No family ever expects to discover that their loved one has been physically assaulted in a nursing home. Sadly, incidents of abuse by staff, other residents, or even visitors happen far too often — and victims are often defenseless due to age, disability, or illness.
At Nancy Iler Law Firm, we fight for residents who have suffered physical harm in nursing homes throughout Ohio. Our mission is to uncover the truth, hold negligent facilities accountable, and seek justice for victims and their families.
What Is Nursing Home Physical Assault?
Physical assault in a nursing home includes any intentional act that causes harm to a resident. Examples include:
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Hitting, slapping, or punching
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Pushing, shoving, or kicking
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Rough handling during transfers, bathing, or daily care
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Choking, pinching, or restraining without a medical order
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Sexual assault or unwanted physical contact
These are not “accidents” — they are acts of abuse that violate both Ohio law and federal nursing home regulations.
Why Physical Assault Happens in Nursing Homes
Nursing home assaults are often preventable. They may occur due to:
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Understaffing: Leaving residents unsupervised or overworking staff
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Negligent Hiring: Failure to properly screen employees or address past misconduct
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Poor Training: Staff who are unprepared to manage behavioral challenges
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Lack of Supervision: Failure to monitor residents known to be aggressive
When a nursing home fails to protect residents from violence, they can be held legally responsible for the harm caused.
Warning Signs of Physical Abuse
Family members should watch for signs that may indicate a loved one is being harmed, such as:
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Unexplained bruises, welts, or broken bones
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Frequent trips to the emergency room
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Fearfulness or anxiety around certain staff members
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Torn clothing or unexplained injuries
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Sudden withdrawal or changes in behavior
If you notice any of these signs, act immediately — your loved one’s safety could be at risk.
Legal Rights for Victims and Families
Under Ohio law, nursing homes have a duty to keep residents safe from harm. If your loved one was assaulted, you may be entitled to compensation for:
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Medical expenses and hospital bills
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Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
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Relocation to a safer facility
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Counseling or psychological support
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Wrongful death damages if the assault was fatal
Our firm investigates thoroughly — reviewing medical records, interviewing witnesses, and examining facility procedures — to build a strong case for justice.
Why Choose Nancy Iler Law Firm
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Medical & Legal Experience: Nancy Iler is a former registered nurse who understands how injuries occur and how to prove liability.
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Decades of Advocacy: Over 30 years representing victims of nursing home abuse and neglect across Ohio.
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Aggressive Representation: We hold corporate nursing homes and their insurers accountable.
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No Fees Unless We Win: We work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing Home Physical Assault
Q: Can I sue the nursing home for physical assault?
A: Yes. Nursing homes are responsible for protecting residents from harm caused by staff, other residents, or visitors. You may have a claim for damages if the facility failed to provide proper supervision or prevent the assault.
Q: What if my loved one is unable to tell me what happened?
A: Many victims cannot communicate clearly. We gather medical evidence, review incident reports, and interview staff and other residents to uncover the truth.
Q: Should I report the assault to the police?
A: Yes. Physical assault is a crime. Contact law enforcement and report the incident to the Ohio Department of Health while we conduct an independent investigation.
Q: How much time do I have to take legal action?
A: Ohio law has strict deadlines for filing claims. Contacting a lawyer quickly allows us to preserve evidence and protect your loved one’s rights.
Speak with a Cleveland Nursing Home Physical Assault Lawyer
If your loved one has suffered physical abuse in a Cleveland nursing home, do not wait — prompt action can protect them and help prevent harm to others.
Call Nancy Iler Law Firm today for a free, confidential consultation with an experienced Cleveland nursing home physical assault attorney.