No family expects their loved one to suffer physical assault in a nursing home. Yet, incidents of resident abuse — from hitting or slapping to rough handling and even sexual assault — continue to occur in facilities across Ohio. These acts are not only inexcusable, they are illegal.
At Nancy Iler Law Firm, we represent victims of nursing home assault and their families in Cleveland and throughout Cuyahoga County. Our mission is to hold facilities accountable, stop ongoing abuse, and recover compensation for the harm done to vulnerable residents.
What Is Nursing Home Assault?
Nursing home assault includes any intentional physical harm inflicted on a resident by staff, other residents, or visitors. Examples include:
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Hitting, slapping, or pushing
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Kicking, punching, or choking
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Rough handling during transfers or care
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Improper or excessive use of restraints
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Sexual assault or unwanted touching
These actions can leave residents physically injured, emotionally traumatized, and fearful of staff.
Why Nursing Home Assault Happens
Nursing home assaults often occur because of:
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Chronic understaffing: Staff are overworked, leading to frustration or lack of supervision
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Poor training: Employees unprepared to handle dementia-related behavior or aggression
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Negligent hiring: Failure to properly screen staff or monitor for violent behavior
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Inadequate security: Allowing unsafe residents or visitors to harm others
Facilities have a legal duty to protect residents from harm — including abuse by staff and other residents.
Warning Signs of Nursing Home Assault
Families should watch for:
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Unexplained bruises, welts, cuts, or broken bones
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Fear or anxiety around certain staff members
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Sudden changes in mood or behavior
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Torn clothing or signs of restraint
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Unexplained hospital visits
If you notice any of these signs, act immediately — your loved one may be in danger.
Your Legal Rights in Ohio
Ohio law requires nursing homes to provide a safe environment and protect residents from harm. If a nursing home failed to prevent or address assault, you may be entitled to compensation for:
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Medical expenses and hospital bills
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Pain and suffering
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Emotional distress or trauma
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Relocation costs to a safer facility
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Wrongful death damages, if the assault was fatal
Our firm investigates assault cases thoroughly, interviewing witnesses, reviewing medical records, and examining facility policies to build a strong claim for justice.
Why Choose Nancy Iler Law Firm
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Medical and Legal Experience: Nancy Iler is a former registered nurse who understands how injuries happen and how to prove negligence.
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Decades of Advocacy: 30+ years representing victims of nursing home abuse and neglect.
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Aggressive Representation: We take on corporate nursing homes and fight for full accountability.
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No Fees Unless We Win: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we secure compensation.
Take Action to Protect Your Loved One
If your loved one was physically assaulted in a Cleveland nursing home, do not wait. Evidence can be lost, and abusers may still be working in the facility.
Call Nancy Iler Law Firm today for a free, confidential consultation with an experienced Cleveland nursing home assault lawyer. We proudly represent families throughout Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and Northeast Ohio.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing Home Assault in Ohio
Q: Can I sue a nursing home for assault?
A: Yes. If a nursing home’s staff physically assaults a resident or fails to protect them from assault by another resident, the facility can be held legally responsible. You may be entitled to compensation for medical costs, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Q: What if the assault was committed by another resident, not staff?
A: The nursing home is still responsible for supervising residents and preventing harm. If the facility knew or should have known that a resident was dangerous and failed to take action, they can be held liable.
Q: What should I do if I suspect my loved one was assaulted?
A: Get your loved one immediate medical care, document any injuries, report the incident to facility management and the Ohio Department of Health, and contact an attorney as soon as possible to begin an independent investigation.
Q: What compensation can families recover?
A: Possible compensation includes medical expenses, emotional distress, pain and suffering, relocation costs, and — in severe cases — punitive damages to punish reckless or intentional misconduct.