Nursing Home Negligence

The experienced attorneys at Daniel J. Matula, PC are dedicated to protecting and vindicating the rights of our vulnerable elders by pursuing nursing home negligence claims on behalf of plaintiffs throughout the Kansas City area.  Whether your loved one is under the care of a facility in Kansas or Missouri, he or she is protected from abuse and neglect by law. While crimes by nursing home employees are prosecuted by the criminal justice system, victims of abuse are also eligible to sue the perpetrators through a private civil action.  

Elders under the care of a nursing home or other facility are especially vulnerable to abuse because due to advanced age or physical or mental health, they may not even realize they are being abused, or may struggle to articulate or explain the situation to family members.  For these reasons, it is important to monitor the health, mood, or mental conditions of any elder family member who may be at risk of abuse or negligence.  Possible warning signs include: 

• Fractured hips or other bones broken due to falls
• Pressure ulcers
• Infections
• Unnecessary restraints
• Evidence of overmedication, such as persistent drowsiness
• Depression or mood swings
• Poor hygiene
• Dirty sheets or clothing
• Unexplained weight loss

In the unfortunate event that these or other warning signs appear, our attorneys can help. Firm founder Daniel J. Matula is an AV-rated lawyer with more than forty years of experience in the practice of law, while associate Marilyn Dymer holds a Master's in Nursing Education, and has worked in a variety of health care-related fields. Ms. Dymer's background includes working in geriatric care and community nursing, giving her an in-depth understanding of the intricate legal and medical issues that can prove critical to the success of a claim for nursing home negligence. 

Plaintiffs in nursing home negligence lawsuits are typically permitted by law to recover damages for any medical expenses that resulted from the abuse, as well as non-economic damages such as pain, suffering, and emotional distress.  If the abuse or neglect was particularly egregious or malicious, the plaintiff may also be able to recover additional punitive damages.  As with any personal injury claim, available damages vary depending upon the jurisdiction. 

For details about the laws governing your particular case, contact Daniel J. Matula, PC today for a free initial consultation.  We take all cases on a contingency fee basis; under this type of arrangement, the client pays no fees until after the lawsuit has been successful.