Skilled Nursing Home Lawyer Fairborn, OH
Making the decision to put a family member in a nursing home is not always easy. And when you’re researching nursing homes for a loved one, their safety and well-being are most important. You likely spend countless hours reviewing every facet of their business and processes, and scour the internet for reviews.
Unfortunately, not all facilities provide the level of care most expect, leading to cases of abuse and neglect that can be harmful to the health or dignity of its residents. Our Fairborn, OH nursing home lawyer advocates fiercely for nursing home residents, addressing claims related to mistreatment and neglect, and helping families find justice for the facility’s negligence.
Should You Contact Our Ohio Nursing Home Lawyer?
If you need representation, we’re ready to fight for you. Our nursing home attorneys work with cases involving mistreatment, neglect, and rights violations affecting elderly residents in long-term care facilities. These cases are particularly complex, because they often involve highly-vulnerable people and the many intricate regulations that govern elder care.
In Ohio, residents in care facilities are guaranteed specific rights, including:
- The right to be treated with courtesy, respect, and full recognition of dignity and individuality.
- The right to a safe and clean living environment.
- The right to reasonable notice before any room or roommate change, which are outlined in the Ohio Revised Code and are enforced to keep a high quality of care and respect for residents.
When any of these, or any of the other regulations, are violated is when it’s most important to contact our Fairborn nursing home attorneys to help remedy the situation. Our top-rated attorneys are committed to your case, providing personalized attention and constant communication to each and every client.
Choose The Right Nursing Home Attorney
Our nursing home lawyer has the experience necessary to achieve the compensation you deserve. With a proven track-record of success and over $25,000,000 in settlements/judgements for our clients, our attorneys are apt at handling nursing home cases and knowledgeable for the specific regulations affecting Riverside residents and the state of Ohio.
We firmly stand behind our slogan, “Be a name, not a number,” and we’re serious about helping you with your nursing home case in Fairborn, OH. We provide experienced legal representation in civil cases to help families like yours pursue justice on behalf of their loved ones.
This includes advocating for our clients and negotiating settlements directly with the nursing home or its insurance provider. Our knowledgeable nursing home lawyers in Fairborn understand Ohio’s unique laws and regulations, which help build a strong case while reducing the burdens of such a life-altering situation.
Attorneys Who Fight For You
Selecting a Fairborn nursing home lawyer provides the necessary support for families seeking to protect the dignity, safety, and rights of their loved ones. With a deep understanding of Ohio laws and a commitment to holding facilities accountable for their actions, our skilled nursing home lawyers can help make a significant difference in the case against elder abuse and neglect.
If you or someone you know is facing this challenge, reach out to our trustworthy attorneys at Cowan & Hilgeman to schedule your free consultation.
How To Pursue A Nursing Home Abuse Claim
When you entrust the care of a loved one to a nursing home, you expect them to be treated with dignity and respect. Unfortunately, nursing home abuse is a serious issue affecting many families. If you suspect that your loved one has been mistreated in a nursing home, you may be wondering how to take action. Pursuing a nursing home abuse claim can be a complicated process, but with the right legal guidance, you can protect your loved one’s rights and hold the responsible parties accountable. For help pursuing a claim, schedule a free case evaluation with our Fairbon, OH nursing home lawyer. At Cowan & Hilgeman, we are committed to results and take an individualized approach to each case. Call now to take the first step in securing justice for your loved one.
Recognizing The Signs Of Nursing Home Abuse
Before you can take legal action, it’s essential to recognize the signs of abuse or neglect. Nursing home abuse can take many forms, including physical abuse, emotional or psychological abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, and even sexual abuse. Family members should be alert to any changes in the resident’s behavior or physical condition. Signs of physical abuse may include unexplained injuries like bruises, cuts, or fractures, while neglect might be evident through poor hygiene, untreated bedsores, or sudden weight loss. Emotional abuse can lead to noticeable changes in behavior, such as withdrawal, anxiety, or fear of certain staff members.
If you notice these or other concerning signs, it’s important to document the evidence. This can be an important first step in building your case. Detailed records, photographs, or medical reports can help our attorney better understand the scope of the abuse and strengthen your claim.
Seeking Legal Guidance From Our Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
Once you have recognized potential abuse or neglect, the next step is to consult with our lawyer experienced in nursing home abuse cases. Our skilled attorney can help you understand your legal rights, assess the strength of your case, and guide you through the process of filing a lawsuit. Nursing home abuse claims often involve complicated legal issues, including proving negligence, gathering evidence, and state-specific regulations. Having our experienced lawyer on your side can significantly improve your chances of success.
Our attorney is also familiar with the laws and statutes that govern elder care in Ohio. These laws can vary by state, and they may affect the legal options available to you. For example, there are specific time limits (known as statutes of limitations) for filing nursing home abuse claims, so it’s imperative to act promptly to preserve your ability to pursue justice.
Gathering Evidence To Support Your Claim
The success of your nursing home abuse claim will depend heavily on the evidence you can present. Once you’ve consulted with our lawyer, we will help you gather the necessary documentation to support your case. This may include medical records, photographs of injuries or unsafe conditions, witness statements from other residents or staff, and any reports filed with the nursing home administration or government agencies.
Our lawyer may also request an independent medical examination to assess the extent of your loved one’s injuries or health deterioration. Expert testimony from healthcare professionals may be necessary to demonstrate that the abuse or neglect was a direct cause of your loved one’s physical or emotional harm.
In cases of financial abuse, evidence may include bank records, credit card statements, or changes in financial documents that show signs of exploitation. Our lawyer will work with you to get all the relevant evidence collected and organized to strengthen your case.
Filing The Lawsuit And Pursuing Legal Action
Once you have gathered sufficient evidence, our lawyer will help you file the nursing home abuse lawsuit. In most cases, this will involve filing a complaint in a civil court, which outlines the details of the abuse or neglect, the damages suffered by your loved one, and the legal basis for your claim. Our attorney will handle the paperwork and make sure that all deadlines and legal requirements are met.
After the lawsuit is filed, the legal process begins, which typically involves discovery, depositions, and negotiation. During discovery, both sides exchange information about the case, including evidence, witness statements, and expert testimony. Depositions may be taken, where witnesses are questioned under oath.
In many cases, nursing home abuse lawsuits are settled out of court. Our lawyer will negotiate on your behalf so that you receive fair compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other damages. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, our lawyer will be prepared to take your case to trial. In a trial, a judge or jury will determine the outcome of the case.
Understanding The Compensation You Can Seek
If your nursing home abuse claim is successful, you may be entitled to compensation for several types of damages. These can include:
- Medical Costs: Compensation for medical treatment your loved one required as a result of the abuse or neglect, including hospital bills, therapy, and ongoing care.
- Pain and Suffering: Damages for the physical and emotional pain your loved one experienced due to the abuse.
- Emotional Distress: Compensation for the mental anguish, anxiety, or depression caused by the mistreatment.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of severe abuse or gross negligence, you may be awarded punitive damages, which are designed to punish the nursing home and deter similar behavior in the future.
Our attorney will help you understand the types of compensation you can pursue based on the specific facts of your case.
Taking Action And Holding The Nursing Home Accountable
Pursuing a nursing home abuse claim is not only about seeking compensation for your loved one’s suffering; it is also about holding the nursing home accountable for their actions. By taking legal action, you can see that the responsible parties face consequences and that the facility takes steps to prevent future abuse. A successful claim can also lead to changes in the nursing home’s policies, ultimately improving the care and safety of all residents.
Filing a nursing home abuse lawsuit can be a challenging and emotional process, but it is an important step toward justice. With the help of our skilled Fairborn nursing home lawyer, you can handle the legal system, gather the necessary evidence, and pursue a fair outcome for your loved one.
If you suspect that your loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse, it’s essential to act swiftly and consult with our Fairborn nursing home lawyer at Cowan & Hilgeman. Pursuing a nursing home abuse claim involves recognizing the signs of abuse, gathering strong evidence, and working with our skilled legal team to secure your rights. By taking action, you not only protect your loved one but also hold negligent parties accountable, helping to prevent future harm to vulnerable residents. We have been helping victims get the compensation they deserve since 1994. Schedule a free consultation today to have our lawyer review your case and outline the next steps in seeking justice.
Nursing Home Abuse By Resident
Our Fairborn, OH nursing home lawyer knows that when your loved one is in a nursing home, you trust the facility to provide a safe and caring environment. Unfortunately, abuse can sometimes come from unexpected sources, such as fellow residents. While it’s distressing to consider, recognizing the signs early can help protect your loved one from further harm. If you notice any of the following, it may indicate that your family member is being mistreated by another resident. Your lawyer can guide you on the different types of compensation, including pain and suffering, that may be a part of your claim. Call our office to schedule an appointment–remember, there is no fee unless we win!
- Sudden Physical Injuries. If your loved one has unexplained bruises, cuts, or other physical injuries, it could be a sign that they have been physically harmed by another resident. These injuries might appear more frequently or seem to be in areas that don’t align with typical falls or accidents. Pay close attention to any injuries that don’t match the reported cause.
- Unexplained Emotional Distress. A sudden shift in your loved one’s emotional state may suggest they’re being targeted by another resident. Increased anxiety, fear, depression, or agitation can sometimes be a response to ongoing mistreatment. If your loved one seems especially fearful of certain people or areas of the nursing home, it’s important to take note.
- Withdrawal from Social Interactions. When someone is being abused, they may become withdrawn, isolating themselves from other residents, staff, and visitors. If your loved one suddenly avoids socializing or seems uncomfortable around others, this could be a sign that they are being mistreated in some way. Watch for any changes in behavior that suggest a shift away from their usual personality.
- Frequent Complaints About Another Resident. As our Fairborn nursing home lawyer knows, if your loved one starts mentioning a particular resident frequently, especially if they’re expressing fear or discomfort, it may be worth investigating further. A person who is being mistreated may start to speak out about their abuser, even if it’s in indirect ways, like referring to them as “mean” or “scary.”
- Sleep Disturbances. Sleep disturbances, including trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, may indicate that your loved one is dealing with stress or anxiety caused by abuse. If your family member suddenly begins waking up frequently during the night or expresses fear of going to sleep, this could be tied to interactions with another resident.
- Sudden or Unexplained Changes in Personal Hygiene. If your loved one’s hygiene habits start to deteriorate, it could be due to emotional distress caused by abuse. Nursing home residents are often assisted with daily tasks, including grooming and bathing, and if they stop participating in these activities, it could be a sign they are being mistreated by another resident. Additionally, poor hygiene can be a sign of neglect from the staff.
- Fear of Specific Residents or Areas. If your loved one begins to express fear of a specific individual or refuses to go to certain areas of the facility, this may indicate an ongoing issue. Residents may feel vulnerable or threatened by particular individuals, and their fear can manifest in this way. It’s important to investigate these concerns with staff immediately to address any potential abuse.
- Changes in Medication or Physical Condition. Sometimes, abuse or mistreatment from other residents can lead to changes in the physical condition of the victim. Look for sudden weight loss, dehydration, or signs of malnutrition. If your loved one starts missing doses of medication or displays signs of illness without clear cause, it could be a result of being harmed by another resident.
- Signs of Sexual Abuse. While it’s an incredibly difficult topic, signs of sexual abuse can sometimes be indicated by unexplained bruising, torn clothing, or physical injuries in private areas. If your loved one appears distressed, has difficulty discussing what’s happened, or shows sudden changes in behavior, take these signs seriously.
- Reluctance to Speak About Fellow Residents. If your loved one becomes unusually quiet or reluctant to talk about certain residents, it may be a sign they’re afraid or unwilling to share details about abuse. They might fear retaliation or embarrassment, which is why open communication is essential.
If you believe your loved one is being abused by another resident, it’s crucial to address the situation quickly. At Cowan & Hilgeman, we understand the challenges families face when dealing with nursing home abuse, and we’re here to help. It is important to trust your lawyer after an assault. If you suspect your loved one is being mistreated, don’t wait—contact our Fairborn nursing home lawyer today for a free consultation to discuss your options and protect their well-being.
