Physical Abuse in Toledo Nursing Homes

Many people have made the difficult decision to place elderly loved ones in assisted living facilities when they can no longer care for themselves. Fortunately, Ohio has well-regarded nursing homes, and if you have recently moved a family member into one, they are most likely getting the care they need. Unfortunately, sometimes angry employees take out their frustrations on frail residents, and if facility administrators allow the abuse to occur, they can also be responsible.

When you find yourself in this situation, you must first move your elderly family member away from the offending situation to another long-term care facility that you have researched. Let the nursing home your loved one is leaving know what you have discovered and document all conversations, moving expenses, and medical treatment your loved one receives after the abuse. And then, call us.

The facts in these cases are unique, and we could investigate them. A skilled nursing home negligence attorney from Zoll & Kranz, LLC may be able to get residents the compensation they deserve after suffering physical abuse in Toledo nursing homes.

What Is Physical Abuse in Nursing Homes?

Physical abuse of the elderly is especially heinous because nursing home residents often cannot defend themselves. A shove will unbalance a frail person who could easily break a hip in a fall. Nationwide, one-third of all nursing home residents report being abused, and 95 percent report they have observed other residents being abused.

Nursing home management has a duty to train employees to care for the elderly and screen them before hiring to ensure they have the temperament for this challenging job. Abuse can also occur when one resident acts aggressively toward another, although staff and management have a duty to stop this behavior immediately. Common types of physical abuse in Toledo nursing homes include:

• Aggressively force-feeding
• Using restraints unnecessarily
• Giving patients too much medication to keep them sedated
• Intentionally pushing, shoving, slapping, punching, pinching, and kicking
• Physical neglect is considered abuse and occurs when caregivers do not provide the food, sanitary environment, clothing, and medicine needed to maintain dignity and survive

If these conditions sound familiar, contact a seasoned nursing home abuse lawyer from our firm today to discuss your loved one’s negligence claim.

Wrongful Death Claims

Tragically, the risk of an older person dying after being abused is 300 percent higher than for a younger person. The family may have a claim for wrongful death if this occurs. Under Ohio Revised Code 2125.01, if the deceased party could have pursued a personal injury lawsuit for negligence or a wrongful act, the estate can pursue the claim as a wrongful death. The assisted living facility could be liable for end-of-life medical expenses, funeral costs, and other losses the family suffers.

Loved Ones Could be Compensated After Physical Abuse in Toledo Nursing Homes

Generally, deciding to place a frail, elderly family member in a nursing home is wise as they lose the physical and cognitive ability to care for themselves. More than three million Americans reside in them now, while caring staff keeps them fed, clean, and safe.

Call us today if your loved one lives in a residential care facility and has complained of being hit or pushed or if you see signs of abuse, such as bruising or unusual lethargy. Our experienced team of attorneys at Zoll & Kranz, LLC has handled a number of cases concerning physical abuse in Toledo nursing homes, and we want to help you with yours.