Discovering that a loved one has been abused or neglected in a nursing home or assisted living facility is devastating.
You may be asking yourself: “Do I have an elder abuse case in Ohio?” The answer often depends on the evidence you have, the duty of care owed by the facility, and whether the neglect caused harm.
Pursuing a civil lawsuit for nursing home abuse or neglect can allow you to hold the facility accountable, secure compensation for medical care, and move your loved one to a safer environment. The Nancy Iler Law Firm has a proven track record and will hold the negligent party accountable.
You owe nothing for legal fees unless we win.
Understanding Elder Abuse and Neglect in Ohio
Elder abuse can take many forms, including physical harm, emotional abuse, financial exploitation, and neglect. Neglect is often seen in the form of bedsores, malnutrition, dehydration, falls, or medication errors. If your loved one has been harmed, you have the legal right to take action under Ohio law.
Step 1: Reporting and Documenting the Abuse
The first step in proving an elder abuse case is reporting it to the appropriate state agency, such as the Ohio Department of Health or Adult Protective Services. These agencies will investigate and produce a written report. This report can be powerful evidence in your lawsuit — it serves as official confirmation that abuse or neglect occurred.
Tip: Keep your own detailed records, including:
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Photographs of injuries or unsafe conditions
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Dates, times, and descriptions of incidents
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Written notes or a journal of what you observe
These documents can strengthen your claim and help your attorney build a solid case.
Step 2: Establishing the Facility’s Duty of Care
Every nursing home and assisted living facility in Ohio owes residents a legal duty of care. This means they must provide adequate food, medical care, supervision, and a safe environment. If your loved one suffered abuse or neglect — whether from staff, other residents, or unsafe conditions — the facility has likely breached this duty.
Step 3: Reviewing Medical Records and Evidence
An experienced Ohio nursing home abuse attorney will review medical records, care plans, and nursing notes to uncover what really happened. These records should show:
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The resident’s medical conditions and risk factors
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A care plan designed to address those risks
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Documentation of injuries such as bruises, cuts, or falls
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Whether the facility followed (or ignored) its own care plan
Facilities often try to blame injuries on age or pre-existing medical conditions — sometimes called “the old and sick defense.” A skilled lawyer can challenge this argument with medical evidence and expert testimony.
Key Elements of an Elder Abuse Lawsuit
To succeed in an elder abuse lawsuit in Ohio, you and your attorney must prove three elements:
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Duty of Care – The nursing home or facility had a legal obligation to protect your loved one.
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Breach of Duty – The facility failed to meet that obligation through action or inaction.
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Harm or Damages – Your loved one suffered physical, emotional, or financial harm as a direct result.
When to Speak with an Ohio Elder Abuse Lawyer
If you suspect your loved one is the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, do not wait. Speak with an experienced Ohio elder abuse attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can:
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Review investigation reports and your documentation
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File a lawsuit to recover compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and relocation costs
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Hold negligent facilities and staff accountable for their actions
Get Legal Help for Elder Abuse Cases in Ohio
Your loved one deserves safety, dignity, and proper care. If those rights have been violated, you may have a strong legal case. Contact Nancy Iler Law Firm today for a free consultation with an experienced Ohio nursing home abuse lawyer. We handle elder abuse and neglect cases throughout Ohio and fight to get justice for vulnerable residents and their families.
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Client Review
Nancy Iler is not only a terrific lawyer, but also a terrific human being. She takes a lot of pride in what she does and works very hard for her clients. Nancy’s joint background and education as both a nurse and a lawyer equips her with a unique skill set to provide highly effective legal representation for medical malpractice, nursing home and personal injury clients throughout Ohio.
5 Star LinkedIn Review – S.K.