What to Do If You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect?

Sadly, nursing home abuse remains a serious problem in northwestern Ohio. If you suspect that your loved one has been victim of abuse or neglect at an assisted living facility, you need to take immediate action to protect their safety and well-being. Here, our compassionate Toledo nursing home abuse attorneys outline the steps you should follow if you suspected problems.

• Take Any and All Warning Signs Seriously

If you see any of the common warning signs of abuse or neglect, you need to take action. Unfortunately, in many cases, nursing home abuse and neglect is difficult to catch. Signs that your elderly or vulnerable loved one may have been mistreated require a comprehensive follow up. In some cases, there may be an innocuous explanation, in others there may be a deeper problem. You must always stay vigilant.

• Consider Internal Solutions

Not all cases of nursing home mistreatment require legal action. Indeed, in some cases, particularly when the issues are relatively minor, the best option may be to raise the issue with the staff or management at the facility. From there, the staff might be able to resolve the problem, ensuring better conditions for your loved one going forward. When you speak to staff about any type of issue, it is imperative that you continue to monitor the problem so that you can be sure that a solution has actually been found.

• Use State Resources

In cases where abuse or neglect is serious, you need to take action to get your family member to safety, without delay. Generally, the best thing you can do is to use some of the resources provided by the state of Ohio. More specifically, you should consider contacting Ohio Adult Protective Services. This agency will be able to listen to your situation, and help put you in touch with resources so that you can find an immediate solution.

• Get Legal Representation

Finally, if your loved one has suffered any type of injuries or financial damages while at a nursing home, you should contact a qualified attorney as soon as possible. The owners and operators of the facility need to be held accountable for their bad actions. Your Toledo nursing home abuse lawyer will be able to review your claim, explaining your rights and helping you assess your legal options.

Schedule Your Free Legal Consultation Today

At Lafferty, Gallagher & Scott, LLC, we fight aggressively to protect the health, safety and legal rights of elderly people and vulnerable adults. If you believe that your loved one has been the victim of abuse or neglect, you need to take action today. Call our firm now at (419) 241-5500. From our office in Maumee, we represent victims in Toledo and throughout Northwest Ohio.