During these unprecedented times, Clark, Perdue, & List Co, LPA is here to fully support your needs in a timely and safe manner. COVID-19 should not affect your ability to investigate a personal injury case. We currently remain open and are still accepting new cases. With your safety top of mind, we are scheduling all meetings via telephone or video conference at this time.

Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Lawyers in Columbus, Ohio

Nursing home residents are extremely vulnerable. Because they lack the ability to care for themselves, elderly residents rely on the corporations that own and staff nursing homes for their care and safety. When nursing homes fail to provide appropriate care for their residents, serious injury and even wrongful death can result. That’s when you need a nursing home abuse lawyer in Columbus, Ohio. 

Do You Suspect Nursing Home Neglect?

uNursing homes should be a safe haven for our elderly community. Every resident deserves to have adequate medical care and supervision. In 2017, 41% of all long-term care facilities and nursing homes in Ohio received a below-average rating.  Even though all nursing homes in Ohio are regulated and certified by the state, nursing home  neglect can happen even at the nicest facilities.  

At Clark, Perdue, and List, we understand the special needs of nursing home residents and we have the knowledge and resources to obtain justice for the victims of nursing home neglect and abuse. Our nursing home abuse team is particularly aware of how helpless out of state family members can feel when a loved one is being neglected in an Ohio nursing home. 

What Constitutes Abuse and Neglect in a Columbus Nursing Home?

Some of the common ways elderly nursing home residents can be harmed include 

Medical Neglect 

Staff members not assisting with hygiene, specialized diet, or medication management. This often results in malnutrition, dehydration, bedsores, infections, and worsening of existing illnesses. 

Psychological Abuse 

When staff is verbally or emotionally abusive, it can result in depression, anxiety, and trauma. This includes intimidation and threats, humiliation, ignoring the resident, and isolating them from other residents and activities. 

Sexual Abuse 

Sexual assaults can be perpetrated by a staff member or another resident. 

Lack of Supervision 

For residents who require assistance when walking or suffer from dementia or Alzheimer’s, lack of supervision can result in a resident wandering off and getting seriously hurt from a fall.  

Unsanitary Living Conditions 

Clean living conditions are vital to elders in nursing homes who are most at risk of becoming seriously ill. Staff should consistently be washing clothes and bedsheets, sanitizing kitchens and common areas frequently, pest control prevention, and more.  

Healthcare Fraud 

Unethical doctors or nurses may be liable for fraud if they inaccurately medicate a resident for financial gain or overcharge for medical services. 

Financial Exploitation 

Financial exploitation is one of the most common forms of abuse among the elderly community. This includes unauthorized use of a resident’s checks, debit, or credit card, stealing cash, forgery, or even stealing their identity. 

When to Take Action

Residents in a nursing home sometimes have difficulty communicating with their family and friends when there is a problem with the care they are receiving. Families should be vigilant in watching for the signs that might indicate ongoing abuse and neglect. Please see our attached list of warning signs and print a copy to keep on hand for reference.  

Information You Should Get From Columbus, Ohio Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Attorneys

When hiring a lawyer to represent a family member in a Columbus nursing home abuse case, you should ask specific questions to evaluate the lawyer’s experience. In particular, you should ask whether the nursing home neglect lawyer is willing to pursue punitive damages. Punitive damages are monetary sanctions against nursing homes designed to prevent further abuse – not just for your loved one, but for all residents. 

In addition, you should question whether the law firm has ever obtained a jury verdict in a nursing home case that included punitive damages. Ask whether the firm works with a registered nurse who can help distinguish between the typical signs of the decline attributable to the aging process, and those warning signs that night indicate nursing home abuse or neglect.  

Consult With Our Experienced Nursing Home Negligence Attorneys in Columbus

Being the victim of neglect or abuse at the hands of your caretakers can be devastating and leave you feeling hopeless. It is extraordinarily painful for family members to visit their loved one only to discover signs of abuse such as the patient being unwashed or having uncombed hair or sitting in a wet or soiled diaper. Unexplained bruising is also a cause for concern. Clark, Perdue & List has extensive experience and a successful track record handling nursing home abuse claims. If requested, we will meet you in your home or at the hospital to explain your legal rights and make suggestions for immediate action on your claim.  

As a leading nursing home abuse team in Columbus, we will lead the charge on getting the justice your family deserves. Our team will evaluate your situation and develop a strategy to fight for your loved one’s rights.  

Ohio Nursing Home Statistics

  • In 2019, Ohio nursing homes ranked 40th in the country
  • 75% of nursing homes in Ohio failed to score an above-average health inspection
  • Ohio’s nursing home residents received little more than 2 hours and 18 minutes of direct care each day.
  • Of the 963 nursing homes in Ohio, 144 were found to have serious deficiencies

Our law firm represents residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities in cases involving:

You Must Take Action

Residents in a nursing home sometimes have difficulty communicating with their family and friends when there is a problem with the care they are receiving. Families should be vigilant in watching for the signs that might indicate ongoing abuse and neglect. Please see our attached list of warning signs and print a copy to keep on hand for reference.

If you do notice signs of neglect or abuse, call Clark, Perdue & List Co, LPA, at 614-469-1400 for a free consultation.

Information You Should Get From Ohio Elder Neglect Attorneys

When hiring a lawyer to represent a family member in a nursing home abuse case, you should ask specific questions to evaluate the lawyer’s experience. In particular, you should ask whether the lawyer is willing to pursue punitive damages. Punitive damages are monetary sanctions against the nursing home designed to prevent future abuse — not just of your loved one, but of all residents.

In addition, you should question whether the law firm has ever obtained a jury verdict in a nursing home case that included punitive damages. Ask whether the firm works with a registered nurse who can help distinguish between the typical signs of decline attributable to the aging process, and those warning signs that might indicate nursing home abuse or neglect.

FAQs

Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse Q and A

What is nursing home neglect?

Nursing home neglect generally involves mistreatment, or a complete lack of treatment, provided to nursing home residents.  Lack of proper nutrition or hydration, or improper nursing or medical care, are just two examples of neglect.

What is nursing home abuse?

Nursing home abuse often involves physical abuse, mental and emotional abuse, or sexual assault.  Sometimes, these problems are caused by bad staff members.  Other times, the abuse can come from other residents.

How can I tell if my resident has been neglected or abused?

Many times, family members are alerted to neglect or abuse by other medical providers.  For example, a nursing resident suffers an infection resulting in a decubitus ulcer or bedsore and is taken to the emergency room.  The emergency room physician suspects neglect or abuse and informs the family of her thoughts.

Many nursing residents—particularly those who suffer Alzheimer’s disease or dementia—cannot verbalize their complaints.  That is why it is important for family members to visit often and monitor any unusual changes in a loved one’s condition.

Do Ohio nursing residents have rights?

Yes.  Ohio has a Nursing Home Residents’ Bill of Rights. It includes 33 specific rights, including the right to adequate nursing care and medical treatment, and a safe and clean living environment; the right to be free from physical, verbal, mental, and emotional abuse; the right to be treated with courtesy, respect, and full recognition of dignity and individuality; and many others.

If my loved one’s rights have violated, is there anything I can do?

Yes.  Ohio law allows a complaint to be made to the Ohio Department of Health.  Additionally, Ohio law allows a resident, or a resident’s representative, to bring a civil action against any person who or nursing home who commits the violation.  The civil action can include damages for hospital and medical expenses, pain and suffering and other losses.

How long do I have to make a claim for nursing home neglect or abuse?

In Ohio, claims against nursing homes are medical claims. Generally, there is a one year time limit to bring a claim, so time is of the essence.

Do I need a lawyer to make a claim?

Technically, no. However, nursing neglect and abuse cases are complicated and expensive.  At the very least, you should consult with an experienced nursing home neglect and abuse lawyer.  Most lawyers do not charge for an initial consultation, and you should gather as much information as possible before making a decision on how best to proceed.

More Abut Medical Malpractice

Information Links HERE

Tell us abut your case

    Your Name *

    Your Email *

    Your Phone Number

    How can we help? *

    * All fields are required

    Recent blog for Medical Malpractice

    blog here

    Columbus, Ohio, Nursing Home Abuse And Neglect Attorneys

    Clark, Perdue & List has extensive experience and a successful record handling nursing home abuse claims. If requested, we will meet you — in your home or at the hospital, if necessary — to explain your legal rights and make suggestions for immediate action on your claim.

    Free Consultation — Contact Our Firm

    To discuss your case with a lawyer, contact Clark, Perdue & List Co, LPA.

    BLOG POSTS ABOUT NURSING HOME NEGLECT

    The Importance of Proper Nursing Home Care for Dementia Patients

    Caring for dementia patients is a complex and challenging responsibility, requiring specialized knowledge, skills, and resources. As the aging population continues to grow, an increasing number of families are turning ...

    A Columbus Nursing Home Neglect Attorney Talks About Bed Sores

    Bed sores (also known as decubitus ulcers or pressure ulcers) are not only painful but potentially dangerous. This condition can develop in anyone who must be immobile for an extended ...

    How Common Is Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse?

    While nursing home neglect and abuse are both acknowledged to be serious problems across the country, many Columbus residents don’t realize how frequently these issues occur. Thousands of families are ...

    What Does It Cost to Hire a Columbus Nursing Home Abuse Attorney?

    You suspect that a loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse. An attorney can help you build a strong legal case and hold those responsible accountable for their ...

    Another Case of Nursing Home Abuse Caught on Camera

    We have reported in earlier posts that new legislation allows the use of recording devices in nursing homes. Unfortunately more cases are being reported about nursing home abuse caught on ...

    Nursing Home Neglect & Abuse – A Columbus Attorney’s Perspective

    Nursing homes are supposed to be safe places where those we love can receive the care they need, and many Columbus facilities are just that. Unfortunately, some aren’t – and ...

    Nursing Homes Still Experiencing Staff Shortages

    According to a recent survey by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), 94% of nursing homes and 81% of assisted living communities have faced ...

    Can Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers Hold a Facility Liable for Abuse?

    Neglect and abuse in Columbus adult care facilities takes many forms, and when victims suffer physical harm, emotional trauma, financial exploitation or sexual assault, nursing home abuse lawyers are ready ...

    Using Cameras in Nursing Homes to Catch Elder Abuse is Now Legal

    Governor Mike DeWine has signed legislation allowing the use of recording devices in nursing homes. Esther’s Law became effective in Ohio on March 23, 2022. The legislation is named Esther’s ...

    Hidden Nursing Home Violations

    The federal government uses a ‘Care Compare’ rating system to track nursing homes in the United States via their Medicare.gov website. This rating system was designed to track nursing home ...

    How a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Can Help With Your Legal Claim

    Do you suspect that a loved one suffered neglect or abuse at a Columbus nursing facility? Taking immediate action is essential and contacting a highly skilled nursing home abuse lawyer ...

    How a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Can Help You

    No one wants to find out that an elderly loved one at a long-term care facility is being harmed. If you’re facing that situation, turn to a nursing home abuse ...

    5 Warning Signs of Nursing Home and Assisted Living Abuse & Neglect

    If you have a loved one in a nursing home, residential care facility, or assisted living facility, it is important to be vigilant in monitoring their well-being. Neglect and abuse ...

    Nursing Home Abuse Hidden by COVID-19 Restrictions

    Due to the spread of the coronavirus, nursing homes around the country have limited family’s access to their loved ones.  Another case of nursing home abuse has been uncovered and ...

    Nursing Homes Evicting Poor Residents to Enhance Profits

    Across the country there is a rising problem of nursing homes looking to get rid of less profitable patients. These unprofitable patients are primarily on Medicaid and require extra care ...

    Nursing Home Evictions Fueled By Coronavirus Medical Reimbursements

    Nursing home evictions can be disruptive and dangerous during normal times, but in these new times of fighting the coronavirus pandemic, evictions are becoming a bigger problem. Hospitals have been ...

    Coronavirus Rules May Hide Nursing Home Abuse

    Since the coronavirus pandemic began in earlier 2020, Ohio and other states have banned visitors at nursing homes and assisted living facilities.  Preventing the virus spreading to high-risk populations is ...

    Nursing Home Cameras Catch Elder Abuse

    A new law is being proposed in Ohio to prevent elder abuse by allowing the use of hidden cameras in nursing home rooms. This bill is being introduced after Steve ...

    Nursing Home Complaints Warning Icon Added to Database

    According to the Wall Street Journal, the rate of nursing home complaints received by states has climbed in recent years, reaching 71,602, or 52.3 per 1,000 residents in 2018, from ...

    Nursing Home Financial Exploitation

    Long-term care residents are far too often the victims nursing home financial exploitation.  Although financial exploitation often occurs simultaneously with other forms of elder abuse, its increasing prevalence and devastation ...

    Forced Arbitration Clause Erodes Resident’s Rights

    We have previously written about the dangers of a forced arbitration clause in nursing home admission agreements.  In many cases, a nursing home resident unknowingly signs away valuable legal rights ...

    Nursing Home Mental Abuse

    Far too often we see news reports of nursing home mental abuse in facilities across the country.  We have written other articles on how to prevent nursing home neglect, but ...

    Physical Abuse in Nursing Homes

    Far too often we see news reports of physical abuse in nursing homes around the country.  We have written other articles on how to prevent nursing home neglect, but how ...

    Whetstone Nursing Home Employees Indicted for Gross Patient Neglect

    Uncovering examples of gross patient neglect, the Ohio Attorney General has indicted several employees of the Whetstone Gardens and Care Center for multiple crimes.  These charges include forgery, tampering with ...

    Preventing Nursing Home Neglect & Abuse

    Unfortunately, all nursing homes are not the same, and numerous cases of nursing home neglect and abuse continue to be reported.  When a loved one resides in a nursing homes, ...

    Choosing the Right Nursing Home

    Many nursing home residents suffer neglect and abuse--and choosing the right nursing home is a difficult and emotional experience. Concerns about an aging parent, and protecting her safety, can be ...

    Protecting Nursing Home Resident’s Rights

    Nursing home resident's rights are often compromised upon admission to the facility.  Why?  Because nursing homes often require unsuspecting residents to sign arbitration agreements -- agreements that extinguish the right ...

    Brother files suit against nursing home, medical negligence

    The brother of a woman who passed away in a nursing home is filing a wrongful death suit. The sister was only a patient at the Ohio nursing home for ...

    Nursing home abuse and neglect: care levels lower than expected

    Nursing home abuse and neglect is known to be linked to the the amount of care provided. Lower levels of care are linked to a greater incidence of nursing home ...

    Nursing Home Abuse Shutters Gahanna Facility

    A Gahanna nursing home with a history of serious safety violations and nursing home abuse will be forced to shut down. The Bon-Ing Care and Rehabilitation facility, located at 121 ...

    Right to sue for nursing home abuse limited by arbitration agreements

    Many nursing homes today include mandatory arbitration agreements in admission documents. Nursing home residents entering the facility and/or their caregivers often sign every document during the admission procedure without reading ...

    Supervisor found guilty in nursing home abuse case

    A nursing supervisor who allegedly failed to provide care for an injured resident of a nursing home was convicted of the charge of attempted patient neglect.  Kathy Schwaben, the nursing ...

    Our personal injury attorneys in Columbus also specialize in other practice areas, including medical malpractice, truck and car accidents, product liability, pharmaceutical lawsuits, and financial losses caused by misconduct.