We Are Committed To Fighting For Your Safety & Your Rights
Independence Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys
Seeking Justice for You & Your Family
Long-term care facilities, including nursing homes, have a strict duty of care to residents. They must not only adequately provide for residents’ basic needs but also ensure their continued health, safety, and wellbeing. When these facilities fail to protect their residents, the consequences can be extreme—and those responsible can be held accountable.
At the Law Office of Tom Wagstaff Jr., we represent clients throughout Jackson County, MO in all types of nursing home abuse and neglect cases. Our experienced legal team has a long track record of success in bringing negligent caregivers and nursing homes to justice; we are prepared to aggressively advocate for you and your family.
Let our Independence nursing home abuse attorneys fight for the justice you deserve; call (816) 597-4556 or contact us online for a free consultation today.
Identifying Nursing Home Abuse
Nursing home abuse is a prevalent but often difficult-to-detect problem in long-term care facilities nationwide. If you have a family member or loved one living in a nursing home, it is important that you not only know what constitutes abuse/neglect but also that you know the signs that something isn’t right.
Some of the most common signs of nursing home abuse and neglect include:
- Unexplained injuries, such as bruises, cuts, or broken bones
- Signs of physical or chemical restraint, including marks on wrists or ankles
- New or worsened bedsores (or “pressure ulcers”)
- Undiagnosed or untreated illnesses, medical conditions, or infections
- Changes in mood or behavior, such as increased aggression or crying
- New or worsened depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions
- Preventable accidents, such as falls
- Injuries to the genitals, groin, upper thighs, or female breasts
- New sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Malnutrition and/or dehydration
- Soiled or dirty clothing or bedding
- Unsanitary, unclean, and/or unsafe conditions
- Changes in financial circumstances, including unexplained withdrawals
- Unexplained changes to a will, trust, or power of attorney
Remember, nursing home abuse is not always physical. Emotional abuse, social isolation, sexual assault, financial exploitation, and general neglect all constitute nursing home abuse.
How to Report Nursing Home Abuse in Jackson County
If you believe that your loved one—or anyone else—is in imminent danger due to nursing home abuse or neglect, call 911.
In all other instances, you can report suspected or known abuse in the following ways:
- Contact local law enforcement
- Report abuse by a staff member or caregiver to the facility’s administration
- Call the Adult Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800-392-0210
- Notify the Missouri Long-Term Care Ombudsman office
You can also check up on a report made using the Adult Abuse and Neglect Hotline by visiting the state’s Adult Protective Services website.
Why Take Legal Action?
Nursing home abuse can lead to numerous physical, emotional, and financial hardships. Victims and their families do not have to simply face these consequences on their own; instead, they can seek justice by filing a nursing home abuse lawsuit against the liable party.
While no amount of financial compensation can undo the devastating experience you have been through, a successful claim can allow you to recover compensation for the following damages:
- Medical expenses related to treating injuries, illnesses, or medical conditions caused by the abuse or neglect
- Projected future medical care and treatment costs
- Financial losses related to nursing home abuse or neglect, such as loss of income
- Physical and mental pain and suffering caused by the abuse or neglect
- Emotional distress and trauma, including various mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Wrongful death damages (funeral expenses, medical costs, etc.) when an individual passes away due to nursing home abuse or neglect
In certain cases, it may also be possible to pursue punitive damages. Also known as exemplary damages, punitive damages are awarded in some cases involving gross negligence or intentional infliction of harm upon another individual and are meant to punish the liable party rather than compensate the plaintiff for specific losses.
How Our Team Can Help You
Navigating the legal process can be extremely challenging, especially when you are already dealing with the aftermath of nursing home abuse or neglect. Right now, you should focus on getting your loved one the medical attention and support they need, as well as healing and spending time with your family. You shouldn’t have to worry about fighting with the nursing home or another liable party for a fair settlement. That’s where we come in.
At the Law Office of Tom Wagstaff Jr., we are committed to protecting the rights of our society’s most vulnerable individuals. Our Independence nursing home abuse lawyers can assist you with all aspects of your case. We will handle all the legal details so that you can focus on everything else you need to take care of to move forward with your life.
We truly care about our clients, which is why we offer a highly personalized and compassionate approach. We purposefully limit our caseload so that we can dedicate all of our time, energy, and resources to helping each client fight for the justice they deserve. When you choose the Law Office of Tom Wagstaff Jr., you will receive attentive, one-on-one legal representation from our team of experienced attorneys and caring support staff.
There are no legal fees for you unless we win your case. Call (816) 597-4556 or contact us online today to schedule a free initial consultation.
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$1 Million Nursing Home Fall
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$1.5 Million Nursing Home Fall
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$1.5 Million Nursing Home Sexual Abuse
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“He worked hard on our behalf and we reached a positive conclusion.” - Lori D.
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“Tom gives lawyers a good name.” - Donna J.
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“Tom and his firm are great people!” - Brad