What compensation can I recover in a Kansas City nursing home abuse case?

What is Nursing Home Abuse?

Kansas City Nursing Home Abuse Damages | Missouri Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer

Nursing home abuse is a disturbing and unacceptable act that occurs when residents of long-term care facilities suffer harm due to the negligence or intentional actions of the staff or other residents. This harm takes various forms, including:

Physical and emotional abuse

Neglect

Financial exploitation

Sexual abuse

Identifying signs of nursing home abuse can be challenging, as victims may be unable or unwilling to report the abuse. Common indicators include, but aren’t limited to:

Unexplained injuries

Sudden changes in behavior

Withdrawal from social activities

Malnutrition or dehydration

New bedsores

Frequent falls

Sudden changes in bank accounts or other finances

Types of Nursing Home Abuse Damages You Can Recover

If care facility staff or administration are found negligent of nursing home abuse, victims may be entitled to the following types of damages.

Medical Expenses

An elderly resident who suffers nursing home abuse frequently requires medical treatment to address injuries or health issues resulting from the harm. Compensation may cover hospitalizations, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care.

Pain and Suffering

Nursing home abuse causes immense physical and emotional suffering. Victims may experience pain, anxiety, depression, and a reduced quality of life. Compensation for pain and suffering aims to acknowledge and alleviate the emotional and psychological toll of the abuse.

Emotional Distress

Emotional distress damages cover the psychological trauma and anguish experienced by an elderly victim due to nursing home abuse. It considers the fear, anxiety, and humiliation resulting from mistreatment.

Punitive Damages

In cases of extreme negligence or intentional misconduct, the court may award punitive damages. These types of damages are meant to punish the responsible party and deter future misconduct. Punitive damages can be significant, and are designed to deter nursing homes from engaging in abusive behavior.

Tragically, nursing home abuse can lead to the death of a resident. In such cases, surviving family members may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. Compensation for wrongful death may include funeral and burial expenses, loss of companionship and financial support, and more.

How a Kansas City Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Helps Protect Your Family

If you believe a loved one has suffered nursing home abuse, seek the expertise of skilled Kansas City nursing home abuse lawyers like the professionals at Fowler Pickert Eisenmenger Norfleet. Our team evaluates your case, determines liability, and advises you on the appropriate legal action to take. They will also guide you through the legal process and advocate on your behalf. Here are some of their methods.

Gather Evidence

To build a strong case, it’s essential to collect as much evidence as possible. This may include medical records, photos of your loved one’s injuries, witness statements, and any other documentation related to the nursing home's history of abuse or negligence.

Negotiate with Insurance Companies

Often, care facilities and their insurance companies prefer to settle nursing home abuse cases out of court to avoid negative publicity and potentially larger punitive damages. Your attorney can negotiate a settlement with the insurer that adequately compensates your family member’s damages.

File a Lawsuit

If negotiations with the nursing home or its insurance company don’t result in a fair settlement, your attorney can file a lawsuit. This initiates the formal legal process, and the skilled legal team at work to prove liability and secure compensation through litigation.

Attend Trial

If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your case could go to trial. At Fowler Pickert Eisenmenger Norfleet, we have the reputable abilities to represent you in court, presenting evidence and arguing your case before a judge and jury.

Do You Believe Your Loved One May Be Experiencing Nursing Home Abuse Or Neglect In A Kansas City, Missouri?

If you feel your loved one is being subjected to nursing home abuse or neglect you should speak with an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer as soon as possible. Please feel free to contact us online or call our office directly at 816.832.4688 to schedule your free consultation. We are proud to serve Kansas City, Missouri and the surrounding area and look forward to speaking with you.