Best Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in Columbus, OH

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Columbus, Ohio?

  Contact the police at (614) 645-4545 for non-emergencies in Ohio.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Columbus, Ohio?

  For more details on how you can secure police reports, call the Records Unit at (614) 645-4747 or send mail to 120 Marconi Blvd., Columbus, OH 43215. You can also send them a fax at (614) 645-4001 or an email at ReportRequests@ColumbusPolice.org. Similarly, you can go online and submit a report request here: https://new.columbus.gov/Services/Public-Safety/Find-a-Police-Report.

• Aside from calling the police, how can you report nursing abuse in Columbus to authorities?

  Call the complaint hotline of the Ohio Department of Health at 1-800-342-0553 or email at HCComplaints@odh.ohio.gov. Fill out the complaint form (HEA 1685) and submit it online. For more information, visit the ODH's Complaint Unit at 246 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215. Additionally, an ombudsman from the Ohio Department of Aging can help victims and their families take action. Call an ombudsman at 1-800-282-1206 or send an email to OhioOmbudsman@age.ohio.gov.

• How do you detect not-so-obvious signs of abuse in a Columbus nursing home?

  Check the elderly for significant weight loss, pressure sores, poor hygiene, health deterioration, and dehydration, as these may be signs of neglect. Sudden onset of distress, dramatic behavioral changes, communication withdrawal, and depression may be caused by emotional, sexual, or physical abuse. Watch out for bruising, especially in areas around the ankles, wrists, and legs because these are usually where restraints are attached. Many signs of abuse in a nursing home in Columbus might not always be obvious. It is always best to be vigilant.

• Can a nursing home in Columbus legally evict a patient?

  If the patient's presence puts the safety and health of other patients in the Columbus nursing home, the patient can be legally removed from the premises. When the patient does not pay for the services or does not have Medicaid or Medicare, the nursing home can force the patient to leave after appropriate and reasonable notice. The situation is also applicable if the nursing home closes or does not have the means to meet the patient's medical needs. Most importantly, certain procedures must be followed when discharging a patient.

• Who are the most at risk of elderly abuse in a Columbus nursing home?

  Elderly persons suffering from cognitive impairment and physical disabilities are most at risk of abuse. Some examples of cognitive impairment may be due to Parkinson's, dementia, and Alzheimer's. Elderly women, especially those with disabilities, are more likely to suffer from sexual and emotional abuse. Studies have shown that one-third of disabled women in nursing homes have reported interpersonal violence. Those who are heavily medicated may also be exposed to abuse in Columbus nursing homes.

• What may result after a nursing home abuse situation happens in Columbus?

  According to statistics, elderly victims of abuse have more than a 300% possibility of dying compared to elders who did not suffer from abuse. There will also be a threefold increase in hospitalization for nursing home residents who are neglected and abused compared to those who are not. Financial abuse in elders leads to $36.5 billion in annual losses. Victims in Columbus can also suffer from trauma, psychological problems, and emotional issues, which can cause distress to their families.