In Ohio, sexual abuse at nursing homes may be investigated by the local police, the Ohio Department of Health, and Adult Protective Services. Who investigates depends on whether a formal complaint is filed.
If your loved one was harmed at a nursing home facility, a Cleveland nursing home sexual abuse lawyer from Shore Law can help.
Who Investigates Sexual Abuse in Ohio Nursing Homes?
Who investigates sexual abuse in Ohio nursing homes depends on the specific circumstances. In emergency or criminal situations, local police will likely be the first line of investigation. If the nursing home facility may have been negligent, then the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) can conduct a compliance and safety investigation.
In some cases, Adult Protective Services (APS) will investigate abuse allegations as well. Additionally, if you are planning to file a claim against an individual or the nursing home facility, then your Cleveland nursing home abuse lawyer from Shore Law will conduct their own investigation to determine all at-fault parties.
Additional Parties Who May Investigate
In some cases, the Healthcare Fraud Section at the Ohio Attorney General’s Office may also get involved. They can investigate patient abuse and neglect at long-term care facilities.
The Ohio Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman acts as an advocate for patients and their families. They can investigate when a formal complaint is filed.
What Evidence Is Gathered During Sexual Abuse Investigations in Ohio Nursing Homes?
Evidence is one of the most important elements of a case, as it can help prove that an event occurred and who was responsible for it. Additionally, your Cleveland personal injury lawyer can gather evidence that shows whether a nursing home facility also needs to be held accountable.
Helpful Evidence in Nursing Home Sexual Abuse Cases
Evidence may include:
- Forensic evidence.
- Photographs.
- Video footage, such as from security cameras.
- Witness testimony.
- Victim statements.
- Police reports.
Additional Evidence to Prove a Nursing Home Was Negligent
To prove that a nursing home was negligent and that allowed the abuse to occur, a lawyer from Shore Law may gather evidence like:
- Prior complaints about a staff member or safety issues.
- Staffing records that could show a pattern of negligent hiring practices.
- Proof of security lapses, such as a record of unlocked doors, lack of security cameras, or lack of security personnel on staff.
- Witness statements that prove there was a history of disturbing actions.
- Any messages you sent on behalf of your loved one. For example, stating they felt uncomfortable with a staff member.
- Any communications from nursing home administrators where they addressed complaints or the abuse.
What Should You Do If You Suspect Abuse in a Nursing Home?
Abuse may be hard to determine, especially when a loved one is non-verbal or has a cognitive limitation. However, if you suspect abuse or a loved one has told you they were abused, there are a few important steps to take. These steps are:
- Report the abuse to the police.
- Seek medical attention for your loved one.
- Take photos of any visible wounds they have.
- Report the abuse to the nursing home administration.
- Keep any communications sent from nursing home staff.
- Contact your local long-term care ombudsman.
- Contact a nursing home abuse attorney.
- If you believe your loved one is still in danger, relocate them to another facility.
- Seek counseling for your loved one and for yourself.
- Do not sign anything from the nursing home until you have consulted with an attorney.
It’s easy to feel guilty if a loved one was hurt. Remember that the only at-fault parties are the abuser and anyone who enabled their abuse.
How Can a Cleveland Nursing Home Sexual Abuse Lawyer Help You?
If a loved one was abused, the aftermath can feel scary. You may be unsure of how to get them the help they need and how to hold the at-fault parties accountable. A lawyer can help you get fair compensation for medical bills and relocation costs, alongside financial accountability for the emotional and physical toll of the abuse.
A lawyer from Shore Law can help with the entire legal process of a nursing home abuse or personal injury case. They can:
- Investigate to determine all at-fault parties and prove negligence occurred.
- Handle all communications with insurers and the other parties involved.
- File all necessary paperwork, ensuring accuracy and timely filing.
- Represent your loved one’s case in court when necessary.
Shore Law’s personal injury team works on a contingency fee basis. Under this fee structure, you won’t pay any upfront costs. Instead, their fees are taken as a percentage of the recovered compensation. If they don’t recover compensation, then you won’t owe them anything.
Contact a Cleveland Nursing Home Sexual Abuse Attorney
Who investigates sexual abuse in a nursing home in Ohio depends on the circumstances of the abuse. A lawyer from Shore Law can investigate to prove fault, including negligence on the part of the nursing home facility. Our team has recovered over $250 million for injury victims and their families.
In Ohio, you generally have two years to file a nursing home abuse or neglect lawsuit. This can make it important to get started on your case as soon as possible.
Reach out to Shore Law today to schedule a free consultation with our legal team. We can listen to your story and help you understand your legal options going forward with your case.
