When you place a loved one in a nursing home, you expect them to be properly cared for and treated with respect. Though, many families still worry that their loved ones might be abused or neglected in these facilities, and sadly these concerns are often true. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, more than 2 million cases of nursing home abuse are reported each year in the U.S.
If you think a family member in a nursing home may be a victim of abuse, it’s important to act quickly. One of our Bowling Green Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers at Charles Boyk Law can help you take legal steps to stop the mistreatment and seek compensation for your loved one’s injuries.
What Is Nursing Home Abuse?
Nursing home abuse can take many forms. It can involve physical injury, mental harm, neglect, or financial exploitation. Abuse can happen to anyone and can occur in a variety of settings, including the community and in long-term care facilities. A combination of physical, psychological, functional, social, and economic factors may be associated with the occurrence of elder maltreatment, Unfortunately, many cases of abuse go unnoticed until it’s too late.
National statistics show that about 1 in 10 nursing home residents are affected by some form of abuse or neglect. Additionally, U.S. Census data suggests that more than 200,000 Ohioans age 60 and older experience some form of elder abuse. In Bowling Green and other areas, families must be aware of their loved ones’ rights and take action if abuse is suspected.
Nursing Home Residents’ Rights in Ohio
In Ohio, the Ohio Nursing Home Bill of Rights is a statute designed to protect nursing home residents. The rights established in this statute include:
- The right to live in a safe and clean environment.
- The right to be free from physical, mental, and emotional abuse, and to be treated with respect and dignity.
- The right to receive appropriate medical care, regardless of race, religion, or how the care is paid for.
- The right to have all reasonable requests and inquiries responded to promptly.
- The right to have clean bed sheets and clothing.
- The right to participate in decisions about their own care and receive full information about their medical conditions.
- The right to be free from unnecessary restraints.
- The right to voice concerns or grievances without fear of retaliation.
It’s important to remember that even though someone is in a nursing home, they still have civil rights and should be treated with the same dignity as any other person.
Types of Nursing Home Abuse Cases
There are many different kinds of abuse that can happen in a nursing home. A nursing home abuse lawyer can help you with cases involving:
- Negligent care (not taking proper care of the resident)
- Physical abuse (hitting, slapping, or causing other injuries)
- Sexual abuse
- Mental or emotional abuse (such as verbal threats or humiliation)
- Financial abuse (stealing money or property)
- Negligent hiring or understaffing (if the facility doesn’t have enough qualified staff)
- Forcing residents to eat against their will
If any of these types of abuse are suspected, it’s important to consult with a lawyer right away.
Warning Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
It can be hard to notice signs of abuse, especially since nursing home residents are often not able to speak up for themselves. However, there are some warning signs that may suggest abuse or neglect:
- Bruises, cuts, or burns  that can’t be explained
- Bedsores (also called pressure ulcers)
- Poor hygiene or unkempt appearance
- Unattended medical needs (such as missing medications or untreated wounds)
- Depression or social isolation
- Dehydration or unusual weight loss
- Unusual changes in behavior or sleep
- A sudden change in the resident’s physical or mental health
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to take action quickly to protect your loved one.
Bedsores Cases
Bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers or decubitus ulcers, are a common and preventable problem in nursing homes. These painful and often debilitating wounds occur when a person is confined to a bed or chair for an extended period without being repositioned. When the skin is under constant pressure, typically over bony areas like the heels, hips, or lower back, blood flow is restricted, leading to tissue damage and the formation of sores. Bedsores are not just uncomfortable; if left untreated or poorly managed, they can lead to severe complications, including infections, organ failure, and even death.
Bedsores are primarily a result of neglect, and they are often an indication that the nursing home is not providing the level of care required to prevent them. While individuals who are bedridden or immobile due to age, illness, or disability are at a higher risk, they should not develop pressure ulcers if they are given proper care and attention. Some of the most common reasons bedsores develop in nursing homes include:
- Failure to reposition residents
- Inadequate nutrition and hydration
- Poor hygiene
- Lack of proper equipment
- Staffing shortages or lack of training
While bedsores often start as minor redness or irritation on the skin, they can quickly progress into serious, life-threatening conditions if not properly treated. In the most severe cases, untreated bedsores can lead to sepsis (a life-threatening infection that spreads throughout the body), bone infections, or other complications that can result in death. Bedsores are considered one of the clearest indicators of nursing home neglect because they are almost entirely preventable with the proper care and attention.
If your loved one’s bedsores were caused by the negligence of nursing home staff, you may be entitled to compensation for medical costs, pain and suffering, and other damages. Holding the nursing home accountable for their actions is crucial not only to seek justice for your loved one but also to ensure that others do not suffer the same fate.
Bedsores should never happen in a nursing home. If you suspect that your loved one is suffering from bedsores due to neglect or poor care, it’s important to take action. Contact our  experienced Bowling Green nursing home abuse attorneys at Charles Boyk Law to discuss your case and learn about your legal options. We are here to help you navigate this difficult time and fight for the justice your family deserves.
Falls in Nursing Homes
Falls among elderly individuals are unfortunately common, particularly in nursing homes, where residents often have mobility issues, frailty, or medical conditions that make them more vulnerable to accidents. However, many falls in these facilities can be largely prevented with proper care and attention. In nursing homes, falls can have devastating consequences, ranging from broken bones and head trauma to more severe complications like brain damage, loss of independence, or even death.
There are many reasons why falls happen in nursing homes, but one of the most prevalent causes is a lack of adequate staffing. When there aren’t enough caregivers available, residents may not receive the attention they need to remain safe. For example, residents may not receive assistance with mobility, be left unattended in risky areas, or may not be regularly monitored for signs of instability.
In addition to staffing shortages, other common factors that contribute to falls include:
- Inadequate safety measures: For example, nursing homes might fail to use bed rails, non-slip flooring, or assistive devices that could help prevent falls.
- Improper medication management: Certain medications, especially sedatives or those that affect balance, can increase the risk of falls if not properly managed or monitored.
- Poor lighting: Dimly lit hallways or rooms can make it difficult for residents to navigate safely.
- Lack of staff training: Staff members may not be adequately trained to recognize the risks of falls or respond quickly and appropriately when a fall happens.
- Neglect and poor hygiene: Unsanitary conditions, such as wet floors or cluttered hallways, are additional hazards that can lead to falls.
When falls occur in nursing homes, the consequences can be severe. Older adults often take longer to heal from injuries, and even seemingly minor falls can lead to complications like infections or blood clots. The physical, emotional, and financial toll on the individual and their family can be overwhelming.
In addition to broken bones, head injuries, and internal bleeding, falls can also result in significant psychological trauma. Victims of falls may develop a fear of falling again, leading to reduced mobility and independence, further worsening their physical and mental health problems.
If your loved one has suffered a fall due to neglect or inadequate care in a nursing home, it’s important to take action. Nursing homes are legally obligated to provide a safe environment and ensure that residents are properly cared for. If these duties are neglected, and a fall occurs as a result, the facility may be held accountable for the injury.
At Charles Boyk Law, our experienced Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers specialize in investigating cases where falls have occurred because of improper care or unsafe conditions. We will work with medical experts to understand the cause of the fall, gather necessary evidence, and hold the responsible parties accountable. Taking legal action not only helps you seek compensation for your loved one’s pain and suffering but also can help prevent similar incidents from happening to others.
If you believe that your loved one’s fall was due to negligence, contact our team at Charles Boyk Law today. We are here to support you in navigating this difficult situation and will fight for the justice your family deserves.
Medication Errors
Medication errors in nursing homes are a serious and often underreported issue. While many residents require medications to manage chronic conditions or to alleviate symptoms, the improper use or overuse of medication can be devastating, both physically and emotionally. In some cases, nursing home staff may intentionally overmedicate residents in order to make them easier to manage, a practice that is not only harmful but also a severe violation of their rights and dignity.
Overmedication occurs when a resident is given more medication than is necessary, often in higher doses or more frequently than prescribed. This can happen in several ways:
- Unnecessary sedatives or antipsychotics: In some nursing homes, residents who exhibit behaviors that staff find challenging—such as agitation, confusion, or even normal signs of aging—may be given powerful sedatives or antipsychotic drugs to “calm them down.” These drugs are not only inappropriate for the condition but can also have severe side effects, including increased confusion, physical weakness, falls, and even death.
- Failure to monitor medication: Sometimes, medications are given without regular assessment of their effectiveness or without proper monitoring for potential adverse effects, putting residents at greater risk of harm.
- Mixing medications: In some cases, multiple medications may be prescribed for a resident without considering how they interact with one another, leading to harmful side effects, overdoses, or complications.
- Medicating without consent: In extreme cases, staff may give residents medications without their knowledge or consent, depriving them of their right to make decisions about their own care.
While some nursing homes are well-managed and prioritize resident well-being, others may engage in overmedication for several reasons like staffing shortages, lack of proper training, cost-cutting measures, inattention to individual care needs, etc. Though, the effects of overmedication can be severe and life-threatening. Common side effects of overmedication may include:
- Physical decline
- Cognitive impairment
- Increased risk of complications
- Loss of autonomy and dignity
Overmedicating nursing home residents is not only harmful, but it is also a serious violation of the law. Residents in nursing homes have the right to be treated with dignity and respect, including the right to make decisions about their own care. Any form of overmedication or unnecessary drugging is a violation of those rights and may be considered abuse or neglect.
If you suspect that a loved one is being overmedicated, it’s essential to take immediate action. Look for signs such as extreme drowsiness, confusion, difficulty walking or standing, sudden changes in behavior, or uncharacteristic lethargy. If you notice these signs or have concerns about the care your loved one is receiving, contact one our nursing home abuse lawyers at Charles Boyk Law for a free consultation, so we can help you investigate the situation.
What to Do If You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse
If you think your loved one is being abused, here are the steps you should take:
- File a report: Abuse is a crime. Physical abuse may lead to assault charges, while financial abuse may involve theft or fraud. You can also file a complaint with the Ohio Department of Health or Ohio Department of Aging through its Ohio Adult Protective Services Hotline at 1-855-OHIO-APS.
- Get medical treatment: A doctor can examine your loved one for signs of abuse or neglect and provide important evidence that could help in a legal case.
- Contact a Charles Boyk Law Bowling Green Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer: Our lawyers can help you understand your options and protect your loved one’s rights. We will also gather evidence, talk to witnesses, and fight to get compensation for the harm your loved one has suffered.
Can I Sue A Nursing Home for Abuse and Wrongful Death?
 An injured resident or their family can sue a nursing home or an assisted living facility when their loved one has been abused or injured due to the facilities’ negligence. Our Bowling Green Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers have sued nursing homes and/or assisted living facilities on behalf of residents and patients for incidents of:
- Falls and drops
- Bedsores (pressure injuries)
- Medication errors
- Dehydration/Malnutrition
- Infections
- Physical or sexual assault
- Respiratory errors (vent and trach care)
- Understaffing
The Role of a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
When you choose to work with a Bowling Green Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer at Charles Boyk Law, you’re not just hiring someone to handle paperwork; you’re gaining a dedicated advocate who understands the unique challenges these cases bring. A skilled attorney will conduct a thorough investigation, gather evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and medical records. Additionally, our Bowling Green Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers have expertise when it comes to reviewing medical medicals for indications of improper care, consulting with medical experts to gather opinions on whether the care was inadequate, and filing a lawsuit for damages such as medical expenses, pain and suffering, punitive damages, etc.
Charles Boyk Law Offices is full-service firm. While we focus on handling the personal injury matter, our Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers will also assist with any probate matters that may need to be addressed. Typically these matters would include the opening and/or maintenance of a guardianship, if your loved one becomes incapacitated, or an estate.
Your lawyer will keep you informed every step of the way, allowing you and your loved one to focus on recovering without the added stress of managing the legal system. Ultimately, having a Bowling Green Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer by your side can significantly increase your chances of obtaining the compensation and justice you and your family deserve.
At Charles Boyk Law, our team of experienced attorneys understands the complex nature of nursing home abuse and the emotional toll it can take on families. If you believe your loved one is being subjected to some form of neglect or abuse, we are here to help. We will fight for your loved one’s rights and ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step in securing the justice your family deserves.
Choose a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer at Charles Boyk Law
Placing a loved one in a nursing home is a big decision that requires trusting the staff to care for those most vulnerable. If that trust is broken due to abuse or neglect, you can take legal action. At Charles Boyk Law, our Bowling Green Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers can help you stop the abuse and fight for compensation for your loved one’s injuries.
If you suspect abuse or neglect, don’t wait—contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll evaluate your or your loved one’s case, explain your options, and provide you with the support you need to get the justice you deserve. With over 40 years of experience and a strong track record of success, we are ready to assist you.
