
We Are Committed To Fighting For Your Safety & Your Rights
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.
How a Physical Abuse Lawyer Can Help
Elderly victims of physical abuse often sustain severe or even life-changing injuries. Many will also experience mental and emotional distress as a result of the abuse, and some will suffer from worsened physical or mental health conditions. Often, physical abuse accompanies other forms of nursing home abuse and neglect; as such, victims may suffer significant, far-reaching effects that impact nearly every aspect of their lives.
When you hire a nursing home abuse attorney, like those at the Law Office of Tom Wagstaff Jr., you have the opportunity to fight for justice. An attorney can help you and your family seek fair financial compensation for the various losses, or “damages,” you have sustained as a result of the abuse. A successful case cannot undo the immense pain and suffering you or your loved one has endured, but it can provide the monetary resources you need to heal.
Depending on your specific case, your attorney may be able to help you fight for the following damages:
- Emergency medical care
- Surgeries and other treatments
- Rehabilitation
- Physical/cognitive therapy
- Ongoing and future medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and trauma
- Financial loss
- Lost income or earning ability
- Disfigurement
- Miscellaneous out-of-pocket expenses
The Law Office of Tom Wagstaff Jr., we fight for maximum compensation for our clients. Our Kansas City physical elder abuse attorneys are here to protect your rights and guide you through the legal process.


Why Choose The Law Office of Tom Wagstaff Jr.?
For more than 25 years, Attorney Tom Wagstaff has dedicated his legal practice to standing up for the rights of the elderly, the injured, and society’s most vulnerable individuals. He and his team of experienced nursing home physical abuse attorneys understand how to navigate these complex cases. Our firm utilizes extensive resources and innovative strategies to build powerful, persuasive claims for our clients.
Perhaps most importantly, we genuinely care about the people we serve. We know that this is likely one of the most challenging times in your life. When you trust your recovery to the Law Office of Tom Wagstaff Jr. team, you can trust that you will receive the personal attention and compassionate counsel you deserve.
We do not collect any legal fees unless we win your case. There is no cost in speaking to a member of our team about your potential case, and we only get paid if you do.
Give us a call at (816) 597-4556 or submit an online contact form to request 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