Cleveland Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

The mere thought of abuse taking place in a nursing home – the place where our loved ones go to receive the care they need – is horrifying. However, the sad truth is that nursing home abuse is common in the United States. With the staggering growth of our elderly population, the problem is likely to get increasingly worse.

If you believe you or your loved one has suffered abuse or neglect while residing in a nursing home or other long-term care facility, contact a Cleveland nursing home abuse lawyer right away. First and foremost, the legal team at Slater & Zurz will make sure you or your loved one is out of harm’s way. We will then begin a thorough investigation into the abuse and identify all responsible parties. Lastly, our lawyers will make sure those individuals are held accountable for their actions and will fight aggressively to recover damages on your behalf.

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

Nursing home abuse is the abuse or neglect of an elderly resident committed by a caregiver or other person in a trusted position. Nursing home and elder abuse can take many forms, including:

• General neglect
• Physical abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Psychological abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Financial exploitation

These forms of abuse are highly preventable yet commonly take place in a nursing home or other long-term care facility setting.

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 failed to provide a duty of 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 referred to as pressure ulcers, are injuries to the skin and underlying tissue that result from prolonged pressure. People with limited mobility or who are unable to 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 3 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 4 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 bedsore while in a nursing home, we highly recommend contacting a nursing home abuse lawyer 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 failing to perform background checks on employees 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.

Additional Resources

For additional Frequently asked questions about nursing home abuse & neglect.

Ohio Nursing Home Patient Bill Of Rights

How a Cleveland Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Can Help

Nursing home employees and administrators have a responsibility to provide 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. Having an experienced and dedicated Cleveland personal injury attorney on your side will make the process easier for you or your loved one. The attorneys at Slater & Zurz 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

We take all nursing home abuse cases on a contingency fee basis, allowing you to obtain superior legal representation without any upfront costs. Our attorneys’ fees are paid as a percentage of your total recovery. If we do not recover compensation on your behalf, you don’t owe us anything. To discuss your legal options, we welcome you to schedule your free consultation. Contact Slater & Zurz at (440)557-2861 today.

Articles to help you with your Nursing Home Abuse Claims

• “Granny Cams” in Nursing Homes: Help or Hindrance?
• A New Camera Law Aims To Reduce Elder Abuse In Ohio
• Be Vigilant: Coronavirus is Sweeping Through Nursing Homes.
• Bedsores and Nursing Home Neglect: What You Need To Know
• Department of Health’s Concurrent Involvement in Investigation
• How to Choose the Right Ohio Nursing Home