Families rightfully expect nursing homes to provide the utmost care to their loved ones. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. If one of your loved ones suffered abuse or neglect in a nursing home, reach out to a dedicated nursing home abuse attorney. A compassionate lawyer could help you recover St. Louis nursing home abuse damages. Call today and set up a consultation.
How a Lawyer Could Help Collect Compensation
Listening to the claimant is one of the most critical things a lawyer does. After hearing the story, the attorney will begin the process of determining if they have a legal case. This includes collecting medical records, recovering information from the state in the form of surveys, cost reports, and the licensure files. The lawyer could also talk with witnesses about what exactly happened to the resident and at the facility. This information is compiled and reviewed by expert witnesses who make a determination whether they believe that the care provided by the nursing home was negligent and if the negligence caused injuries to the resident.
If the lawyer believes they can make a viable case and is supported by expert witnesses, they will file the case for the claimant and send out a written discovery to the defendants. If the case is unable to settle, the attorneys go to trial and pursue the case all the way through to a verdict.
Damages Available to Recover in a Nursing Home Abuse Case
Damages are the injuries that a plaintiff has suffered due to the abuse or neglect of a nursing home resident. If the plaintiff is the injured resident, they can recover non-economic damages. Non-economic damages are damages awarded for the pain and suffering the resident endured.
A lawyer could also pursue economic damages, which could include hospital bills and future hospital bills. In cases where the defendant has acted in conscious disregard to the safety of the resident, the plaintiff may be able to pursue punitive damages. If the nursing home’s negligence led to the death of the resident, a wrongful death claim could be brought. The plaintiff in a wrongful death case could recover damages for pain and suffering, as well as loss of companionship with the deceased. To learn more about St. Louis nursing home abuses damages, reach out to a lawyer.
What to do When Suspecting Nursing Home Abuse
The first thing someone should do if they suspect a loved one has been a victim of abuse or neglect in a nursing home is get them the medical care they need. They should call 9-1-1 and then get the resident to the hospital. If it is a situation that does not require immediate medical attention, then they should talk with the staff about their concerns. If you do not believe your concerns are being corrected, you should talk with the administrator of the facility.
On all instances where a nursing home resident has been injured due to abuse or neglect, family members should report that information to the elder abuse hotline operated by the State of Missouri. The elder abuse hotline phone number is 1-800-392-0210. When calls are made to the elder abuse hotline, state investigators are required to do an investigation to determine whether the nursing home was deficient in following the state and federal regulations. After doing this, it is important to reach out to an accomplished lawyer who has experience helping individuals recover St. Louis nursing home abuse damages.