Protecting Nursing Home Residents from Violence and Abuse
Discovering that a loved one has been physically harmed in a nursing home is devastating. Nursing home assault in Dayton is a serious form of abuse that can leave residents with injuries, emotional trauma, and a fear of those entrusted with their care.
At Nancy Iler Law Firm, we represent victims of nursing home assault and their families throughout Dayton, Kettering, Beavercreek, and Montgomery County. Our goal is simple: uncover the truth, stop the abuse, and hold negligent facilities and staff accountable for their actions.
What Constitutes Nursing Home Assault in Ohio?
Nursing home assault is any act of intentional physical harm to a resident, whether by staff, another resident, or even a visitor. Examples include:
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Hitting, punching, or shoving
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Rough handling during transfers or bathing
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Choking or physical intimidation
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Sexual assault or unwanted touching
Even one instance of physical abuse is unacceptable and may justify both civil and criminal action.
Why Assault Happens in Nursing Homes
Assault in nursing homes often happens when facilities fail to take proper precautions, such as:
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Inadequate staffing: Leaving residents unsupervised or hiring overworked, frustrated staff
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Negligent hiring: Failing to run background checks on employees
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Lack of training: Staff not properly trained to de-escalate aggressive behavior
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Failure to separate residents: Allowing known violent residents to harm others
Our firm investigates these underlying causes to hold both individual abusers and the nursing home corporation responsible.
Warning Signs Families Should Look For
Pay attention to any sudden or unexplained changes, such as:
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Bruises, scratches, or broken bones
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Fearfulness or anxiety around certain staff members
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Sudden withdrawal or emotional outbursts
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Torn clothing or evidence of restraint
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Unexplained trips to the ER
Trust your instincts — if something seems wrong, act quickly.
Legal Rights for Victims of Nursing Home Assault
Under Ohio law, nursing homes have a duty to keep residents safe from harm. If they fail to do so, you may be entitled to pursue compensation for:
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Hospital and medical treatment
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Pain and suffering
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Emotional trauma and psychological counseling
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Relocation to a safer facility
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Wrongful death damages if the assault led to loss of life
Our team works quickly to gather evidence, speak with witnesses, and build a case that exposes neglect and prevents further harm.
Why Families Choose Nancy Iler Law Firm
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Medical Insight: Nancy’s background as a registered nurse allows her to evaluate injuries and spot inconsistencies in medical records.
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Extensive Experience: 30+ years advocating for elder abuse victims across Ohio.
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Aggressive Litigation: We are not afraid to take on large nursing home chains to secure justice.
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Contingency Fees: You pay nothing unless we win compensation on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing Home Assault in Dayton
Q: Can a nursing home be held responsible if another resident attacked my loved one?
A: Yes. Facilities must monitor residents and protect them from foreseeable harm. If a resident with a history of aggression harmed your loved one, the nursing home may be liable for failing to intervene.
Q: Should I report the assault to the police?
A: Yes. Assault is a crime. Report it to local law enforcement and file a complaint with the Ohio Department of Health. An attorney can also help ensure your report is taken seriously and properly investigated.
Q: What if the nursing home says the injuries were accidental?
A: Many facilities try to explain away injuries. Our team reviews medical records, interviews witnesses, and consults experts to determine whether abuse occurred.
Q: How soon should I contact a lawyer?
A: As soon as possible. Evidence can disappear quickly — contacting a lawyer right away gives you the best chance of protecting your loved one and pursuing justice.
Get Help Today
If your loved one was assaulted in a Dayton-area nursing home, don’t wait. Protecting them and stopping future abuse starts with taking action.
Call Nancy Iler Law Firm today for a free, confidential consultation with an experienced Dayton nursing home assault attorney.