigations to ensure all forms of harm, including medical costs, emotional distress, and other damages, are fully considered. With our extensive experience in nursing home abuse cases, we handle the legal challenges effectively and are relentless in defending your rights.

We offer compassionate and clear guidance throughout the process, ensuring you and your loved ones remain informed, supported, and confident at every stage.

Types of Cases Handled by Our Missouri Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers

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Nursing home abuse refers to the intentional harm, neglect, or mistreatment of elderly residents in nursing homes or assisted living facilities. Below are the types of cases our Missouri personal injury lawyers handle:

Physical Abuse

Physical assault involves intentional harm to nursing home residents. This bodily harm can include hitting, pushing, or using unnecessary force, as well as misusing restraints. 

Mental and Emotional Abuse

Emotional harm is another devastating form of abuse in nursing homes. This abuse includes verbal harassment, threats, and isolation, which can lead to severe psychological trauma and a decline in mental health.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse involves any non-consensual sexual contact with a resident. Elderly residents in assisted living facilities are particularly vulnerable to this form of abuse, and it can cause significant physical and emotional harm.

Medical Malpractice

Nursing homes failing to provide adequate medical care can result in medical malpractice. Common examples include pressure ulcers (bed sores), medication errors, and failure to treat infections. Such failure can lead to life-threatening conditions and long-term complications.

Negligence

Nursing home negligence occurs when a facility neglects its duty to provide proper care. This neglect can include poor hygiene, malnutrition, dehydration, and failure to monitor residents, leading to accidents like falls or elopement (when residents wander off unsupervised). 

Financial Abuse

Financial abuse is another serious issue in Missouri nursing homes. This exploitation occurs when staff or administrators illegally access or steal residents’ assets, often taking advantage of their vulnerability and confusion.

Wrongful Death

In the most tragic cases, nursing home negligence can result in the wrongful death of a resident. Our Missouri nursing home lawyers work to pursue wrongful death lawsuits on behalf of families who have lost a loved one due to elder abuse or neglect.

Federal and state laws offer strong protections for nursing home residents, ensuring they receive proper care and are free from abuse.

Under the Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987, nursing home residents are guaranteed the right to receive adequate care, protection from abuse, and the ability to live with dignity. Facilities must provide necessary medical care, prevent harm, and respect residents’ rights.

State laws also have specific regulations to protect residents in Missouri nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

These laws establish standards for care and impose legal responsibility on nursing homes to protect residents from abuse and neglect. Nursing homes can be held accountable in court if they fail to meet these standards.

Eligibility to File a Claim 

The resident, their family members, or a legal representative can file a nursing home abuse claim. In cases of wrongful death, the resident’s estate or family can pursue legal action to seek compensation for the harm caused.

Liability in Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse Cases 

In cases of nursing home neglect and abuse, multiple parties may be held responsible for the harm caused to residents. 

This is because providing care in a nursing home setting often involves various individuals and entities, each with its own legal responsibilities to ensure the safety and well-being of residents. When these duties are neglected, they can all share liability for the abuse or neglect.

  • Nursing Home Administrators: Facility managers oversee operations, staffing, and ensure proper training. If they fail to address or prevent abusive behavior, they can be held liable for negligence.
  • Staff Members: Caregivers and aides who directly interact with residents may be held accountable if they physically abuse or neglect those in their care, resulting in serious harm.
  • Third-Party Contractors: In some cases, nursing homes outsource services like medical care or maintenance to outside companies. If these contractors contribute to the abuse or neglect of residents, they may also be liable.

How Our Missouri Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys Can Help

Our Missouri attorneys have extensive experience handling abuse and neglect cases. We understand how devastating these situations can be for families, and we are committed to pursuing justice on your behalf.

Our legal services include:

  • Free Case Evaluation: We offer a free consultation to review your case and help you determine the best course of action.
  • Case Investigation: We conduct thorough investigations to gather evidence of abuse, including medical records, witness testimony, and facility inspections.
  • Filing the Claim: Our attorneys will file a claim on your behalf, ensuring all legal requirements are met, and your loved one’s rights are protected.
  • Settlement Negotiation: We will negotiate with the responsible parties and their insurance companies to seek the best possible settlement.
  • Trial Representation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, our lawyers will represent your family in court, fighting for justice and financial compensation.

Common Signs of Elder Abuse Among Nursing Home Residents 

There are 492 Medicare-approved nursing homes in Missouri. Of these, 258 facilities (52.4%) have received a below- or much-below-average overall score.

Specifically, 221 nursing homes (44.9%) fall short in health inspections, highlighting concerns about regulatory compliance and safety standards.

Regarding staff levels, 321 facilities (65.2%) received low scores, highlighting widespread inadequacies in staffing that can affect the quality of care and attention residents receive.

In terms of quality measures, 212 nursing homes (43.1%) rated poorly, indicating that most nursing homes in the state are not meeting high standards of care.

Additionally, 87 facilities (17.7%) were cited for abuse, raising serious concerns about resident safety in nearly one-third of the state’s facilities. [1]

The worst-rated nursing homes in Missouri include: 

Abundant Acres Care and RehabAckert Park Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
Advanced Care of St JosephAegis Health and Rehabilitation
Alpine Breeze Health and WellnessAmberwood Estates Nursing and Rehabilitation
Anew Healthcare BrookfieldAnew Healthcare Odessa
Apple Ridge Care CenterAppleton City Manor
Arbor Hills Nursing and Rehabilitation CenterArbor View Nursing and Rehabilitation
Armour Oaks Senior Living CommunityAspire Senior Living Excelsior Springs
Aspire Senior Living Platte CityAthene Nursing and Rehabilitation
Atrium Place Health and RehabilitationAurora Health and Rehabilitation
Aurora NursingAutumn Oaks Caring Center
Avalon View Health and WellnessBaisch Nursing Center
Baptist Homes of IndependenceBaptist Homes, Tri-County
Beauvais Rehab and Healthcare CenterBelleview Care Center
Belleview Valley Nursing HomeBeloved Health and Rehabilitation Center
Bentleys Extended CareBentwood Nursing & Rehab
Bernard Care CenterBeth Haven Nursing Home
Big Bend Woods Healthcare CenterBig Spring Care Center for Rehab and Healthcare
Bluebird Wellness and RehabilitationBrunswick Nursing & Rehab
Camdenton Windsor EstatesCameron Nursing Center
Carmel Hills Wellness & RehabilitationCarnegie Village Rehabilitation & Health Care Center
Carriage Square Rehab and Healthcare CenterCassville Health Center for Rehab and Healthcare
Chariton Park Health Care CenterChestnut Rehab and Nursing
Clara Manor Nursing HomeColumbia Manor Health & Rehabilitation
Community ManorCountry Aire Retirement Center
Country Club Rehab and Healthcare CenterCountry View Nursing
Crestview HomeCrestwood Health Care Center, LLC
Creve Coeur ManorCrown Rehab and Healthcare Center
Delhaven ManorDixon Nursing & Rehab
Eastview Manor Care CenterEdgewood Manor Health Care Center
Eldon Nursing & RehabEstates of Hidden Lake, The
Estates of Perryville, LLC, TheEstates of Spanish Lake, The
Estates of St Louis, LLC, TheFestus Manor
Fieser Nursing CenterFlorissant Valley Health & Rehabilitation Center
Four Seasons Living CenterFulton Manor Care Center
Fulton Nursing & RehabGarden View Care Center
Golden Years Center for Rehab and HealthcareGrand River Health Care
Gregory Ridge Health Care CenterHeritage Care Center
Hill Crest ManorHillside Rehab and Healthcare Center
Hilltop at Blue River, TheIgnite Medical Resort Carondelet LLC
Independence Manor Care CenterJefferson City Manor Care Center
Jefferson City Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, LLCJefferson Health Care
Johnson County Care CenterKirksville Manor Care Center
Knox County Nursing Home DistrictLakeview Post Acute
Lansdowne VillageLaverna Manor Health & Rehabilitation
Lawrence County ManorLawson Manor & Rehab
Lebanon North Nursing & RehabLee’s Summit Place
Legendary Nursing & Rehabilitation LLCLemay Nursing
Lewis & Clark GardensLincoln County Nursing & Rehab
Living Community of St JosephLivingston Manor Care Center
Manchester Rehab and Healthcare CenterManor, The
Maple Grove LodgeMaple Grove Wellness & Rehabilitation
Mark Twain NursingMarshfield Care Center for Rehab and Healthcare
Marymount ManorMeadow View Health & Rehabilitation
Medicalodges NevadaMeyer Care Center
Milan Health Care CenterMonticello House
Nick’s Health Care Center, LLCNormandy Nursing Center
North Village ParkOak Park Care Center
Osage Beach Rehabilitation and Health Care CenterOzark Rehabilitation & Health Care Center
Parkside ManorParkview Healthcare
Parkway Health Care CenterPaul L & Martha Barone Care Center
Pearl’s II Eden for EldersPillars of North County Health & Rehab Center, The
Pin Oaks Living CenterPortageville Health Care Center
Quail Run Health Care CenterQuarters at Des Peres, The
Rancho Rehab and Healthcare CenterRehabilitation Center of Independence, The
Rehab of Kansas City SouthRidge Crest Nursing Center
River City Living CommunityRiver Crossing Rehab and Healthcare Center
Rosewood Rehab and Healthcare CenterSage Nursing & Rehab
Seasons Rehab and Healthcare CenterSenath South Health Care Center
Seneca NursingSeville Care Center
Shangri-LA Rehab & Living CenterSilex Community Care
Silverstone PlaceSpringfield Skilled Care Center
Spring Valley Health & Rehabilitation CenterSt Andrew’s at New Florence
St Johns PlaceSt Joseph Manor Health & Rehabilitation
St Louis AltenheimSt Peters Rehab and Healthcare Center
St Sophia Health & Rehabilitation CenterStonebridge Florissant
Stonebridge Maryland HeightsSunnyview Nursing Home & Apartments
Sunrise Nursing & Memory CareSunset Home
Superior Manor of Festus, LLCTarkio Rehabilitation & Health Care
Tiffany Springs Rehabilitation & Health Care CenteTroy Manor
Truman Lake Manor IncU-City Forest Manor
Valley Manor and Rehabilitation CenterWarsaw Health and Rehabilitation Center
Webb City Health and Rehabilitation CenterWestchester House, The
Westview Nursing HomeWilshire at Lakewood Rehab Center
Windsor Estates of St Charles

Recognizing the signs of abuse in an assisted living facility is critical to protecting your loved one. Common indicators include:

  • Unexplained injuries such as broken bones, bruises, or bed sores
  • Sudden changes in behavior, such as withdrawal or anxiety
  • Poor hygiene, malnutrition, or dehydration
  • Fear of certain staff members or reluctance to speak openly
  • Sudden, unexplained changes in financial accounts or missing belongings

What to Do If You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse

If you believe your loved one is being abused or neglected in a nursing home, take immediate action to protect them. Follow these steps:

  • Call 911 if there is an imminent danger to your loved one’s safety.
  • Report the issue to the nursing home administrator or management.
  • File a formal complaint with your local Ombudsman’s office, which advocates for the rights of nursing home residents.
  • Contact a Missouri nursing home abuse lawyer to discuss your legal options and pursue legal action if necessary.

Damages You Can Recover Through a Nursing Home Abuse Claim

Victims of nursing home abuse and their families may be entitled to recover several types of damages.

Economic damages compensate for the direct financial costs associated with the abuse or neglect. These can include:

  • Medical expenses
  • Relocation costs
  • Funeral and burial expenses

Non-economic damages cover the intangible harms caused by abuse, such as emotional suffering and loss of quality of life. Examples include:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

Punitive damages are awarded in cases of extreme negligence or intentional abuse. These damages are not tied to any specific financial or emotional loss but are meant to punish the responsible parties and deter future misconduct.

The Cost of Hiring a Missouri Nursing Home Abuse Attorney 

At Nursing Home Law Center, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront fees. We only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for your case. This arrangement ensures families can pursue justice without worrying about the financial burden of hiring a lawyer.

Missouri law imposes strict deadlines on filing nursing home abuse lawsuits, known as the statute of limitations. If you suspect your loved one is a victim of abuse or neglect, it’s important to act quickly to protect their legal rights. Contact us today to learn more about how long you have to file a claim in Missouri.

Contact a Missouri Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Today!

Our lawyers are dedicated to fighting for justice on behalf of elderly residents who have been mistreated. We have the experience and legal knowledge to handle even the most complex nursing home negligence cases. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you protect your loved one’s rights and pursue the financial compensation they deserve.

Call us at (800) 926-7565 or fill out our contact form.

References: [1] CMS

How Long Will My Nursing Home Case Take?
This all depends on how the facility responds to your lawsuit. If they insist on the case going all the way to trial, the end of your case can take several years. However, some homes will try to manage their legal risk and settle your case. This means that your case can be resolved more quickly?
How Do I Win a Nursing Home Neglect Lawsuit?
In order to prove your eligibility for financial compensation, you would need to show that the facility was negligent. This means that they breached their duty of care by acting unreasonably and it caused your family member's injury.
How Much Is My Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect Case Worth?

This all depends on how much your loved one has suffered. You are entitled to compensation for:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional trauma
  • Wrongful death damages
  • Loss of consortium
  • Medical bills

Client Reviews

Jonathan did a great job helping my family navigate through a lengthy lawsuit involving my grandmother's death in a nursing home. Through every step of the case, Jonathan kept my family informed of the progression of the case. Although our case eventually settled at a mediation, I really was...

- Lisa

After I read Jonathan’s Nursing Home Blog, I decided to hire him to look into my wife’s treatment at a local nursing home. Jonathan did a great job explaining the process and the laws that apply to nursing homes. I immediately felt at ease and was glad to have him on my side. Though the lawsuit...

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