Your Nursing Home Lawyer Riverside, 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 Riverside, 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 Riverside 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.
You Can Find 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 Riverside, 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 Riverside understand Ohio’s unique laws and regulations, which help build a strong case while reducing the burdens of such a life-altering situation.
Choose The Attorneys Who Care
Selecting a Riverside 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.
Warning Signs Of Nursing Home Abuse
When you entrust a loved one to a nursing home, you expect them to receive care, respect, and dignity. Unfortunately, not all nursing homes provide the level of care that residents deserve. Nursing home abuse is a serious issue that affects thousands of elderly individuals every year, yet it often goes unnoticed until significant harm is done. If you suspect that your loved one may be experiencing abuse or neglect in a nursing home, understanding the indicators of abuse can help you take swift action to protect your family member. For legal guidance contact our Riverside, OH nursing home lawyer at Cowan & Hilgeman. Since 1994, our firm has recovered millions for victims and loved ones. See how we can help your claim by calling to schedule a free consultation today.
Physical Signs Of Abuse And Neglect
One of the most noticeable signs of nursing home abuse is unexplained physical injuries. Bruises, cuts, fractures, or burns that cannot be properly explained may be indicative of physical abuse. If your loved one has frequent falls or injuries that don’t align with their reported activities, it’s worth investigating further. Sometimes, injuries may be concealed or passed off as accidents, but persistent, unexplained wounds are often red flags.
Neglect can also manifest physically. For example, a lack of proper hygiene, such as unwashed clothes, dirty skin, or untreated bedsores, can signal that the staff is not providing the proper care. Bedsores, in particular, are preventable with regular turning and repositioning of immobile patients. When you notice these signs, especially if they appear suddenly or worsen over time, it could indicate neglect or abuse. In such cases, seeking the guidance of our Riverside nursing home lawyer may be necessary to investigate the cause and pursue justice for your loved one.
Behavioral Changes In The Resident
Changes in behavior are another red flag when it comes to detecting nursing home abuse. If your loved one, previously calm and communicative, suddenly becomes withdrawn, anxious, or fearful, it’s essential to take note. This shift in behavior could indicate emotional or psychological abuse. Abusers often manipulate or intimidate residents into silence, so a sudden withdrawal from social activities or hesitation to speak openly about their experiences can be a sign that something is wrong.
In some cases, the victim may show signs of depression, confusion, or a decline in mental functioning that doesn’t align with their medical condition. These behavioral changes may stem from emotional manipulation, verbal abuse, or a lack of appropriate care. If your loved one starts acting unusually fearful around specific staff members, or if they seem afraid to be left alone, it’s important to take these concerns seriously.
Inadequate Care Or Lack Of Proper Medical Attention
Nursing homes are responsible for providing residents with the necessary medical care to maintain their health. If you notice that your loved one is not receiving their prescribed medications or treatments, it may be a sign of neglect. Medications might be withheld, doses may be incorrect, or treatment schedules might not be followed properly. This lack of attention to medical needs can lead to a significant decline in health.
Additionally, nursing home staff should be trained to care for residents with specific health conditions such as dementia, diabetes, or mobility issues. If your loved one’s condition is deteriorating without any explanation, or if medical needs are being ignored or downplayed by staff, it is critical to investigate further. Families often overlook these signs, assuming that a decline in health is simply part of aging, but it can be a symptom of neglect or lack of proper care.
Financial Abuse Or Exploitation
While physical and emotional abuse are more commonly discussed, financial abuse is a growing concern in nursing homes. Many elderly individuals may be more vulnerable to financial exploitation due to cognitive decline, lack of understanding of financial matters, or a dependence on nursing home staff for daily needs. If you notice unexplained withdrawals from your loved one’s bank accounts, missing personal belongings, or changes to their financial documents, it may be a sign that they are being financially exploited.
Staff members or even other residents may take advantage of an elderly person’s finances, coercing them into signing checks, legal documents, or contracts that they don’t fully understand. This form of abuse is often harder to detect, but with the right legal help, you can help uncover financial exploitation and hold the responsible parties accountable.
Taking Action By Hiring Our Nursing Home Abuse Attorney
If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs of abuse or neglect, it’s important to take immediate action. Consulting with our team can help you understand your options for identifying and dealing with nursing home abuse. Our lawyer can investigate the situation, gather evidence, and help you file a claim against the nursing home or staff responsible for the abuse.
Our lawyer’s job is to protect the rights of your loved one and hold those responsible for the abuse accountable. In cases of abuse, swift legal action is imperative to prevent further harm of your family member and other residents. Our skilled lawyer can also guide you through the process of filing lawsuits and dealing with insurance companies, offering you peace of mind as you seek justice for your loved one.
Detecting nursing home abuse requires vigilance, but recognizing the warning signs can help protect your loved one from further trauma. Whether it’s physical injuries, behavioral changes, neglect of medical care, or financial exploitation, these indicators are often the first clues that something is wrong. If you suspect abuse or neglect, consult with our Riverside nursing home lawyer who can help investigate the situation and take legal action. At Cowan & Hilgeman getting your loved one the care they deserve is our priority, and our lawyer can help you hold the responsible parties accountable while providing the legal support needed for a successful resolution. Speak with an attorney by contacting our office for a free case evaluation.
Signs Of Financial Abuse In Nursing Homes
Our Riverside, OH nursing home lawyer knows that financial abuse in nursing homes can go unnoticed for long periods, leaving vulnerable residents without the funds they need for proper care. Families trust these facilities to provide a safe environment, but staff members, other residents, or even outside scammers can take advantage of elderly individuals. Personal injury lawyers know that recognizing the signs of financial exploitation is critical to protecting loved ones. When you work with us, there is no fee unless we win, so call now.
- Unexplained Bank Withdrawals. One of the most obvious signs of financial abuse is unexpected bank withdrawals. If a resident's account shows frequent or large transactions they cannot explain, someone may be accessing their funds without permission. Regularly reviewing bank statements can help catch suspicious activity early.
- Missing Cash or Personal Items. Small amounts of money or valuables going missing from a resident’s room could indicate theft. While occasional misplaced items are normal, repeated losses should raise concerns. Jewelry, credit cards, and legal documents are often targets in financial exploitation cases.
- Changes to Legal or Financial Documents. Our trusted Riverside nursing home lawyer can tell you that sudden changes to a resident’s will, power of attorney, or other financial documents may signal undue influence. If a staff member or new acquaintance is added as a beneficiary or granted financial control, it is important to investigate further. These changes should always be made with the resident’s full understanding and consent.
- Unpaid Bills Despite Sufficient Funds. If a nursing home resident’s bills are going unpaid even though they have the money to cover them, someone may be misusing their funds. Overdue rent, medical expenses, or utility payments could indicate financial mismanagement or fraud. Families should monitor financial obligations closely to prevent service disruptions.
- Isolation from Family and Friends. Abusers often try to limit a resident’s contact with loved ones to hide financial misconduct. If staff members discourage visits, delay phone calls, or prevent private conversations, it may be an attempt to conceal exploitation. Maintaining regular communication and unannounced visits can help deter abuse.
- Confusion Over Financial Transactions. If a resident seems unsure about purchases, withdrawals, or account changes, they may not be managing their own finances. They might mention giving money to someone they barely know or express confusion over missing funds. Asking direct but gentle questions can help uncover potential abuse.
- Unnecessary Services or Charges. Billing for services that were never provided or pushing unnecessary upgrades is another way financial abuse occurs in nursing homes. Reviewing itemized bills and questioning unexpected charges can help catch fraudulent practices before they escalate.
Protecting Loved Ones From Financial Abuse
Families must stay involved in their loved one’s financial matters to prevent abuse. Personal injury lawyers know that monitoring accounts, questioning unusual transactions, and maintaining open communication can help detect and stop exploitation. If you suspect financial abuse in a nursing home, legal action may be necessary. Cowan & Hilgeman is committed to protecting nursing home residents and holding those responsible accountable. Contact our Riverside nursing home lawyer today for a free consultation.
