Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer in Columbus

Clark, Perdue and List represents families throughout Columbus and Central Ohio in nursing home abuse and wrongful death cases, pursuing claims against facilities, corporate ownership groups, and the insurers who protect them. When a loved one suffers serious harm or dies inside a long-term care facility, the legal questions are rarely simple — and the opposition is rarely unprepared.
General personal injury experience does not translate directly to long-term care litigation. These cases require familiarity with Ohio’s regulatory framework for skilled nursing facilities, the documentation systems facilities use to obscure understaffing, and the specific evidentiary standards that govern what constitutes negligence in a care setting.

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Understanding the Challenges of Nursing Home Abuse Claims

Long-term care injuries and deaths rarely happen in a single dramatic moment. The mechanism is usually cumulative neglect: pressure ulcers that deepen over weeks of missed repositioning, malnutrition that compounds quietly while care plans go unfollowed, falls that happen in the middle of the night when a facility is running on skeleton staff. By the time a family recognizes that something is wrong, the physical consequences are often irreversible.

Ohio’s statute of limitations gives families two years from the date of injury or death to file a wrongful death or personal injury claim. In practice, the working deadline is much shorter. Facility incident reports, staffing logs, call-light response records, and medication administration documentation can be overwritten, purged, or “corrected” within weeks of a critical event. Surveillance footage has a retention window that varies by facility. Witness memory fades. A spoliation letter demanding preservation of records should go out as early as possible after a family decides to investigate; not after months of back-and-forth with the facility’s risk management team.

Liability in these cases rarely rests with a single employee. Parties who may share responsibility include:

The direct-care nursing staff who failed to act
The charge nurses and supervisors responsible for overseeing care
The facility’s director of nursing and clinical administration
The corporate ownership entity that sets staffing ratios and budget constraints
Third-party therapy and staffing contractors operating within the facility
Physicians serving as medical directors with oversight responsibility

Columbus sits at the intersection of several major healthcare networks — OhioHealth and Nationwide Children’s anchor the medical landscape here, and many long-term care and assisted living facilities in the metro operate as affiliated or contracted extensions of those systems. Facilities along Broad Street, in the Hilliard and Westerville corridors, and throughout the east side of the city — near the neighborhoods served by Mount Carmel East — see the full range of long-term care populations, from post-surgical recovery patients to residents with advanced dementia. The firm takes cases arising from facilities across all of these areas.

Clark Perdue handles nursing home wrongful death cases on a contingency basis, meaning no fees are charged unless there is a recovery.

Protect Your Right to Full Compensation

Nursing home wrongful death cases involve both economic and non-economic losses, and undervaluing either category is one of the most common mistakes families make when dealing with a facility’s insurer directly.

Economic damages include the medical costs incurred during the final period of negligence, projected care costs that would have been required had the resident survived, and — in cases involving a resident who was also a wage earner — the financial value of that lost income to surviving dependents.
Non-economic damages cover the resident’s pain and suffering during the period of neglect, the grief and loss of companionship experienced by surviving family members, and loss of consortium where applicable.

Where a facility’s conduct was egregious — chronic understaffing driven by deliberate corporate cost-cutting, falsified care records, or repeated regulatory violations that management ignored — punitive damages may also be available. Early settlement offers from facility insurers consistently fail to account for the full projected value of these claims. Accepting one before the investigation is complete forfeits rights you cannot recover later.

We will serve as your most diligent and dedicated legal advocates. For experienced legal counsel, contact our personal injury law firm online or call us locally at 614-469-1400 or toll free at 800-647-7003 for a free initial consultation.

What Our Clients Say

Real stories from people we’ve helped after serious injuries.

4.8

Laura H.

When our mother was hospitalized for an accident, we were unprepared for the turn of events which would befall our family. Following her hospitalization, a series of negligent acts by the hospital staff, unrelated to her accident, led to our mother’s quickly declining health. Due to the mounting medical expenses, we sought legal assistance. Several attorneys had been recommended to us, including Andy List. We felt very fortunate that Andy chose to help us. He assembled a team of experts for our case.
Since we had not experienced it before, navigating the legal process was initially very intimidating for us. Andy patiently listened to our concerns and offered the time and consideration needed to understand our situation. Throughout the process, he explained the legal system in a way that was understandable to us. Although our mother’s medical situation was stressful, Andy guided us and treated us with kindness and dignity.
Thanks to Andy and his team, the legal outcome was in our favor. Our family is so grateful. Our mother continues to recover and the financial burden has been lifted. Andy renewed our faith that the legal system can be fair and equitable. I highly recommend Andy and his team to anyone needing legal assistance.

-Laura H.

Vern J.

Today is a gift…largely due to Andy List and his team. After a sequence of errors was made by the hospital, which resulted in a stroke, I sustained ongoing physical and cognitive deficits. These deficits required months of hospitalization, followed by ongoing therapy. As we started to receive medical bills from the hospital, we questioned the hospital regarding their error. The hospital denied any responsibility for their multiple errors. We knew how difficult and intimidating it was to challenge such a large medical institution, so we began to search for law firms. Andy List came highly recommended. We are so fortunate and grateful to have Andy List and his colleagues represent us. Andy and his team have a true compassion for their clients. They are incredibly knowledgeable, communicative and efficient. Thanks to Andy and his team we received a significant settlement, which absolutely would not have happened without them. I would highly recommend Andy List and his colleagues to anyone who is in a medical malpractice situation.
-Mary Anne and Vern J.

Barbara List L.

Our son suffers substantial disabilities, and his condition has resulted in discrimination. We were pleased to consult with Clark, Perdue & List on the complex issues that impact our son's quality of life and his ability to contribute to the community. The attorneys are professional, knowledgable, and willing to answer our many questions, address our concerns, and help us navigate a very challenging path. I will be seeking their counsel in the future.

stacy B.

Wonderful experience. Professional, caring, and top notch firm.

Jasmine B.

I was involved in a head on collision on the day of my 19th birthday and my high school graduation. When someone first brought up getting a lawyer I was very hesitant, but after working with Julie and Andrew all my nerves went away. They heard everything I had to say, and if I ever had any questions, big or little they would answer them for me. They care deeply about the individuals they are representing. I would recommend them to anyone!

Sarah A.

After the loss of my father, my mother faced numerous long-term care issues. The lawyers at Clark, Perdue, and List helped us through the process. They were efficient and thorough in helping us navigate issues and situations we had never previously encountered. I highly recommend the lawyers at Clark, Perdue, and List.

Jamie H.

I have been associated with this wonderful firm for several years and I cannot express enough the wonderful service we received. The cases were painful at best, but the passion and compassion shown by this firm is over the top. They care about you as a client; they care about your case; they care about the outcome; and they care about your involvement in the case. One of the most important things I have found is they keep you informed and always have the time to speak with you regarding the case. Thanks for the wonderful representation over the years.

Dorothy C.

I have known the members of the Law Firm for over 15 years.
Years ago, my elderly mother-in-law needed legal advice when she felt she had not been properly treated in a medical sense. The family wasn't sure what to do to resolve this matter.
It was then that I met with Andy List, who gave us the guidance we desperately needed, which in turn, helped to put our emotions in perspective.
The matter was resolved in a positive manner, which makes me suggest Clark, Perdue &List to others in need of proper and thorough legal assistance. I still keep in touch with them to this day, for they are very true to what they advertise to be; and will always be respected by our family.

Shelly H.

Back in 1989 I was involved in a life threatening auto accident while on my way to school. While I was still in the hospital, my parents met with Dale Perdue and hired his law firm to take my case. Mr. Perdue and the rest of his staff were so helpful to me, as well as, my family during this difficult time. They guided us through the process and were always happy to help us with any questions or concerns. In 2011, my husband was in a life threatening auto accident. While I was sitting in the hospital wondering what to do, I thought, “Call Dale”. Within a few hours, he was sitting by my side. Once again, he walked me and my husband through another very difficult time. Dale, Pam, and the rest of his staff have been a very big part of my life and have always felt like an extended part of my family. I have recommended Dale and his staff to friends through the years and will continue to do so.

Don F.

It was with some reluctance that I began the process of considering the pursuit of a wrongful death claim against a pharmaceutical company on behalf of my Mother's estate. I was not sure how to proceed. Thus I began the process of looking at various web sites for various legal firms, and followed that with several phone calls. When I called Clark, Perdue and List Co, LPA I was treaded with a kindness, courtesy, and professionalism that seemed to be a cut above the rest. Linda, the Paralegal I most frequently communicated with had exceptional legal knowledge and skill. She had the ability to explain in an extremely clear manner the answers to all my many questions. The staff was very thorough in obtaining all the records and information needed to support the claim.
The lawyer I dealt with, Andrew List, certainly went above and beyond the call of duty in effort and completion of meeting all the requirements and deadlines the court placed on this type of claim. I was frequently updated regarding the process of the case.
Clark, Perdue and List Co, LPA far exceeded my expectations in bringing to a successful closure this case. It is with great confidence and respect that I would highly recommend this legal firm.

Diane S.

When my mother fell and broke her shoulder a few years ago, my sister and I entrusted her rehabilitation to a local nursing home. Unfortunately, one of the employees at the facility was negligent in my mother’s care and caused further injury to her shoulder, causing her to return to the hospital for further surgery. When I learned that an investigator from the Attorney General’s office recommended that criminal charges be pressed against the individual, I knew that I also needed to pursue the matter civilly to ensure that my mother was compensated for the injuries caused by that negligent employee. A friend of mine recommended Andy List, and from my first telephone conference with him, I felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. Andy took care of everything to prepare this case for a potential trial against the individual and the facility, and then acted as a skillful negotiator in obtaining a favorable settlement for my mother. I am forever grateful to Andy and his assistant Linda for helping our family through this very difficult time.

Handling Highly Complex Claims

Nursing home litigation frequently involves multiple defendants, federal and state regulatory frameworks, and insurance carriers whose defense strategies are specifically designed to minimize payouts on institutional claims. Clark Perdue intentionally limits case volume to focus on life-altering injuries and wrongful death, giving every high-stakes claim undivided attention.

Work Directly with an Experienced Nursing Home Abuse Attorney

When a family is processing a sudden loss or discovering that a loved one was harmed inside a facility, the first attorney conversation matters. At Clark Perdue, clients speak directly with the lead attorney handling their case. In the critical early days after a nursing home death, that direct access shapes what evidence gets preserved, which witnesses are identified, and how quickly protective legal steps are taken.

We handle nursing home wrongful death cases throughout Columbus, across Ohio, and in other states where circumstances require, and jurisdiction permits. Consultations are available by phone and in person, and the firm takes all qualifying cases on a contingency basis — no fees unless there is a recovery.

Recognized by the Legal Community

Clark, Perdue and List has been listed in Best Lawyers in America for more than 20 years, recognized by Super Lawyers, and included in Best Law Firms by U.S. News & World Report. Physicians refer cases here — a form of professional trust that reflects the firm’s standing among medical practitioners who understand what complex litigation requires.

How Can a Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Help You?

Families dealing with a nursing home wrongful death often face a facility and an insurance carrier who have managed similar situations before. Having dedicated counsel who understands the specifics of long-term care litigation changes the dynamic from the first contact.

Two critical roles define the value of a nursing home abuse attorney: building a case the facility cannot simply deny, and ensuring the full measure of recoverable damages is on the table before any settlement discussion begins.

Evidence Preservation — Nursing home records are maintained electronically, and facilities have document management systems that can overwrite or archive data quickly. A litigation hold letter must go out immediately, covering incident reports, staffing schedules, call-light logs, medication administration records (MARs), care plans, and any internal communications about the resident’s condition. These records are the backbone of the case, and their integrity depends on early legal intervention.
Liability Investigation — Establishing which parties bear responsibility requires document review, inspection of state records and deficiency citations, and expert analysis from medical professionals. In many cases, nursing home injuries overlap with broader medical malpractice claims in Ohio, requiring attorneys who understand both clinical standards of care and institutional negligence. Starting this investigation early is what makes it effective.
Damages Quantification — In wrongful death cases involving a resident who was also a contributing wage earner or a central figure in a family, an economic analysis is required to establish the full financial value of the loss. Life care plans, actuarial projections, and expert testimony on the economic impact of the death determine the leverage the family holds in settlement negotiations.
Negotiation & Litigation — Defense counsel for nursing home chains and their insurers are experienced at delays, partial admissions, and lowball offers timed to coincide with family exhaustion. Families often wonder how long a personal injury settlement takes in Ohio—and while thorough investigations take time, Clark, Perdue & List is prepared to take cases through Ohio’s court process, including filing in Franklin County when venue supports it, and taking a verdict when a settlement offer does not reflect the full value of the claim.

Note on Ohio Fault Rules: Ohio follows a modified comparative fault rule: a claimant may recover damages as long as their share of fault does not exceed 50 percent, with any awarded amount reduced proportionally by their assigned percentage. In nursing home wrongful death cases, this issue rarely applies — but understanding it matters when insurers attempt to deflect blame onto the resident or the family.

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Why Choose Clark, Perdue and List?

High-volume firms advertising across Columbus media rely on swift turnover. Their business model depends on fast settlements, often before a thorough investigation uncovers the full financial and institutional liability.

Clark, Perdue & List operates differently. We cap our active docket at just 15 cases at a time. This strict limit ensures your lead attorney personally manages every phase of your nursing home wrongful death claim—from the initial records subpoena through final resolution.

That focus is why we have earned recognition in Best Lawyers in America for over two decades. More importantly, local physicians regularly refer their own patients and families to us. They trust our courtroom preparation, professional integrity, and track record when the stakes are highest.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately after a loved one dies in a Columbus nursing home?

Contact an attorney before speaking with the facility’s risk management team or signing any documents they present. Request that all records related to your loved one’s care be preserved in writing. Do not let the facility frame the narrative before independent legal counsel reviews the facts. The first days after a nursing home death are when the most important evidence is most at risk.

How long do I have to file a nursing home wrongful death claim in Ohio?

Ohio’s statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is two years from the date of death. However, the practical deadline for preserving the evidence needed to build a strong case is much earlier. Staffing records, electronic care logs, and facility incident reports can disappear or be altered within weeks. Families should seek legal counsel as soon as they have reason to believe negligence was a factor.

Does Clark, Perdue and List handle nursing home abuse cases in Columbus?

Yes. The firm handles nursing home and assisted living wrongful death cases throughout Columbus and the broader Franklin County area, including facilities in Hilliard, Westerville, the east side corridor near Mount Carmel East, and other communities across Central Ohio. Cases are evaluated on a contingency basis at no initial cost to the family.

Who can be held liable in a nursing home wrongful death case?

Liability can extend beyond individual caregivers to include the facility’s nursing administration, the corporate ownership entity, third-party staffing contractors, and the physicians serving as medical directors. Corporate defendants are common in chain-operated facilities where budget decisions about staffing ratios and care standards are made at a level above the individual building. A thorough liability investigation is required to identify every responsible party.

How much does it cost to hire a nursing home abuse attorney?

Clark Perdue handles these cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no attorney fees unless there is a recovery. The initial case review is also free. Families do not pay out of pocket to have the case evaluated or to begin the legal process.

What makes nursing home wrongful death cases more complicated than a standard personal injury claim?

Long-term care litigation involves a distinct regulatory environment — state and federal nursing home standards, deficiency citation records maintained by the Ohio Department of Health, and internal documentation systems that facilities use to manage liability exposure. Multiple defendants are common, and corporate defendants have experienced defense counsel. Proving causation requires medical experts who understand both the standard of care in long-term care settings and the clinical progression of conditions like pressure ulcers, aspiration pneumonia, and sepsis. These are not cases that benefit from a general personal injury approach.

Schedule a Free, Confidential Case Evaluation

Families in Columbus and throughout Central Ohio facing the loss of a loved one in a nursing home deserve direct access to an attorney with focused experience in exactly this kind of litigation. To discuss a potential wrongful death case with a nursing home abuse attorney who will personally handle your matter, contact Clark, Perdue and List for a free initial consultation — call 614-469-1400 locally or 800-647-7003 toll-free.