Top Rated Dayton Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys
As a nursing home abuse lawyer Dayton, OH residents rely on from Cowan & Hilgeman knows, trying to find the right nursing home or facility for elderly long-term assistance can be a difficult task to take on. So when you finally place your loved one into a facility, it can be frustrating to realize that the work doesn’t stop there. You should always be on high alert for signs that your relative is being treated poorly or outright abused. Inflictors of violence can include staff, doctors, other residents, or someone else who routinely visits the property. If you observe these signs while visiting your love one in a nursing home, it’s time to get guidance from a lawyer immediately:
Staff Turnover Is High
Look around at how many staff are around. And during your visits, have you noticed new workers all the time? Employees who frequently come and go is a major red flag that a nursing home has poor practices or inadequate management. It may also increase the chances of medical mistakes happening. Assess the ratio between how many staff you see and how many residents there are. Any business understaffed won't be able to provide top services, especially one that is responsible for the care of human beings.
The Facility Or Room Is Unkempt
An unclean living space could mean there are not enough staff members to focus on cleaning. The restrooms, bedrooms, and shared spaces must always remain clean and not have an unpleasant smell. As your Dayton, OH nursing home abuse lawyer may warn, unsanitary areas could mean employees are lazy and don't have a sense of integrity about tidiness.
Residents Don’t Appear Happy
When touring or visiting a nursing home, look at how residents are being attended to. What is their condition? Are they clean and generally seem happy? If so, then this is a good sign that a high level of care is provided. If residents appear lost, are having emotional outbursts, or otherwise unhappy, then you may want to consider a different location or contacting a lawyer for intervention.
Calls Are Continually Unanswered
Have you tried to call to speak with your loved one, only to be put on hold for a long time or get hung up on in the process? Maybe you’ve noticed in-person that most of the incoming calls are going unanswered. In long-term care facilities, it is expected that call lights will pop up frequently, but watch to see how long it takes for a staff member to answer them, or if they get ignored entirely.
Call Cowan & Hilgeman
We can empathize with your concerns if you are worried about an elderly loved one’s care. We hope that if you aren’t sure whether mistreatment or abuse is happening, that you at least call us to help you investigate further and inform you of your options in taking action if needed. Don’t hesitate to call a nursing home abuse lawyer in Dayton, Ohio from Cowan & Hilgeman now for support.
Bedsores And Legal Rights For Victims
As our Dayton, OH nursing home abuse lawyer knows, bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers, are a serious concern in nursing homes and long-term care facilities. These painful wounds form when there is prolonged pressure on the skin, often affecting bedridden or immobile individuals. Unfortunately, bedsores can be a sign of neglect or poor care. If left untreated, they can lead to severe infections and even life-threatening conditions. At Cowan & Hilgeman, we are committed to helping families seek justice when their loved ones suffer from this preventable condition.
Causes And Prevention Of Bedsores
Bedsores are most commonly found in areas of the body that experience constant pressure, such as the heels, hips, back, and elbows. In a nursing home setting, bedsores often result from staff failing to regularly reposition residents who are unable to move on their own. Proper care requires consistent monitoring and movement to prevent these painful sores from forming. Poor nutrition and dehydration can also contribute to the development of bedsores, as these factors weaken the skin and make it more vulnerable to damage.
With appropriate care and attention, bedsores are largely preventable. Facilities that follow standard practices can protect their residents from the risk of developing these sores. When bedsores do occur, it is a sign that something has gone wrong, and immediate action should be taken to address the underlying cause.
Complications From Bedsores
If not treated promptly, bedsores can lead to severe health problems. Infections are a common complication, and in some cases, these infections can spread to the bones or bloodstream, causing life-threatening conditions like sepsis. For elderly or medically fragile individuals, these infections can significantly impact their quality of life and even shorten their lifespan.
The development of bedsores in a nursing home is often preventable with proper care. When a nursing home fails to take the necessary steps to protect its residents, it can be held accountable for the harm caused. A Dayton nursing home abuse lawyer can help families investigate whether their loved one’s injuries resulted from neglect or abuse.
Signs Of Neglect In Nursing Homes
Bedsores are often a red flag for deeper issues within a nursing home. If a loved one develops bedsores, it may indicate that the facility is failing to provide the level of care that residents deserve. Other signs of neglect can include poor hygiene, malnutrition, dehydration, and sudden weight loss. It’s essential to act quickly if you notice these issues, as they can have long-lasting effects on your loved one’s health.
When neglect is suspected, it’s important to document the condition of your loved one and report the issue to the facility’s administration. However, addressing these concerns on your own may not be enough. Seeking legal guidance from a lawyer can help you understand your options and hold the facility responsible for its actions.
Taking Action For Nursing Home Abuse
If your loved one has developed bedsores or other signs of neglect, you have the right to take legal action against the facility. At Cowan & Hilgeman, we help families pursue justice when nursing home residents suffer from neglect or abuse. Our team will work with you to gather the necessary evidence, including medical records, photographs, and witness statements, to build a strong case on your behalf.
A Dayton nursing home abuse lawyer can guide you through the legal process, helping you hold the responsible parties accountable. We understand the importance of protecting your loved one’s dignity and well-being, and we’re here to help you every step of the way. Attorney Jack Hilgeman concentrates his practice in the areas of personal injury, wrongful death, medical malpractice, nursing home negligence and product liability. Jack’s entire career has been dedicated to helping those injured by the negligence of others and has obtained more than $25,000,000 in settlements/judgments for his clients.
If your family is dealing with the effects of nursing home neglect, contact us today to discuss your legal options. We are committed to seeking justice and making sure your loved one receives the care and respect they deserve.
Financial Compensation Options In Nursing Home Abuse Cases
Nursing home abuse can have devastating consequences for residents and their families. Pursuing financial compensation is an important step in holding negligent parties accountable and helping families recover from the emotional, physical, and financial toll of the abuse. A Dayton nursing home abuse lawyer can be of assistance. Here are the primary compensation options available in nursing home abuse cases.
Medical Expenses
One of the most immediate financial burdens for victims of nursing home abuse is the cost of medical care. This includes treatment for injuries, therapy for emotional trauma, and long-term rehabilitation services. Compensation can cover both past medical bills and future care needs related to the abuse.
Pain And Suffering
Victims of nursing home abuse often experience significant emotional and physical distress. Financial compensation can address the non-economic damages associated with pain and suffering. These awards are meant to provide some relief for the mental anguish, fear, and loss of dignity caused by the abuse.
Relocation Costs
In many cases, families need to relocate their loved one to a safer facility after discovering abuse. The cost of moving to a new nursing home, along with any associated fees, can add up quickly. Compensation may include these relocation expenses to ease the transition to a better living environment.
Loss Of Enjoyment Of Life
Abuse can diminish a victim’s ability to engage in activities they once enjoyed, affecting their overall quality of life. Financial awards for loss of enjoyment recognize the impact that abuse has on a victim’s emotional well-being and ability to live comfortably.
Wrongful Death Damages
If nursing home abuse results in the death of a resident, families may pursue a wrongful death claim. Compensation in these cases can cover funeral and burial expenses, loss of companionship, and the emotional suffering of surviving family members. A Dayton nursing home abuse lawyer can help families understand their rights in these situations.
Punitive Damages
In cases involving egregious negligence or intentional harm, courts may award punitive damages. These are not intended to compensate the victim directly but to punish the responsible parties and deter similar behavior in the future. While not available in all cases, punitive damages can send a strong message about accountability.
Economic Losses
In some instances, victims or their families may face economic losses, such as lost income or the need for family members to take time off work to care for their loved one. These financial losses can also be included in a compensation claim.
Legal Fees And Costs
Pursuing a nursing home abuse case involves legal expenses, which can add up over time. Many legal teams work on a contingency basis, meaning they only receive payment if compensation is awarded. However, any awarded settlement may include coverage for legal fees.
At Cowan & Hilgeman, we’re dedicated to helping families seek justice and secure the financial compensation they deserve. If you or a loved one has been affected by nursing home abuse, consulting with a trusted Dayton nursing home abuse lawyer can make a significant difference. Contact us today for a consultation, and let us help you take the necessary steps toward accountability and recovery.
