Monday, March 7, 2016

What to Look For When Filing a Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit

Ideally, a nursing home is a place where elderly admitted elderly patients should feel safe.
Unfortunately, some nursing homes indulge in deplorable practices in relation to their patients. Often, most of these cases go unnoticed by management, which makes it difficult for authorities to monitor.

Ironically, a number of lawsuits for elderly abuse have been filed against many nursing homes. 

Majority of these nursing homes are licensed facilities that are known to provide high quality nursing services. Across the country, approximately 2000 such facilities are charged with lawsuits pertaining to elderly abuse.

Statistics show that more cases are being filed against renowned nursing homes across the country. Moreover, at least 6% elderly patients have faced some form of elderly abuse at their nursing home. If your friend or family member has experienced similar abuse at a nursing home, you should seek legal representation. We spoke to a renowned law firm in Akron Ohio - Barry M. Ward. Here’s what they had to say:

When You Should File a Lawsuit?


All nursing homes have to abide by ethics and regulations set forth by the Ohio House Bill # 412. The bill underlines the importance of the code of nursing ethics, and emphasizes that all nursing homes in the state should abide by it.

Every nursing home is bound by law to provide healthcare facilities that are compliant with federal standards as outlined by the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA).

However, most nursing facilities, be it family owned or corporate, often fail to meet these guidelines. This is because these facilities take more patients than they can care for. If you or your family member ended up in a nursing home that failed to deliver promised services, you have the right to file a lawsuit against that nursing home.

Things to Look For before Filing a Lawsuit


Filing a lawsuit against a nursing home, especially the licensed ones, can be tricky for many reasons. There is no denying that elderly abuse goes unnoticed in most nursing homes. However, most nursing homes use this offensive as a tactic to control their patients. In all essence, this is illegal, unethical and a violation of the law.

Find a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer in Akron


For patient’s attendants, filing a lawsuit becomes more difficult when they do not have some sort of tangible evidence in hand. This is where your attorney can help you in your cause for filing a lawsuit. For example, some of the favors your attorney could offer you are:

  • Asking for a legal inquiry against the nursing home
  • Notifying concerned authorities
  • Making alternate arrangements for your relative or friend
  • Manage proper investigation until the reality comes to light

If you are looking for a nursing home abuse lawyer in Akron region, hiring Barry M. Ward will help your cause.

For more details, visit our website or contact us at 330-535-1555. You can also visit us at our office at One Cascade Plaza, Suite 1000, Akron, Ohio.