Are you or a loved one facing nursing home abuse or neglect? Our dedicated Cleveland nursing home abuse lawyers can help. It’s a deeply troubling reality that abuse often occurs in nursing homes, where our vulnerable loved ones seek care and support. Unfortunately, this type of mistreatment is not uncommon across the United States, and with the increasing elderly population, the issue may only escalate.
At our Cleveland, Ohio, nursing home abuse law firm, we understand the gravity of elder abuse, ranging from physical and emotional to financial abuse. Our dedicated staff members are committed to providing comprehensive legal support to victims and their families.
If nursing home abuse or neglect has impacted you or a loved one, reach out to the compassionate Cleveland nursing home abuse attorneys at Slater & Zurz. Our top priority is the safety and well-being of you or your family member, ensuring immediate removal from any harmful situation.
Our legal team conducts an exhaustive investigation into the abuse, pinpointing all liable parties. With over 32 years of experience the nursing home abuse lawyers at Slater & Zurz are committed to holding the responsible individuals accountable, vigorously pursuing just compensation for the trauma and losses suffered.
The Crucial Role of Family Members in Identifying Nursing Home Abuse.
Family members play a crucial role in detecting early signs of nursing home abuse. Family members are often the first to notice signs of abuse or neglect. A Cleveland nursing home abuse attorney can guide you through the steps to take if you suspect your loved one is being mistreated, ensuring their safety and well-being. From identifying emotional distress to ensuring proper medical care, we guide families through the legal steps necessary to protect their loved ones.
Understanding Nursing Home Abuse in Cleveland
Filing a nursing home abuse lawsuit may not only provide the means necessary for you or your loved one to emotionally and physically recover, but it may prevent the responsible parties from committing future acts of abuse and neglect.
Types of Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect
Nursing home abuse is the abuse or neglect of an elderly resident committed by a caregiver or other person in a trusted position. Signs of nursing home abuse and elder neglect can take many forms, including:
- General neglect – Occurs when the necessary care and assistance for basic needs are not provided, leading to harm or distress in the elderly.
- Physical abuse – involves any form of physical harm or inappropriate handling. This can range from hitting or shoving to inappropriate use of restraints.
- Emotional abuse – This type of abuse includes actions that cause emotional or psychological distress, such as verbal assaults, threats, or isolation. Emotional abuse, though less visible, can severely impact a resident’s well-being. Our law firm is adept at handling such sensitive cases, ensuring victims receive the respect and medical care they need.
- Psychological abuse – This form of abuse involves actions or behaviors that cause fear, mental distress, or emotional pain. It can include verbal assaults, threats, intimidation, humiliation, or treating the elderly like children. Psychological abuse often leaves no physical marks but can have a profound impact on an elder’s mental health and well-being.
- Sexual abuse – Refers to any non-consensual sexual contact or exploitation. This is a particularly egregious form of abuse due to the vulnerability of the elderly.
- Financial abuse – Financial abuse in nursing homes often goes unnoticed. We’ve seen cases where bank accounts of elderly residents have been exploited. Our nursing home abuse lawyers are experienced in identifying signs of financial abuse and taking decisive action to protect the assets and dignity of your loved ones.
Unexplained weight loss in residents, often a sign of neglect or underlying health issues, should be taken seriously and investigated promptly. These forms of abuse are highly preventable yet commonly take place in a nursing home or other long-term care facility setting.
When confronting nursing home abuse or neglect, our elderly abuse attorneys employ a meticulous approach to build a strong case. Whether it’s a matter of personal injury or medical malpractice, we tailor our strategies to meet the unique needs of each victim.
Nursing Home Slip and Falls
It is estimated that nearly 75% of nursing home residents will experience a slip and fall in any given year. A slip and fall accident can result in hip fractures, leaving the elderly individual with a challenging recovery.
Nursing home residents can fall for many reasons. Some of the more common causes include:
- Understaffing
- Hazardous conditions within the nursing home
- Inadequate care plans
- Inadequate supervision
- Unaddressed issues with mobility
- Inadequate fall protocols
If the facility fails to provide a duty of care or proper medical care, you or your loved one may be able to pursue a nursing home slip and fall lawsuit and recover compensation for your damages.
Bedsore Stages and Treatment
A frequent indicator of nursing home abuse and neglect is the development of bedsores. Bedsores, also called pressure ulcers, are injuries to the skin and underlying tissue resulting from prolonged pressure. People with limited mobility or who cannot change positions frequently are more likely to develop bedsores.
Although there are effective treatments, bedsores are generally difficult to heal. Four stages categorize the severity of these wounds.
Stage 1
The skin is discolored, but there is no open wound. The area may be sore to the touch, itch, or burn. Treatment for stage 1 bedsores includes removing pressure from the area, keeping the wound clean and dry, and eating a healthy diet. Healing time in this stage is approximately three days.
Stage 2
There is significant pain and swelling in and around the ulcer. There is typically a shallow, open wound or yellowish blister. To treat, you should remove the pressure, keep the area clean and dry, and apply a saltwater solution and soft bandage. Stage 3 healing times range from 3 days to approximately 3 weeks.
Stage 3
The ulcer has broken through the top layers of skin and fatty tissue and may resemble a crater. You must seek medical attention if you or your loved one has a stage 3 pressure ulcer. A doctor may prescribe antibiotics and remove dead or dying tissue to prevent infection. It can take a stage 3 ulcer around four months to heal.
Stage 4
These bedsores extend into the deep tissues, such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments. You may see drainage, dead tissue, muscles, and sometimes even bone. There is a high risk of infection at this stage, so individuals should be taken to the hospital immediately. The patient will need extensive treatment that will likely include surgery. Stage 4 bedsores can heal in about 2 years, but some may never heal completely.
Suppose you or your loved one developed a bedsore while in a nursing home, we highly recommend contacting our attorneys right away. They will investigate the situation and determine if abuse or neglect played a part in your injuries.
Wrongful Death in a Nursing Home
The term “wrongful death” refers to a death caused by a person or entity’s negligence or misconduct. A wrongful death within a nursing home can stem from several different causes, such as:
- Physical abuse
- Malnutrition
- Dehydration
- Medication errors
- Failing to administer medication
- Bedsores
- Slip and falls
- Untreated medical conditions
Issues such as understaffing, inadequate training, and failure to perform background checks on staff members can increase the risk of wrongful deaths in a nursing home.
The facility has an obligation to its residents to keep them safe and provide proper care. When they fail to do so, they can be held liable, allowing you to pursue compensation.
Legal Rights and Protections
Nursing home employees and administrators are responsible for providing proper care and attention to their residents. When they fail to do so, victims and their loved ones have the right to seek justice and fair compensation for their damages.
The Process of Filing a Nursing Home Abuse Claim
Having an experienced and dedicated Cleveland, Ohio, personal injury attorney on your side will make the process easier for you or your loved one. The nursing home attorneys at Slater & Zurz in Cleveland, Ohio, can provide invaluable assistance by:
- Immediately notifying the authorities of the abuse
- Ensuring you or your loved one is safe and healthy
- Gathering evidence to identify all responsible parties
- Working with our team of experts to show the nature and extent of your or your loved one’s injuries
- Filing an Ohio nursing home abuse lawsuit and skillfully representing you during all legal proceedings
- Being there for you and your loved one whenever you need us – even after your case is resolved
Handling elder abuse cases requires a specialized approach. At Slater & Zurz, we have a history of successfully navigating these complex cases. Our attorneys bring a wealth of knowledge and a compassionate approach to each case, offering personalized legal strategies to achieve justice for our clients.
How Our Nursing Home Attorneys Can Help
If you suspect a loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, don’t wait. Contact our Cleveland, Ohio nursing home attorneys today for a free consultation. Together, we can take a stand against elder abuse.
We take all nursing home abuse cases on a contingency fee basis, allowing you to obtain superior legal representation without any upfront costs. Our attorney’s fees are paid as a percentage of your total recovery.
You don’t owe us anything if we do not recover compensation on your behalf. We welcome you to schedule your free consultation to discuss your legal options. If you suspect nursing home negligence or abuse of a family member, contact the Slater & Zurz law firm at (440)557-2861 today.
If you suspect abuse or neglect, it is essential to report the incident so it can promptly be addressed. There are 5 ways to report Ohio nursing home abuse:
- Call the Ohio Department of Health Complaint Hotline at (800) 342-0553.
- Contact Adult Protective Services (APS.)
- Call your local police.
- Contact your local long-term care ombudsman.
- Contact our nursing home abuse lawyer.
Additional Resources
For additional Frequently asked questions about nursing home abuse & neglect.
Ohio Nursing Home Patient Bill Of Rights