Kansas City Elder Physical Abuse Attorneys

Physical Abuse in Nursing Homes & Long-Term Care Facilities 

Nursing home abuse takes many forms, all of which can have severe or even fatal consequences for victims, but physical abuse is one of the most common and most dangerous. Elderly nursing home residents who suffer physical abuse are at risk of serious injuries, as well as psychological harm. At the Law Office of Tom Wagstaff Jr., we believe that those who commit acts of physical violence against anyone, but most especially our society’s most vulnerable individuals, deserve to be brought to justice. 

If you or someone you love was the victim of physical abuse in a nursing home, long-term care facility, or similar assisted living situation, reach out to our team right away. We can help you not only seek to hold the liable party responsible but also work to recover the full, fair compensation you are owed. Our Kansas City physical elder abuse attorneys have decades of experience and a proven record of success. We devote a significant portion of our practice to this area of law and have the resources needed to aggressively advocate for you and your family. 

Contact us online or by phone at (816) 597-4556 to request a free and confidential consultation.

What Constitutes Physical Abuse? 

Physical abuse is any intentional, harmful physical contact. The victim does not necessarily need to suffer a serious injury for an act to constitute physical abuse. 

Some examples of physical abuse include: 

• Hitting 
• Pinching 
• Slapping 
• Punching 
• Forcefully grabbing 
• Pushing/shoving 
• Choking 
• Kicking 
• Scratching 
• Inappropriate use of restraints 

Nursing home staff and private caregivers should never use physical force against residents. It is never acceptable for a staff member—or another resident—to cause intentional injury. 

Signs of Physical Abuse in Nursing Homes 

Unexplained injuries are the most common sign of physical abuse in nursing homes, long-term care facilities, and assisted living centers.

Examples include: 

• Bruises 
• Welts 
• Broken bones 
• Cuts, scrapes, and scratches
• Head injuries 
• Concussions 
• Marks on the wrists and/or ankles (may indicate physical restraint) 
• Sores and open wounds 
• Black eyes

Physical abuse may also lead to emotional distress, which can appear as unexplained bouts of crying, changes in mood or behavior, new or increased irritability, and apparent fear in the presence of a staff member, caregiver, or fellow resident. Physical abuse can also result in serious accidents, including falls, and may lead to worsened mental or physical health conditions. 

What to Do If You See or Suspect Physical Elder Abuse 

If you know or suspect that someone is the victim of physical abuse in a nursing home or similar setting, you should take immediate action. State laws require certain individuals—including doctors and other medical professionals, licensed psychologists, therapists, social workers, case managers, law enforcement officers, and others—to report elder abuse. But even if you are not a mandated reporter, you should report known or suspected abuse right away to protect the safety of the possible victim. 

In Kansas, you can report physical elder abuse by: 

• Calling the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services’ abuse, neglect, or exploitation hotline at 1-800-842-0078 
• Filing a complaint with the state’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, either online or by calling 1-877-662-8362 (toll-free) or (785) 296-3017

In Missouri, you can report physical elder abuse by: 

• Calling the adult abuse and neglect hotline at 1-800-392-0210
• Notifying the state’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program by calling (573) 526-0727 (in-state) or 1-800-309-3282 (out-of-state) 

If you believe someone is in imminent danger, call 911. Remember, it is always better to follow your instincts; if you suspect that your elderly loved one is being abused by nursing home staff or a private caregiver, contact the proper authorities right away.