Nursing Home Abuse LawyerO'Fallon, MO

Fighting Negligence and Abuse in Nursing Homes

You should be able to trust the Nursing Home or Senior Care Facility that your loved one relies on. Your family's trust and your loved one's health have been violated by the very institution you chose. You need a Personal Injury Lawyer in O'Fallon that has experience fighting Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuits. Our Personal Injury Law Firm in O'Fallon is dedicated to protecting and fighting for the rights of those who have been injured and don't have the recourse or capability of fighting for their rights by themselves. We have the experience that your family needs to fight this Nursing Home Abuse lawsuit, and we will make sure that your family and your loved one get the full recovery they deserve and are owed. Our meetings are free of charge, and we don't charge any lawyers fee's unless we win your family's nursing home abuse claim. Call or contact our Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in O'Fallon now.

How can I tell if my loved one is being abused in a nursing home?

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If your loved one is being abused, or is being neglected in their care, there are signs that will point to this neglect. Does your family member look emaciated? Their caregivers may not be feeding them regularly. Does your loved one have red areas on their body or what appear to be sores forming on their skin? They need to be moved to prevent these sores, and their caregiver isn't giving them the attention they need. Does your loved one looked scared or hesitant to talk around certain staff members? The staff may be abusing them. Here are several signs that can indicate your loved one isn't receiving the care they are owed.

1. Nursing Home Abuse Malnourishment

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If your loved one isn't eating, it will show. If their skin is sunken, and they look tired and lethargic, or they appear emaciated, they may not be getting the food or nutrition they need. You're paying for your loved one to get the care and food that they need, regardless of any difficulties your family member may present. 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 O'Fallon 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. Another sign is that the skin beneath fingernails will appear white.
• Mouth Sores or Discoloration - Sores inside the mouth or the face as well as red skin indicate malnutrition. Thrush or Yeast infections may also be present and can cause white patches to develop on the cheeks and tongue.
• Eye Issues - Noticeably worse vision, overly red or glass eyes, and swollen corneas are the tell-tale signs of malnutrition.
• Muscular Problems - If your loved one is weak after completing simple everyday tasks, or their muscles appear flaccid, the may be suffering from 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 sores and ulcers and can quickly become life threatening. If your loved one developed bed sores while in an assisted living facility, they were most likely not moved regularly, and were given neglectful or no attention. Bed Sores are even common in intensive care units. Bed sores are preventable, and they are treatable. Here are the different stages of bed sores our nursing home abuse lawyers in O'Fallon have identified that can show your loved one may have bed sores:

• Stage 1. Bed Sore - The skin is red, warm to the touch, and your loved one may find it itchy or is already itching it.
• Stage 2. Bed Sore - Sores surrounded by discolored skin are now developing.
• Stage 3. Bed Sore - Tissue damage below the skin causes the sore to open and turn into a cavity.
• Stage 4. Bed Sore - At this stage, infection is an extreme possibility. Bones, muscles, and tendons may be visible at this stage.

These sores are not common, and you should not accept excuses that they are. Negligence caused the sores, and negligence can be sued. You can sue for bed sores, and you absolutely should. Negligence is never ok, and should never be accepted regardless of what excuse the nursing home or long-term care facility gives you. Call our Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in O'Fallon now. We'll hold the nursing home responsible for their actions, and make sure that your family receives everything they need to move forward.

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 isn't always apparent, and your loved one may either not be willing to admit or not able to admit that they are being abused. The nursing home that you trusted with the care of your family member has abused them, and that is horrible and reprehensable. This is not an acceptable act, and its possibly criminal. Here are several signs to look for when you suspect your loved one is being abused or neglected:

• Financial Exploitation - This can be easy to miss if you don't keep a detailed log of their finances. {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 form of abuse can be seen by signs of malnourishment, lack of bathing, lack of sanitary conditions in their room or place, bed sores, or general dirtiness. 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. Along with a lawsuit, you can call the cops for any sign of physical abuse. You can also, and should also sue. Our Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in O'Fallon will fight for the recovery and rights of your loved one.
• Psychological Abuse - If your loved one is nervous around a caregiver, or is hesitant to talk when they are around, they could be the victim of psychological abuse. This type of abuse is bullying, and can cause wounds as terrible as physical ones.

Here is a short video our Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in O'Fallon have prepared:

Are there any laws governing nursing home care?

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The Nursing Home Reform Act sets clear laws and guidelines for the rights of those who are in nursing homes or assisted living facilities. These laws are enforceable by law, and must be followed. 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 O'Fallon 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 O'Fallon now to protect your family.