When a loved one is harmed in a place where they should be safe, the process of holding people accountable can seem stressful and intimidating. Our Dayton nursing home sexual abuse lawyers are here to help you.
At Shore Law, our Dayton nursing home abuse lawyers fight to hold perpetrators financially accountable. We’ve helped our clients recover over $250 million.
Reach out today to schedule a free consultation with our legal team.
How Can Our Nursing Home Sexual Abuse Attorneys in Dayton Help With Your Case?
After the trauma of abuse, helping your loved one heal is the most important thing you can do. Let our legal team take on the process of financial accountability for you. Our Dayton personal injury lawyers can:
- Investigate the incident.
- Determine if the nursing home is at fault, in addition to the perpetrator.
- Gather evidence to strengthen the case.
- Handle all communications with the other parties involved.
- Negotiate on your behalf.
- Represent your case in court, when necessary.
Our client reviews speak to the care and empathy we bring to every case. Our founding attorney, Megan Shore, is a recognized leader in nursing home abuse and neglect cases.
When is a Nursing Home At Fault for Abuse?
The nursing home may be at fault if it had negligent practices or failed to maintain a safe environment for nursing home residents. For example, we may be able to hold the nursing facility responsible if it:
- Failed to properly vet applicants when hiring.
- Failed to properly train staff on how to prevent or report suspected abuse.
- Failed to maintain proper security, such as a lack of security cameras or security staff.
- Received complaints but failed to take action.
Proving that the nursing home is at fault requires a thorough investigation. Your Dayton nursing home sexual abuse attorney may gather evidence like:
- Witness statements, such as from visitors, other nursing home residents, and staff.
- Video footage.
- Forensic evidence.
- Prior complaints or incident reports.
- Any communication from nursing home staff or the administration regarding the abuse.
- Police reports.
Our legal team will use the evidence we gather to build a strong case for compensation.
What Compensation Can You Recover in Nursing Home Sexual Abuse Cases?
While there is no sum that can undo the harm that was done, fair compensation can help your family move forward. Our attorneys may seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses related to the abuse.
- Relocation costs, if you needed to move your loved one to a new nursing home.
- Pain and suffering.
- Emotional distress.
- Lost wages, if family members missed work to care for a loved one after abuse.
In some cases, punitive damages may also be recovered. These are usually reserved for cases where there is malicious intent or extreme negligence involved.
Is There a Deadline for Recovering Compensation?
Yes, in Ohio, you generally have two years to pursue a personal injury lawsuit after abuse in a nursing home. Civil cases have a separate statute of limitations from criminal cases.
It’s important to note that there are situations where the statute of limitations is shorter than two years. Talk to your Dayton nursing home sexual abuse lawyer about any concerns you may have with the deadline and get started on your case as soon as possible.
What are Signs of Sexual Abuse to Look for in Nursing Homes?
When a loved one is non-verbal or has memory or cognitive issues, it can make spotting abuse more difficult. While this list is not exhaustive, there are some signs to look for:
- A loved one being more withdrawn or acting anxious, fearful, or depressed.
- A loved one being afraid of certain staff members.
- Sudden weight loss or loss of appetite.
- Unexplained wounds, such as cuts or bruises.
While none of these signs definitively point to sexual abuse, it’s important to seek medical care if your loved one’s physical or emotional health has changed.
What Should You Do If You Suspect Sexual Abuse in a Nursing Home?
If you suspect sexual abuse, or know that abuse has occurred, there are some important steps to take to protect your loved one. You should:
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
- Report the abuse to the nursing home administration.
- Report the abuse to the Ohio Department of Health and to your local Long-Term Care Ombudsman.
- Report the abuse to the police.
- Take photos of any visible injuries.
- Contact a nursing home abuse attorney.
- Keep any communications you receive from nursing home staff.
Additionally, if the nursing home administration, their insurers, or their legal team approach you, do not give recorded statements or sign anything until you’ve spoken with your lawyer.
Abuse is the fault of the perpetrator and of anyone who enabled them. It is not your fault that your loved one was harmed. Seek counseling for your loved one, yourself, and other family members affected by the abuse.
Can You File a Complaint Even if You Don’t Have Evidence Yet?
Yes, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman serves as an advocate for nursing home residents and their families. They can investigate complaints.
Additionally, the Ohio Department of Health can investigate if they receive a formal complaint. The abuse only needs to be suspected by a family member to start an investigation.
Contact Our Nursing Home Sexual Abuse Lawyers in Dayton Today
If your loved one suffered abuse while at a nursing home or other assisted-living facility, we can seek financial accountability and justice on their behalf. The legal team at Shore Law will treat you and your family member with the dignity and respect you deserve.
Our Dayton nursing home sexual abuse attorneys are ready to fight for the compensation you need for medical bills and the other effects of the abuse. Our lawyers work on contingency, so you’ll pay nothing upfront. In fact, if we are unable to recover compensation, then you won’t owe us anything.
Reach out today to schedule a free consultation.
