Discovering that a parent, grandparent, spouse, or another loved one may be suffering mistreatment in a nursing home is upsetting for many families. They may have a mix of feelings, including anger and guilt, for not noticing the warning signs sooner. They may also worry about whether their loved one is safe.
A Cincinnati nursing home lawyer at Postman Law helps families pursue legal action when a nursing home, caregiver, or other party causes harm. Our firm provides straightforward legal guidance during difficult times and has recovered more than $3 billion for injured clients.
We are available around the clock and work on a contingency fee basis, so there are no upfront attorneys’ fees. Our Cincinnati personal injury lawyer will explain your rights, answer your questions, and help your family seek accountability from those responsible for the harm. Call our office today to learn more during a free consultation.
What Is Nursing Home Abuse?
Nursing home abuse happens when a resident is hurt because someone mistreats them, does not give them proper care, or allows unsafe conditions to exist. Many people think abuse only means hitting or other physical harm.
Nursing home abuse, however, can come in different forms, such as:
- Physical abuse (hitting, pushing, or improper use of restraints)
- Emotional abuse (threats, intimidation, or humiliation)
- Sexual abuse
- Taking a resident’s money or property (e.g., stealing money or accessing a bank account without permission)
- Neglect of basic needs, such as food, water, hygiene, or medical care
- Medication errors, such as missed doses, wrong doses, or giving the wrong medication
- Failure to prevent avoidable injuries, such as falls caused by a lack of proper care
- Poor supervision of residents
In some situations, abuse involves a specific staff member. In others, the problem can come from understaffing, poor training, lack of supervision, or unsafe facility practices.
For a free legal consultation with a nursing home abuse lawyer serving Cincinnati, call 844-767-8626
Our Nursing Home Abuse Attorney in Cincinnati Will Protect Your Loved One and Your Family
After families learn that their loved one was abused, they usually have questions about what happened, who knew about it, and whether the abuse could have been prevented. Our lawyers help investigate those questions.
Depending on the circumstances, legal representation may involve:
Investigating the Facility
We will review inspection reports, staffing records, incident reports, policies, and other evidence connected to the facility.
Reviewing Medical Records
Medical records can provide clues about what happened and how long the problems may have been occurring. They can also help create a timeline of the resident’s care.
Identifying Responsible Parties
In some cases, responsibility involves more than one person or organization. A careful review can help identify everyone who contributed to the resident’s injuries.
Handling Insurance Companies
Insurance representatives may contact families soon after allegations arise. We manage communications on behalf of our clients to protect their claims and represent their interests.
Pursuing Damages
Legal action can seek financial recovery for losses connected to abuse or neglect.
Families place an immense amount of faith in a nursing home. It can be devastating when one breaches that bond and fails to safeguard your loved one. Legal action cannot erase what happened, but it can help families to seek acknowledgment of harm.
A Cincinnati nursing home injury lawyer from Postman Law will explain the legal process and seek to hold the people or organizations whose actions contributed to the harm responsible. You can learn more about your rights and next steps during a free consultation with a member of our team.
Cincinnati Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Near Me 844-767-8626
When a Facility or Caregiver May Be Held Accountable
Finding out who contributed to the harm is a major part of the investigation. Responsibility depends on the facts of the case, but potentially liable parties may include:
- Nursing home staff members
- Nurses and caregivers
- Facility owners
- Management companies
- Third-party contractors
- Medical providers
- Security personnel
- Other entities involved in resident care
Abuse is not always committed by a caregiver or employee. Another resident, visitor, or someone else with access to the facility may cause harm.
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Losses That Can Be Included in an Abuse or Neglect Claim
A claim for mistreatment in a facility addresses the losses suffered by the person living there and, in some situations, surviving family members. Medical bills are only one part of what a resident and family may face. Some residents will need treatment, therapy, or additional help with daily activities for months or years.
Families may be able to seek damages for physical discomfort, the emotional toll of the abuse, and changes to their loved one’s quality of life. If abuse or neglect results in a resident’s death, certain family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit under Ohio law.
Recoverable damages may include funeral and burial costs, the loss of their relative’s companionship, and other losses. Our Cincinnati wrongful death lawyer will advise you further during a free consultation.
What Should You Do if You Suspect Abuse or Neglect?
It is common to wonder if you are overreacting or just have an uneasy feeling about the situation. Trusting your observations can be a good starting point when something does not seem right.
If you suspect abuse or neglect, here are some things you can do:
- Document what you observe.
- Take photographs when appropriate.
- Keep notes about conversations you have and incidents that occurred.
- Request medical evaluations when needed.
- Report concerns to the facility’s management staff.
- Contact the appropriate state agencies.
- Speak with a lawyer about your options.
Agencies That Investigate Elder Abuse in Ohio
If you want to file a complaint or report the situation, you can contact the:
- Ohio Department of Health
- Ohio Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
- Adult Protective Services
- Local law enforcement when criminal conduct is suspected
When reporting concerns to an agency, it helps to have as much information as possible, including details such as:
- The resident’s name and room number
- The name and address of the nursing home
- A description of what happened
- The dates and times of incidents, if known
- The names of staff members, residents, or witnesses involved
- Photographs of injuries or unsafe conditions, if available
- Medical records or other documents that support the concerns
Talk With Our Cincinnati Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer About Your Situation
Learning that a loved one may have suffered abuse in a nursing home can change how a family views a place that was supposed to care for and protect their loved one. People want answers and acknowledgment of what happened.
At Postman Law, our Cincinnati nursing home abuse lawyer works to find out what took place and why. We handle the legal work so families can focus on supporting their loved one and helping them recover.
If you have concerns about the care a family member received at a facility in the Cincinnati or Hamilton County area, call our team for a consulta gratuita. We are ready to listen to your concerns and help you decide what comes next.