Our St. Louis Nursing Home Injury Lawyer Team is Here to Help
Would you believe us if we told you that 10% of senior citizens in nursing homes in our country experience some type of abuse?
According to the National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse – that’s what we’re facing. A staggering one in 10 persons over 60 years old reports some type of abuse, which is defined as any form of mistreatment that results in harm or loss to an older person. Those suffering from dementia or other physical disability tend to be the most susceptible to abuse and injury. Since many senior citizens are socially isolated from friends and other family members, abuse often goes unnoticed and unreported.
At Fritz Law LLC, we litigate nursing home neglect and injury cases across the entire St. Louis metropolitan area and surrounding region. Our job is to protect senior citizens aganist the people and institutions that take advantage of them. St. Louis Nursing Home Injury Lawyer John P. Fritz recognized early 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. John has taken hundreds of depositions and has participated in dozens of trial teams, including multiple cases that have been tried to verdict. He 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
Was a Loved One Neglected or Injured in a Nursing Home? Start Here.
It’s a difficult time for everyone when you suspect or know that abuse has happened to someone you love in a place where they were to be cared for and kept safe. The first and most important step to take after your loved one has suffered abuse is to aid them in seeking medical attention. Don’t wait! The visit to the hospital or doctor serves as documentation of your injuries and is key to your potential recovery. You should also immediately remove the abused adult from the negligent facility and place them in a safe environment. Once you’ve had the opportunity to ensure their safety and see a doctor (or in the middle of that process), it’s time to reach out to an attorney to learn about your legal options.
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 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 infections. 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?
We wish we could give you a direct answer to this questions, but each case is different and results will vary. The amount of compensation 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 (when applicable)
It’s our goal to ensure caregivers and their loved ones who have experienced neglect or abuse are heard and taken seriously. Our law firm has been on the front lines protecting seniors for years. We take our role in holding those accountable for abuse seriously and would be honored to represent you and your loved ones, or at least answer your questions and provide you with some peace of mind.
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. It is best to speak with a lawyer before talking to the insurance company, but if you’ve already communicated with that that’s fine too! We would encourage you to still reach out and explore your legal options.
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!