St. Louis Nursing Home Injury Lawyer
According to the National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, elder abuse is any form of mistreatment that results in harm or loss to an older person. A staggering 1 in 10 persons over 60 reports some type of abuse. Those elderly adults suffering most injuries tend to be those with some form of dementia or other physical disability. Since many are socially isolated from friends and other family members, abuse often goes unnoticed and unreported.
At Fritz Law LLC, we litigate nursing home neglect/injury cases across the entire St. Louis metropolitan area and surrounding region. St. Louis Nursing Home Injury Lawyer John P. Fritz recognized early on in his career the uphill battle that injured victims have when it comes to dealing with insurance companies. He has represented clients in personal injury cases in a number of jurisdictions all over the United States, including St. Louis County, St. Louis City, St. Charles County, Franklin County, Madison County, St. Clair County, Chicago and New York. He has taken hundreds of depositions and has participated in dozens of trial teams, including multiple cases that have been tried to verdict. John utilizes his prior experience of defending insurance companies to help his clients achieve maximum compensation for their injuries.
Types of Nursing Home Injury Cases We Handle
- Physical Injuries
- Sexual Abuse
- Abandonment
- Emotional Abuse
- Neglect
- Financial Exploitation
- Lack of Supervision
- Wrongful Death
What Do I Do After My Loved One Has Been Neglected/Injured at a Nursing Home?
Injury victims need to seek all necessary medical attention immediately after an abuse incident at a nursing home. Don’t wait! Documentation of your injuries is key to your potential recovery. It is also very important to remove the abused adult from the negligent facility and place them in a safe environment.
Common Injuries From Nursing Home Neglect
Repeated Falls
Falls among nursing home residents occur frequently and repeatedly. About 1,800 older adults living in nursing homes die each year from fall-related injuries. Those who do survive falls frequently sustain hip fractures and head injuries that can result in permanent disability and reduced quality of life.
Bedsores
Pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores, pressure sores, or decubitus ulcers, are wounds caused by unrelieved pressure on the skin. Pressure ulcers are serious medical conditions that can often become fatal if untreated.
Hip Fracture
A hip fracture is a break in the upper quarter of the femur (thigh) bone. An individual with a hip fracture may have pain over the outer upper thigh or in the groin area. There may also be significant discomfort with any attempt to flex or rotate the fractured hip.
Unexplained Cuts or Bruises
Most bruises form when small blood vessels (capillaries) near the skin’s surface are broken by the impact of a blow or injury — often on the arms or legs. When this happens, blood leaks out of the vessels and initially appears as a black-and-blue mark.
Broken Bones
A broken bone is a common injury that occurs due to blunt force trauma or injury. Symptoms can include bruising, pain, swelling, and tenderness near the injury site.
Poor Hygiene
In a past study, state inspectors found that 26% of the nation’s nursing facilities had poor food hygiene; 21% provided care that was inadequate; 19% had environments that contributed to injuries in residents; and in 18% of people with pressure sores were treated improperly.
Malnutrition / Dehydration
Malnutrition in the elderly can lead to various health concerns, including a weak immune system which increases the risk of infections, poor wound healing, muscle weakness and decreased bone mass. All of these conditions can lead to falls and fractures, a higher risk of hospitalization and an increased risk of death.
Frequent Infections
Although there are many types of infections that can occur in a nursing home, a urinary tract infection, or UTI, is one of the most commonly diagnosed infection. If treated quickly, it can clear up in about 48 hours. However, an diagnosed and untreated UTI can have permanent, even fatal, consequences.
What is My Case Worth?
Each case is different and results will vary. The amount of compensation that you may receive will be based on the fault of the parties involved and the type and severity of the victim’s injuries, taking into account the following:
- Medical Expenses
- Pain and Suffering
- Lost Wages
- Emotional Distress
- Physical Rehabilitation
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life
- Punitive Damages (where applicable)
Talk to a Lawyer Before Talking to the Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are in the business of making money by not paying on claims. They have teams of adjusters and lawyers whose only job is to reduce potential settlements. In order to level the playing field, Fritz Law LLC takes a very “hands-on approach” to handling its nursing home neglect cases. We deal directly with the insurance companies so that you can focus on recovering from your injuries.
Hire an Experienced St. Louis Nursing Home Injury Lawyer
Hiring an experienced injury attorney is vital to the outcome of your case. At Fritz Law LLC, we know how to deal with the insurance companies. We also conduct a thorough investigation into the facts and consult with experts to build the best possible case. We fight the insurance companies so that you get the compensation that you deserve. If you or a loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse, give St. Louis Nursing Home Injury Lawyer John P. Fritz a call today!