Nursing home facilities are meant to provide care and comfort to their residents. If your loved one has suffered neglect or mistreatment in such a setting, you can hold the negligent facility liable and recover compensation for the harm done.
Understanding the types of damages that may be available for nursing home abuse victims can provide clarity and empower you to protect your loved one’s rights and seek justice.
Economic and non-economic damages
Compensation is meant to make the victim whole again, as much as money can. Economic damages cover the monetary losses like medical expenses from the harm sustained in the facility, the cost of therapy or rehabilitation and even future care needs that result from the abuse.
Emotional distress, pain and suffering are also considered in nursing home abuse cases, given the profound mental and emotional impact that abuse can leave behind. Your loved one is entitled to compensation for the invisible psychological effects of their ordeal.
Punitive damages
Nursing home abuse victims may also recover punitive damages. Juries award these damages in exceptional cases to punish the facility for reckless disregard. It also deters other facilities from such negligence.
Are there damage caps in Missouri?
Economic damages in nursing home abuse claims are not capped in Missouri. However, non-economic and punitive damages may be subject to specific legal limits, depending on the circumstances of your case.
Knowing the damages you can recover is essential to protecting your rights, but actualizing it can be complex. Remember, facilities and their insurers often fight to protect their interests. The outcome often hinges on presenting a solid, well-documented case.
Having clear evidence, detailed records, and proper legal guidance can make a significant difference in securing a favorable settlement.