Nursing Home Abuse LawyerLincoln County, MO
Fighting Negligence and Abuse in Nursing Homes
Trusting the Nursing Home or Senior Care Facility that cares for your loved one should never be a question. Your loved one was abused by the nursing home that your family trusted to care for their health, and they need to be held accountable for their horrible act. You need a Personal Injury Lawyer in Lincoln County that has experience fighting Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuits. Our Personal Injury Law Firm in Lincoln County takes nursing home abuse and negligence extremely seriously, and we hold these institutions responsible for the damages and injuries that they caused to the families that trusted them. We have the experience that your family needs to fight this Nursing Home Abuse lawsuit, and we'll fight for the complete and total recovery of your family. We never charge to discuss your case, and you won't owe our lawyers any fees unless we win your nursing home abuse claim. Call or contact our Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in Lincoln County now.
How can I tell if my loved one is being abused in a nursing home?
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There are always signs that will show if your loved one is being abused or neglected by their care providers. Is your loved one looking malnourished and thin? Their caregiver might not be giving them all the food they need, or the right nutrients. Have they develop sores on their underside, or have agitated red skin? They aren't being moved or rotated, and now they are developing sores because of it. Is your loved one unwilling to work with certain staff members or appear afraid? The staff may be abusing them. Listed below are sings to look out for when you think your loved one is being abused or neglected.
1. Nursing Home Abuse Malnourishment
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This is one of the more visibly apparent forms of nursing home abuse. The signs of malnourishment or a lack of feeding include thin skin, emaciation, and a general appearance of weakness or fatigue. You're paying for your loved one to be taken care of, not abused and punished. This is not ok. Negligence and abuse are never ok, and you can sue the nursing home in court. What are other clear signs of possible malnourishment? Our Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in Lincoln County have identified these conditions as possible signs of malnourishment:
- Skin Issues - The skin will take on a yellow hue, and in darker complexions, the skin may appear dull and heavily wrinkled. An additional warning is that the skin under the fingernails will take on a pale hue.
- Mouth Sores or Discoloration - If the mouth appears bright red, or if cankers sores are present, your loved one may be malnourished. Yeast infections or thrush infections are also a sign, and cause white patches to develop on the cheeks and tonuge.
- Eye Issues - Noticeably worse vision, overly red or glass eyes, and swollen corneas are the tell-tale signs of malnutrition.
- Muscular Problems - If their muscles appear flaccid, or they are abnormally weak in stamina or strength, these are clear signs of malnourishment.
Here is a short video detailing Nursing Home Abuse Malnourishment, and how our Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers can help.
2. Nursing Home Abuse Bed Sores
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Bed sores are common in people who are bedridden or spend most of their time in a wheel chair. They develop as ulcers and sores and can quickly become serious infections that if not dealt with, can lead to death or loss of limbs. If your loved one developed bed sores while in the care of a nursing home or assisted living facility, it's a clear sign of neglect and lack of care. Bed Sores are even common in intensive care units. Bed Sores are not a guaranteed ailment, and are easily avoidable when residents are given the care and attention they need. Here are the different stages of bed sores our nursing home abuse lawyers in Lincoln County have identified that can show your loved one may have bed sores:
- Stage 1. Bed Sore - Itchy red skin that is warm to the touch.
- Stage 2. Bed Sore - Sores or blisters are now appearing on the skin.
- Stage 3. Bed Sore - The sore worsens and turns into as cavity.
- Stage 4. Bed Sore - Infection is common at this stage, and the wounds are quite severe.
These sores are not common, and you should not accept excuses that they are. Proper care and attention is a direct combatant to bed sores, and if your loved one was being taken care of, they wouldn't have the sores. You can sue for bed sores, and you absolutely should. There is no excuse for their negligence, and you shouldn't accept whatever excuse they offer you. They had their chance. Call our Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in Lincoln County now. We'll take care of your family and your loved one.
Here is a short video about Bed Sores and what you can do about them.
3. Nursing Home Abuse or Mistreatment
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Abuse can be hard to spot, especially when your loved one may not be willing to admit or not able to admit that they are being abused. The thought that the nursing home or assisted living facility you've placed your loved one in is abusing them is a horrible thought, but it does happen. You should never accept any excuses they give you, and you may even be able to call the authorities. Here are several signs to look for when you suspect your loved one is being abused or neglected:
- Financial Exploitation - If you aren't checking their finances daily, it can be easy to miss. {Higher than normal credit card bills, missing checks, or Wills that have been recently altered could be clear signs of financial exploitation of your loved one|If their credit cards are maxed out, if they are missing checks, or their will has been altered and you weren't alerted, this is a clear sign of exploitation|If their checks have gone missing, if their credit cards are being declined, and if any of their other finances appear to out of order, these can be signs of exploitation|The signs for this type of abuse will be altered wills, mysterious power of attorney forms, maxed out credit cards, and missing checks.
- Neglect - This type of abuse leads to malnourishment, possible bed sores, dirty living conditions, and often serious infections. Neglect from a caregiver can also lead to self neglect.
- Physical Abuse - This type of abuse typically results in scratches, cuts, bruises, broken bones, and in some cases sexual abuse. For physical abuse, you can call the cops. You can also, and should also sue. Our Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in Lincoln County will fight for the recovery and rights of your loved one.
- Psychological Abuse - If your family member appears afraid of their caregiver or nervous when the individual is around, but your loved one doesn't have any visible bruises, they may be suffering from psychological abuse. This type of abuse can be as violent and detrimental as actual physical abuse.
Here is a short video our Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in Lincoln County have prepared:
Are there any laws governing nursing home care?
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The Nursing Home Reform Act is clear on the laws and rights guaranteed to nursing home residents. These laws can be used to show that your loved one is receiving care that isn't up to the standard of the law. According to the Nursing Home Reform Act, here is a quick breakdown of the rights your loved one can expect:
- Freedom from Abuse
- Freedom from Restraints
- The Right to Privacy
- The Right to Accommodation of social needs, psychological needs, physical needs, and medical needs
- The Right to Participate in Resident and Family Groups
- The Right to be treated with dignity
- The Right to exercise self-determination
- The Right to communicate freely
- The Right to review and participate in any aspect of the care they are receiving and any changes to it
- The Right to voice grievances
Your loved one has rights, by law, and if they've been violated you can pursue legal action against the Nursing Home or Assisted Living Facility that was entrusted with their care. Our Personal Injury Lawyers in Lincoln County are well versed in the laws the govern nursing homes and the levels of care that residents are entitled to. We can help you and your family if you decide to pursue a claim against the assisted living facility. You have options, and those who harmed your family can be held accountable. Call or Contact Our Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in Lincoln County now to protect your family.