Oklahoma Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers

• Physical abuse. Physical abuse in a nursing home consists of intentional acts that cause physical harm or pain to residents. This can include hitting, slapping, pushing, or any other form of physical force that leaves bruises, cuts, or other injuries. Overuse of physical restraints, improper handling during transfers, and rough treatment while providing care are also forms of physical abuse. These actions can result in both immediate physical injuries and long-term psychological trauma for residents. Warning signs include unexplained injuries, fearfulness around particular staff members, or sudden behavioral changes.
• Emotional abuse. Emotional abuse in nursing homes often involves behaviors that harm a resident's self-esteem, dignity, or mental well-being. This can include verbal assaults, such as yelling, threatening, or belittling residents, as well as non-verbal actions, such as ignoring, isolating, or purposely excluding the resident from activities or social interactions. Emotional abuse can lead to feelings of loneliness, depression, anxiety, and a loss of self-worth. Warning signs may include sudden withdrawal, heightened emotional distress, or an unusual reluctance to speak openly in the presence of caregivers.
• Financial abuse. Financial abuse in a nursing home setting involves the exploitation or improper use of a resident's financial resources, typically without their consent or understanding. This can take many forms, including unauthorized access to bank accounts, manipulating a resident into changing their will, stealing money or valuables, or charging for services not provided. Residents with cognitive impairments are particularly vulnerable to financial abuse, as they may have difficulty tracking their finances or recognizing fraudulent activity.
• Neglect. Neglect in a nursing home refers to the failure to provide adequate care necessary to meet the needs of residents, which can result in physical or emotional harm. This can include failing to provide proper nutrition, hydration, hygiene, medical attention, or assistance with daily activities. Residents may suffer from bedsores, dehydration, infections, or worsening health conditions when their basic needs are ignored. Emotional neglect, such as isolating residents or failing to engage them socially, can lead to feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression.

Oklahoma Nursing Home Laws and Resident Rights

Nursing home residents in Oklahoma have key rights that are intended to protect their dignity and well-being. These rights include access to quality care, the freedom to make personal choices regarding their daily lives, and the ability to participate in decisions about their medical treatment. Facilities must recognize residents’ rights to privacy, including during personal care and while handling their medical and personal information. Residents can communicate freely with family and friends, and they have the right to voice grievances or concerns without fear of retaliation. Additionally, they retain the right to live in a safe environment that respects their autonomy and individuality.

The unfortunate reality is that these rights are not always honored. When you have reason to believe any of these rights have been violated and your elderly loved one has been subject to abuse or neglect, you can file a complaint with the Long Term Care Services (LTC) division of the Oklahoma State Department of Public Health. LTC maintains an online hotline where you can report your concerns in a formal complaint.

In Oklahoma, you only have two years from the date the mistreatment occurred – or the date the mistreatment was discovered or should have been discovered – to file a nursing home abuse lawsuit. If you wait too long to start the legal process, you will likely be barred from proceeding, meaning you will be unable to pursue compensation or justice.

Don’t wait to get legal advice. Our Oklahoma nursing home abuse lawyers can explain your rights and walk you through how we may be able to help you enforce them and hold perpetrators of mistreatment accountable.