From the moment you or someone you love is injured in a nursing home, the clock starts running on how long you have to file a claim. In Ohio, the Statute of Limitations for a nursing home negligence or injury claim is generally 1 year. If you fail to file suit within that time frame, the defendant (the person you’re trying to sue) will almost certainly file a “motion to dismiss”, and the Court will reject your case on statutory grounds.
Even if you or your loved one was horribly injured due to nursing home negligence or neglect, and they were clearly in the wrong; after a year, they can no longer be held responsiblethrough a personal injury claim.
With a few exceptions:
In cases where the victim was ‘of unsound mind’, the time limit in which their next of kin can file a personal injury claim is lifted. Common diagnoses such as Alzheimer’s and dementia could extend the statute of limitations beyond one year. An experienced personal injury attorney will be able to tell you whether the statute of limitations applies in your case.
If the defendant “departs from the state” or absconds, or conceals” him or herself within the state of Ohio, the time limit in which to file a personal injury claim does not start again until the person can be located. In other words, if the defendant skips town for a couple of years to avoid taking responsibility for their actions, you have 1 year from the date of their return in which to file a lawsuit.
If your Ohio nursing home negligence or injury claim stems from injuries caused by a defective product, a special filing timeline may apply to your case, especially if consumer fraud or a product warranty is involved.
Putting a family member into a nursing home can be extremely difficult. You are trusting strangers with the care, health and happiness of your loved one, which makes it especially upsetting if they are injured or even killed by negligence or neglect.
After a nursing home negligence or neglect injury, it is extremely important to get an experienced, aggressive attorney fighting in your corner. Due to the advanced age and frailty of most nursing home residents, care facilities will often try to explain away or pass off their responsibility as just a natural consequence of being old and frail. “These things just happen sometimes”, they will say. If you suspect negligence or abuse may have contributed to the injury or death of your loved on while in the care of a nursing home, call the experienced nursing home negligence attorneys at Cowan & Hilgeman.
At Cowan & Hilgeman, we have successfully handled countless nursing home negligence cases, including cases that other law firms have rejected. To schedule your FREE consultation with our Dayton Personal Injury Attorney, call (937) 222-2030.
The decision to place your loved one in a nursing home is often an enormously emotional one. You are trusting perfect strangers with the care and well-being of an important family member, hoping that trained nursing staff can provide them with the best quality of life possible. Thoroughly researching care facilities can reduce the chance that your loved one is mistreated, but even the most well-recommended nursing homes can hide a dark underbelly.
The frailty associated with old age can rapidly accelerate a decline in health and mental state, if the person in question is not properly cared for. Bed sores, in particular, can go from bad to life-threatening in only a few days, which is why it is vital that you remain vigilant in looking out for signs of nursing home abuse and neglect.
Here are the 10 most common signs of nursing home neglect, abuse and negligence:
1 – Dehydration
Elderly people do not feel thirsty in the same way that younger people do, especially when afflicted by Alzheimer’s or Dementia. Dehydration can turn lethal in only a few days, which is why nursing staff must constantly monitor patients’ fluid intake and output. If your loved one complains of being thirsty or frequent headaches, has a dry mouth or skin, or feels dizzy often, this can be a sign that they aren’t getting enough fluids.
2 – Weight Loss
Weight loss is common among new nursing home residents as they adjust to their new environment and food, but this should be actively monitored by doctors and nursing staff with the help of a nutritionist, if necessary. Meal plans should be adjusted to help bring your loved one back up to a healthy weight. Uncontrolled, untreated weight loss is a clear sign that the patient’s basic needs aren’t being met.
3 – Poor Personal Hygiene
Nursing homes that neglect their patients’ personal hygiene are generally obvious from the moment you walk in the door, but individual neglect is unfortunately quite common. If you notice that your loved one hasn’t been bathed as frequently as you would like, voice your concerns immediately to staff. If the problem is not quickly addressed, this can be a sign of more widespread abuse or neglect.
4 – Urinary Tract Infections
Frequent UTIs are a painful symptom of being improperly cared for. If your loved one is forced to wait to use the toilet until staff gets around to helping them, sitting in an adult diaper or soiled underwear for too long, being wiped incorrectly and bathed too infrequently are common reasons a urinary tract infection can develop. They can also be caused by dehydration.
5 – Slip and Falls
Unfortunately, elderly people are always at an increased risk of falling, but if you find that your loved one has fallen frequently or particularly severely, it is important that you find out how and why to prevent re-occurrence.
6 – Dirty clothing, bed clothes and living areas
If you notice odd or foul smells, dirty bed clothes, personal clothing items, overly full trash cans and uncleaned spills, notify staff immediately. Unsanitary conditions can lead to illness and disease, especially among the already frail and medically-compromised.
7 – Over-medication
Some nursing homes have been known to over-medicate their residents to make them more placid, controllable and easy to manage. While it is sometimes necessary to calm patients with Alzheimers or Dementia, psychotropic medication should rarely be used as a long-term treatment plan. If you find that your loved one is often unresponsive, uninterested and zoned-out, it is important to discuss their medication with their doctor. Always feel free to seek a second opinion.
8 – Inexplicable bruising
Elderly people have fragile skin that bruises easily, especially when taking medication to thin the blood. If you notice odd bruises that cannot be easily explained, such as bruises around the wrists or on the breasts/genitals, you may need to conduct a deeper investigation into their care.
9 – Bed Sores
Also known as pressure sores or ulcers, they should not be accepted as a common occurrence in nursing homes. They are always a sign that your loved one is being moved/turned too infrequently, and therefore neglected. Bed sores can go from bad to life-threatening very quickly, so they must be addressed immediately.
10 – Psychological issues
If your loved one becomes quiet, withdrawn, takes less pleasure in things that they are usually interested in, this can be a sign that their psychological state is being neglected. If they engage in self-soothing behaviors such as rocking back and forth, wrist-banging or head nodding, this can be an alarming sign of physical or emotional abuse.
If your loved one displays any of the above signs of nursing home neglect or abuse, fast action is of paramount importance. A diligent, caring nursing staff should take your concerns seriously and formulate a plan of action to address them immediately.
If staff fails to do that, if they try to tell you that you are imagining things or that these are a normal part of life in a nursing home, contact the experienced nursing home abuse attorneys at Cowan & Hilgeman.
There are strict deadlines to file a medical malpractice claim in Ohio, so do not delay in contacting a lawyer that has experience investigating nursing home medical malpractice claims.
The personal injury lawyers at Cowan & Hilgeman have recovered millions in compensation for clients. Our injury lawyers create plans of attack for each case tailored specific to the client’s needs and expectations.
The lawyers at Cowan & Hilgeman handle claims involving personal injury, medical malpractice, nursing home negligence, product liability and wrongful death. We routinely recover compensation on cases that other law firms reject.
Cowan & Hilgeman offers free personal injury case evaluations and only get paid an attorney fee if we win your personal injury case. Call 937-222-2030 to get your free case evaluation.
In a recent article written by Brandon Klein, Daily Reporter Staff
Writer, for the July 12th, 2019 Issue of the Daily Court Reporter, Vol.
148-No.11, Ohio Ranked 21st in the country for nursing home complaints.
Mr. Klein’s article, in its entirety, is provided below:
A new analysis shows that Ohio’s nursing homes are in the middle of the pack nationally based on the number of complaints per facility.
The Senior List ranked Ohio No. 21 based on most complaints per nursing home facility last year.
The state averaged 8.37 complaints per facility, costing its nursing homes $1.2 million in penalties from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, according to The Senior List’s “Which States Have The Best And Worst Nursing Homes” report.
The report based its findings on data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ 2019 report.
“The number of Americans residing in nursing care facilities has surged over the past half- century, rising more that 200-fold since the 1960s and nearly doubling in just the past 20 years,” the report stated. “As the U.S. population continues to grown older, it seems likely that more and more of us will require the care offered by nursing facilities in our later years because we need the kind of constant, skilled care such facilities offer.”
Washington had highest number of complaints at 18.1 per facility. Washington D.C. came in second at 15.56 complaints per facility, followed by Maryland (14.38), Nevada (13.52), New Mexico (13.26), Delaware (13), California (12.27), Alaska (12.11), Oregon (12.09) and Michigan (11.64).
New Hampshire had the lowest number of nursing home complaints. The state had 2.59 complaints per facility.
Alabama came in second at 3.16 complaints per facility, followed by Rhode Island (3.2), Tennessee (3.51), South Dakota (3.63), Mississippi (3.72), Georgia (3.89), New Jersey (4.12), Louisiana (4.45), Maine (4.69) and New York (4.78).
Nationally, 15,000 nursing homes had a total of 121,000 complaints or eight per facility, costing them $34 million in CMS penalties.
The most common complaint was the quality of care, which made up 19 percent of all complaints nationally, followed by resident rights (13 percent) and pharmacy services (12 percent).
Additionally, the report found:
Ohio ranked 16th for sub-standard care complaints with 1.01 such complaints per facility;
Ohio had the second lowest percentage of complaints of comprehensive, patient-centered care plans. Such complaints made up 6.1 percent and 21.3 percent in Vermont, the highest in the country;
And that Ohio ranked 34th for its percentage of 5-star nursing homes, which made up 19.4 percent of all of the state’s nursing facilities. On the other hand, Ohio ranked 10th for the percentage of 1-star nursing homes, which made up 22 percent of all facilities in the state.
“The choice of where a person spends what probably will be their final months and days on earth is an important one that they should be able to make in consultation with their physicians and families,” the report stated. “And knowledge is power; more and better oversight may well be needed, but families should use all the tools available to ensure the nursing facilities they and their family members use are focused not on maximizing profit but ensuring quality care, freedom and dignity of residents.”
The personal injury lawyers at Cowan & Hilgeman have recovered millions in compensation for our clients. Our lawyers create plans of attack for each case specific to the client’s needs and expectations. The lawyers at Cowan & Hilgeman handle claims involving personal injury, medical malpractice, nursing home negligence, product liability and wrongful death. We routinely recover compensation on cases that other law firms reject.
Cowan & Hilgeman offers free personal injury case evaluations and only get paid an attorney fee if we win your personal injury case.
Call 937-222-2030 to get your free case evaluation.
Nursing home negligence and long-term care negligence can be seen in many forms. Unfortunately, victims of nursing home negligence and long-term care negligence are often unable to care for themselves. As family members of the aging population, we trust that nursing homes and long-term care facilities can properly care for our elderly family members and ensure their safety.
Typical indicators of nursing home negligence and long-term care negligence can be seen in the following cases:
A bed sore or pressure ulcers
Dehydration
Falls
Neglect
Abuse
Medication Errors
Conditions Resulting in Death
A bed sore – also called pressure ulcers and decubitus ulcers – are injuries to skin and underlying tissue resulting from prolonged pressure on the skin. A bed sore will most often develop on skin that covers bony areas of the body, such as the heels, ankles, hips, coccyx and tailbone.
What are the symptoms of a bed sore?
The Mayo Clinic notes that common warning signs of pressure ulcers are:
Unusual changes in skin color or texture
Swelling
Pus-like draining
An area of skin that feels cooler or warmer to the touch than other areas
Tender areas
What causes a bed sore?
According to Mayo Clinic, bed sores are caused by pressure against the skin that limits blood flow to the skin. Other factors related to limited mobility can make the skin vulnerable to damage and contribute to the development of pressure sores. The primary contributing factors for bedsores are:
Pressure – Constant pressure on any part of your body can lessen the blood flow to tissues. Blood flow is essential to delivering oxygen and other nutrients to tissues. Without these essential nutrients, skin and nearby tissues are damaged and might eventually die.
For people with limited mobility, this kind of pressure tends to happen in areas that aren’t well-padded with muscle or fat and that lie over a bone, such as the spine, tailbone, shoulder blades, hips, heels and elbows.
Friction – Friction occurs when the skin rubs against clothing or bedding. It can make fragile skin more vulnerable to injury, especially if the skin is also moist.
Shear – Shear occurs when two surfaces move in the opposite direction. For example, when a bed is elevated at the head, you can slide down in bed. As the tailbone moves down, the skin over the bone might stay in place – essentially pulling in the opposite direction.
What are risk factors for bed sores?
People are at risk of developing bedsores if they lack mobility and are unable to easily change position. Risk factors include:
Cellulitis – Cellulitis is an infection of the skin and connected soft tissues. It can cause warmth, redness and swelling of the affected area. People with nerve damage often do not feel pain in the area affected by cellulitis.
Bone and joint infections – An infection from a pressure sore can burrow into joints and bones. Joint infections (septic arthritis) can damage cartilage and tissue. Bone infections (osteomyelitis) can reduce the function of joints and limbs.
Cancer – Long-term, nonhealing wounds (Majjolin’s ulcers) can develop into a type of squamous cell carcinoma.
Sepsis – Rarely, a bedsore leads to sepsis.
Are bed sores preventable?
Bedsores are preventable with adequate medical care. Bed sores can be prevented by:
Reducing pressure by the use of regular repositioning every 15 minutes to 2 hours.
Using support surfaces such as a mattress, bed and special cushions that help sit or lie in a way that protects vulnerable skin.
Adequate nutrition including hydration.
Early detection of bed sores which includes properly cleaning and dressing the wound.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a bedsore or pressure ulcer, the injuries may be a result of medical negligence. There are strict deadlines to file a medical malpractice claim in Ohio, so do not delay in contacting a lawyer that has experience investigating bedsore medical malpractice claims.
The personal injury lawyers at Cowan & Hilgeman have recovered millions in compensation for clients. Our injury lawyers create plans of attack for each case tailored specific to the client’s needs and expectations.
The lawyers at Cowan & Hilgeman handle claims involving personal injury, medical malpractice, nursing home negligence, product liability and wrongful death. We routinely recover compensation on cases that other law firms reject.
Cowan & Hilgeman offers free personal injury case evaluations and only get paid an attorney fee if we win your personal injury case. Call 937-222-2030 to get your free case evaluation.
Countless clients have hired the personal injury lawyers at Cowan & Hilgeman after receiving low-ball offers from insurance companies and our attorneys have gone on to recover 6 times, 12 times and even 50 times the original offer. While past cases do not guarantee future results, the personal injury lawyers at Cowan & Hilgeman are committed to aggressively pursuing your compensation.
Not every personal injury lawyer can obtain the results you may want or need. When evaluating personal injury lawyers, you must consider the following to ensure your claim is being properly presented and framed so that you receive maximum compensation:
Aggressive Pursuit of Compensation
Your lawyer should create a plan of attack to maximize the compensation available under your claim and make sure there is evidence to force the insurance company to pay what you deserve. Insurance companies and defense lawyers will not consider claims that lack sufficient evidence to support the demand for compensation. A skilled and aggressive personal injury lawyer will make sure every aspect of your claim is maximized.
Track Record of Success
Insurance companies know which personal injury lawyers accept low-ball offers and which lawyers will go to court to obtain maximum compensation for their clients. You do not want a personal injury lawyer or law firm that does not go to court or litigate their own claims. There are several of these law firms in Dayton and throughout Ohio. During your initial consultation with the lawyer, be sure to ask if he or she is the lawyer that will represent you if your case goes to court. The personal injury lawyers at Cowan & Hilgeman are recognized as some of the top personal injury lawyers in Ohio.
Client Reviews and Testimonials
Developments in technology and the ability to quickly and securely share information has allowed former clients to leave reviews and testimonials about their experience with a lawyer and/or law firm. Client reviews and testimonials are a great insight into the outcome obtained for the client. While each case is different and presents unique facts and circumstances, client reviews will give you an indication of what you can expect from the lawyer regarding skill, communication and genuine concern for the client’s interest. The personal injury lawyers at Cowan & Hilgeman are aggressive in their creation of a plan to maximize your claim under Ohio law, which includes compensation for three types of damages: special damages; general damages; and punitive damages.
Special Damages
Under Ohio law, an injured party is entitled to the following types of economic (special) damages:
Past Medical Expenses
Future Medical Expenses
Past Loss of Earnings
Future Loss of Earnings or Earning Capacity
Out of Pocket Expenses
General Damages
Under Ohio law, an injured party is entitled to the following types of non-economic (general) damages:
Past Physical Pain and Suffering
Future Physical Pain and Suffering
Past Mental Pain and Suffering
Future Mental Pain and Suffering
Past Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Future Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Punitive Damages
Under Ohio law, an injured party may be entitled to punitive damages if the injured party can prove that the defendant’s actions showed “malice or aggravated or egregious fraud” or the defendant knowingly “authorized, participated in, or ratified actions” that were malicious or egregious. The purpose of punitive damages is not to compensate the plaintiff, but rather to punish the defendant for his actions and to deter others from committing a similar offense. Many times, unrepresented claimants and inexperienced attorneys that do not limit their practice to personal injury claims will leave valuable compensation on the table because the injured victim’s claim is not properly presented to the insurance company. Each and every personal injury claim requires an exhaustive review of the damages listed above so that the injured party receives the compensation he or she deserves. A small mistake can cost the injured victim lots of compensation. The personal injury layers at Cowan & Hilgeman have recovered millions in compensation for our clients. Our lawyers create plans of attack for each case specific to the client’s needs and expectations. The personal injury lawyers at Cowan & Hilgeman will help maximize the value of your claim and fully explain the claim process throughout the entire case. The personal injury lawyers at Cowan & Hilgeman offer free case evaluations and only get paid an attorney fee if they win your case.
"I obtained the services of Jack and they made sure that everything was taken care of to aleviate stressors, and made my tragedy much easier to cope with without the extra mental burden of my pending case. The staff is always friendly and helpful and you couldnt find a better team to defend you or your family." Daniel U U
Contact Us
New Clients: (937) 729-0000 Existing Clients: (937) 222-2030 Fax: (937) 224-7182 Email: Jack@cowanhilgemanlaw.com Visit our Office.: 12 W. Monument Ave., Suite 100
Dayton, OH 45402
