Ohio Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers

• Physical abuse. Caregivers or staff members might hit, slap, shove, or restrain residents inappropriately, leading to visible injuries such as bruises, cuts, or broken bones. Some abusers may intentionally use physical force to intimidate or control the individual, causing them pain and fear. Neglecting mobility needs by forcibly confining residents to their beds or wheelchairs also constitutes physical abuse.
• Emotional abuse. Emotional abuse in nursing homes involves actions or language that cause psychological distress to residents. This can include verbal assaults, threats, humiliation, or isolating individuals from social interactions. Caregivers may engage in behaviors like yelling, belittling, or intentionally ignoring the needs and emotions of the resident. Such treatment can lead to feelings of fear, anxiety, or depression. Unexplained changes in behavior, withdrawal, unusual mood swings, or signs of distress when interacting with certain caregivers are all signs of emotional abuse. 
• Neglect. Neglect in a nursing home occurs when caregivers’ failure to meet the basic needs of a resident results in harm or a decline in their well-being. This can include failing to provide adequate food, water, or medical care, which can leave a resident vulnerable to malnutrition, dehydration, or worsening health conditions. Neglect may also involve ignoring hygiene requirements, resulting in unsanitary living situations or preventable illnesses. Emotional neglect, such as isolating residents or not addressing their social and psychological needs, can further contribute to feelings of loneliness and despair.
• Financial abuse. Financial abuse in a nursing home occurs when caregivers, staff members, or even other residents exploit or steal from individuals under their care. This abuse can involve misusing a resident's funds, coercing residents to sign financial documents, or stealing personal belongings and valuables. 

Ohio Nursing Home Laws and Resident Rights

Residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities have basic rights that are supposed to protect their dignity, freedom, and well-being. These rights include the ability to make personal choices about daily routines, access quality care, maintain privacy, and communicate freely with loved ones. Residents have the right to live in a safe and healthy environment, free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. 

If someone violates these rights through neglect or any form of abuse, you have the right to file a complaint with the Ohio Department of Health’s Bureau of Survey and Certification (BOSC). You can submit a complaint using BOSC’s online complaint form or by sending an e-mail to HCComplaints@odh.ohio.gov. While you can also submit complaints by calling 1-800-342-0553, BOSC encourages individuals to make complaints in writing whenever possible. 

If you are thinking about pursuing a nursing home abuse lawsuit in Ohio, you must adhere to the statute of limitations, which is usually two years from the date the mistreatment occurred. The discovery rule can impact this timeframe by delaying the start of the limitation period until the abuse or neglect was reasonably discovered or should have been discovered. Waiting too long to take legal action can result in forfeiting your right to pursue justice and compensation, as courts generally dismiss cases filed after the statute expires.

Reaching out to our team at McHugh Fuller Law Group sooner rather than later gives us more time and opportunities to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build a strong claim. Our Ohio nursing home abuse lawyers work closely with our clients to explain their options, meet deadlines, and aggressively pursue the best possible outcomes for their cases.