Elder Abuse & Neglect

Columbus Elder Neglect Attorney

Legal Help When A Loved One Is Harmed

When an elderly loved one is in a nursing home, assisted living community, or under medical care, you trust others to keep them safe. If you start seeing bruises, weight loss, fearfulness, or sudden changes, it can be hard to know if this is normal aging or a sign of neglect or abuse. In these moments, many families look for an elder neglect attorney who can explain what is happening and what options they have.

At McHugh Fuller Law Group, we represent families who believe a senior has been harmed by the people and companies paid to protect them. For more than 20 years, our firm has focused on standing up to nursing homes, medical providers, and other powerful organizations when their negligence hurts vulnerable people. We understand that reaching out for help can feel overwhelming, and we work to make that first step as straightforward as possible.

If you are worried about a parent, spouse, or other family member in Columbus, GA, or nearby communities, you do not have to sort this out on your own. Our attorneys can listen to what you are seeing, help you understand whether it may be elder neglect or abuse, and discuss how the law may protect your loved one.

Call (601) 255-0240 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation.

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What Is Considered Elder Abuse?

Elder abuse refers to intentional or negligent acts that cause harm—or create a serious risk of harm—to an older adult. Abuse can occur in private homes, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospitals, or anywhere an elderly person depends on others for care.

Common types of elder abuse and neglect include:

Physical abuse: Hitting, slapping, pushing, improper restraint, or excessive force
Emotional or psychological abuse: Threats, humiliation, intimidation, isolation, or verbal harassment
Neglect: Failure to provide basic necessities such as food, water, hygiene, medication, or medical care
Sexual abuse: Any non-consensual sexual contact involving an elderly person
Financial exploitation: Theft, fraud, misuse of funds, coercion, or manipulation of assets
Medical neglect: Missed diagnoses, medication errors, untreated injuries, or failure to follow care plans

Warning signs may include unexplained injuries, bedsores, sudden weight loss, poor hygiene, behavioral changes, or unusual financial transactions. Our Columbus elder abuse attorney can help investigate these red flags and determine whether abuse or neglect has occurred.

Ohio Elder Abuse Law

Ohio law provides strong protections for elderly and disabled adults. Under Ohio Revised Code § 5101.63, elder abuse includes physical, emotional, sexual abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of individuals aged 60 and older.

Ohio also requires certain professionals—such as healthcare workers, social workers, and long-term care staff—to report suspected elder abuse. Failure to report may result in legal consequences. Investigations are typically conducted by Adult Protective Services (APS), but civil lawsuits may also be filed to recover compensation for the victim and their family.

Our Columbus elder abuse attorney can explain how Ohio elder abuse laws apply to your case, help coordinate with investigators, and pursue civil claims beyond any criminal proceedings.

Who Is Liable for Elder Abuse?

Liability for elder abuse and neglect depends on where and how the abuse occurred. Potentially responsible parties may include:

Nursing homes and assisted living facilities
Facility owners, administrators, and management companies
Caregivers, nurses, aides, or medical staff
Home health agencies
Hospitals or rehabilitation centers
Financial advisors or individuals in positions of trust

Facilities may be held liable for negligent hiring, inadequate training, understaffing, poor supervision, or failure to address known risks. Individual caregivers may also be personally responsible for intentional or reckless conduct.

At McHugh Fuller Law Group, we thoroughly investigate every case to identify all liable parties and pursue maximum compensation on behalf of abused seniors and their families.

What to Do If Your Elderly Loved One Is Being Abused

If you suspect elder abuse or neglect, taking prompt action is critical. Steps to consider include:

Ensure immediate safety – If your loved one is in danger, seek medical care or emergency assistance right away.
Document evidence – Take photos of injuries, unsafe living conditions, and keep records of medical visits or financial discrepancies.
Report the abuse – Contact Adult Protective Services, law enforcement, or the Ohio Long-Term Care Ombudsman.
Seek legal guidance – A Columbus elder abuse lawyer can protect your loved one’s rights and handle communications with facilities and insurers.
Remove your loved one if necessary – If the environment is unsafe, consider relocating them to a secure care setting.

Legal action can not only help your family recover damages but also prevent the abuse from continuing or affecting others.

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Why Families Turn To McHugh Fuller Law Group

Families usually contact us at a difficult point in their lives. They are worried that a loved one may be suffering behind closed doors in a facility, and they feel outmatched by large nursing home companies and medical systems. Our role is to stand between your family and those powerful entities and to work to hold them accountable for the harm they cause.

For more than two decades, our firm has focused on negligence and harm cases involving nursing homes, medical providers, and other organizations that impact vulnerable people. This experience matters in elder neglect cases, because facilities in and around Columbus often have corporate ownership structures, insurance companies, and legal teams that can be hard for a family to face alone. We are used to navigating these complicated situations and bringing focus back to the safety and dignity of the senior at the center of the case.

People choose McHugh Fuller Law Group because we are committed to those who cannot fight for themselves. In elder abuse and neglect cases, that means listening carefully to families, examining available materials when we are retained, and working to shine a light on patterns that may have harmed your loved one. We strive to be a steady, honest partner throughout a process that can otherwise feel confusing and intimidating.

To talk with an attorney about your concerns, call (601) 255-0240.

What Types of Compensation Can I Recover in an Ohio Nursing Home Abuse Case?

Victims of nursing home abuse in Ohio and their families may recover several types of compensation to address the harm they have endured. Economic damages often include medical expenses related to injuries, rehabilitation costs, and the expenses associated with moving to a safer facility.
Non-economic damages address the pain and suffering experienced by the victim, such as emotional distress or loss of enjoyment of life. In some cases, courts may also award punitive damages to penalize egregious misconduct and discourage similar actions in the future.
Are Nursing Homes in Ohio Regulated to Prevent Abuse?

Nursing homes in Ohio operate under a set of detailed regulations designed to protect residents and promote quality care. State and federal laws outline standards to address staffing ratios, resident rights, facility cleanliness, and medical services. These laws require nursing homes to undergo regular inspections and maintain compliance with health and safety guidelines.
Despite these measures, neglect and abuse still occur in some facilities. Understaffing, inadequate training, and administrative failures can all result in scenarios where residents may face harm. You should not hesitate to further investigate or get legal advice if a facility does not appear to be taking proper care of your loved one or honoring their rights.
What Types of Medical Errors Can Lead to a Malpractice Claim?

Medical errors that can lead to a malpractice claim include mistakes in diagnosis, treatment, and medication administration. A misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis can result in incorrect treatments or a lack of timely intervention that causes harm to the patient. Errors in treatment, such as performing the wrong procedure or using improper techniques, also directly jeopardize patient safety. Medication mistakes, including prescribing the wrong drug or dosage, can create significant risks of adverse reactions or complications. If you suspect that you or a loved one may have been a victim of medical malpractice, we can help you understand your legal options.

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Elder Abuse Claim FAQs

How long do I have to file an elder abuse lawsuit in Ohio?

Ohio’s statute of limitations varies depending on the claim, but delays can weaken evidence. Speaking with a Columbus elder abuse lawyer as soon as possible is strongly recommended.

Can I sue a nursing home for neglect?

Yes. Nursing homes and assisted living facilities can be held liable for neglect, understaffing, and failure to meet required standards of care.

What if my loved one cannot communicate what happened?

Abuse can still be proven using medical records, facility documentation, expert testimony, and circumstantial evidence. Our firm handles cases involving non-verbal or cognitively impaired victims.