Holding Ohio Nursing Homes Accountable for Medication Errors
If you, another family member or a visitor has noticed irregularities in your loved one's medication schedule or if you have noticed a marked change in your loved one's condition that is supposed to be controlled by medication, it is vitally important to get honest answers about what is going on. Unfortunately, you can't always rely on the nursing home for the truth. They may not know. If they do know, they may be reluctant to tell you there has been a mistake.
At the Ohio law firm of Slater & Zurz LLP, our experienced attorneys and on-staff physician can help you get the answers you need. From our offices in Akron, Canton, Boardman and Columbus, we fight nursing home negligence statewide. To discuss your situation in a free initial consultation, please contact us today.
Identifying the Signs of Medication Error
The signs of medication errors in a nursing home can be subtle or easily confused with symptoms of illness or natural decline. Changes in cognitive state or level of communication and even poor hygiene can result from over-medication, under-medication or other errors or negligence.
Medication errors can also be deadly, resulting in coma, heart attack, stroke or organ failure. It is almost impossible to determine whether medication error is to blame in these cases without an autopsy. This is a difficult decision for most families to make following the unexplained death of a loved one. Our Board Certified Physician Advisor can discuss the options with you and help you come to a conclusion as to how to proceed in your case.
Theft or Intentional Misuse of Medications
There is a disturbing phenomenon happening in some nursing homes. Staff members have been caught stealing medication intended for patients, even covering their theft by giving patients half-doses. This goes beyond error or negligence. This is an intentional act that puts the residents at risk. Another abhorrent practice is deliberately over-medicating patients or misusing sedatives or "chemical restraints" to keep patients "under control."
Our team has the skill and experience to help identify whether this is happening and to hold the nursing home to account for the unconscionable behavior of its employees. If you suspect medication error or intentional mis-dosing is responsible for your loved one's injury or death, please contact us immediately for a free consultation with an experienced lawyer. We can help.
