When your beloved family member is subjected to sexual abuse in a place where they’re supposed to feel safe and at home, it’s completely devastating. While you may still be coming to terms with this shocking revelation, getting the support of a Columbus nursing home sexual abuse lawyer can help you take early legal action and protect your loved one.
Shore Law is a leader in nursing home abuse and neglect cases across Ohio. Our attorneys have provided support to a wealth of clients, having recovered $250 million in compensation on their behalf.
With the legal guidance of a Columbus nursing home abuse lawyer, you can hold the right party responsible for the damages they have caused and bring them to justice.
How a Nursing Home Sexual Abuse Lawyer in Columbus Can Protect Your Loved One
At Shore Law, our Columbus personal injury lawyers have over 40 years of combined experience, with our lead attorney recognized as an extremely detail-oriented, compassionate, and innovative advocate for nursing home abuse victims. Here’s more on how we can support you and your loved one during this difficult time:
In-Depth Investigations
Our nursing home sexual abuse attorneys in Columbus will look at every detail, collecting and preserving evidence to support your claim. As well as reviewing witness statements, medical records, photographs, and more, we’ll also analyze care plans, staff schedules, and relevant electronic data to identify who may have accessed your loved one’s records.
This allows us to track any changes that may have been made and uncover any potential cover-ups, while exposing all sources of wrongdoing. Learn more about investigating sexual abuse in nursing homes and who can help.
Establish Liability
As part of our investigation, our attorneys will help to determine who is to blame for the sexual abuse your family member has been subjected to. Once we know who is responsible, we’ll fight hard to secure your loved one’s rights and get the compensation they’re entitled to.
Seek Fair Compensation
We’ll calculate the full value of your claim based on the damages that may be available to you and then negotiate a fair settlement. Our team will push back against any low offers and argue against liability disputes to work to pursue the full compensation supported by the evidence.
Prepare for Litigation
If your case goes to court, we’ll work hard to reach a fair resolution. With the evidence to support your claim, we’ll build a detailed argument to demonstrate the full extent of the abuse and show who was responsible.
Signs of Nursing Home Sexual Abuse
Nobody expects their loved one to be a victim of nursing home sexual abuse, which is often why some signals can fly under the radar. Plus, many victims often feel ashamed, embarrassed, or scared to come forward.
Before you take legal action, here are some signs to look out for:
- Physical changes: This may include bruises and scratches, especially around intimate areas. More serious injuries, such as bleeding and infections, may also be present, and your loved one may find it difficult to move or get around.
- Emotional changes: Unusual levels of anxiety, depression, distress, fear, or other forms of emotional withdrawal could point towards neglect and abuse. Your loved one may have a sudden outburst or start crying out of seemingly nowhere.
- Behavioral changes: You may notice your loved one becoming more withdrawn, talking less, or avoiding certain people and activities. They could regress and exhibit childlike behavior or have trouble sleeping.
- Torn or stained clothing: This may also indicate sexual abuse, especially if there is no other explanation.
Even if you only suspect something is wrong, you should investigate further and look for as much evidence as possible to support your suspicions.
Who is Liable for Sexual Abuse in a Nursing Home?
Liability lies with the person who committed the sexual abuse. This could be a single person who works at the nursing home, like a caregiver, supervisor, or another staff member. However, there is potential for multiple parties to be at fault.
The nursing home could be held accountable if they failed to properly train their employees, were negligent in their hiring processes, or ignored early warning signs of abuse. If the facility also worked with third-party contractors, such as cleaners or equipment providers, those companies could also be held liable if one of their employees committed the abuse.
Under Ohio Revised Code § 3721.13, all nursing home residents have the right to be free from physical, mental, and verbal abuse. They should be treated with respect and dignity. Failing to do this may violate Ohio law, which is why you may have a claim on your hands.
Get the Legal Support Your Family Needs from Shore Law
We understand how delicate these cases can be. A Columbus nursing home sexual abuse attorney from Shore Law will handle your situation with compassion and confidentiality.
Our team will explain your options and outline any laws that may impact your claim. We’ll provide you with the resources and legal guidance you need as you work through this difficult time, all while protecting your family’s rights.
Book a free consultation to discuss your case with our team. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t have to worry about any additional attorney costs.
