Finding out that a loved one may have been sexually abused in a nursing home can be heartbreaking. You trusted the facility to keep them safe, so learning that someone may have harmed them can leave you feeling angry, guilty, confused, or helpless.
This is especially true for residents who have dementia, have trouble communicating, or depend on caregivers for their daily needs.
If you suspect something happened, you do not have to figure it out alone. A Toledo nursing home sexual abuse lawyer can help protect your loved one, investigate what happened, and explain your legal options. At Shore Law, we have recovered more than $250 million for clients and offer free consultations. Reach out to us to speak to a Toledo nursing home abuse lawyer.
What Compensation May be Available?
A civil claim is also separate from a criminal investigation. Even if police are investigating suspected abuse, a survivor or their legal representative may have a separate claim against a person or facility that may be legally responsible. Potential compensation may include:
- Medical expenses: Treatment related to physical injuries or other health problems caused by the abuse may be part of a claim. This can include past and future medical care when supported by the evidence.
- Counseling or therapy costs: Your loved one may need counseling or other mental health support after experiencing abuse. The cost of this care may be included in a claim.
- Pain and suffering: A claim may seek compensation for the physical pain your loved one experienced because of the abuse. The emotional impact of the experience may also be considered.
- Emotional distress: Sexual abuse can cause fear, anxiety, embarrassment, and other emotional harm. Compensation may be available for the emotional effects of the abuse.
- Costs of moving to another facility: Your family may decide that moving your loved one to a different nursing home is necessary for their safety and well-being. Certain costs related to a move may be part of a claim.
- Other losses caused by the abuse: Every situation is different, and your loved one may experience losses that do not fit neatly into one category. An attorney can review the circumstances and determine what damages may be available.
- Punitive damages when allowed by law: In some cases, punitive damages may be available when the conduct was especially harmful or showed a serious disregard for another person’s rights. Whether these damages apply depends on the facts and Ohio law.
The legal process should also protect your loved one’s privacy and dignity. At Shore Law, we understand that these cases involve deeply personal information. A Toledo personal injury lawyer from our firm can work to handle sensitive evidence carefully while keeping your family’s needs in mind.
Nursing Home Sexual Abuse Can Be Difficult to See
Sexual abuse is one form of abuse that can affect older adults and people who depend on others for care. It may be difficult to know how often it happens because many cases are never reported.
A resident may feel embarrassed or worry that no one will believe them. Residents with dementia or other conditions may not be able to explain what happened. A loved one may not say, “Someone hurt me.” Instead, they may become quiet, anxious, upset, or afraid around a certain person.
If something seems wrong, it is reasonable to ask questions and seek help. Speaking up can help protect your loved one and may help prevent someone else from being harmed. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to a Toledo nursing home sexual abuse law firm like Shore Law.
Several People May Share Responsibility
Sexual abuse in a nursing home may involve more than the person who committed the abuse. Depending on the facts, other people or companies may also have legal responsibility.
- Nursing home staff: A CNA, nurse, aide, or other employee may be responsible if they sexually abuse a resident. The facility may also face questions about whether it properly hired, trained, and supervised that employee.
- Other residents: Abuse may sometimes involve another resident. The nursing home may need to answer questions about whether it knew about a risk and took reasonable steps to protect other residents.
- Visitors or contractors: Visitors, maintenance workers, medical providers, and other people may enter nursing homes and interact with residents. Their actions may need to be investigated if abuse is suspected.
- The nursing home: A facility may be responsible if it failed to properly supervise residents or staff, ignored warning signs, failed to respond to complaints, or did not follow required reporting procedures.
Determining who is responsible requires a careful look at the facts. Shore Law can investigate the people and organizations involved to determine how the abuse happened and whether the facility failed to protect your loved one.
How Shore Law Can Help After Sexual Abuse in a Nursing Home
At Shore Law, we prioritize our clients and understand the complexities of these cases. Here are some ways we investigate and can help:
- Looking beyond the medical chart: Electronic records can contain information that may not be obvious from the medical notes themselves. Metadata may help show when information was entered, changed, or accessed. The extensive experience at Shore Law allows us to take a closer look at records that may be important to your loved one’s case.
- Taking the legal burden off your family: We can help gather records, investigate the facility, communicate with insurance companies, and handle other parts of the legal process. This can give your family more time to focus on your loved one’s safety and healing.
- Providing compassion and care: These cases involve private and painful experiences. Your loved one deserves to be treated with respect throughout the legal process.
- Advocating for your loved one’s rights: We’ll advocate for your or your loved one’s rights and pursue the damages supported by the evidence.
Talk to a Compassionate Toledo Nursing Home Sexual Abuse Lawyer
You trusted a nursing home to care for your loved one. Learning that this trust may have been broken can leave you feeling hurt, angry, and unsure of what to do next.
You do not have to face the situation alone. Shore Law brings 40 years of combined experience to nursing home abuse and neglect cases. We understand the importance of looking closely at the records, people, and systems involved in your loved one’s care.
If you suspect nursing home sexual abuse, reach out today for a free and confidential consultation. A Toledo nursing home sexual abuse lawyer can listen to your concerns, explain your options, and help you determine what steps to take next.
