When you place an elderly loved one in a nursing home, you trust they will receive compassionate, professional care in a safe and respectful environment.
Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Neglect and abuse of vulnerable adults are common across Kansas nursing homes.
Tragically, this mistreatment frequently goes overlooked, as elderly victims are often unable to speak out and defend themselves.
If you suspect that a family member has suffered harm from a care facility, it’s crucial to take immediate action to protect the health and safety of your loved one. A Lenexa nursing home abuse lawyer can help you hold negligent facilities accountable, ensure your loved one’s well-being, and pursue justice for the harm they have endured.
At Dempsey Kingsland & Osteen, we understand how devastating it is to discover that a care facility has betrayed your trust. Our legal team protects vulnerable nursing home residents and provides families with the necessary guidance. If you suspect abuse or neglect, taking action now can prevent further harm and ensure your loved one receives the care and dignity they deserve.
What Is Nursing Home Abuse?
Nursing home abuse occurs when facility caregivers or staff members cause harm to elderly residents, either intentionally or through negligence. Nursing home abuse can take many different forms, such as:
- Physical abuse—includes hitting, shoving, slapping, excessive use of restraints, or purposefully depriving residents of necessary nutrition or medications;
- Emotional abuse—harassment, threats, intimidation, humiliation, and isolation are common and unacceptable forms of psychological mistreatment;
- Sexual abuse—any non-consensual sexual activity, from unwanted touching to rape, is a severe violation of an elderly resident’s rights;
- Financial exploitation—illegal or improper use of an elderly adult’s assets, such as stealing money or manipulating residents into signing documents; and
- Neglect—staff or caregivers’ failure to provide proper food, hygiene, medical care, or emotional support.
When nursing home staff fail in their duty of care, the results can be devastating. That’s why family members must learn and understand the warning signs of abuse. Your attention is essential for protecting the safety and dignity of your loved one.
How to Recognize Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect
Nursing home abuse can be difficult to detect. Many elderly residents feel too afraid or ashamed to speak out, while others may be physically unable to due to medical conditions. Therefore, it’s important to watch for physical and environmental warning signs of abuse, such as:
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, or injuries;
- Sudden weight loss, dehydration, or malnutrition;
- Poor hygiene or unsanitary living conditions;
- Withdrawal, depression, or sudden behavioral changes;
- Bedsores, frequent infections, or untreated medical conditions; and
- Unexplained financial transactions or missing belongings.
If you notice these red flags, trust your instincts. Your loved one’s safety may be at risk, and swift action is essential.
What to Do About Nursing Home Abuse
If you suspect an elderly loved one is suffering mistreatment, the following steps can help protect them and ensure the responsible party is held accountable.
Ensure Resident’s Safety
If your loved one is in immediate danger, call 911 and law enforcement. If the situation is less urgent but still concerning, consider removing them from the facility while you investigate further.
Document Signs of Harm
Gather evidence of any signs of potential abuse or neglect. This evidence includes taking photos of visible injuries or unsafe conditions, documenting concerning events, and noting any conversations with caregivers or staff. Keep a detailed record of the dates and times of any incidents and the names of any staff members involved.
Inform the Nursing Home Facility
Notify the nursing home administrator or director in writing about your concerns. They have a legal responsibility to correct incidents of abuse or neglect in their facility. Keep a record of their response and stated plans to address the issue.
Report to State Authorities
Understanding how to report nursing home abuse in Kansas is crucial not just to ensure your loved one’s immediate safety but also to help prevent others from suffering in the future.
The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) regulates the state’s adult care facilities and investigates claims of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. You can report suspected nursing home abuse to KDADS by calling 800-842-0078 or emailing KDADS.ComplaintHotline@ks.gov.
Contact a Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer
If your loved one has suffered harm due to nursing home abuse, you may also be able to hold the responsible party liable for their wrongdoing. An experienced nursing home neglect lawyer can assess your situation and help you understand your rights and options for taking legal action on behalf of your loved ones.
How a Lenexa Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Can Help
Guidance from a dedicated nursing home abuse attorney can be vital for helping support your family and protect your loved one in these devastating situations. Some of the crucial services that a Lenexa nursing home abuse lawyer can provide include:
- Investigating abuse. An attorney can establish the facts of the situation by gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing medical records from the facility.
- Determining liability. Staff members, contractors, medical professionals, and facility management could all be legally responsibility for your loved one’s suffering. A lawyer can examine the evidence, identify the negligent party, and build a case against them.
- Fighting for compensation. Victims of nursing home abuse may be entitled to compensation for their suffering. An attorney can estimate and advocate for the damages your loved one is owed, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, and relocation costs.
Confronting the horror of a loved one’s abuse can leave you feeling shocked and paralyzed. However, it’s important not to wait to get help. Kansas law imposes a two-year deadline for taking legal action for nursing home abuse. Delaying could jeopardize your ability to seek justice for your loved one.
Compassionate and Principled Representation for Your Loved One
At Dempsey Kingsland & Osteen, we are dedicated client advocates with a proven track record of holding negligent nursing homes accountable. Our firm has secured significant verdicts and settlements for families across Kansas, and we are ready to fight for you.
With over 100 years of combined experience, our trial lawyers work closely with top medical experts, investigators, and life care planners to ensure the strongest possible case. We offer free consultations, and you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Your loved one deserves dignity, safety, and respect. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation or call us at 816-408-3844 and learn more about how we can help.
