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How to ensure your loved one avoids nursing home abuse

Care Worker Mistreating Elderly Man

The Hurricane Harvey photo of the nursing home with elderly residents sitting knee-deep in brown flood waters — well, you have to wonder. What happened to the staff?

Probably a lot of folks are asking that question, especially in Texas.

The outcry on social media assured us these elderly victims of Hurricane Harvey were indeed evacuated.  But, seriously,  wasn’t there enough staff  and resources to prevent this catastrophe from happening in the first place?

Why weren’t the residents moved out of the path of such a dangerous storm?

I’m not going to cry abuse. Who knows all of the surrounding circumstances?  Hurricane Harvey was beyond the scope of a “normal” event.  Heart-breaking! What if that was MY mom sitting helplessly in a flooded home?

Sadly, elder abuse and neglect in Missouri and nationwide is a tragic problem!  A recent article in The Kansas City Star highlights one major aspect of this hidden problem – sexual abuse.  http://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article146106369.html

According to this article,  the sexual abuse of seniors  often gets filed under general abuse and neglect claims or not reported at all. It’s really difficult to put an accurate number on this problem. Chances are, sexual abuse is under-reported.

Why do senior abuse and neglect issues get little attention?

When dementia or other mental degeneration exists, abuse problems can be hard to validate.  My own grandfather suffered from  Lewy body dementia.  His mind took wild trips to places and scenarios that couldn’t even possibly exist!

Seniors can be very frail and prone to falls, but  very determined to continue living life as they wish.

Just this week, a friend’s elderly dad fell again in the bathroom.  Despite 24-7 care, this fall would have been difficult to prevent.  Respecting his privacy is a challenge for all involved!

The voices of nursing home abuse victims sometimes fail to get heard or taken seriously.  Abuse victims across all walks of life have to fight to get heard. Like children, the elderly are especially likely to be ignored if they complain of abuse. Shame silences voices, too.

Nursing home facilities are often understaffed and  the staff underpaid.

We’ve seen this first-hand, even in a very decent  assisted living facility.  The caregiver on duty would inevitably be floating between several rooms. It could take a while for help to arrive.

Once, when we arrived  and found our relative sitting in a dirty diaper,  we immediately took action.  The requested help came with an apologetic  explanation about a staff member leaving early.  The assistant was polite and kind.

 What can you do to make sure your loved one is getting proper care?

Check on your loved one frequently. Getting acquainted with the nursing staff helps. Knowing that someone else is watching over their care makes a difference.  It’s a way of quietly ensuring quality care.

If you live out of state, hopefully collaborate with a nearby relative to keep eyes on your loved one.

Treat your loved one’s caregivers with kindness and respect. It’s a hard job! Just like an appreciative boss is easier to work with, so are appreciative clients.  Use good manners and polite words. Your kindness could create an attitude of paying it forward to your loved one!

Look for warning signs of nursing home abuse.  Here are a few.

  • Staff that is rude or impatient with the elderly
  • Long delays in getting requested help
  • Failure of staff to communicate with the family
  • Frequent bruises or signs of injuries
  • Facilities that are often dirty

If you even suspect your loved one is experiencing abuse or neglect in a Missouri nursing home or assisted living home,  you need a free legal consultation right away! Don’t let possible  elder abuse slide through the cracks!

http://steimel-law.com/nursing-home.html

An experienced, caring nursing home abuse attorney is waiting for your call at The Law Offices of Nathan A. Steimel, LLC.  Call 636-244-3737 today!

 

 

 

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5 ways to avoid personal injury on an ATV or motorcycle

The invention of the wheel changed people’s lives forever.

Our obssession with wheels and travel keeps evolving.

We go further and faster than any previous generation. The flip side of the coin is that few of us get through life without some sort of personal injury due a car or motorcyle accident.

I’ll never forget the day my brother’s set of wheels failed him!

We’re talking two wheels here. In fact, it was a souped-up bicycle with an actual motor attached.  He didn’t have to waste good energy pedaling.  It saved him extra exhaustion from the summer’s heat while he commuted to do yard work for clients a few miles away. (When you’re competing with older siblings for a ride to work, having your own wheels is a real plus!)

Unfortunately, he experienced a mechanical failure that sent him face first into a gravel driveway.

No bones were broken, but a faceful of imbedded gravel is super painful! Thankfully, there were no serious lasting injuries. Just a few facial scars.

Mechanical failure is one cause of car and motorcycle accidents.

Unfortunately,  the most common motorcycle and ATV accidents happen due to human failure — mistakes in judgment or carelessness.

Kids, country living, room to roam — add wheels to the mix, and you have the recipe for personal injuries that could be life-changing!

A friend I know was a best man at a wedding years ago. The night before the wedding, to celebrate,  friends and the groom-to-be took a rip-roaring spin through the fields and woods. No alcohol was involved.  Just speed-lovin’ guys and their wheels…

The bride will never forget that her groom arrived at the wedding with his arm in a cast and his ribs taped.

Again, it could have been so much worse.  Thankfully, none of his groomsmen suffered permanent injuries, and the groom recovered!

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports  over 1,700 deaths in 2014 due to motorcycle crashes alone.  Close to 2,000 injuries were reported.  https://www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/MSHPWeb/SAC/crash_data_motorcycle_960grid.html

This does not include any statistics for ATVs or other offroad vehicles that young people love to use.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission data reports show that nationwide fatal ATV accidents have reduced significantly since 2006. The average for adult deaths per year ranges around 564 adult ATV-related deaths and 123 children.

If your young person is going to enjoy some offroading fun on a motorcycle or ATV, here are some safety pointers to review:  ( see https://onsafety.cps.gov)

1.) Get training on how to use the ATV from an experienced instructor.

Like me, you may know very little about operating an ATV. You need a teacher who knows what they are talking about and can show you or your young person the ropes in a hands-on way!

2.) Like a motorcyclist or any cyclist, you should always wear your helmet!

Just do it.  Head injuries account for almost 30% of personal injuries due to ATV accidents.  Would you really choose a wheelchair to be your next set of wheels? Imagine a brain injury that takes away your child’s ability to work or take care of himself!

3.) Maybe you’re working on that farmer’s tan, but wear protective clothing, too!

Long sleeves, long pants, protective eyewear — these are all smart moves to help protect against personal injury.

4.) Don’t overload the motorcycle or ATV! 

Seriously, unless you’re in a third world country and this is your ride to work, no crowds allowed!

5.) Last but not least, don’t let your smaller young person drive an adult-sized ATV!

Kids die in these accidents. Trying to drive a 600lb +vehicle  is a far cry from riding a bicycle. These wheels are FAST and HEAVY.  Even your super-kid with common sense may find themselves overwhelmed and unprepared.

Your friends at The Law Offices of Nathan A. Steimel, LLC want to encourage you to avoid needing a personal injury lawyer.  However, if you or your child have suffered a personal injury in an ATV or motorcycle accident due to someone else’s negligence, you need legal help!

You will receive meticulous attention and a free evaluation of your personal injury case at The Law Offices of Nathan A. Steimel, LLC.  They will aggressively pursue your rights to compensation.

To schedule your free consultation call The Law Offices of Nathan A. Steimel, LLC at 636-244-3737.

http://steimel-law.com/personal-injury.html

 

 

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Drive to survive — don’t let an auto accident eclipse your weekend plans!

St. Louis and the surrounding areas are preparing a PARTY to celebrate the first total eclipse viewing in our region since 1442!  This predates Columbus.  The excitement is building!

With 1.6 million residents in the St. Louis area alone, this is going to be one massive celebration when you consider the guest list.  EVERYBODY and their uncle is invited.

Not only that, the party stretches over multiple counties and towns. Visitors and locals alike have an amazing array of events to choose from.

People are going to go places. Crowded streets and highways are a sure bet!  Tempers flare. Then we have trouble.

Car accidents and injuries are also a sure bet in crowded conditions.

Area hospitals and emergency centers have been laying in extra supplies.  Public service workers, officers, and emergency management teams are prepping as well.

No one wants trouble. While you can’t control those around you on the crowded roads, you can also certainly take precautions. 

If you plan to be out and about this coming weekend,  here are some common sense ways to prep.  C’mon! You KNOW you want to enjoy the fun!

1.) Avoid the main roads if possible.

It’s okay. Take the scenic route. You may get there faster, anyways!

Being a local, you have the edge. You probably know the back roads and multiple ways to get to where you want to go. So plan that extra time and spare yourself some headache.

2.)  If you’re going somewhere unfamiliar,  map out your adventure!

Guess what? With so many people converging on an  already crowded area, some states are expecting cell towers to be overloaded. You may have trouble with your GPS!  Plan ahead and bring a paper map. If you can’t find one (age of dinosaurs, he, he), print out your directions from an online mapping service.

Besides learning about astronomy with your family in living technicolor,  you can take them back to the days of Columbus! Teach them how to read a map.

Map out multiple routes, and don’t forget to plan your way home!

3.) Pack your own emergency supplies!

Obviously, you may already be bringing a picnic lunch. You’ve already got your solar viewing glasses, too, right.  (See what NASA says about eye safety in the link below.)

https://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEhelp/safety2.html

Add to it! Extra water, extra food, road flares, and first aid supplies — you can’t go wrong. If you don’t need it, you may be a friend in need is a friend indeed to someone else.

4.) Don’t forget about prepping your car!

Got a full tank of gas, oil, and coolant? A quick peek under the hood before you leave could make big difference in your day.  Your family will love you more if you don’t run out of gas!

Walk around and check the tires.  AAA will rescue you, but you might be in a long line for the tow truck, too!

5. ) Plan to keep your cool.

Crowds are more stressful for some of us than for others, true?  If you find yourself in a fender-bender or a minor car accident,  take a deep breath.

You may not be able to watch the eclipse from your top choice of viewing locations, but it will still happen!  No one stops an eclipse.

If you plan for the worst (bring your car accident lawyer’s number with you), you will know exactly what to do. Reach for the phone.  If there is personal injury involved, you already know the drill — call 911 first.  Then call your experienced St. Louis car accident attorney:

http://steimel-law.com/personal-injury-carcrash.html

Take another deep breath.  Wherever you are,  check your watch and gaze in awe at the skies.  You can munch on some of those extra snacks while you wait.

It’s a once-in-a-lifetime moment.  Make sure you don’t miss it!

If you’re traveling in the St. Louis, Missouri area, you need your best St. Louis attorney in your phone contact list as an added emergency safeguard.  Better safe than sorry!

Call The Law Offices of Nathan A. Steimel, LLC anytime to get meticulous, aggressive and accessible legal help. (636) 244-3737

This website is designed for general information only. The information presented on this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice or the formation of a lawyer/client relationship.

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Zero tolerance laws and your teen driver

Parents of a tween? Who’s ready for them to drive? Any hands raised? Um, not mine!

Reality check — one day I’m going to blink and my daughter’s going to be a teenager proudly flaunting her very own driver’s license.  I can feel my hair turning grey just thinking about it.

Now’s the time to start educating your up and coming driver about the dangers they face when they get behind the wheel.

Let’s put alcohol near the top of that list of dangers! You don’t have to parent too long before you start hearing the horror stories.  Tragically, one in ten highschoolers drink and drive according to Center for Disease Control.(https://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/teendrinkinganddriving/index.html)

GOOD NEWS!  Teen drinking and driving has reduced more than 50% since the 1990s. 

Zero tolerance laws may play a role in this.  I also like to think that parents are stepping up to the plate and educating their teens.

Hello! I didn’t even know about zero tolerance laws before researching and writing this post . Drinking and driving has never been an issue in my family, so I just hadn’t paid attention.  I’d like to hope drinking and driving never will be an issue for us, but our kids don’t come with guarantees, do they?

You need to be armed and ready with the facts about Missouri law and teen drinking and driving! 

FACT # 1: Zero tolerance laws for drinking and driving under age 21 exist in all fifty states, not just Missouri.

Moving to Illinois will not help! Moving anywhere will not help.  Tell your teen home sweet home is still the best option (or dorm sweet dorm).

FACT #2: Beware of one beer! That’s right. One measly beer and driving could seriously mess up your teen’s life and plans. ONE glass of wine, one cup of hard cider — you name it. Zero tolerance means zero.
NO blood alcohol content permitted!

FACT #3: Under zero tolerance laws, consequences are harsh!  Take a minute to read your teens this news, even if you get the eyerolls.
One online driving course for teens (www.teendrivingcourse.com) listed the following possible results of a first time DUI offense in Missouri.

  • Possible jail time of up to 6 months (That’s more than half a school year.)
  • If you’re lucky, a license restricture of 60 days.
  • $45 License Reinstatement fee – there goes your allowance!
  • Possible $500 fine – now you’re out of a few paychecks IF you can still get to work!
  • Possible Ignition Interlock Device installation — more money, more time, more hassle.
  • License suspension 30 days — if you’re not in jail, you  still can’t go anywhere!

Does this sound like a nightmare to your teen? It should!

Talk to your early teen driver. Ask them some thought-provoking questions.

How would it feel to have to get pulled over when they’ve had  just one beer?

What would it be like to dread facing a judge in court?

Worse yet,  can they imagine spending time in jail?

Do they want to graduate with their class or start college soon?

What about losing their driving privileges? Would that cost them their job? Their employment records might be trashed!

Is one drink really worth all this shame and sorrow?

Knowing the consequences of the zero-tolerance teen drinking and driving laws  just might change your teen’s mind about having a drink.

Sometimes we have to learn our lessons the hard way! If your teen is already facing a DUI charge, you need an aggressive, experienced Missouri DUI attorney!    http://steimel-law.com/traffic-matters.html

The Law Offices of Nathan A. Steimel, LLC  understand what is at stake for a young person under 21 facing DUI charges.

It’s worth a free initial consultation to see if you can get a life-time of consequences reduced!  You will get a fair and thorough evaluation of your teen’s case and the best possible outcome.  Call  636-244-3737 today for your free case evaluation.

This website is designed for general information only. The information presented on this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice or the formation of a lawyer/client relationship.

 

 

 

 

 

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Facing a lifetime injury from an auto accident? Read this before you settle…

An auto accident injury could change your life forever!

If you’ve been injured in an auto accident, and your insurance company is in a hurry to settle — BEWARE!

The quickest, easiest path is not necessarily the BEST choice. Think about it. Who will profit from a quick settlement? Most likely — both insurance companies involved. My friend Annie * is the perfect example of this.

Annie has been a  paraplegic for more than twenty years. She nearly died in terrible car crash after being t-boned by car racing through a red light at around 80 mph.  During long months in the hospital and rehab,  she was repeatedly asked to settle by her insurance company.

Thankfully, Annie didn’t settle. She realized her life was changed forever. Who can put a price tag on that?

She hired a savvy personal injury/car accident lawyer.

She waited for years to settle, learning over time all of the hidden costs of living life as a paraplegic.

Her list of new needs was much longer and more costly than she could have anticipated in the early days of recovery from her personal injuries.

She needs 24/7 live-in help.  Multiply that by 20 + years now.  Add inflation to the cost of living. Factor in finding honest, reliable help.  That’s a huge challenge by itself.

Her entire house had to be retrofitted for her to drive her scooter around inside the house. Doorways widened. New shower and safety bars installed. She needed new ramps built for her home’s exterior.

Of course, now she has to hire help to maintain every aspect of her home’s interior and exterior.

She also needed enough money for all of her routine bills for the rest of her life:  house payment, food, electric, water, gas, phone, clothing, etc…  And this was just the tip of the iceberg!

In order to get to doctors’ and therapists’ visits,  a handicapped van was required.

Surprise, surprise! The maintenance costs for such a vehicle are astronomical.  Another friend with handicapped children recently told me that their routine oil changes are nearly double the cost due to the modifications on their handicapped van.  Then, of course, over time, this vehicle needs to be replaced!

Because Annie is a spunky, smart go-getter, she didn’t settle for routine therapies.  After all, she only had limited success with those. Annie wanted to have a life!

Instead she tried alternative routes until she found healing therapies that worked best for her body and needs.

She was able to lose weight! She found an exercise routine and equipment that worked for her. She was actually able to bring back a certain quality to her life.  She lives modestly in a comfortable home of her own.

Did I mention that Annie is spunky? She has gone on adventures like sky-diving and hot-air ballooning. She takes vacations. She even takes time for mission trips to help others in third world countries.

In short, she is not miserable and neglected in some government-run assisted living home!

None of this would have been possible if she had listened to her insurance company’s many pleas to settle. 

Annie would probably have been forced to live in poverty, quite possibly in a group home. She would have had to rely on public transportation.

Worst of all, she would have to rely on the “moods” of overworked care-givers instead of hiring and firing her own private care-givers.

Her medical therapies and care would have been minimal.  Annie’s pain levels would likely been poorly managed.  This tragic accident could have led to a life no one wants to live!

Delaying insurance settlement for her best possible outcome made a huge difference for Annie!

Yes, it was a fight that went on for years!

Without an aggressive auto injury attorney on her side, life would undeniably have been very different for Annie*. 

*Name changed to protect personal privacy.

Are you or a loved one facing a life turned upside down due to serious personal injuries in a car accident?

Before you settle with any insurance company, be sure to seek professional legal advice from an experienced personal injury lawyer. Take a page out of Annie’s book — don’t settle for less than your best possible outcome!

http://steimel-law.com/personal-injury-carcrash.html

The Law Offices of Nathan A. Steimel, LLC are here to fight aggressively for you — not for the big insurance companies!  They won’t “farm out” your case to an inexperienced lawyer like some big law firms commonly do.

You need the best possible coverage to face such a mega life challenge.  Call 636-244-3737 today for your free consultation. 

This website is designed for general information only. The information presented on this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice or the formation of a lawyer/client relationship.