Nursing Home Neglect in Ohio

The National Council on Aging reports that one in 5 elder adults are abused or neglected since the COVID-19 pandemic. Only 1 in 24 cases are reported.

The decision to send your loved one to a nursing home is difficult. The last thing you want to discover is that they’re being abused or neglected in the facility they’re in. The Mellino Law Firm has decades of experience fighting for victims and their families, with tens of millions won.

Contact us today at (440) 333-3800 for a free consultation to discuss your legal rights.

Understanding Nursing Home Neglect

Nursing home neglect occurs when a long-term care facility or its staff does not provide patients with the medical care needed to protect their health and safety. This is often the result of facility understaffing but can also be caused by willful neglect of a patient by staff members as a form of abuse.

Common Injuries Caused by Nursing Home Negligence

Neglect in nursing homes can lead to serious and life-changing injuries for victims. Here are just a few of the most common ones:

• Bed sores. Failure to turn a patient in bed can lead to bed sores that can become infected and even deadly if not properly treated.
• Injuries from falls. When nursing home staff fail to adequately supervise a patient, falls can cause broken bones, cuts, bruises, TBIs, and other injuries.
• Medication errors. When nursing home staff don’t administer the right medication in the right amount to a patient, this can worsen medical conditions, create new health risks, or overdose the patient.
• Dehydration and malnutrition. If a nursing home resident is being neglected, they may not receive proper nutrition or fluids, which can lead to illness and death.
• Worsening of chronic conditions. Neglecting routine medical care for conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or dementia can accelerate deterioration.
• Wrongful death. In severe cases, neglect can directly contribute to the death of a patient, opening the door for a wrongful death claim.

Signs Your Loved One Is Being Neglected

Family members are often the first to notice warning signs that something is wrong. If your loved one is experiencing any of the following, this may be an indicator that the facility they are at is neglecting or abusing them:

• Falls or injuries with no explanation
• Weight loss that is rapid or not due to illness or medications
• Excessively dry skin, mouth, and eyes
• Bed sores or skin infections
• Dirty clothing, a cluttered room, or poor hygiene
• Mood changes, particularly fear or social withdrawal
• Staff that won’t allow access to your loved one or address concerns

How The Mellino Law Firm Can Help

At The Mellino Law Firm, we’re dedicated to helping you advocate for your loved one and making sure they get the care they need without neglect or abuse. We can:

• Investigate the history and staffing practices of the nursing home your family member is staying at
• Review your loved one’s medical records and care plan
• Identify violations of state and federal nursing home regulations
• Secure expert testimonials from qualified medical and elder care experts
• Aggressively pursue compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs

Call For Your Free Consultation Today

Don’t wait to get legal help for an elderly family member you think may be neglected in a nursing home in Ohio. Contact our medical malpractice lawyers for your free consultation now by calling (440) 333-3800.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I suspect nursing home negligence?

If you suspect your loved one is being neglected or abused in a nursing home, it’s important to contact a qualified Ohio personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Your attorney can help you report the neglect to the proper authorities and collect evidence to use in a claim against the facility.

Who can file a claim for nursing home neglect in Ohio?

A victim of nursing home neglect can file a claim themselves, or their immediate family members can do so on their behalf. Additionally, the representative of the victim’s estate can file if they have passed away.

What kind of compensation is available in a nursing home negligence case?

Compensation in a nursing home negligence case may include:

• Existing medical expenses
• Costs for future care
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of quality of life
• Disability or disfigurement
• Funeral expenses

In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded to penalize wrongdoing and discourage future neglect.