In a recent nursing home neglect case in which a 76-year-old woman died, an Arkansas jury returned a unanimous verdict against the nursing home and awarded the victim’s family $5.2 million. The woman died when nursing center staff failed to follow a doctor’s order to have the woman transported to a hospital emergency room to treat severe abdominal pains.

The Arkansas case should serve as a wake-up call to the many St. Louis residents that have a parent or family member living in a St. Louis nursing home. More than 3 million older adults now reside in nursing homes. As Baby Boomers move into their 70s and 80s, nursing home admissions are expected to increase dramatically, placing an even greater burden on elder care facilities that are already dangerously understaffed.

As nursing home enrollments have increased, so have reports of nursing home abuse and neglect. In a survey of nursing home residents, 44% said they had been abused and 95% said they had been neglected or seen another resident neglected. Of even greater concern, studies have found that for every incident of nursing home abuse or neglect that is reported, an estimated 10 to 24 incidents go unreported.

If you suspect a parent or loved of being abused or neglected by nursing home staff of believe he/she has been the victim of nursing home malpractice, contact an experienced St. Louis personal injury lawyer to protect your family member’s health, safety and well-being.