St. Louis Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Meet Our Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys

Our team of experienced attorneys has a proven track record in handling nursing home abuse cases.

Leading this team is Eric Terry, a highly respected attorney known for his dedication to elder care rights and experience in nursing home abuse litigation.

Under his leadership, our team works tirelessly to ensure that victims of nursing home abuse and neglect receive the justice they deserve.

Each attorney on our team brings unique strengths and a commitment to supporting families through these sensitive cases.

With a focus on achieving meaningful outcomes, we combine personalized attention with decades of legal experience to empower families and protect vulnerable residents.

Here are some of the other key attorneys at THL who are instrumental in pursuing justice for victims of abuse and negligence:

• Steve Davis: With over 20 years of legal experience, Steve Davis is deeply rooted in the St. Louis community and has a longstanding commitment to protecting those who have suffered due to negligence. His work often involves cases against powerful entities, where his dedication to fair treatment and client advocacy stands out.
• Ken Brennan: Ken Brennan brings over two decades of trial experience to TorHoerman Law. Known for his skill in analyzing defense strategies, Ken’s research acumen and courtroom expertise make him a powerful advocate for those seeking justice against corporate negligence and misconduct.
• Chad Finley: Chad Finley is known for his ability to assess the long-term impacts of injuries on victims, bringing a deep understanding of medical complexities to the legal field. His dedication to securing fair compensation ensures that clients receive the full scope of justice they deserve.
• Tyler Schneider: As managing partner of TorHoerman Law, Tyler Schneider has spent over a decade in high-stakes litigation, always focused on protecting individuals and families. His leadership drives the firm’s client-centered approach, while his deep ties to St. Louis strengthen the firm’s commitment to advocating for the community.
• Alexis Robinson: A recent graduate of Saint Louis University, Alexis Robinson is pivotal in the discovery and research phases of complex cases. Her education and fresh insights bring essential support to the legal team, empowering each case with thorough preparation and a focus on detail.

Each attorney plays an essential role in THL’s commitment to providing compassionate, experienced representation to those seeking justice.

Our Founder: Tor Hoerman

Tor Hoerman founded TorHoerman Law with a clear mission: to represent individuals impacted by negligence and corporate wrongdoing.

With over two decades of experience, he has handled several national litigations that have held major corporations accountable for harm suffered by individuals.

Tor’s approach is direct and client-centered, grounded in transparent legal strategies and a focus on real outcomes.

His leadership has established TorHoerman Law as a respected name in personal injury and mass tort litigation, particularly in the St. Louis area.

Tor remains actively involved in each case, setting a high standard for thorough preparation and attention to detail.

His work and the firm’s success underscore a strong commitment to advocacy that prioritizes clients’ needs and rights.

Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Explained

Assisted living facilities and nursing home facilities have a duty of care to protect residents from harm, yet abuse and neglect in these settings remain significant issues.

Studies show that up to 15.7% of residents in care facilities experience abuse each year, with emotional abuse, physical mistreatment, and neglect being common but often unreported.

Many facilities face challenges like understaffing, inadequate training, and lack of regulatory oversight, all of which contribute to these ongoing issues.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, a significant percentage of nursing home complaints involve neglect, especially affecting those with cognitive or mobility limitations who are unable to advocate for themselves.

Research highlights that understaffed facilities often struggle to meet care standards, which has led to a rise in reported cases of harm, poor sanitary conditions, and serious health issues among residents.

With effective legal recourse, families can hold these facilities accountable for violating their duty of care and seek justice on behalf of their loved ones.

If your loved one has suffered abuse or neglect in a nursing home facility, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit and seek compensation.

Contact the experienced Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys at TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

Use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for a Nursing Home Lawsuit instantly.

Types of Nursing Home Abuse

Nursing home abuse can take many forms, each with serious consequences for residents’ health, safety, and quality of life.

Residents often depend on their caregivers for essential daily needs, making them especially vulnerable to mistreatment.

Abuse in nursing homes frequently goes unreported due to residents’ physical or cognitive limitations and lack of access to family or advocates.

Understanding the various types of abuse helps families recognize warning signs and take action to protect their loved ones.

Types of nursing home abuse include:

• Physical Abuse: Any intentional act that causes physical harm, such as hitting, pushing, or inappropriate restraint, falls under physical abuse. This form of abuse can lead to visible injuries, including bruises, fractures, and even long-term health complications.
• Emotional and Mental Abuse: Emotional abuse involves using threats, insults, isolation, or intimidation to cause psychological distress. This type of abuse can lead to anxiety, depression, and a decline in cognitive function, affecting a resident’s overall well-being.
• Financial Abuse: Financial abuse occurs when a caregiver or facility staff exploits a resident’s financial resources. This includes unauthorized access to bank accounts, theft of personal property, or coercing residents into changing financial documents, often leaving them financially unstable.
• Sexual Abuse: Any form of non-consensual sexual contact, including unwanted touching or sexual assault, is considered sexual abuse. Vulnerable residents, especially those with cognitive impairments, are at a high risk, and the abuse often goes unreported due to residents’ inability to communicate.

Types of Nursing Home Neglect

Neglect in nursing homes can take several forms, each with serious consequences for residents who rely on caregivers to meet their daily needs.

When staff fail to provide essential care, residents may suffer from preventable health complications and diminished quality of life.

Elopement, or unsupervised wandering, is a particularly dangerous form of neglect that puts residents at high risk of injury.

Understanding these types of neglect helps families identify issues early and take action to protect their loved ones.

Types of nursing home neglect include:

• Neglect of Basic Needs: This occurs when staff fail to provide essential daily requirements such as food, water, and clean clothing. Residents facing basic needs neglect may experience dehydration, malnutrition, and hygiene-related health issues.
• Medical Neglect: Medical neglect involves failing to administer prescribed medications, monitor chronic conditions, or respond to medical emergencies. This type of neglect can worsen health conditions, lead to unnecessary pain, and even result in life-threatening situations.
• Neglect of Personal Hygiene: When caregivers neglect personal hygiene needs, such as bathing, dental care, or changing soiled clothing, residents are at risk of infections, skin conditions, and emotional distress due to feelings of uncleanliness and discomfort.
• Social or Emotional Neglect: Social and emotional neglect happens when staff isolate residents, ignore emotional needs, or fail to provide companionship and interaction. This form of neglect often leads to loneliness, depression, and a decline in mental well-being.
• Elopement and Wandering: Elopement, or when a resident wanders unsupervised outside of the facility, is a serious risk that can result in injuries or fatalities. Facilities are responsible for monitoring residents to prevent such incidents, especially for those with cognitive impairments like dementia.

Each type of neglect requires immediate attention and accountability to protect residents’ health and well-being.

How Common is Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse?

Nursing home abuse and neglect are unfortunately widespread and underreported issues, affecting hundreds of thousands of elderly residents each year.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 15.7% of individuals over 60 experience some form of abuse in community settings, and the numbers are thought to be even higher in institutional settings like nursing homes.

The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that psychological abuse is the most common, affecting nearly 1 in 3 older people worldwide in institutional care.

Physical violence, financial exploitation, and neglect are also prevalent, with instances often underreported due to residents’ physical or cognitive limitations, or lack of oversight from family and authorities​.

The issue of underreporting is well-documented.

The WHO estimates that for every case of abuse reported, another 23 go unreported, suggesting that the actual prevalence of abuse and neglect may be much higher.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, regulatory oversight diminished as inspections and family visits were restricted, exposing residents to even greater risks without adequate accountability​.

As advocacy groups and agencies continue pushing for reforms, families and legal advocates play essential roles in holding facilities accountable and ensuring that the rights and safety of elderly residents are protected.

Warning Signs of Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect

Recognizing signs of nursing home abuse or neglect is essential to protecting residents’ well-being, as many may be unable to communicate their experiences.

Family members and loved ones should remain alert to changes in appearance, behavior, and environment that could indicate mistreatment.

The following signs may suggest abuse or neglect within a nursing home setting:

• Physical Indicators: Unexplained bruises, cuts, burns, broken bones, or recurring injuries may point to physical abuse or rough handling. Pressure sores, weight loss, and poor hygiene could indicate neglect, especially if they appear alongside issues like dehydration or untreated medical conditions.
• Behavioral Changes: Sudden withdrawal, fearfulness, or anxiety around specific staff members may signal emotional or physical abuse. Residents may exhibit unusual behaviors, such as rocking or mumbling, that indicate psychological distress due to mistreatment.
• Environmental Red Flags: A facility with dirty or unsafe conditions, strong odors, or lack of necessary medical equipment may be failing in its duty of care. Neglect is often linked to inadequate staffing and sanitation issues, which can lead to more serious health problems for residents.
• Financial Irregularities: Signs of financial abuse include sudden changes in bank account balances, unauthorized withdrawals, missing belongings, or changes to legal documents without explanation. Such incidents may suggest exploitation by staff or others with access to the resident’s finances.
• Social and Emotional Isolation: If residents are prevented from seeing visitors, not allowed to participate in social activities, or discouraged from interacting with other residents, this could indicate emotional abuse or neglect. Isolation may be used as a control tactic and is especially concerning when combined with other signs of mistreatment.
• Medical Neglect: Missed medications, untreated infections, and lack of proper medical care are serious indicators of neglect. If medical devices such as walkers, hearing aids, or glasses are frequently misplaced or damaged, this could further reflect a lack of attentive care.

Detecting these signs early and taking action can be vital in protecting nursing home residents from further harm.

Families and advocates should report any concerning observations to relevant authorities and seek support to ensure their loved ones’ safety and dignity.

If you suspect nursing home abuse, recognize that your family member may be immediate danger.

It’s important to speak up, file reports, and document any signs of abuse or neglect, such as physical injuries, behavioral changes, or poor facility conditions.

Contact your state’s elder abuse hotline, the local ombudsman, or the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services to report abuse.

Consulting an experienced attorney can also help you explore legal options and hold the facility accountable for any harm.

Taking prompt, decisive action is crucial for your loved one’s protection and well-being.

The Process for Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuits in St. Louis

The process for filing a Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit in St. Louis follows a structured approach, focusing on gathering evidence, proving liability, and working within the framework of Missouri’s elder abuse laws.

Missouri statutes, such as the Elder Abuse and Neglect Act (RSMo Chapter 565), outline protections for elderly residents and strict regulations governing the responsibilities of nursing home facilities.

Here’s an overview of how a typical nursing home abuse case proceeds:

1. Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation: The process begins with a consultation, where an attorney reviews the details of the abuse or neglect, gathering information on the facility’s history, the resident’s injuries, and any available evidence. Missouri’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including elder abuse, typically allows up to five years to file a claim. However, initiating legal action promptly is crucial to preserve evidence and strengthen the case.
2. Investigation and Evidence Gathering: Once the case is accepted, the attorney will collect evidence, including medical records, facility inspection reports, witness statements, and any relevant documentation from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), which oversees nursing home regulations. Surveillance footage, facility incident reports, and caregiver employment records can also support claims of neglect or abuse.
3. Filing the Complaint: The attorney formally files a complaint in the appropriate Missouri court, detailing the allegations against the nursing home. The complaint should specify how the facility breached its duty of care under Missouri law, leading to harm. Missouri’s Nursing Home Residents’ Bill of Rights provides a framework for resident protections, and violations can serve as key points in the lawsuit.
4. Discovery Phase: During discovery, both parties exchange information related to the case. This stage includes depositions, interrogatories, and requests for documents. In nursing home abuse cases, discovery often uncovers facility staffing records, training materials, and internal policies, all of which may reveal a history of inadequate care or understaffing—a common factor in abuse or neglect cases.
5. Settlement Negotiations and Mediation: Many nursing home abuse cases are settled outside of court. Attorneys may enter into negotiations with the nursing home’s legal team to reach a fair settlement that compensates for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages. In Missouri, mediation may also be used as an alternative dispute resolution method, especially if both parties aim to avoid a lengthy trial.
6. Trial and Verdict: If a settlement isn’t reached, the case goes to trial. The plaintiff’s attorney will present evidence to demonstrate how the nursing home violated Missouri’s elder abuse laws and failed to meet the required standard of care. The court will review evidence, testimonies, and expert reports before reaching a verdict. If successful, the court may award damages for medical costs, pain and suffering, punitive damages, and other applicable compensations.
7. Post-Trial Actions and Appeals: After a verdict, either party may file an appeal if they believe legal errors affected the outcome. This step involves a review by an appellate court, which may uphold, reverse, or modify the lower court’s decision.

Each step in the lawsuit process follows Missouri’s laws and regulatory standards to ensure that nursing homes are held accountable for negligence or abuse of elderly victims.

Working with an experienced attorney helps ensure the family’s rights are protected, and that the claim adheres to all applicable state laws and deadlines.

If your loved one has suffered abuse and neglect in a nursing facility or elderly care facility, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit and seek compensation.

Contact TorHoerman Law’s team of Elder Abuse Attorneys for a free consultation.

Use the chatbot on this page for an instant case evaluation and to get in touch with our

How Much Does it Cost to Hire an Attorney for Nursing Home Negligence or Abuse?

Hiring an attorney for a nursing home negligence or abuse case doesn’t require any upfront fees at our firm.

We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means our clients only pay if we successfully secure compensation for their case.

This approach allows families to pursue justice without worrying about immediate legal expenses.

Our fees are simply a percentage of the settlement or award, making it financially manageable to seek justice.

With this model, we’re fully invested in achieving the best outcome for every client.

Do You Qualify for a Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit?

Nursing home abuse and neglect have severe impacts on elderly residents, often resulting in physical injuries, emotional trauma, and a decline in overall health.

Nursing home staff members, medical professionals, and facility managers are responsible for creating a safe environment, meeting each resident’s medical, physical, and emotional needs, and preventing harm.

Legally, nursing homes have a duty to uphold a standard of care that protects residents from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

Failures at any point in this duty can lead to Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuits, as families have the ability to seek justice and accountability for the harm their loved ones have suffered.

If your family member has shown signs of abuse or neglect in a nursing home, take immediate action to safeguard their well-being—contact our team to discuss your options for holding the facility accountable and seeking justice.

Contact TorHoerman Law’s team of Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers today for a free consultation.

Use the chatbot on this page to get in touch with our Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys and for an instant case evaluation.

An experienced Nursing Home Attorney can help family members and loved ones through the steps of a lawsuit, including the preliminary tasks of gathering evidence and assessing damages.

Evidence in Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuits

In nursing home abuse lawsuits, “evidence” is the foundation for proving that negligence or abuse occurred, establishing the link between the facility’s actions and the harm suffered by the resident.

Effective evidence demonstrates the extent of abuse, negligence, or systemic failures within the nursing home.

Strong documentation of physical, emotional, or financial harm is crucial for building a compelling case.

Gathering and organizing evidence can empower families to advocate for their loved ones and pursue justice effectively.

Evidence in a Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit may include:

• Medical Records: Collect all medical records, including documentation of injuries, unexplained changes in health, and any treatments that may highlight neglect or abuse.
• Photographic Evidence: Photos of physical injuries, poor living conditions, or unsanitary facilities can provide visual proof of the abuse or neglect.
• Witness Testimonies: Statements from other residents, family members, or facility staff can support the claim and give further insight into what may be occurring within the nursing home.
• Facility Records and Incident Reports: Request copies of facility records, including any incident reports or complaints filed within the facility. These documents can reveal repeated issues and facility responses.
• Expert Testimony: Medical and forensic experts can testify to the physical and psychological impact of the abuse or neglect, strengthening the case by explaining the extent of the harm and linking it to negligent care.
• Ombudsman and Inspection Reports: Any regulatory reports or complaints filed with a state ombudsman or health department provide official documentation of the facility’s violations or deficiencies.

Assessing Damages in Nursing Home Abuse Cases

In nursing home abuse cases, “damages” refer to the monetary compensation awarded to victims or their families for the harm suffered due to negligence or abuse.

Damages aim to address both the immediate and long-term physical, emotional, and financial impacts on the resident.

Compensation may include costs related to medical treatment, emotional suffering, and sometimes punitive damages, which are intended to penalize the facility for its wrongdoing.

Understanding and assessing damages accurately is essential for securing fair compensation that acknowledges the extent of harm and the facility’s role in causing it.

Your Nursing Home Negligence Attorney will help you understand the damages relevant in your case, helping you and your affected family member calculate compensation for the harm suffered.

Potential damages in Nursing Home Abuse cases include:

• Medical Bills: Includes costs for immediate and ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, hospital stays, and specialized treatments required due to injuries or neglect.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional trauma experienced by the resident, often a significant component in abuse and neglect cases.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Addresses the resident’s diminished quality of life, particularly if abuse or neglect led to a decline in physical or mental well-being.
• Punitive Damages: These are awarded to penalize the nursing home for egregious misconduct or gross negligence and serve as a deterrent to prevent future abuse.
• Reimbursement for Personal Property Loss: Covers any personal items lost, stolen, or damaged due to negligence or intentional harm within the facility.
• Legal and Guardianship Fees: Reimbursement for legal fees incurred while pursuing justice, as well as any costs related to guardianship or advocacy for the resident’s rights and safety.

Instances of St Louis Nursing Home Abuse

Multiple nursing homes and assisted living facilities in the St. Louis area have been investigated for abuse and neglect.

St Sophia Health and Rehabilitation Center

An investigative report conducted by the U.S Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services linked two deaths at the Florissant senior care facility to staff negligence.

A nursing home resident died after bleeding to death in 2017.

In 2016, a resident was found dead in a bathtub after being left unsupervised for eight hours.

Autumn View Gardens Assisted Living

The Missouri Dept. of Health and Human Services issued the Creve Coeur nursing home citations after three nursing home residents with dementia were found outside in freezing temperatures.

State inspectors reported that Autumn View staff put residents in imminent danger.

St Louis Place Health and Rehabilitation

The North County nursing home was accused of mishandling a tube feeding that led to a resident’s wrongful death.

The Associated Press reported that an inspection found the resident was fed through a tube in half the time period prescribed and that a nurse failed to adequately monitor the feeding.

St Louis Nursing Home Regulations & Inspections

All St Louis area nursing homes have to meet mandatory state standards.

These regulations determine if senior care facilities are providing safe, high-quality care for all residents.

State regulatory teams inspect nursing homes to evaluate facilities and their staff, procedures, equipment, finances, and policies.

Which Agencies Regulate St Louis Nursing Homes?

St Louis area nursing homes are inspected, regulated, licensed, and certified by multiple public and private agencies.

This includes the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Centers for Medicare Services.

Many St. Louis area nursing homes are also members of national accrediting organizations, such as the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, that assess facilities independently.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services facilitate additional inspections for any senior care facilities that receive government funding.

Nursing homes that do not pass inspection cannot be state-certified.

When searching for a St Louis nursing home, ask for up-to-date inspection reports and certifications.

For additional information about finding a St. Louis Medicare-certified nursing home or a St Louis Medicaid-certified nursing home, visit the official Medicare website.

How Often Are St Louis Area Nursing Homes Inspected?

St Louis area nursing homes are inspected twice every fiscal year [July 1 – June 30] by DHSS.

Medicare and/or Medicaid facilities also require a federal survey once every nine to 15 months.

Care facility inspections are done at random with changes in schedules to make it difficult for staff to anticipate them.

Facilities that have frequent complaints and poor evaluation records are inspected more often.

How Do I File a Complaint Against a St Louis Nursing Home?

To report a case of neglect or abuse in a St Louis area nursing home, call the Missouri DHSS Adult Abuse & Neglect Hotline at 800-392-0210 or file an Administrator Complaint Form.

Complaints can also be sent to bnha@health.mo.gov or by mail to: Board of Nursing Home Administrators, PO Box 570, Jefferson City, MO 65102.

TorHoerman Law: Your St. Louis Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Unexplained injuries, medication errors, and other initial signs of nursing home abuse are not to be ignored.

These issues can indicate a deeper pattern of neglect or mistreatment within the facility, potentially impacting your loved one’s health and safety.

When nursing homes fail to meet their duty of care, they can be held legally accountable for the harm caused to residents.

Our attorneys are experienced in investigating these cases thoroughly, gathering evidence, and building strong claims on behalf of families.

If your family member has been the victim of any type of nursing home abuse, neglect, or negligence, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit and seek compensation.

Contact our Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys today for a free consultation.

Use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for a Nursing Home Abuse Case instantly.