Intellectual Disabilities Abuse Lawyers in Kansas City, MO Can Help Get Justice for Your Loved One

Intellectual disabilities affect an individual’s intellectual and adaptive functioning. This can interfere with learning and judgment along with the ability to handle daily life activities such as independent living and communication. Unfortunately, such impairments increase the risk of abuse, neglect, and another harmful mistreatment. If someone has taken advantage of your loved one or harmed them in some way, an intellectual disabilities abuse lawyer in Kansas City, MO, may be able to help.

At Mohlman Gurney Injury Law, our personal injury attorneys handle more than just auto accidents and wrongful death cases. Many of our clients reached out to us because they didn’t know what to do when they suspected an intellectually disabled friend or relative was being abused. Our legal professionals have the dedication and the resources to investigate these issues and hold responsible parties accountable. Contact us today for a no-obligation, free consultation.

How Common is Abuse Among the Intellectually Disabled?

It’s an unfortunate fact, but individuals living with intellectual disabilities face an increased risk of experiencing abuse. This is true regardless of whether a person is in an assisted living facility or not. To put the severity of the problem into context, one need only know that just 1% of the population lives with an intellectual disability. Tragically, over 10% of child abuse victims have an intellectual or some other form of developmental disability.

While child abuse is a particular concern in the mental health community, the risk of abuse doesn’t go away just because an individual gets older. Since intellectual disabilities form before a person turns 18, they’re typically affected for the entirety of their lives. This explains why adults with such impairments are up to 10 times more likely to experience abuse than those without disabilities. There are many reasons behind these heightened numbers:

• Predators often seek out vulnerable populations for abuse—often viewing them as easy targets
• Those with intellectual disabilities are typically isolated and dependent upon others (e.g., caregivers, friends) to handle basic tasks
• Abuse can occur more easily in group homes and other segregated environments, where many with intellectual disabilities live
• Limited cognitive and communication abilities can make it difficult for someone to report abuse
• Those with intellectual disabilities may worry they won’t be believed or that abuses may worsen if they report

It’s a tragic fact, but abuse of intellectually disabled individuals is rampant. Some estimates state that over 90% of individuals with these disabilities will experience sexual abuse in their lifetimes. This disheartening statistic doesn’t even account for emotional and other types of abuse. Additionally, many instances of abuse go unreported for the very reasons listed above. If you think abuse is occurring, our Kansas City intellectual disabilities abuse attorneys may be able to help.

At Mohlman Gurney Injury Law, we offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t pay a dime unless we’re able to recover compensation and hold liable parties accountable. The system failed you and your loved one, but our experienced legal professionals are ready to advocate on your behalf.

What are the Different Types of Intellectual Disability Abuse?

Statistics regarding sexual abuse are tragic, but this isn’t the only risk that those with intellectual disabilities face. In some instances, such abuse will leave physical signs. In other cases, there may be few, if any, red flags to notice. This is why it’s so important to remain hypervigilant when your loved one is in the care of others for any length of time. Even if you only have suspicions, a Kansas City law firm can help you understand if there’s cause for concern.

The following are some of the most common types of intellectual disabilities abuse—other than sexual abuse—that individuals may encounter:

• Medical neglect
• Physical abuse (e.g., slapping, pushing, etc)
• Failing to meet basic needs
• Abandonment
• Financial abuse (i.e., misuse of disability funds)
• Emotional abuse
• Neglect

Each of these forms of abuse is heartbreaking, but sadly, this list is far from exhaustive. Individuals living with intellectual disabilities experience every type of abuse you could imagine. Unfortunately, they’re rarely able to speak up or advocate for themselves. They need your support, and you need the guidance of a legal professional to ensure justice is done. Reach out to us today at Mohlman Gurney Injury Law for a free case evaluation.

Do I Need an Intellectual Disabilities Abuse Attorney?

When someone discovers that intellectual disabilities abuse is occurring, their top priority is often to remove their loved one from the situation. In some instances, they view this as a “win” and go on with their lives. Unfortunately, this route leaves abusive parties free to hurt others. Someone needs to be held accountable for what your loved one has gone through, and an intellectual disabilities abuse attorney in Kansas City, MO, can help make this a reality.

Of course, there are some people who think the evidence of abuse is so clear that they can handle the issue on their own. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case. If your loved one is in a group setting, you can fully expect the provider and their insurer to fully fight back. In some cases, they may decide that offering a settlement is the best way to do this. Unfortunately, this could result in continued abuse and no official record of criminal activity.

Every case is different, but regardless of the specific circumstances, an intellectual disabilities abuse attorney can help you understand your rights and how to hold abusers accountable. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today. We’re ready to stand by your side in seeking justice.

Contact an Intellectual Disabilities Abuse Lawyer in Kansas City, MO Today

If you have concerns that a loved one with intellectual disabilities may be experiencing abuse, now is the time to act. Statistics consistently show such abuse is unlikely to abate once it begins, and this is why victims are abused more frequently and over longer periods of time. When you’re facing such a situation, it can be difficult to figure out the best path forward. This is where a personal injury attorney can prove so invaluable.

At Mohlman Gurney Injury Law, our law firm has spent years advocating for the rights of our clients and their loved ones. We understand that these are confusing times, and you may be unsure of how to hold responsible parties accountable for their actions. With our intellectual disabilities abuse lawyers in Kansas City, MO, on your side, though, you’ll have an advocate that won’t stop fighting for you. Contact us today by calling (816) 648-6000 to schedule a free consultation.