Wichita Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers

Wichita stands as a vibrant community in the heart of Kansas, one known for its warmth and hospitality. Still, when it comes to matters as delicate as nursing home abuse, The Emerald City faces the same struggles.

Being proactive in taking action when you suspect a loved one is paramount for ensuring their health and safety. A Wichita nursing home abuse lawyer can be your advocate, fighting for the rights and well-being of your beloved family member. If you’re ready to talk about your suspicions about how your vulnerable relative is being treated, reach out to us at Prochaska, Howell & Prochaska LLC now. Initial consultations with our attorneys are free.

What Qualifies as Edler Abuse?

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines elder abuse as, “a single, or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to an older person.”

If you’re wondering whether there’s a connection between elder abuse and nursing homes, there is. According to the same WHO resource above, at least one in six individuals 60 years old and over who resides in an assisted living facility, like a Wichita nursing home, has been abused during the past year.

Signs a Loved One Is Being Abused in Their Kansas Nursing Home

Unfortunately, nursing home residents often find themselves in vulnerable situations. This happens because they must rely on others for their medical needs, safety, and comfort.

While you might want to think that your loved one is receiving the best care, that is not always the case. Some of the most common types of abuse that occur in Wichita nursing homes include:

• Physical abuse: This involves a nursing home resident suffering bodily harm inflicted by a caregiver or another resident. Unexplained broken bones, bruises, and unexplained injuries are a few examples of this.
• Neglect: Situations where caregivers or nursing care facilities fail to meet residents’ basic needs, such as ensuring proper hygiene, nutrition, or medical care can be examples of neglect. Residents who are being neglected may experience dehydration, malnutrition, poor personal hygiene, or untreated health problems.
• Sexual abuse: Unwanted sexual contact can affect both female and male residents. You may want to be on the lookout for unexplained sexually transmitted diseases, bruising around the breasts or genital area, or emotional withdrawal as indicators that your loved one is being sexually abused in their Wichita nursing home.
• Emotional abuse: This type of abuse may include verbal mistreatment, threats, or intimidation that causes emotional distress. Often, these signs can be difficult to recognize but may consist of unusual behavior or changes in mental health.
• Financial exploitation: This type of abuse involves someone illegally taking a resident’s money or assets. If you notice a sudden change in your loved one’s economic situation, such as unexplained withdrawals from bank accounts or missing personal belongings, that could be a red flag that someone is financially exploiting them.

Any of the types of nursing home abuse outlined above can leave lasting scars on elderly residents. This is why it’s important to be on the lookout for unexplained injuries, sudden emotional or behavioral changes, withdrawal, or financial discrepancies. These signs warrant immediate attention.

Steps To Take When You Suspect a Loved One Is Being Treated Abusively

If you suspect nursing home abuse in Wichita, taking immediate action is crucial. Do the following:

• Document evidence, such as photographs of injuries or instances of neglect
• Report the abuse to the facility management
• If necessary, involve law enforcement, especially if you suspect imminent physical danger
• Consult with a Wichita nursing home abuse lawyer who can assess the situation, advise on legal options, and provide the necessary support

Victims of nursing home abuse have legal rights, and an experienced nursing home abuse attorney can help pursue justice through various avenues. Kansas takes nursing home and related abuse very seriously, as clearly outlined in the state’s statutes and regulations regarding eldercare. All eldercare facilities must be licensed by the state of Kansas as either an assisted living facility, residential health care facility, or home plus facility, per the American Health Care Association.

Reporting the abuse to the appropriate authorities ensures that the misconduct is documented and addressed. Filing a lawsuit against the responsible parties, whether it be an individual staff member or the facility where your loved ones reside is a common course of action. One of our nursing home abuse attorneys in Wichita can assist you with that.

The Role of a Wichita Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

At Prochaska, Howell & Prochaska LLC, our dedicated nursing home abuse attorneys serve as beacons of support for families navigating this challenging terrain. Our expertise in elder law and experience in handling abuse cases uniquely position us to advocate for the rights of vulnerable individuals, including older adults.

Our abuse and neglect lawyers understand the intricacies of nursing home regulations and can guide your family through the legal process.

Some specific tasks and responsibilities a nursing home abuse lawyer in Wichita can assist you with include:

• Investigation: They investigate allegations of abuse or neglect by gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing medical records.
• Legal consultation: They provide legal advice to victims or their families regarding their rights and potential legal actions.
• Filing lawsuits: If the evidence supports your claim, your lawyer may file a lawsuit against the nursing home or responsible parties on behalf of you or the victim.
• Negotiation: They engage in negotiations with the opposing party, often seeking a settlement that provides compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages.
• Court representation: If a settlement can’t be reached, your nursing home abuse and neglect lawyer will represent you in court, presenting the case to a judge or jury.
• Advocacy: Nursing home abuse attorneys advocate for the well-being and rights of elderly individuals, ensuring they receive proper care and that responsible parties are held accountable.
• Expert consultation: Your lawyer may consult with medical experts and other professionals to strengthen your case and establish the extent of the harm suffered by the victim.
• Compliance with regulations: You can expect a Wichita nursing home abuse attorney to be knowledgeable about relevant state and federal regulations governing nursing homes, ensuring that your case aligns with legal standards.

Choosing the Right Attorney If a Nursing Care Facility in Sedgwick County Has Harmed You or a Family Member

Selecting the right lawyer can be the key to ensuring a successful case.

Look for attorneys with experience in nursing home abuse cases, a track record of successful outcomes, and a commitment to client advocacy. Schedule consultations with potential lawyers to discuss your case, understand their approach, and gauge their level of empathy and understanding.

In the face of nursing home abuse, a Wichita nursing home abuse lawyer can be a guiding light, offering legal expertise and compassionate support.

The road to justice may be challenging, but with the right legal representation, victims and their families can seek accountability and compensation for the harm endured.

Contact us at Prochaska, Howell & Prochaska LLC today for a free consultation.

Our compassionate legal professionals are ready to stand by your side and fight for a safer, more secure future for your loved ones in nursing care.