Nursing homes are tasked with caring for one of our most vulnerable populations. However, poorly managed homes have the power to inflict tremendous hardships on residents and families.
If you or a loved one has suffered nursing home abuse, it makes sense if you are feeling angry, betrayed, and uncertain about what to do next. Our Akron nursing home abuse lawyers can work to hold the abusive facility and its staff accountable for the damage they have caused.
Our team at Shore Law has recovered more than $250 million for injured victims and their families. Learn how our tenacious but compassionate Akron personal injury lawyers can help with your nursing home abuse case when you call to schedule your free consultation.
When You Suspect Abuse
Nursing home abuse isn’t always obvious, especially to visitors who are only in the facility a few days a week. Home and staff may take steps to hide their actions, and able residents may hesitate to speak up out of fear for their safety.
You may notice signs that suggest ongoing abuse or a change in your loved one’s behaviors. You want to believe the home is doing the right thing to care for your loved one, but don’t ignore your intuition. Even if you are wrong, it is better to speak up.
You can potentially protect your loved one and other residents, and put an end to a cycle of abuse at the facility. When you are unsure, reach out to our Akron nursing home abuse attorneys for guidance. The call is free, and we can help you understand your legal rights.
Types of Nursing Home Abuse
Regardless of your level of trust in a nursing home, it’s important to remain vigilant for signs of abuse and neglect. While abuse can take almost any form, the most common categories of abuse and neglect in nursing homes include:
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse happens when a resident is harmed through force or rough handling. This can cause injuries that are not accidental and create fear or anxiety when around caregivers. Over time, the resident may become withdrawn or hesitant to move or speak up.
Emotional or Psychological Abuse
This involves behavior that undermines a resident’s dignity or sense of security. Yelling, threats, humiliation, or ignoring a resident can gradually erode their confidence and cause persistent anxiety, sadness, or withdrawal.
Sexual Abuse
This type of abuse involves any non-consensual sexual contact or exploitation. This abuse can leave emotional and physical scars, making the resident fearful, anxious, or ashamed. It can also cause confusion, changes in behavior, and avoidance of personal care or interaction.
Neglect
Neglect arises when a facility fails to provide basic care necessary for health and well-being. Medical neglect takes place when proper treatment, medication, or monitoring is not provided. A resident may experience a decline in physical or mental health and frequent illness, including, falls, bedsores, dehydration, and more.
Financial Abuse
Financial exploitation transpires when a resident’s money or property is used without their consent. This can involve simple theft or more complicated schemes where a staff member gradually takes over a resident’s assets.
Abandonment
This type of nursing home abuse happens when staff leave a resident unattended without supervision, assistance, or support. This can lead to physical or emotional decline as the resident copes with prolonged neglect and the absence of reliable care.
Report Nursing Home Abuse
If you have noticed any signs of the above types of abuse, you can contact our nursing home abuse lawyers in Akron as soon as possible. You can also report your concerns through the appropriate channels. If a resident is in immediate danger, call 911 immediately.
The Ohio Department of Health licenses and oversees nursing homes in the state. You can file a complaint for healthcare facilities and nursing homes on their website. They will investigate your concerns and take action against the facility if warranted.
The home can face penalties such as a license suspension, and staff can be charged criminally. Our legal team can help you pursue a civil claim to recover damages such as medical costs, pain and suffering, and the expenses associated with relocating your loved one to another facility.
Get Help from Our Akron Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys
You should be able to trust a nursing home to care for your loved one by keeping them safe, healthy, and comfortable. When they betray your trust, and you instead encounter abuse and neglect, you can take action to hold the facility and its staff accountable.
The home may face sanctions from the state, and individual staff members may face criminal charges. Our Akron nursing home abuse attorneys will assist you in seeking compensation in civil court as well. We’re here to stand up for your loved ones’ rights and your family.
The attorneys at Shore Law have over 40 years of combined legal experience. Our founding attorney, Megan Shore, is a nationally recognized leader in nursing home abuse and neglect. Call now to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation and tell us what happened.
