Oklahoma City Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

I’ve seen firsthand the devastating impact that neglect and mistreatment can have on our most vulnerable citizens. The Steele Law Firm has 20+ years of experience handling these sensitive cases, giving us the experience and compassion necessary to guide your family through this difficult time.

The Steele Law Firm in OKC is dedicated to protect the rights of nursing home residents and hold negligent facilities accountable for their actions. Book a free consultation with our nursing home abuse attorneys.

    The information disclosed in this conversation does not constitute or create a lawyer-client relationship.

    Nursing Home Care Act Law in OKC

    Oklahoma has strict laws in place to protect nursing home residents from abuse and neglect. The Nursing Home Care Act outlines the rights of residents and the responsibilities of facilities. However, despite these legal safeguards, abuse and neglect still occur far too often in Oklahoma City nursing homes. The World Health Organization estimates that only 1 in 24 cases of elder abuse is actually reported, suggesting the problem is far more widespread than official statistics indicate.

    What is nursing home abuse and neglect?

    Nursing home abuse refers to intentional actions that cause harm to a resident, while neglect involves failing to provide proper care, often due to understaffing or inadequate training. Both can have serious consequences for a resident’s health and well-being.

    If you’re concerned about a loved one in an Oklahoma City nursing home, don’t hesitate to reach out. Call us now at 816-466-5947

    Types of Nursing Home Abuse

    #1 Abandonment

    Abandonment occurs when a caregiver deserts a vulnerable resident, leaving them without necessary care or supervision. This might involve leaving a resident alone for extended periods or failing to respond to calls for assistance.

    #2 Medical Neglect

    I’ve been a bedsore lawyer for 20 years and have seen many cases where medical neglect led to the development of painful and life-threatening pressure ulcers.

    Bed sores are the most common sign of nursing home neglect and result from unrelieved pressure, friction, poor circulation, and uncomfortable temperature. Loved ones with mobility issues or those confined to their bed are most susceptible to bed sores if nursing home staff fail to take the proper preventative steps.

    Unfortunately, many nursing homes fail to implement preventative care. In fact, 1 in 10 nursing home residents in the United States have a bedsore. More than 60,000 people die every year because of bedsore complications according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).

    • Failing to provide necessary medications
    • Ignoring changes in a resident’s condition
    • Not following doctor’s orders
    • Improper wound care leading to infections

    These injuries are often preventable with proper care and attentiveness from staff.

    #3 Social or Emotional Neglect

    While less visible than physical neglect, social and emotional neglect can be just as harmful. This might involve:

    • Isolating residents from others
    • Ignoring requests for social interaction
    • Failing to provide mental stimulation
    • Not addressing signs of depression or anxiety

    #4 Neglect of Personal Hygiene

    Proper hygiene is essential for maintaining a resident’s health and dignity. Neglect in this area can include:

    • Infrequent bathing or dental care
    • Leaving residents in soiled clothing or bedding
    • Not assisting with grooming needs
    • Failing to change bed linens regularly

    When Nursing Home Abuse leads to Wrongful Death

    In the most tragic cases, nursing home abuse or neglect can result in a resident’s death. As a nursing home wrongful death attorney, I’ve helped many families seek justice after losing a loved one due to a facility’s negligence.

    Common causes of wrongful death in nursing homes include:

    • Falls resulting from lack of supervision
    • Medication errors
    • Choking incidents due to improper feeding
    • Infections from untreated bedsores
    • Dehydration or malnutrition

    If you suspect your loved one’s death was caused by nursing home negligence, it’s crucial to speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible.

    Can I Sue a Nursing home for neglect or abuse?

    Yes, you have the right to take legal action against a nursing home for abuse or neglect of your loved one. In Oklahoma, you generally have two years from the date of injury (or date of discovery) to file a lawsuit. However, it’s best to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected.

    A successful lawsuit can help recover damages for:

    • Medical expenses
    • Pain and suffering
    • Emotional distress
    • Wrongful death (if applicable)

    The Steele Law Firm is here for you and your family supporting you on wrongful death cases. Additionally, taking legal action can help prevent future abuse by holding negligent facilities accountable and forcing them to improve their practices.

    Working with The Steele Law Firm in Oklahoma City

    At Steele Law Firm, we understand the emotional toll that nursing home abuse takes on families. We have a proven track record of success in these cases, including a recent $3.2 million settlement for a family whose loved one suffered severe neglect at an Oklahoma City facility. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and personally explain your legal options.

      The information disclosed in this conversation does not constitute or create a lawyer-client relationship.

      Our compassionate team is here to support you every step of the way. Our office is conveniently located in downtown Oklahoma City, just a short walk from the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. We’re proud to serve families throughout the OKC metro area, including Edmond, Norman, and Moore.