Ohio Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Elder neglect is a heartbreaking reality that affects many nursing home residents in Ohio nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Families entrust assisted living facilities with the care of their loved ones, expecting them to receive proper care and attention. Unfortunately, some facilities fail to uphold these expectations.

Family members often feel powerless when they suspect nursing home negligence, unsure of how to protect their loved ones and hold responsible parties accountable. This is where specialized personal injury lawyers step in. 

A knowledgeable nursing home neglect attorney can help you understand your legal options and guide you through the process of seeking compensation for your loved one’s injuries and suffering.

Why Hire Nursing Home Law Center

Nursing Home Law Center is dedicated to obtaining justice and fair compensation for those affected by nursing home neglect. Our team of nursing home attorneys has strong expertise in handling these sensitive cases and securing substantial settlements and verdicts for our clients.

We leave no stone unturned in our investigations, ensuring that every aspect of the abuse, from medical costs to emotional suffering, is thoroughly addressed. With our extensive knowledge of nursing home abuse claims, we tackle the challenges with determination and work relentlessly to safeguard your rights.

Types of Cases Handled by Our Ohio Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers

Elder abuse refers to any intentional harm inflicted on senior residents in assisted living facilities. Our nursing home abuse lawyers handle a wide range of cases, including the following:

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse occurs when nursing home residents suffer bodily harm at the hands of caregivers or staff members. This violent act may involve hitting, slapping, or unnecessary use of restraints, causing severe injuries or even death.

Mental and Emotional Abuse

Psychological abuse is another common form of mistreatment in nursing homes, often involving threats, intimidation, verbal insults, or isolation of residents. Such abuse can lead to severe mental health issues, including anxiety and depression.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual assault is a heinous violation of a resident’s dignity and rights. Non-consensual sexual contact is often committed by staff or other residents and may go unnoticed due to the victim’s inability to communicate the assault.

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice in nursing homes can take many forms, from untreated bed sores (pressure sores) to medication errors. Bed sores develop when nursing staff fail to reposition immobile residents, causing painful wounds that can lead to infections. 

Medication errors are often the leading cause of wrongful death, such as administering the wrong prescription drugs or incorrect dosages.

Negligence

Nursing home negligence can manifest as poor hygiene, malnutrition, dehydration, or even elopement, where a resident wanders away from the facility unsupervised.

Financial Abuse

Financial exploitation is another form of abuse in nursing homes, where elderly residents are manipulated into giving away money or assets. Sometimes, medical staff may steal directly from residents or misuse their personal information for financial gain.

Wrongful Death

Wrongful death occurs when abusing or neglecting an elderly resident leads to their untimely passing. Our legal team works tirelessly to hold negligent facilities accountable for these preventable fatalities, ensuring families receive the justice and compensation they deserve.

Understanding Your Legal Rights

Both federal and state laws protect nursing home residents and ensure their safety, dignity, and well-being while living in nursing facilities.

The Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987 is one of the most important federal laws governing the rights of residents in nursing home facilities. This law mandates that residents have the right to be free from abuse, neglect, and restraints and to receive proper care and attention.

The Ohio Department of Health oversees the licensing and regulation of nursing facilities to ensure compliance with state laws designed to protect residents. Under Ohio law, nursing home residents have the right to live in a safe environment, receive proper care, and be treated with respect.

The Ohio Nursing Home Residents’ Bill of Rights specifically outlines these rights, including protection against abuse or neglect, the right to privacy, and the ability to participate in decisions about their care.

Eligibility to File a Nursing Home Abuse Claim 

When nursing homes fail to comply with federal and state laws, it is necessary to take legal action. Victims can file claims themselves or, in cases where the victim cannot do so, by a family member or a legal representative. If the abuse or neglect results in the wrongful death of a resident, the deceased’s estate may file a claim on their behalf.

Liability in Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse Cases 

In many cases of nursing home abuse, several parties may be held accountable for the harm caused to residents.

Nursing Home Staff

Nursing home staff members are often the most direct perpetrators of nursing home neglect. In some cases, staff may also be liable for failing to report abuse they witness.

Nursing Facility

The nursing home itself can be liable for abuse when it fails to provide adequate care or maintain a safe environment. Issues like understaffing, inadequate training, or poor hiring practices that put residents at risk could be involved.

Administrators and Management

Nursing home administrators and management are responsible for monitoring staff and ensuring they follow proper care protocols. When they fail in these duties, they can be held liable for creating or allowing unsafe conditions.

Contractors and Third-Party Providers

Some nursing homes outsource nursing care or food preparation services to third-party providers. If these contractors fail to deliver proper services—such as administering the wrong medications or providing poor hygiene care—they can also be held liable for the harm caused to residents.

Pharmaceutical Companies

Pharmaceutical companies may be liable if their drugs were improperly labeled, leading to misuse or incorrect administration. This liability can stem from providing incorrect dosage instructions or failing to include proper warnings, especially in cases where medication errors lead to injury or death.

Owners or Corporations

Nursing homes are often part of larger corporate entities that oversee multiple facilities. These corporations can be held responsible if corporate policies or budget cuts contribute to understaffing, poor training, or inadequate care standards.

Common Signs of Elder Abuse Among Nursing Home Residents 

By staying alert to the warning signs of elder abuse, a family member or legal representative can take swift action to prevent further abuse and seek justice with the help of an experienced nursing home lawyer.

• Unexplained bruises, broken bones, cuts, or burns
• Frequent hospital visits
• Sudden withdrawal from social activities
• Unusual fear or anxiety, especially around certain staff members
• Changes in communication, such as reluctance to speak
• Unexplained injuries in the genital or anal area
• Torn or stained undergarments
• Infections or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
• Untreated bed sores (pressure sores)
• Dehydration or malnutrition
• Medication errors, such as incorrect dosages or missed prescriptions
• Unexplained withdrawals or charges on bank accounts
• Missing personal items, such as jewelry or cash
• Sudden changes in wills or financial documents
• Unpaid bills despite having sufficient funds
• Unsanitary living conditions, such as soiled sheets or dirty rooms
• Wandering or elopement

The worst-rated nursing homes in Ohio include [1]:

What to Do If You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse

If you suspect that your loved one is being abused or neglected in a nursing home, it’s important to act quickly to protect them. Here are the key steps to take:

Call 911 If There Is Immediate Danger

If you believe your loved one is in immediate physical danger, call local authorities by dialing 911. Emergency services can then step in to ensure the resident’s safety and provide necessary medical care.

Report the Abuse to the Nursing Facility Administrator or Management

Notify the nursing home’s administrator or management about your concerns. They are required to investigate the issue and take corrective action. Keep detailed records of your conversations, including the names of the individuals you speak with and any responses or actions taken.

File a Complaint with Your Local Ombudsman’s Office

Every state, including Ohio, has a Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, which advocates for residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities. The Ombudsman’s office can investigate abuse claims, help resolve issues, and protect residents’ rights.

Contact a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

To protect your loved one’s legal rights and pursue compensation for their suffering, contact experienced nursing home injury lawyers. A lawyer can guide you through the legal process, investigate the abuse, and help hold responsible parties accountable.

The Cost of Hiring an Ohio Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

At Nursing Home Law Center, we understand that families dealing with nursing home abuse are already facing emotional and financial challenges. That’s why we offer our legal services on a contingency fee basis. 

This arrangement means you won’t have to worry about paying any upfront fees or out-of-pocket costs. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you and your loved one.

You Have Limited Time to Take Legal Action in Ohio

In Ohio, there is a limited time to file a claim for nursing home elder abuse or nursing home negligence due to the state’s statute of limitations. Generally, you have two years from the date of the abuse or the discovery of the harm to take legal action. Failing to file within this timeframe can prevent you from pursuing compensation or holding the responsible parties accountable.

Contact an Ohio Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Today!

At Nursing Home Law Center, our experienced team of nursing home abuse lawyers is dedicated to fighting for the rights of residents who have suffered from elder abuse or nursing home negligence. With a proven track record of handling complex nursing home neglect cases, we are committed to securing justice and fair compensation for victims and their families.

Call us at (800) 926-7565 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation.

References: [1] Medicare