St. Louis Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys
Mistreatment in a nursing home setting is, sadly, a prevalent issue in St. Louis and throughout the country. Anyone who has seen a loved one experience either nursing home abuse or nursing home neglect knows that it is truly heartbreaking and has a devastating impact on the survivor.
After such a massive breach in trust, many survivors’ support systems — whether it’s their family, spouse or friend — want to keep the survivor safe and well cared for, but it’s also important to hold those responsible for the abuse.
The St. Louis nursing home abuse attorneys at Niemeyer, Grebel and Kruse are here to help. We hold abusive nursing providers accountable and secure justice for survivors and their loved ones.
Call our office at (314) 350-1900 today for a free case evaluation.
What is nursing home neglect?
The difference between nursing home neglect and abuse is that nursing home negligence can go unnoticed for long periods of time, especially if the survivor of the abuse does not have any immediate family members regularly checking in on him or her. Nursing home abuse, on the other hand, is typically easier to identify and report.
There are multiple types of nursing home neglect. In some cases, patients will experience a combination of two or more types of nursing home neglect, leaving them in an even more vulnerable position than they were when they arrived. The physical harm that can be done by this level of neglect from a trusted caretaker who was entrusted to keep them safe is tragic.
Nursing home neglect cases are often underreported as survivors may be too sick or injured to recognize the signs or they feel ashamed or worried about drawing attention to the suspected abuse, which is why it’s important to speak up if you see a potential instance of nursing home neglect.
Basic needs neglect
Basic needs neglect is one of the most common types of nursing home neglect. This happens when a nursing home staff member fails to provide a resident with essential items or services, such as food, water, clothing or necessary medical care.
Signs that someone is experiencing basic needs neglect in a nursing home include:
- Drastic weight loss or gain
- Poor personal hygiene
- Dehydration
- Malnutrition
- Bedsores
- Infections
Emotional neglect
Emotional neglect in nursing homes can be just as damaging as any other type of neglect. This type of elder abuse, can involve a nursing home staff member failing to provide emotional support to a resident, which can leave the resident feeling lonely and isolated.
Signs that someone is experiencing emotional neglect in a nursing home include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Withdrawal from social activities
- Low self-esteem
- Suicidal thoughts
Medical neglect
Medical neglect in nursing homes is a type of abuse that can be difficult to detect. This happens when a nursing home staff member fails to provide a resident with essential medical care, which can lead to serious health complications.
There are a number of reasons why medical neglect may occur in nursing homes. Some nursing home staff may be overworked and may not have enough time to provide residents with the necessary care. Additionally, some nursing home staff may not be properly trained to provide care for residents who require specialized medical treatment.
Finally, some nursing home staff may simply not care about the well-being of their residents and may choose to neglect them in order to save time or money.
Personal hygiene neglect
Personal hygiene neglect is another type of nursing home neglect that can be difficult to detect. This happens when a nursing home staff member fails to provide a resident with essential personal hygiene items or services, which can lead to serious health complications.
What is nursing home abuse?
Nursing home abuse can involve a nursing home staff member physically harming a resident or emotionally abusing them.
Nursing home abuse can take many different forms, but some of the most common forms include physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, medical malpractice and financial exploitation. Depending on the nature of the nursing home abuse case, this can be somewhat difficult to recognize, as the caregiver might have taken steps to hide their actions.
If you suspect that a loved one is the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, it’s important to take action as soon as possible. The best way to do this is to contact a lawyer who specializes in these types of cases.
The nursing home abuse attorneys at Niemeyer, Grebel and Kruse have over $700,000,000+ in recoveries for our clients, and we’re ready to help you fight for the justice your loved one deserves. Call us today at (314) 350-1900 to get started.
Rights of nursing home residents in Missouri
Nursing home residents have a number of rights that are protected by state and federal law. Some of these rights include the right to:
- Receive quality care
- Be free from abuse and neglect
- Have their privacy protected
- Access information about their medical condition
- Participate in decisions about their care
- Voice their complaints without fear of retaliation
How a skilled St. Louis nursing home abuse lawyer can help you pursue your case
Pursuing a nursing home abuse claim on your own can be a daunting and emotionally challenging process, especially when you face the legal resources and resistance of the nursing facility.
By enlisting the help of an experienced nursing home abuse attorney, you can turn the tables on the nursing home and alleviate the intense stress that accompanies these situations. Here’s how the dedicated nursing home abuse attorneys at Niemeyer, Grebel and Kruse can help you:
- Expertise in nursing home abuse cases – Our seasoned attorneys have extensive experience handling personal injury claims, allowing them to navigate the complexities of the legal system and counter the tactics employed by nursing facilities and their legal teams.
- Thorough investigation and evidence collection – A strong case relies on solid evidence. Our lawyers know how to uncover the truth, collecting critical evidence such as medical records, staff logs, witness statements, and any photographic or video proof of abuse or neglect, which may otherwise be difficult for individuals to obtain.
- Pursuing the case in court – When negotiations with the nursing home or their insurance company fail, our skilled litigators are prepared to take your case to court. With extensive knowledge in personal injury law, we present a compelling case before a judge or jury, utilizing expert witnesses and the evidence collected to prove the nursing home’s negligence and responsibility for the abuse.
- Seeking maximum damages – Our attorneys will work diligently to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your loved one’s suffering.
- Alleviating stress, allowing you to focus on your family – By entrusting your case to our experienced nursing home abuse lawyers, you can focus on the well-being of your loved one and your family, knowing that we are dedicated to seeking justice on your behalf. Our legal team will handle all aspects of the case, including communication with the nursing home and their attorneys, insurance companies, and any other involved parties.
- Emotional support and guidance – We recognize the immense emotional toll that nursing home abuse cases can have on victims and their families. Our compassionate attorneys provide support and guidance throughout the legal process, keeping you informed and helping you make informed decisions at every stage.
At Niemeyer, Grebel & Kruse, we are committed to fighting for the rights of nursing home abuse victims and their families. If you suspect that your loved one is being mistreated, do not hesitate to for a free consultation. Our compassionate and experienced attorneys will work tirelessly to seek justice, ensure the well-being of your family member, and relieve the stress that accompanies these difficult situations.
Seeking justice in your wrongful death claim
Losing a loved one due to nursing home abuse or neglect is an incredibly painful experience, and seeking justice for their wrongful death is a crucial step in the healing process. Our St. Louis nursing home abuse lawyers are dedicated to helping families navigate the complexities of wrongful death claims, ensuring they are well-informed about important legal aspects such as the statute of limitations and potential damages in Missouri.
In Missouri, the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is three years from the date of the deceased person’s death. This means that you have three years to file a lawsuit against the responsible parties. Failing to file within this time frame can result in losing the opportunity to pursue a claim and recover damages. It is essential to consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible to ensure that you meet all deadlines and comply with the necessary legal procedures.
When it comes to damages in wrongful death claims, Missouri law allows for the recovery of various types of compensation. These may include economic damages, such as funeral and burial expenses, any medical expenses, costs incurred before the loved one’s death, and the loss of financial support that the deceased would have provided to their family. Non-economic damages, such as the pain and suffering experienced by the deceased before their death, as well as the emotional distress and loss of companionship suffered by the surviving family members, may also be recoverable.
In some cases, Missouri law allows for the awarding of punitive damages, which are intended to punish the responsible parties for their egregious behavior and deter similar conduct in the future. The determination of damages in a wrongful death claim can be complex, requiring the expertise of a skilled attorney to ensure that all losses are accurately assessed and fairly compensated.
We are committed to holding nursing homes accountable for the harm they cause and helping our clients recover the compensation they deserve. If you have lost a loved one due to nursing home abuse or neglect, do not hesitate to for a free consultation. Our team will be there to support you every step of the way.
What to expect when filing a nursing home abuse or neglect lawsuit in St. Louis
If you choose to seek justice for your loved one’s treatment, it can take several routes depending on the facts of the case.
One of the most important aspects of any nursing home abuse lawsuit is gathering evidence. This can include witness statements, medical records and photographs of the abuse or neglect. It’s important to have as much evidence as possible to support your case and prove that the nursing home was negligent in their care of your loved one.
Our attorneys know the most compelling forms of evidence to gather and will help compile this evidence to build a strong case against the nursing home.
As a result, the nursing home might push to settle the case out of court. There are a number of reasons why a nursing home might choose to settle a neglect case out of court. One of the most common reasons is to avoid bad publicity. Neglect cases can be damaging to a nursing home’s reputation, and they may choose to settle rather than face a public trial. Additionally, settlements can be less expensive than trials, and in personal injury cases the nursing home may prefer to avoid the financial damages that could be awarded in a trial. Finally, settlements can also be less time-consuming than trials.
In this case, we’ll work carefully with you and respect your family’s wishes to get you the best possible result. Nursing home neglect is traumatic, and going to trial can force friends and family to relive the trauma that their loved one experienced. However, if it’s possible to recover significantly more than funds offered by a the nursing home facility or insurance company, we won’t hesitate to fight for you in the courtroom.
One of the most important reasons is that going to trial can help ensure justice is served for your loved one. Nursing homes should be held accountable for their actions, and a trial can help do this. Additionally, going to trial can result in significantly more damages being awarded than if the case were to settle out of court.
Finally, going to trial can also help send a message to other nursing homes that they need to provide quality care for their residents.
Compassionate and experienced St. Louis nursing home neglect attorneys, on your side
At NGK Law Firm, we’re here to advocate for the compassionate care you or your loved one deserves. Our attorneys have the utmost care and concern for our clients and their families, and we will work tirelessly to serve justice and fight for your rights as an individual.
Everyone deserves to be treated with respect and compassion, especially under the circumstances of requiring care from another person. Our law firm has won record-setting cases and collaborated with an experienced and trustworthy legal team. We’re here to help hold the responsible parties accountable.
Nursing home abuse and neglect is unfortunately too common in the St. Louis area. If you believe that your loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, it is important to seek legal help immediately.
The attorneys at NGK Law have experience recovering millions of dollars for clients who have been injured as a result of nursing home abuse or neglect. Call today for a free consultation – (314) 350-1900.
Have Questions?
WE HAVE ANSWERS
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Is there a claim if a nursing home resident was abused by a nursing home staff member?
Yes, your claim may be eligible. Unfortunately, instances of nursing home abuse are rampant, and it is important for families to promptly recognize and escalate situations where they feel a loved one may be being abused.
Common signs of nursing home abuse include: The resident becoming psychologically withdrawn, sudden weight loss, parched lips, bed sores and discomfort around certain staff members.
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Should I contact a lawyer if a family member developed bed sores?
Yes, bed sores are a classic sign of neglect that family members should take very seriously. Most bed sores are completely preventable, and they typically should not occur in a care facility. If left untreated, bed sores can result in sepsis, osteomyelitis and other issues, eventually resulting in death.
If your loved one has developed bed sores, it’s important to report the incident immediately and speak to an experienced personal injury attorney. Your attorney will advise you on your rights and the options available to you.
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Does the family have a claim if a relative died from neglect in a nursing home?
Yes, the family’s claim may be eligible. Surviving family members may seek wrongful death compensation for medical costs, pain and suffering, time away from work, lost future earnings and more.
What Our Clients Are Saying
NGK Has A National Reputation for Helping the Injured Obtain the Compensation They Deserve
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"I highly recommend him as a lawyer."David Grebel has handled several cases for me, always professionally and with a positive outcome. I always felt in the loop. I felt like a person not a number.- Susie W.
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"Kindness, thoughtfulness and patience"I really appreciated Dave's kindness and thoughtfulness and especially his patience with me throughout my lawsuit.- Gladys R.
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"I only recommend NGK"Very responsive and they help you in any way they can. Michael Kruse has handled many cases for me and he is very professional and will fight for you every time.- Matthew G.
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"Helped me through the process"Initially, I was reluctant to bring a lawsuit, but Dave answered all my questions and helped me through the process. I really appreciate all he did to get me what I deserved.- Lou P.
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"I would highly recommend them."Absolute professionals of the highest caliber. There's no one else I would recommend to friends or family!- Robert K.
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"The best at what they do!!!"Dave Grebel is the go-to guy. He has handled cases for my friends and family, always with a positive outcome!- Bryan H.
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"2 for 2 batting 1000"Second time using NGK. Took care of me both times! Will use and recommend again! 5 stars!!- Tony B.
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"They were very wonderful."Dawn Schneithorst definitely worked hard for me and my siblings. She deserves a raise. They have me for a lifetime if we ever need them again.- Paige B.