What Are Warning Signs Of Nursing Home Abuse?
Our experienced Columbus OH attorneys know what to look for
Nursing home abuse and neglect can sometimes be challenging to identify. That’s why it’s critical that you know what to look for if you suspect that a loved one or family member is being abused in a nursing home. Otherwise, the abuse may continue and your loved one may become more sick or injured as a result.
Our Columbus, Ohio nursing home abuse attorneys at Mani Ellis & Layne, PLLC, know what’s at stake. That’s why we to help. We’re familiar with the warning signs of nursing home abuse. We know how to identify them and how to hold nursing homes accountable for their actions. That’s why we can have a strong track record of success. Each one of our law firm’s partners has secured multi-million-dollar verdicts or settlements for injury victims or their families. Experience matters – and so does your case.
What are common warning signs of nursing home abuse?
There are often many telltale signs that your loved one is being abused by a nursing home employee or a fellow nursing home resident. These warning signs include:
You know your loved one best. If something seems wrong with them, take action to put an end to their abuse. By doing so, you may be helping other nursing home residents suffering from similar abuse.
What should I do if I suspect nursing home abuse?
If you suspect that your loved one is being abused in a nursing home, we strongly advise you to take the following steps:
- Talk to your loved one living in the nursing home privately. Ask them what’s wrong.
- If your loved one doesn’t want to discuss the topic, ask them questions about:
- What they had to eat recently at the nursing home?
- What activities they have been doing at the nursing home?
- When they were last examined by a doctor?
- Take notes and write down anything you see that looks out of the ordinary, including:
- Unexplained bruises
- Blood stains on sheets or clothing
- Unexplained weight loss
If you notice that your loved one has sustained a serious injury, demand immediate medical attention for them. If the nursing home will not provide immediate medical care, call for an ambulance.
If you suspect your loved one is a victim of physical abuse, call the police. Tell them you think your loved one is being physically abused and that you believe a crime has taken place.
Contact Ohio’s Department of Health. The department’s Bureau of Survey and Certification Complaint Unit is responsible for investigating nursing home abuse complaints in Ohio. Call the Department’s hotline – (800) 669-3534.
Contact our Central Ohio law firm right away. One of our experienced nursing home abuse attorneys can help you every step of the way.
Your loved one should not have to suffer in silence. We can help you hold the nursing home accountable for its actions.
Your family has rights. We can fight for them. Contact our Columbus law firm.
Don’t wait to take action. Your loved one’s health and well-being could be at risk. It isn’t just them you could be helping. By reaching out for help for your loved one, you could be putting a stop to the abuse of other nursing home residents as well.
Take the first step. Contact Mani Ellis & Layne, PLLC and schedule your free case evaluation. Our Columbus nursing home abuse lawyers have the knowledge, the experience and the drive to win your case. You can count on us when it matters most.
Don’t underestimate the severity or the complexity of your Columbus, Ohio nursing home abuse case. Make sure you have an experienced attorney on your side who can stand up for your family’s rights. Make sure you have Mani Ellis & Layne, PLLC in your corner.
Unexplained bruises
If you have recently noticed bruises on a family member’s face, arms or another part of their body, it could be a sign of nursing home abuse. Some nursing homes have abusive employees on their staff. That’s because some nursing homes fail to take the necessary steps to properly screen abusive employees during the hiring process. Other times, nursing homes turn a blind eye to abusive employees once they’re working at the facility. It isn’t just employees that nursing homes need to be concerned about when it comes to abuse. Fellow residents can be abusive. When this happens, the nursing home needs to immediately take action to stop the abuse.
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Unexplained injuries
Along with unexplained bruises, there are often many different types of unexplained injuries which could be a warning sign of abuse at your loved one’s nursing home. These injuries can include hip fractures due to being pushed over by a nursing home worker. Other times, it may be a broken arm or a fractured wrist due to being attacked or assaulted by a nursing home employee. Whatever type of injury occurred to your loved one, take action right away. Seek immediate medical treatment for them. Then, contact our Columbus nursing home abuse law firm. We know how to investigate these injuries and can demand justice for your family.
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Dramatic mood changes
If you notice any sudden mood changes in your loved one, it could be a warning sign of nursing home abuse. Changes in mood can include depression, crying for no apparent reason, being extremely quiet or afraid to be touched. You know your loved one best. If their mood seems out of the ordinary, privately ask them what’s going on and contact our law firm. We can help you get the help your loved one needs if they’re being physically abused in a nursing home.
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Restricted visits
Most nursing homes allow family members and loved ones to visit their relatives on a regular basis. If the nursing home suddenly stops allowing you to visit them, this could be a red flag that your family member is being abused or neglected by staff members or fellow nursing home residents. Ask the nursing home exactly why they’re refusing to allow you to visit your loved one. If their answer doesn’t sound believable to you, contact the police, then contact our law firm. We can help you explore your legal options and work with you to make sure your loved one is living in a safe and comforting environment.
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