Protect Your Loved Ones With Iowa Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys

Last updated on March 7, 2025

When you make the decision to put an elderly parent or a disabled relative in a nursing home, assisted living center or other long-term care administrator, it is fair to expect that they will be properly cared for and treated with respect. Unfortunately, this trust is sometimes violated by negligent or indifferent nursing home employees.

At Slater Law, LLC, our Des Moines nursing home abuse attorneys fight aggressively to protect the rights of nursing home residents and their families. Our attorneys bring more than 40 years of combined experience to our elder abuse practice and understand what it takes to obtain positive results.

Whether you have just recently noticed signs of neglect or you have already confronted the nursing home about what you are seeing, it is important to talk to an experienced attorney as soon as possible.

Nursing Home Neglect And Abuse Is Not Uncommon In Iowa

Tragically, acceptable standards of nursing home care are violated every day across the United States, and Iowa is no exception. We are dedicated to protecting those who are vulnerable to such abuse and neglect and handling a variety of claims on their behalf, including claims involving:

• Bedsores/decubitus ulcers: Painful sores from prolonged pressure, common in bedridden residents
• Falls and fractures: Injuries from falls due to inadequate supervision or unsafe conditions
• Medication errors: Mistakes in administering medications, leading to severe health complications
• Physical and sexual abuse: Serious abuse by caretakers causing lasting trauma

We will pay close attention to the details, thoroughly investigate your case and seek full compensation for both physical and emotional damages. You can rely on us to use our knowledge, skills and resources to obtain a result that takes care of the unique needs your loved one has. We are committed to your needs and will provide you and your family with the best personal service we can.

Abuse and neglect are not limited to nursing homes and can be found in other instances of caregiving. We also assist when loved ones suffer in assisted living facilities or from home health care providers.

Assisted living facilities, offering more independence, can still harbor neglect and unsafe conditions. With the less watchful staff at these homes, residents can suffer serious falls, bedsores or malnourishment.

Home health care providers, who are meant to offer personalized care, can also be negligent, leading to serious harm. Reckless or abusive staff can fail to treat a resident, give them needed medical support or maintain a resident’s hygiene.

Who Can Be Held Liable For Nursing Home Abuse Or Malpractice?

In Iowa, several parties may be liable for nursing home abuse or malpractice, depending on the circumstances:

• Nursing home and care facilities: If a facility fails to provide adequate care due to negligence, understaffing, improper training or failure to conduct background checks on employees, it can be held responsible.
• Individual staff members: Nurses, aides and other caregivers who engage in abuse or neglect may be personally liable for their actions.
• Administrators and owners: Those in charge of the facility may be held accountable if they contribute to an environment that enables abuse through poor management or cost-cutting measures.
• Third-party contractors: If the facility outsources services (such as physical therapy, cleaning or security) and those third-party employees contribute to the abuse or neglect, they may also be liable.
• Medical professionals: Doctors, nurses or other health care providers who commit malpractice in treating a resident may face legal consequences.

Our Iowa nursing home abuse lawyers can help maximize the chances of obtaining justice and compensation for the victim.

What Are Some Signs Of Nursing Home Abuse?

Nursing home abuse can take many forms. Some common signs to watch for include:

• Physical abuse: Unexplained bruises, cuts, burns, broken bones or restraint marks
• Emotional abuse: Withdrawal, depression, anxiety, fearfulness or sudden behavioral changes
• Neglect: Poor hygiene, bedsores, dehydration, malnutrition or unsanitary living conditions
• Financial abuse: Sudden changes in financial accounts, missing personal belongings or unauthorized transactions
• Sexual abuse: Unexplained injuries, sexually transmitted infections or fear of a specific staff member

If any of these warning signs appear, you should take immediate action to help ensure your loved one’s safety.

How Can Loved Ones Report Nursing Home Abuse?

Proper channels for reporting nursing home abuse in Iowa include:

• Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals (DIA): This state agency oversees nursing home regulations. You can file a complaint online or call the Health Facilities Division at 1-877-686-0027.
• Iowa Department of Aging Long-term Care Ombudsman: This office advocates for nursing home residents. You can contact them at 1-866-236-1430.
• Local law enforcement: If abuse involves immediate danger, contact 911 or the local police department.
• Adult protective services (APS): If the resident is considered a dependent adult, you can report abuse to APS at 1-800-362-2178.

Additionally, seeking legal guidance from our nursing home abuse attorney can help you understand your rights and pursue compensation for damages.

You Do Not Have To Handle This Alone

Every case is different, so it is important to get in touch with an experienced Des Moines nursing home malpractice lawyer as soon as possible. We will evaluate the facts carefully in order to help you reach a settlement. Contact us today for a free consultation by using our website or calling 866-412-5937 and start helping your loved ones heal.