Formerly Padberg, Corrigan & Appelbaum

Abuse & Neglect

With more than $250 million recovered in settlements and judgements for our clients, we have the expertise required to resolve even the most complex cases.

St. Louis Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

The St. Louis nursing home abuse and neglect lawyers at Padberg Appelbaum Knepper advocate for people who have been abused or neglected while in the care and custody of others. Our goal is to help victims and their families heal by recovering financial compensation for medical bills and emotional trauma.

Older adults and people with disabilities often fall victim to abuse and neglect, a tragedy fueled by their vulnerability and inability to advocate for themselves. Fortunately, Missouri and Illinois laws protect our loved ones and hold those who fail to provide proper care responsible.

Nursing home abuse is when caretakers harm residents of long-term care facilities, resulting in trauma, medical emergencies and even death. Abuse can take many forms, including physical, sexual, emotional and financial abuse.

Nursing home neglect is when caretakers fail to provide proper care to residents in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and rehabilitation facilities, causing physical injuries or mental health problems as a result.

Over the years, the nursing home abuse lawyers at Padberg Appelbaum Knepper have fought on behalf of our community’s elderly and disabled, and successfully recovered millions of dollars from nursing homes and assisted living facilities. We have the best attorneys for nursing home neglect in St. Louis, MO, treating every client with high-quality, compassionate and caring support throughout the litigation process.

Contact our team today for a free and confidential consultation.

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Notable St. Louis Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Cases

$8,000,000 Judgment

For a resident of a habilitation center in Missouri who was physically abused by a staff member. A judgment was awarded in favor of the victim for both compensatory and punitive damages.

$355,000 Settlement

Against the State of Missouri due to care givers at the state-run Northwest Habilitation Center who failed to provide the required supervision of a 24-year-old man with significant developmental disabilities and the eating disorder pica. The neglect led to the young man’s death. The settlement was the maximum allowed by law at the time.

$354,000 Settlement

For the family of a patient who died while under the care of a mental-health center.

More Cases

FAQs: Questions to ask a nursing home abuse attorney

Click to jump to a question and answer:

What are signs of nursing home abuse and neglect?

Abuse and neglect can take many forms. Physical abuse and sexual abuse are more common and easier to detect due to the physical evidence. However, it can also be emotional abuse, such as public humiliation or embarrassment, or neglect, such as failing to properly supervise someone resulting in injury or death. The abuse can happen in the victim’s home or at a group facility, and the perpetrator frequently is a family member or supervisor.

Common signs include:

  • Injuries, Bruises or Broken Bones
  • Weight Loss or Weight Gain
  • Dehydration or Malnutrition
  • Unsanitary Conditions
  • Bed Sores or Pressure Sores
  • Sepsis
  • Falls
  • Unexplained Death

What should I do if a family member is being abused at a long-term care facility?

The first step a family member should take in a case of suspected nursing home abuse is to remove the victim from the environment. Then, in addition to contacting a nursing home attorney, we advise contacting a state agency or hotline to formally report the abuse.

  • Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services: (800) 392-0210
  • Illinois Adult Protective Services: (866) 800-1409
  • Illinois Department of Public Health Hotline: (800) 252-4343

We also recommend documenting anything that may be relevant to the case. This could include a timeline of occurrences, photographs of any injuries, a list of the caregivers’ names, and a communication log with the caregiver or facility. Additionally, it is important to collect documentation from the care facilities, investigative agencies and medical providers who have provided treatment to the abuse or neglect victim.

Can I sue a nursing home for negligence?

The victim of the abuse or neglect can file a claim. If the person who has been abused or neglected has a legal guardian, the legal guardian must file the claim on behalf of the person. In addition to bringing a claim on behalf of the victim, guardians can also pursue a claim to recover economic losses they have suffered, such as lost wages. Legal grounds for these claims are not limited to residential nursing homes, and claims for abuse or neglect can also be filed for injury caused by in-home assistance and supervision services.

The statute of limitations in Missouri is generally 5 years for cases of neglect and abuse. The statute of limitations in Illinois is generally 2 years for cases of neglect and abuse. Seek the advice of an elder abuse lawyer to better understand the varying elements that might affect deadlines, statutes of limitations, and restrictions on suing a nursing home for negligence.

Examples of the liable parties we can bring a case against include:

  • Assisted living facilities
  • Group homes
  • In-home assistance and supervision services
  • Nursing homes
  • Rehabilitation centers
  • State-run and private facilities

What is the difference between a criminal and civil case?

It is common for criminal and civil cases to proceed simultaneously, as they are carried out by different parties and seek separate outcomes. Criminal cases are investigated by regulatory agencies and will be pursued by police and prosecuting attorneys on behalf of the state. Civil cases will be represented by experienced nursing home negligence attorneys in order to represent the family, seeking financial damages for the victim or victims’ injuries and losses in order to hold the caretaker accountable

What events will the victim of an abuse or neglect case be required to attend?

Adult victims (victims over the age of 18), including persons with disabilities, may have to provide a deposition and attend pretrial conferences and mediations. They may also be required to be present at trial.

How much does an abuse or neglect lawsuit cost?

Our experienced nursing home abuse attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means clients do not pay us fees until or unless we recover compensation for them . Any legal fees or expenses will come out of the damages we recover from your lawsuit. We care first and foremost about pursuing justice and providing compensation to you and your family.

If you suspect that someone has been the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, contact our office today for a free and confidential consultation.

These cases can be incredibly complex, but Padberg Appelbaum Knepper is here to make the process as easy as possible. We have some of the best nursing home neglect lawyers in Missouri to assist you in navigating the legal side of these incidents so your family can focus on healing.

Contact Padberg Appelbaum Knepper today at (314) 621-2900 to see if you have a claim.