Pulaski County Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers

Protecting Nursing Home Residents in Waynesville & Phelps County, MO

When you entrust the care of your elderly loved one to a nursing home, you expect a safe and respectful environment. Unfortunately, instances of abuse and neglect occur, often going unnoticed until significant harm has been done. 

According to reports in the National Library of Medicine, “nursing homes and other long-term care facilities are among the places with the highest rates of elder abuse.” In one study, 50 percent of the nursing home staff admitted to mistreating residents. 

Unfortunately, this type of abuse remains a national problem. At Lowe Dreesen Miller, we work to hold negligent facilities accountable and bring justice to victims and their families. With over 30 years of practice in resolving personal injury claims, we understand the devastating effects that abuse and neglect can have, especially on the vulnerable, such as seniors. 

Book a free consultation with a Pulaski County nursing home abuse attorney at Lowe Dreesen Miller by phone at (573) 888-8888. You can also reach us online.

Types of Nursing Home Abuse

Nursing home abuse can take many forms, and recognizing the different types is crucial to protecting a loved one.

Nursing home abuse can manifest in various forms, including:

• Physical abuse: Infliction of physical harm through hitting, slapping, or improper use of restraints.
• Emotional abuse: Verbal assaults, threats, or isolation leading to psychological trauma.
• Sexual abuse: Non-consensual sexual contact or exploitation.
• Neglect: Failure to provide essential care, resulting in malnutrition, dehydration, or untreated medical issues.
• Financial exploitation: Unauthorized use of a resident's funds or assets.

Abuse can be perpetrated by nursing home staff, other residents, administrators and management, family members, visitors, and third-party contractors. Regardless of who commits the abuse, nursing homes have a legal duty to protect residents from harm. They may be liable for negligence if they fail to supervise, report, or prevent abuse. Our nursing home abuse attorney in Pulaski County helps families hold facilities accountable.

Warning Signs of Abuse in Nursing Homes

Nursing home abuse and neglect often show through warning signs. It’s important to pay close attention and trust your instincts if something doesn’t feel right

Family members should remain vigilant for indicators of abuse, such as:

• Unexplained injuries like bruises, cuts, or fractures.
• Signs of being restrained such as marks on wrists or ankles.
• Sudden weight loss, poor hygiene, or bedsores.
• Unsanitary living conditions and/or poor hygiene.
• Emotional withdrawal, depression, or fearfulness.
• Changes in sleeping patterns or eating.
• Unusual financial transactions or missing belongings.
• Abrupt changes in financial documents or bank accounts.
• Staff restricting access to the resident or being evasive.

In Missouri, the Department of Health and Senior Services receives and investigates many reports of abuse, neglect, bullying, and exploitation involving seniors and adults with disabilities every year. Consulting with our nursing home neglect attorney can help you understand your loved one’s rights and available remedies.

Steps to Take If You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse

If you suspect abuse, acting quickly can protect your loved one and preserve evidence:

• Ensure immediate safety: If the resident is in immediate danger, call 911.
• Report the abuse: Contact Missouri’s Adult Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 800-392-0210.
• Document evidence: Keep detailed records of injuries, changes in behavior, and communications with the facility.
• Seek legal counsel: Call Lowe Dreesen Miller to discuss the matter with our nursing home negligence lawyer in Pulaski County to understand your rights and options.

After these first steps, it is helpful to sit down with a nursing home attorney in Pulaski County families to review the timeline of events and any responses you have received from the facility. Your attorney can explain how reports to agencies, such as the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, interact with a civil claim and what role local courts may play if the case proceeds to litigation. This guidance can give you a clearer picture of the path forward and help you protect your loved one while also seeking accountability from those responsible.