Dedicated Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Riverside, OH
When loved ones require the care and support of a nursing home, families trust these facilities to provide a safe environment. Unfortunately, neglect and abuse can occur, causing significant harm to vulnerable residents. If you suspect that your loved one has suffered mistreatment, consulting a qualified nursing home abuse lawyer Riverside, OH is crucial.
Victims Of Nursing Home Abuse Deserve Legal Representation
Our mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, and grandparents have given us so much. Now that they have grown older, they should be treated with the utmost respect, and their days should be serene and peaceful. Nursing home abuse or neglect can rob them of this simple measure of respect, and force them to live their lives in agony.
We stand up for victims of nursing home abuse and neglect in Riverside, OH. We understand how difficult it is to discover that your loved one has suffered pain. We will do everything we can to help your loved one obtain compensation for these losses and help to protect others from the harmful practices carried out by facilities.
Look For Common Signs Of Abuse And Neglect
Nursing home abuse or neglect can take many different forms. Many instances involve inadequate supervision of residents due to understaffing or little training. Others involve willful actions by nurses, orderlies, and other staff members.
We handle a spectrum of nursing home negligence lawsuits, including those involving:
- Bedsores: Ulcers resulting from unclean bedding or failing to move the resident sufficiently from lying in one location
- Wandering off: Frequently referred to as elopement, putting the resident in danger of accidents outside of the facility
- Physical assault and battery: Resulting from staff or residents physical mistreatment
- Sexual assault: Improper sexual contact perpetrated by staff or other residents
- Dehydration: Lack of proper liquids throughout the day
- Malnutrition: Improper meals according to the client’s personal care plan
- Nursing home falls: Injuries occurring while rolling over in bed, trying to stand, walk or transfer to or from a wheelchair
If your loved one’s injury was the result of nursing facility staff negligence, we can help you fight for compensation plus help put a stop to this abuse.
We’re Serious About Nursing Home Abuse
We will conduct a thorough investigation of the facts to determine why this injury happened and to identify at-fault parties. Our lawyers will work with you personally to help your loved one pursue appropriate financial compensation for the hardships he or she has been forced to endure.
We work closely with families, keeping them informed of developments in their case, and answering any questions they have.
Choose Cowan & Hilgeman And Put An End To Elder Abuse
We have extensive experience handling nursing home abuse cases in Riverside, OH. Our tenacious team is committed to fighting for justice and holding negligent parties responsible. We’ll guide you through every step of the process.
When your loved one’s safety is at stake, don’t wait. Contact the compassionate attorneys at Cowan & Hilgeman to schedule a consultation today.
Forms Of Abuse And Neglect At Nursing Homes
When families choose a nursing home for their loved ones, they expect a safe environment where their elderly relatives will receive compassionate care. Unfortunately, nursing home abuse and neglect remain significant concerns for families in Ohio. Understanding the different forms of abuse and neglect that can occur in these facilities is essential for recognizing potential issues early and taking action to protect your loved ones. If you suspect any form of abuse, consulting with our experienced Riverside, OH nursing home abuse lawyer can help you take the necessary steps to seek justice and hold the responsible parties accountable. At Cowan & Hilgeman, our slogan is “be a name not a number.” Our top priority is our clients and we will give your case the personalized attention it deserves. Call now to schedule a free case evaluation.
Harm Through Violence Or Force
Physical abuse is one of the most concerning and visible forms of nursing home mistreatment. It involves the intentional use of physical force that can cause injury, pain, or impairment. This might include hitting, slapping, pushing, or restraining a resident unnecessarily. In some cases, physical abuse is concealed, with injuries being reported as "accidents" or explained away as part of the aging process. Bruises, cuts, fractures, and other injuries that cannot be properly explained should raise alarms for family members.
If your loved one has unexplained injuries or shows signs of fear when certain staff members are present, these could be warning signs of physical abuse. Our lawyer specializing in nursing home abuse can investigate these concerns, gather evidence, and help you take legal action to protect your family member and prevent further harm.
Damaging The Mind
Emotional or psychological abuse can be just as damaging as physical harm but is often harder to detect. This form of abuse involves verbal assaults, threats, humiliation, or intentional isolation designed to control or intimidate the victim. The effects of emotional abuse can lead to anxiety, depression, confusion, and a significant decline in the quality of life. Residents who are subjected to emotional abuse may feel powerless, frightened, or withdrawn, and they might become reluctant to speak up due to fear of further mistreatment.
Signs of emotional abuse include sudden personality changes, withdrawal from social activities, or reluctance to speak about certain caregivers or staff members. Because this form of abuse may not leave visible marks, it’s important for family members to maintain an open line of communication with their loved ones and to remain alert to any changes in behavior. If you suspect emotional abuse, our lawyer can help you explore your legal options and protect your loved one from further harm.
Failing To Provide Basic Care
Neglect is a form of abuse that occurs when nursing home staff fail to meet a resident’s basic needs, including food, water, shelter, medical care, and hygiene. It may not always be intentional, but it can still lead to serious consequences for the resident’s health and well-being. Some examples of neglect include failure to administer medications on time, ignoring requests for assistance with daily activities, or leaving a resident in soiled clothing or bedding.
Bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers, are a clear sign of neglect, particularly for residents who are bedridden or have limited mobility. These painful sores develop when staff fail to regularly reposition a patient, leaving pressure on specific areas of the body. If your loved one is showing signs of neglect, such as poor hygiene, untreated health issues, or noticeable weight loss, it’s important to investigate immediately. Our lawyer experienced in nursing home neglect cases can help you file a claim and pursue compensation for the harm caused by inadequate care.
Exploiting Vulnerable Residents
Financial abuse is an increasingly common problem in nursing homes, where residents are often in a vulnerable position due to cognitive decline or reliance on others for assistance with personal and financial matters. Financial exploitation can take many forms, including theft of money, misappropriation of funds, or coercion into signing documents such as checks, wills, or contracts.
Signs of financial abuse may include missing personal property, unexplained withdrawals from bank accounts, or unusual changes in financial documents such as wills or power of attorney. Family members should also be vigilant if a resident begins to display signs of confusion regarding their finances or if there are sudden changes in their spending habits. If you suspect that a nursing home staff member or another resident is exploiting your loved one financially, consulting with our lawyer may be able to help you recover stolen assets and stop further exploitation.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse is one of the most distressing forms of abuse in nursing homes, though it is often underreported. This form of abuse can involve non-consensual sexual contact or inappropriate behavior by staff members, visitors, or even other residents. The elderly are particularly vulnerable to sexual abuse due to physical or cognitive impairments, and they may be unable to communicate or defend themselves.
Symptoms of sexual abuse may include unexplained genital injuries, bruising, or signs of infections. A resident may also become withdrawn, fearful, or exhibit a change in their behavior when specific individuals are present. If you suspect sexual abuse, it is essential to take immediate action to protect your loved one and investigate the situation thoroughly.
How Our Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Can Help
If you have concerns about any form of abuse or neglect in a nursing home, you may be wondering what to do to get justice. Consulting with our lawyer who specializes in elder care and abuse cases is critical. Our skilled attorney can help you understand your legal rights, investigate the abuse or neglect, and advocate on behalf of your loved one to get them the justice they deserve. Depending on the severity of the situation, you may be able to pursue civil lawsuits, seek compensation for damages, and take steps to prevent further harm to your family member or others in the facility.
Nursing home abuse and neglect can take many forms, from physical violence and emotional manipulation to neglecting basic care or exploiting finances. If you notice signs of any of these issues, it’s important to act quickly and consult with our Riverside nursing home abuse lawyer. Since 1994, Cowan & Hilgeman has recovered millions of dollars for victims. Let us help you hold those responsible for your family member’s mistreatment accountable. Taking legal action will not only protect your loved one but also helps prevent future incidents of abuse within the facility. Call our office to schedule a free consultation and learn about your options for pursuing legal action.
Psychological Abuse In Your Loved One’s Nursing Home
Our compassionate Riverside, OH nursing home abuse lawyer knows that psychological abuse in nursing homes is often harder to detect than physical mistreatment, but it can be just as damaging. When residents experience emotional harm, it can lead to anxiety, depression, and a decline in overall health. Family members should be aware of the warning signs to help protect their loved ones from mistreatment. It is important to understand the pain and suffering this can lead to and how we can help correct it. When you need us, give us a call. We offer 24/7 live call answering.
- Sudden Changes in Mood or Behavior. A resident who was once social and engaged may suddenly become withdrawn or anxious. Frequent mood swings, fearfulness, or expressions of sadness can indicate psychological abuse. If staff members discourage them from speaking openly, this could be a sign of emotional mistreatment.
- Verbal Threats or Insults. No one should endure belittling remarks, threats, or humiliation. If a nursing home resident reports being called names, mocked, or intimidated by staff or other residents, this is a serious form of abuse. Listening carefully to what a loved one says about their treatment can reveal concerning behavior.
- Refusal of Social Interaction. If a resident avoids group activities, refuses to leave their room, or resists phone calls and visits, they may be experiencing emotional harm. Isolation can be both a symptom and a tactic of abuse, as caregivers or other residents may intentionally keep them away from family and friends.
- Fear of Certain Staff Members. A noticeable fear of specific caregivers or staff could mean a resident has experienced mistreatment. If they become visibly nervous, refuse care from particular individuals, or hesitate to speak in their presence, it may be a sign of emotional abuse.
- Unexplained Decline in Mental Health. Our Riverside nursing home abuse lawyer knows that depression, anxiety, or increased confusion without a medical cause can suggest ongoing psychological abuse. Emotional mistreatment can lead to insomnia, loss of appetite, or a lack of interest in daily activities. Family members should take these changes seriously and investigate the cause.
- Forced Dependence. Abuse is not always direct verbal or emotional harm. Staff may manipulate residents by making them feel helpless or incapable of doing things they once managed on their own. If a loved one suddenly believes they cannot make decisions without approval or feels pressured into specific actions, this could be a sign of control-based abuse.
- Complaints Being Dismissed. When a resident expresses concerns about mistreatment, only to have their claims ignored or downplayed, this can indicate a larger issue. If staff repeatedly brush off complaints or try to convince family members that a resident is imagining things, further investigation is necessary.
Taking Action Against Psychological Abuse
Mental and emotional abuse can take a serious toll on nursing home residents. Family members should stay involved, visit regularly, and listen carefully to any concerns their loved one raises. If psychological abuse is suspected, it is important to take legal action. Cowan & Hilgeman is committed to holding nursing homes accountable for mistreatment. We can help you avoid common mistakes when it comes to filing your claim and ensure your loved one is protected. Contact our Riverside nursing home abuse lawyer today for a free consultation to discuss your case.
