If you suspect your loved one is experiencing sexual abuse in their nursing home facility, there are several steps you can take to protect them and hold the responsible party accountable. By speaking to a Cleveland nursing home sexual abuse lawyer, you get the guidance you need to take legal action.
At Shore Law, our Cleveland nursing home abuse lawyers have 40 years of combined experience in helping clients across Ohio. We understand how delicate and difficult these cases can be and will do everything we can to make the legal process as simple as possible for you.
Our team is firmly on your side. We care about protecting your rights and the rights of your loved ones. Get in touch to discuss your specific circumstances, and we’ll explain your options going forward.
Signs of Sexual Abuse in a Nursing Home
Identifying signs of sexual abuse can be difficult, especially if your loved one is vulnerable, fearful of their abuser, or has trouble communicating. If you suspect that something is going on, some of the common warning signs you should look out for include:
- Physical injuries: If you notice unexplained bruising, bleeding, cuts, or private area injuries, this could be an indicator that sexual abuse is taking place.
- Torn clothing: Damaged or stained clothing, especially underwear, may be a sign that something serious has happened to your loved one.
- Sudden mood changes: Becoming withdrawn or expressing fear and anxiety could be a reaction to abuse. If you notice a shift in their behavior or how they act when you pay them a visit, it’s worth investigating further.
- Changes to sleeping and eating habits: Loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, frequent nightmares, and more could be due to emotional distress.
- Changes in health: Sudden trips to the doctor, signs of sexually transmitted infections, or other changes to their health could signify sexual abuse.
These signs may not be direct proof that sexual abuse is taking place, but they should always be taken seriously. Discussing your concerns with a Cleveland personal injury lawyer can help you understand what your options are and whether you have a claim on your hands.
What to Do if You Suspect Sexual Abuse in a Cleveland Nursing Home
If you’ve assessed the situation and think your family member is being subjected to sexual abuse, you must secure their safety first. If that means removing them from the facility to avoid immediate harm, you have every right to do so.
Report your concerns to the nursing home administrator, the Ohio Department of Health through its Complaints for Healthcare Facilities and Nursing Homes page, and local law enforcement. This can help trigger an investigation and create an official record of your concerns.
Try to document everything you’ve seen, using medical records, witness testimony, photographs, statements from your loved one, and changes in behavior to back up your concerns. Then speak to a Cleveland nursing home sexual abuse attorney to start the legal process.
How a Nursing Home Sexual Abuse Lawyer in Cleveland Can Help
Our legal team is equipped to handle the complexities of sexual abuse cases with true compassion. We understand how sensitive this type of situation is and how important it is to protect your family member from those responsible for harming them.
Here’s what Shore Law has to offer:
- Experienced legal support: When you work with us, you know you’re in good hands. Our founding attorney, Megan Shore, is a recognized leader in nursing home abuse and neglect cases, so you benefit from highly skilled support.
- Comprehensive investigation: We’ll listen to your concerns and conduct our own investigation into what happened, looking at every piece of evidence to establish liability.
- All communications handled: It’s understandable if you don’t want to speak to those who caused your loved one harm. That’s why we take care of all negotiations, meetings, and more.
- Maximizing your compensation: Our attorneys will pursue every avenue for compensation, making sure all your financial losses are covered through a fair settlement and the right parties are held accountable.
- Trial representation: In the event your case goes to trial, we’ll stand by you and advocate for your loved one’s rights at every court appearance.
We’ve already recovered $250 million for clients who have been in similar situations, so we know what makes a successful claim. Our Cleveland nursing home abuse attorneys are dedicated to securing your loved one’s rights and providing the legal guidance you need.
Discuss Your Legal Options with Shore Law
All nursing home residents deserve to live in a safe and comfortable environment. Unfortunately, not every caregiver is as caring and trustworthy as they should be.
Even if you’re still trying to uncover the truth behind your family member’s change in behavior or unexplained injuries, you can get in touch with our team to learn more about your legal options. We’ll listen carefully and provide compassionate support before advising on your next steps.
Contact Shore Law today to discuss your case in further detail. Consultations are free, and we’ll take the time to answer all your questions without judgment.
