Elderly woman in a wheelchair sitting alone in a nursing home bedroom, facing a window — highlighting isolation in long-term care settings.

Kansas City Nursing Home Neglect & Abuse Trial Lawyers: A 2025 Guide to Protecting Your Loved Ones

March 27, 2025/Kendall Law Group LLC

Choosing the right nursing home is not just a healthcare decision, it is a matter of trust. Families in Kansas City expect long-term care facilities to protect their loved ones with compassion, safety, and dignity. Unfortunately, far too many facilities fall short.

Recent 2025 federal data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) paints a troubling picture. More than one-third of nursing homes within twenty-five miles of downtown Kansas City received the lowest possible rating: one star. Many were also cited for abuse or neglect.

At Kendall Law Group, our Kansas City Nursing Home Neglect & Abuse Trial Lawyers fight for families when care facilities violate that trust. This updated guide will help you identify red flags, understand your legal options, and protect the rights of your loved ones.

Understanding Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse in Kansas City

Neglect and abuse in long-term care settings are far more common than most families realize. These violations can take many forms, but they all share one thing in common: they cause preventable harm to some of the most vulnerable members of our community.

What Constitutes Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse?

  • Neglect happens when a facility fails to meet basic standards of care. This includes poor hygiene, untreated medical conditions, malnutrition, and failure to prevent falls.
  • Abuse involves intentional harm. It can be physical, emotional, sexual, or financial. CMS defines it as “willful infliction of injury, unreasonable confinement, intimidation, or punishment resulting in physical harm, pain, or mental anguish.”

Both are considered violations of federal and state laws and may warrant civil or criminal action.

Common Types of Nursing Home Abuse

Families should stay alert for these warning signs:

  • Physical abuse – Bruising, burns, or injuries from restraints
  • Emotional abuse – Yelling, threats, or humiliation
  • Sexual abuse – Inappropriate touching or unexplained infections
  • Financial exploitation – Missing funds, forged checks, or unauthorized account access
  • Neglect – Bedsores, dehydration, medication errors, and poor hygiene

Even subtle changes—like withdrawal, anxiety, or sudden weight loss—can signal something more serious.

2025 CMS Nursing Home Ratings: What Families Need to Know

The CMS five-star rating system evaluates over 15,000 nursing homes across the U.S., including nearly 100 in the Kansas City area. Ratings are based on:

  • Health inspection reports
  • Staffing levels
  • Quality measures (e.g., fall prevention, pressure ulcers)
  • Complaint history

What Does a One-Star Rating Mean?

A one-star facility performs well below average in multiple categories. These homes often:

  • Operate with chronic understaffing
  • Receive repeated citations from state inspectors
  • Generate frequent complaints about care and safety

Many of these facilities are also linked to serious incidents, including verified cases of abuse.

Kansas City Nursing Homes Cited for Abuse in 2025

As of February 26, 2025, CMS flagged the following facilities for confirmed abuse:

Additional One-Star Facilities 2025

These one-star facilities represent some of the most dangerous environments for long-term care. If your loved one lives in one of these homes, do not wait to act.

Kansas City’s Broader Nursing Home Problem

The recent CMS data revealed that over thirty nursing homes in our area received a one-star rating. That is nearly 35% of all local facilities. Staffing shortages remain a common issue—and with fewer caregivers, residents are more likely to suffer preventable injuries, missed medications, or emotional isolation.

Systemic Issues in Low-Rated Facilities

  • High employee turnover
  • Inconsistent training
  • Poor infection control
  • Delayed emergency response
  • Weak family communication

These problems can lead to avoidable injuries, psychological trauma, and even wrongful death.

Safer Alternatives: Kansas City Nursing Homes with Five-Star Ratings

There are still facilities in the region providing high-quality care. CMS awarded five-star ratings to these top-performing nursing homes:

These homes met or exceeded federal standards in staffing, safety, and patient care.

Questions to Ask When Visiting a Nursing Home

Before moving your loved one into any facility, ask:

  • What is your current CMS star rating?
  • Has your facility ever been cited for abuse or neglect?
  • How many caregivers are on shift during weekends and nights?
  • What is your plan for addressing family concerns or complaints?
  • Are residents allowed to participate in care decisions?

You deserve transparency. If administrators cannot answer these questions directly, that is a red flag.

Your Loved One Has Rights—And So Do You

Federal Protections: Nursing Home Reform Act

The Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987 guarantees all residents the right to:

  • Live free from abuse and neglect
  • Participate in care planning
  • Voice complaints without retaliation
  • Maintain personal privacy and dignity

State Oversight in Missouri and Kansas

  • Missouri: The Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) investigates reports and enforces penalties.
  • Kansas: The Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) regulates nursing homes and accepts formal complaints.

Both agencies can fine, revoke licenses, or shut down facilities that fail to meet standards.

When to Call a Kansas City Nursing Home Neglect & Abuse Trial Lawyer

At Kendall Law Group, we pursue justice for families affected by:

  • Physical injuries from abuse or improper restraints
  • Bedsores and infections due to neglect
  • Medication errors
  • Wrongful death caused by unsafe care
  • Emotional or psychological abuse

How We Build Your Case

We gather evidence quickly and aggressively. Our attorneys work with medical professionals, investigators, and family members to discover:

  • Facility inspection reports
  • Medical records and injury photos
  • Witness statements
  • Documentation of prior violations

Then, we hold facilities accountable in court.

Damages We Pursue

  • Medical bills
  • Emotional distress
  • Pain and suffering
  • Funeral costs
  • Punitive damages in cases of intentional harm

Our firm does not back down. We prepare every case for trial and fight to maximize your recovery.

Act Today—Protect Your Loved One

What To Do If You Suspect Neglect or Abuse

  1. Document the situation – Take photos, write detailed notes, and record your conversations.
  2. Report to the facility – Speak with the nursing director or administrator.
  3. File a formal complaint
  4. Contact our trial lawyers – We will help you investigate and take legal action.

Let Kendall Law Group Fight for Your Family

We believe nursing homes should care—not cause harm. If your loved one suffered abuse or neglect in a Kansas City facility, our team is ready to help.

📞 Call (816) 531-3100 for a free consultation today. Let us stand with your family and pursue the justice you deserve.

Additional Resources

NURSING HOME NEGLECT practice page

What You Need to Know About Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect – free pamphlet

Navigating Long-Term Care in Kansas City

Caring for Aging Parents and Loved Ones

Missouri Nursing Homes are Among the Worst in the U.S.

US Policymakers Recommend Nursing Home Reforms

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