Missouri Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit Settlements

If your loved one was mistreated in a Missouri nursing home, you have legal options. At Nursing Home Law Center, we have recovered substantial Missouri nursing home abuse lawsuit settlements for families affected by abuse, neglect, and wrongful death.

We understand how overwhelming it can be to learn that a nursing home failed to protect someone you care about. Our experienced attorneys handle these cases with compassion and determination, helping families seek justice and hold facilities accountable. If you’re ready to take legal action, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Settlement and Verdicts Recovered by Our Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers

With years of experience, our Missouri nursing home abuse lawyers have successfully handled hundreds of nursing home neglect cases across the state, securing meaningful compensation for victims and their families.

• $2,333,000 Settlement – Linda, a nursing home resident in Missouri, was one of two women sexually assaultedby a certified nursing assistant. The facility failed to conduct background checks or respond to prior complaints. A thorough investigation with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services revealed widespread staff negligence, increasing the case value.
• $2,150,000 Settlement – Martha’s family filed a wrongful death claim after she developed infected bedsores and died from sepsis in a Missouri nursing home. Records showed missed wound care, falsified charts, and understaffing. Findings from state survey inspections strengthened the claim and led to a significant settlement before trial.
• $1,700,000 Settlement – After a preventable fall left Charles with a subdural hematoma and fractured hip, his family discovered the Missouri nursing home had failed to follow fall prevention protocols. Staffing logs and witness testimony confirmed insufficient care. The severity of his physical injuries and permanent cognitive decline influenced the settlement amount.

What Types of Financial Compensation Can Be Recovered Through Nursing Home Abuse Settlements?

Nursing home abuse lawsuit settlements often include several types of compensation to help victims and families recover from the harm done. These settlements can cover both financial losses and emotional suffering, depending on the facts of the case and the extent of the resident’s injuries.

Medical Expenses

Settlements often reimburse past and future medical bills, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and specialized medical treatment related to nursing home injuries. In more serious cases, compensation may also include long-term rehabilitation costs, in-home care, and follow-up visits with medical experts to support the resident’s recovery.

Emotional Distress

Abuse or neglect in a nursing home often leads to lasting emotional trauma, especially for elderly residents who may already be vulnerable. Compensation for emotional distress accounts for psychological harm such as anxiety, depression, and fear, and reflects the emotional toll suffered by both the nursing home patient and their family members.

Relocation Costs

After confirmed abuse or neglect, many families choose to transfer their loved one to a safer facility. A nursing home abuse settlement can include compensation for relocation costs, such as moving expenses, application fees, and the cost of transitioning to a new care environment that better supports the resident’s well-being.

What Is the Average Settlement for Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect in Missouri?

Based on Law.com’s VerdictSearch, the average settlement or verdict in a Missouri nursing home abuse or neglect case is $477,640, with a median of $355,000. Reported case values range from as little as $26,401.40 to as much as $1,385,000, depending on the details of each case.

Several factors influence the compensation awarded in a nursing home abuse settlement:

• Severity of the victim’s injuries: Cases involving wrongful death, head trauma, or permanent disability often result in higher payouts.
• Type of abuse or neglect: Claims involving physical abuse, emotional abuse, or medical negligence tend to carry more weight, especially when paired with strong medical records and eyewitness accounts.
• Facility’s history and conduct: Patterns of improper care, poor staffing, or prior state regulation violations can increase liability and settlement pressure on the facility.
• Supporting evidence: Strong documentation, including staffing records, medical experts’ testimony, and inspections by relevant authorities, can significantly strengthen the case.
• Legal representation: Families represented by an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer often see higher compensation.

Example Nursing Home Lawsuit Settlements and Verdicts

$1,385,000 Settlement – Malnutrition and Wrongful Death of Elderly Woman

Byrline Stephens, 84, was admitted to McDonald County Nursing Center after showing signs of depression and cognitive decline. Over 75 days, she suffered extreme weight loss, dehydration, malnutrition, and developed decubitus ulcers, ultimately dying from a blood infection and gangrene. Despite significant medication changes, her physician visited her only three times. 

Facility records showed neglect in monitoring her nutrition and fluid intake. The Department of Aging cited the facility for multiple violations after her transfer and death. Her adult children sued several parties, including the nursing home, physician, pharmacy, and dietitian. The defendants settled the wrongful death case for $1,385,000.

$1,000,000 Settlement – Dementia Patient Struck by Vehicle After Wandering Off Premises

Robert Beale, 80, a dementia patient recently released from psychiatric care, walked out of Bristol Manor residential care facility and was struck by a car, suffering multiple fractures and a closed-head injury. He died after nearly two months in medical care. 

His children alleged the manager failed to properly assess or monitor him, ignored his history of wandering, and neglected to activate door alarms. Evidence showed the manager was inexperienced and lacked proper training. Beale’s children claimed negligence and wrongful death against the facility. The parties reached a $1 million settlement at mediation.

$785,000 Jury Award – Amputation Following Delay in Treatment of Broken Leg

Etgers, a 94-year-old bedridden nursing home patient, was pushed from her bed by another resident with dementia, breaking her leg. Despite medical instructions to closely monitor her injury, staff failed to record any observations for over a week. She developed gangrene, which led to an above-the-knee amputation. 

The facility, partially owned by the treating physicians, argued that the injury was monitored, but documentation lapsed. A jury found the nursing home negligent, awarding $585,000 in compensatory damages and $200,000 in punitive damages, totaling $785,000.

What Types of Elder Abuse and Neglect Can Be Grounds for a Nursing Home Lawsuit?

Elder abuse in Missouri nursing homes can take many forms, from physical violence to neglect and financial exploitation. Each type of abuse can cause serious harm to a resident’s health, safety, and dignity, and may give rise to a nursing home abuse lawsuit.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse involves the use of force that causes pain, injury, or lasting damage to a nursing home resident. This may include hitting, pushing, slapping, or the improper use of restraints. Unexplained bruises, fractures, or head trauma can be red flags of this type of abuse.

Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse includes verbal insults, threats, humiliation, intimidation, or isolation that causes psychological harm. Common signs may include anxiety, withdrawal, depression, or sudden behavioral changes. Though it may not leave physical marks, the emotional distress it causes can be devastating, and it can be included as a key element in a nursing home abuse settlement.

Financial Abuse

Financial exploitation involves the unauthorized use of a resident’s funds or property. This can include forged checks, coerced transfers, or misuse of power of attorney. Families may notice missing belongings, altered financial records, or unpaid medical bills. Victims of financial abuse may be entitled to financial support for stolen assets and related losses.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse refers to any non-consensual sexual contact or behavior toward a nursing home patient. Victims are often those with cognitive impairments who cannot give informed consent. This form of abuse may involve staff, visitors, or even other residents. Facilities can be held liable for poor supervision, hiring practices, or failure to act on prior complaints.

Neglect 

Nursing home neglect occurs when staff fail to provide proper care, leading to physical or emotional harm. Examples include poor hygiene, untreated bedsores, malnutrition, and dehydration. A thorough investigation and review of staffing records and care plans often reveal systemic failures in nursing home operations.

Medical Malpractice

When nursing home staff or affiliated medical providers make errors that result in injury or death, it may constitute medical negligence. Common examples in Missouri nursing homes include overmedication, misdiagnosis, or failing to treat severe conditions. Strong medical records and expert testimony are key to proving these cases and recovering compensatory and punitive damages.

Wrongful Death

If a resident dies due to improper care, surviving family members may pursue justice through a wrongful death claim. These cases often involve multiple shortcomings, such as untreated infections, neglect of fall risks, or failure to respond to medical emergencies. Compensation may include funeral costs, medical expenses, and loss of companionship or emotional support for the victim’s estate.

What Are Missouri’s Nursing Home Abuse Laws?

Missouri law provides clear definitions of nursing home neglect, outlines the time limits for filing claims, and assigns responsibility to several state agencies for oversight and enforcement.

According to § 198.006 of Missouri’s Revised Statutes:

• Abuse is defined as the infliction of physical, sexual, or emotional injury or harm.
• Neglect refers to the failure to provide care, services, or supervision necessary to maintain the well-being of a nursing home resident.

Missouri’s statute of limitations varies depending on the type of case. Victims of personal injury, including most abuse and nursing home neglect cases, typically have five years to file a lawsuit under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 516.120. Claims involving medical malpractice, such as medication errors or misdiagnosis, must be filed within two years, according to Mo. Rev. Stat. § 516.105. 

In cases involving wrongful death, family members have three years from the date of the resident’s death to bring legal action under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 537.100. Missing these deadlines may prevent victims or families from obtaining financial relief, so timely legal advice is essential.

Several state agencies regulate, inspect, and respond to complaints involving Missouri nursing homes:

• Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS): The DHSS is the primary oversight agency responsible for inspecting long-term care facilities, investigating abuse reports, and enforcing state regulations.
• Section for Long-Term Care Regulation (SLCR): A division of the DHSS, the SLCR conducts inspections, maintains licensing, and investigates alleged abuse or neglect in licensed facilities. They work with the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to ensure compliance.
• Missouri Elder Abuse Hotline: If you suspect nursing home abuse or neglect, reports can be made 24/7 to the DHSS Adult Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800-392-0210.

How to File a Nursing Home Lawsuit in Missouri

Book an Initial Consultation

The legal process begins with a free case review where you can share details about your loved one’s experience. We’ll assess the situation, explain your legal rights, and determine whether there’s a viable claim. There’s no obligation and no financial risks.

Our Legal Team Will Gather Evidence to Support the Claim

We conduct a detailed investigation, collecting vital evidence, including medical records, facility inspection reports, and eyewitness accounts. We may also consult with expert witnesses to document your loved one’s injuries, patterns of improper care, and how the abuse or neglect occurred.

Nursing Home Settlement Negotiation Process or Trial

Once we’ve built a strong case, we’ll pursue a settlement agreement through negotiations with the facility’s attorneys or insurance providers. If a fair offer isn’t made, we’re ready to go to trial. Our goal is always to secure the maximum compensation your family deserves.

Book a Free Consultation With Our Law Firm

If your loved one has suffered due to nursing home abuse or neglect, we’re here to help. Our law firm has a proven track record of securing a favorable outcome for families seeking justice for their loved ones’ suffering in Missouri nursing homes. 

There are no upfront costs. Contact us today to speak with a nursing home abuse lawyer and take legal action to hold the responsible parties accountable.