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Expert Legal Support for Victims of Serious Nursing Home Abuse in Des Moines, IA

Thousands of Iowa families trust nursing homes to provide adequate care to vulnerable loved ones. Unfortunately, abuse and neglect are all too common in these facilities.

Dozens of nursing homes in Iowa have received extremely poor ratings from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. When a nursing home is understaffed, has health violations, or overall care quality issues, residents could be more likely to suffer abuse and neglect. However, any nursing home, even those that haven’t been rated poorly, could see abuse within its walls.

If your loved one has experienced abuse or neglect in a nursing home, it is essential to seek justice and hold those responsible accountable. We understand the impact that nursing home abuse can have on your family member’s physical and emotional well-being, and we’re here to help.

At Iowa Lawyers, we’ll work hard to protect your loved ones’ rights. We offer personalized attention and legal strategies to ensure the best possible outcome for your case.

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Proving Our Worth: Case Results

$1.3 million

Workers’ Compensation

Delivery driver assaulted by individual at a delivery location. Driver did not return to work from physical and mental injuries.
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$500,000

Truck Accident

Cement truck driver struck by semi. Back injuries sustained.
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$750,000

Workers’ Compensation

Delivery driver forced off road by passing truck. Injury to back resulting in back surgery.
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$250,000

Personal Injury

Mail delivery person struck by auto, resulting in neck and back injuries.
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Honors and Recognition

What Is Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect?

Nursing home abuse and neglect can take many forms, each with its own warning signs. It’s important to be vigilant and recognize these signs to protect your loved ones. Here are common examples of nursing home abuse and neglect:

Physical Abuse: Intentional use of force that results in bodily injury, pain, or impairment
- Warning Signs: Unexplained bruises, cuts, or welts; fractures or dislocations; signs of restraint such as marks on wrists or ankles; and sudden changes in behavior or fearfulness around certain staff members
Emotional Abuse: Verbal assaults, threats, harassment, or intimidation that cause emotional pain or distress
- Warning Signs: Withdrawal from social interactions, unusual depression or anxiety, sudden changes in mood or personality, and reluctance to speak openly in front of staff
Sexual Abuse: Non-consensual sexual contact of any kind with a nursing home resident
- Warning Signs: Unexplained bruising around the breasts or genital area, sexually transmitted infections, torn or stained undergarments, and sudden changes in behavior such as aggression or fearfulness
Neglect: Failure to provide necessary care, resulting in harm to the resident
- Warning Signs: Poor personal hygiene, untreated bedsores, malnutrition or dehydration, unattended medical needs, and unsafe or unsanitary living conditions
Financial Abuse: Unauthorized or improper use of a resident’s funds, property, or assets
- Warning Signs: Unexplained withdrawals from bank accounts, missing personal belongings, sudden changes in financial documents or wills, and unpaid bills despite having adequate financial resources
Healthcare Fraud and Abuse: False billing, overcharging for medical services, or providing unnecessary treatments
- Warning Signs: Duplicate billing for the same service, discrepancies between the resident’s medical records and actual treatment received, and unnecessary medical procedures
Abandonment: Desertion of a resident by someone responsible for their care
- Warning Signs: Resident being left alone in public places, sudden transfer to another facility without a clear explanation, and lack of necessary care when staff are absent
Self-Neglect: Behavior by a resident that threatens their own health or safety, often due to declining mental or physical health
- Warning Signs: Poor personal hygiene, unsanitary living conditions, untreated medical conditions, and hoarding behaviors

Nursing Home Resident Rights in Iowa

At Mueller, Schmidt, Mulholland & Cooling, we are committed to protecting the rights of nursing home residents. Understanding these rights can help ensure that you or your loved one receives the care and respect they deserve. Here is an overview of the key rights of Iowa nursing home residents:

Information and Communication

Residents have the right to:
• Be fully informed about available services, their costs, and facility rules
• Access state survey reports and plans of correction
• Receive advance notice of any room or roommate changes
• Obtain assistance for sensory impairments and information in a language they understand

Complaints

Residents have the right to:
• Present grievances without fear of reprisal and have them promptly addressed
• Complain to the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman
• File complaints with the state survey and certification agency

Personal Care and Treatment

Residents have the right to:
• Receive adequate and appropriate care
• Be informed of any changes in their medical condition
• Participate in their own care planning and treatment decisions
• Refuse medication and treatment, as well as chemical and physical restraints
• Review their own medical records
• Be free from charges for services covered by Medicaid or Medicare

Privacy and Confidentiality

Residents have the right to:
• Private communication with anyone they choose
• Privacy during treatment and personal care
• Confidentiality of their medical, personal, and financial information

Transfers and Discharges

Residents have the right to:
• Remain in the facility unless a transfer or discharge is necessary for their welfare, health improvement, or to protect others
• Receive a 30-day notice of transfer or discharge, including the reason and information about the right to appeal
• Ensure a safe transfer or discharge with adequate preparation

Dignity, Respect, and Freedom

Residents have the right to:
• Be treated with dignity, respect, and consideration
• Be free from abuse, corporal punishment, and involuntary seclusion
• Control their life decisions and ensure their possessions are safe and secure

Visitation

Residents have the right to:
• Visits from personal physicians, state survey agency representatives, and the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman
• Visits from relatives, friends, and other chosen individuals
• Visits from organizations providing health, social, legal, or other services
• Refuse visitors if they choose

Independence

Residents have the right to:
• Make personal decisions about daily activities, such as what to wear and when to sleep
• Have their needs and preferences reasonably accommodated
• Choose their own physician
• Participate in community activities inside and outside the facility
• Organize and participate in a Residents’ Council
• Manage their own financial affairs
Understanding and asserting these rights can help ensure a safe, respectful, and supportive environment in nursing homes. If you have any concerns about maintaining these rights, please contact the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman for assistance.

Don’t let your accident become a burden. Let us fight for your rights and secure the compensation you deserve! Call Now:

(515) 316-3019

Hear From Our Satisfied Clients: Real-Life Success Stories From Our Nursing Home Abuse Cases

The attorneys at Mueller, Schmidt, Mulholland, & Cooling help me understand and keep me up-to-date on everything with my case this law firm is top-notch if you need a law firm to fight for you this one is the best in the state. I thank the partners at Mueller, Schmidt, Mulholland, Cooling for having such talented lawyers on their team, and their hard work and dedication to my case

Professional, responsive, and most diligent individuals I have ever had the pleasure of working with on my case. This firm gets the job done and they care legitimately about their clients. Anyone who loves chihuahuas as much as me has to be a great person. I would recommend this firm to everyone.

I was in a bad situation after a work injury and wasn’t sure if my employer was trying to do things that weren’t legal in regard to my medical care and returning to work too soon. A friend of mine put me in contact with Mueller, Schmidt, Mulholland & Cooling. They were extremely helpful and very quick to contact me, ask and answer questions, and help me with my case. I appreciate all they do and for taking me seriously!

I was recently in a car accident which was a traumatizing experience. However, I got in contact with Mueller, Schmidt, Mulholland & Cooling and never looked back. Everyone was friendly and they reassured me things would work out. They turned a stressful experience to nothing at all. I would recommend to others in the area

Seeking Justice for Your Loved Ones

If you suspect nursing home abuse in Des Moines, Iowa, take immediate action to protect your loved ones and seek justice. Here are the steps you should take:

Document Any Signs of Abuse: Keep a detailed record of any physical, emotional, or financial signs of abuse. Take photographs of any injuries, write down any concerning behaviors or incidents, and gather any relevant documents.
Report the Abuse: Contact the appropriate authorities to report the suspected abuse. In Iowa, you can report nursing home abuse to the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals or the Iowa Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program.
Seek Medical Attention: If your loved one has suffered physical harm, seek immediate medical attention to ensure their well-being. Medical documentation can also serve as evidence in a nursing home abuse case.
Consult With an Experienced Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer: Speak with a skilled attorney who specializes in nursing home abuse cases. They can provide guidance, assess the strength of your case, and help you pursue justice and compensation.

If your loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse, they may be entitled to compensation. Compensation can help cover medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other damages. The available compensation for nursing home abuse victims may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case.

Choosing the Right Nursing Home Abuse Attorney

When it comes to cases of nursing home abuse, finding the right attorney is crucial. A skilled and experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that your loved one receives the justice they deserve. Here are some key qualities to look for in a nursing home abuse lawyer:

Expertise in Similar Cases: It is important to choose an attorney who knows nursing home abuse cases. These attorneys have the knowledge and experience necessary to handle the unique complexities of these cases.
Compassion and Empathy: Dealing with nursing home abuse can be emotionally challenging. Look for an attorney who shows genuine compassion and empathy towards you and your loved one. They should be able to provide support and reassurance throughout the legal process.
Strong Communication Skills: Effective communication is essential in any attorney-client relationship. Your attorney should be a good listener, able to understand your concerns and keep you informed about the progress of your case.
Proven Track Record: Look for an attorney who has a successful track record in handling nursing home abuse cases. A lawyer with a history of favorable outcomes demonstrates their ability to effectively advocate for their clients.

Experience plays a crucial role in handling nursing home abuse cases. Attorneys with experience in this area understand the unique challenges and nuances involved. They are familiar with the relevant laws and regulations and have the skills necessary to build a strong case on your behalf.

Contact a Des Moines Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

If your loved one has been mistreated in an Iowa nursing home, don’t hesitate to contact our team. Based in Des Moines, we often travel throughout the state to meet with our clients.

We can help you and your loved one find the best path forward. Contact us today for a free consultation.