Elder abuse is a common reason for nursing home litigation in Missouri. In fact, the director of the Missouri Division of Senior and Disability Services, Celesta Hartgraves, announced the state received 24,000 reports on elder abuse from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009.
The elderly may not have enough power or strength to defend themselves in the event of abuse or be able to effectively reach out for help. If you or a loved one is being abused in a nursing home or by a professional caretaker, you have legal rights to enact nursing home litigation in Missouri. A St. Louis elder abuse attorney is aware of the kinds of elder abuse that are reported in nursing homes and by professional caretakers and will help defend the legal rights of you or your loved one.
Legal Rights for Filing Nursing Home Litigation in Missouri
When you or your loved one is incapable of taking care of yourself and need medical assistance around the clock, from a nursing home or professional caretaker, you or your loved one still have legal rights you can stand by. A St. Louis elder abuse attorney can provide a detailed explanation of your legal rights.
You or your loved one has the right to:
- be free of abuse;
- review their medical state;
- choose their physician;
- involvement in care planning;
- decline treatment and services;
- talk about grievances;
- respect;
- privacy;
- protection; and
- assistance.
If you or your loved one is being restrained against his or her legal rights while in the care of a nursing home or professional caretaker, you or your loved one may be eligible to pursue compensation by enacting nursing home litigation in Missouri. Call your St. Louis elder abuse attorney to learn about your rights to damages in a nursing home claim.
Forms of Elder Abuse in Missouri
Elder abuse in Missouri that qualifies for nursing home litigation does not only apply to physical abuse or trauma. Especially since the elderly may be incapable of caring for themselves and performing certain tasks that are vital to living, elder abuse comes in all forms from physical abuse to financial exploitation.
There are various forms of elder abuse that may occur in a nursing home:
Physical abuse
The act of physically harming someone. May include signs of bruises, broken bones, joint dislocation, etc.
Sexual abuse
The act of performing unwanted sexual behaviors on someone. May include inappropriate grabbing, touching, or feeling around sex organs and intercourse.
Verbal abuse
The act of aggressive communication. May include engagement in raised voices, vulgar language, threats, etc.
Neglect
The act of ignoring or not caring of someone's health and well-being. Examples may include failing to keep watch on someone who is known to wander or has unpredictable health issues, failing to assist in feeding, hygiene, group gatherings, etc.
Financial exploitation
The act of taking over someone's possessions. May include money, jewelry, property, etc.
Elder abuse in Missouri can lead to serious injuries and may even lead to death. An elderly man or woman may suffer physical injuries and emotional injuries if accompanied by a nursing home or a professional caretaker who is committing any form of elder abuse.
Contact a Compassionate Attorney Today
You or your loved one should not have to suffer elder abuse because you are incapable of performing life activities and require assistance from a nursing home or a professional caretaker. A St. Louis elder abuse attorney can offer a free consultation on your case to see if you are eligible for nursing home litigation in Missouri. Your St. Louis elder abuse attorney is sympathetic to you and your loved ones' needs and is familiar with the consequences of elder abuse in Missouri.
