Ohio Elder Abuse and Nursing Home Neglect Attorneys
There is perhaps no greater injustice than nursing home abuse or neglect. Nursing home residents are among the most vulnerable of victims, frequently frightened and unable to protect themselves or speak up about the abuse. Despite their claims of safety and care, many nursing homes are understaffed and poorly operated, resulting in thousands of unnecessary injuries, and even deaths, each year because of neglect, misconduct and abuse. If you suspect that your loved one is being neglected or abused, follow these important steps:
1. Know the signs of neglect and abuse:
• Unexplained injuries, including bruises, welts and scars or fractures.
• Unexplained weight loss, malnutrition or dehydration.
• Nursing home staff refuses to allow you to see your loved one alone.
• Unsanitary conditions, including a failure to bathe your loved one.
2. Remember your rights:
You and your loved one have rights, which the nursing home is required to provide you upon request. Review Ohio's Nursing Home Bill of Rights. Demand to see what procedures the facility has in place to provide your loved one with the quality of care guaranteed under Ohio law.
3. Gather as much information as possible and document it:
• Talk to your loved one alone.
• Ask him or her about your suspicions. Take notes of the conversation, including the names of other people involved in the abuse, such as staff members or possible witnesses such as other residents.
• Take pictures of the injuries and conditions you observe.
4. Notify the proper authorities:
Depending on the extent of the abuse or neglect and on who is involved, you should direct your complaints and concerns to the appropriate person. For example, if you think the problem involves a particular staff member or was an isolated incident, you should speak with the director of the facility. If you think the abuse or neglect is part of a pattern, consider calling the appropriate state agency and reporting the problem. If your loved one is in immediate danger, call the police.
5. If appropriate, move your loved one to a different facility:
If you think the abuse or neglect is pervasive, or if you fear for your loved one's safety and wellbeing, move him or her to a new facility. Remember that your loved one's health and safety are more important than any difficulties you might face as a result of the move.
6. Consult with a nursing home neglect and abuse attorney:
Contact an attorney who specializes in nursing home abuse and neglect. Experience counts. An attorney who understands the law relating to this area will be able to assist you in obtaining relief for your injured loved one. The nursing home neglect attorneys at Spangenberg Shibley & Liber are available to discuss potential claims. Put us to work for you now by contacting us to arrange a free, confidential consultation.
Learn more about nursing home negligence and elder abuse at these pages:
- How to choose a nursing home
- Nursing home residents' rights
- Nursing home negligence
- Common types of nursing home injuries
- Nurse and physician negligence at nursing homes
- Injuries caused by inadequate staffing
- Nursing home medication errors
- Bedsores and pressure ulcers
- Malnutrition and dehydration
- Wandering off, elopement
- Fall injuries at nursing homes
- Physical and sexual abuse at nursing homes
- Emotional abuse at nursing homes
If you believe that your loved one was neglected or abused at a nursing home, contact an attorney at Spangenberg Shibley & Liber who specializes in nursing home abuse and neglect. Experience counts. An attorney who understands the law relating to this area will be able to assist you in obtaining relief for your injured loved one. The nursing home neglect attorneys at Spangenberg Shibley & Liber are available to discuss potential claims. Put us to work for you now by contacting us to arrange a free, confidential consultation.
Free Consultation · Contingency Fees · Spanish and Ukrainian Interpreters
Should you file a lawsuit? You won't know until you talk to an experienced attorney. Contact us or call us at (877) 696-3303 to arrange a free, confidential consultation. You can get answers, find out what happened, and help prevent similar needless injuries from happening to other people, too.
We handle our cases on a contingency-fee basis: if we can't help you recover money damages, you won't pay attorneys' fees. When you meet with us to discuss your case, it will be with an attorney, not an investigator or paralegal. We also have Spanish and Ukrainian interpreters available. Contact us today to get us started on investigating your claim from our Cleveland headquarters.
Experienced, Sophisticated, Reputable.
For more than 65 years, the attorneys at Spangenberg Shibley & Liber have represented victims of nursing home abuse and neglect leading to serious injury and death in lawsuits throughout Ohio and beyond. Our attorneys have access to the most sophisticated technical and medical resources available to investigate and prepare your case to win. When the insurance company lawyers see our name on the lawsuit, they know it is well researched, carefully investigated and thoroughly prepared. For you, that means insurance company lawyers come to the table prepared to discuss a full and fair settlement - or we'll see them in court.
Remember, if you have a claim, there is most likely a statute of limitations clock running, after which you won't have the right to file a lawsuit. Protect your rights by contacting us today or calling us at (877) 696-3303.
