How To File A Nursing Home Abuse Complaint
Kentucky Elder Abuse and Nursing Home Neglect Attorneys
If you suspect that a Kentucky nursing home is abusing or neglecting its residents, don’t ignore your instincts. Kentucky is a mandatory reporting state, which means that you must file a complaint immediately with the appropriate authorities. Several state agencies are equipped to handle nursing home abuse reports. You may also benefit from speaking with an experienced attorney for guidance on how to handle your nursing home abuse claim.
Contact the lawyers at Hughes & Coleman 866-280-4609 or use our online consultation form for a free consultation. We investigate claims of nursing home injuries and wrongful death and can help you understand where to turn in such a stressful and disturbing time.
We serve clients in Bowling Green, Elizabethtown, Lexington and Louisville. Complete a free online consultation form or call us toll free at 866-280-4609.
How To File a Kentucky Nursing Home Abuse Report
You may feel uncomfortable or fearful about filing a nursing home abuse report at first. You may be worried that a complaint will jeopardize your loved one’s safety even more by “rocking the boat.” But remember these key points:
- You have nothing to lose by lodging a complaint.
- You can even do it anonymously.
- Your report may save more than just one life.
So where to start?
You may file an abuse or neglect report at several Kentucky agencies. However, it may be best to start by expressing your concerns directly to the nursing home administrator or director of nursing. Each nursing home is also assigned an advocate for residents’ rights known as an ombudsman. Make sure that you obtain contact information for the ombudsman as well.
You may find that some problems can be addressed internally. But if they cannot be resolved or are so serious that you must turn elsewhere, there are a number of Kentucky state agencies that handle allegations of nursing home abuse. They include:
- Adult Protective Services (APS): This agency is tasked with investigating abuse complaints in cooperation with other agencies, such as local law enforcement. There is an APS office in every county, and your reports can be oral or written and made anonymously. For help locating your local APS office, call (800) 752-6200.
- Office of Inspector General (OIG): The Office of Inspector General evaluates whether state and federal rules governing nursing homes are being followed. You may also contact the OIG to request a review of a nursing home resident’s medical records to make sure that they are being adequately completed. Be aware that you may run into trouble getting the records due to privacy and confidentiality concerns. Working with a nursing home abuse attorney may be helpful to obtain those documents. Call OIG at (502) 564-7963.
- Kentucky Office of the Attorney General: This state agency prosecutes cases of nursing home fraud, abuse, neglect and exploitation. Call its tip line at (877) ABUSE-TIP or (877) 228-7384.
- Kentucky Long-Term Care Ombudsman: As advocates for nursing home residents, ombudsmen investigate and try to resolve complaints, answer questions about facilities, and educate family members and residents about their rights. You should know that the ombudsman will directly contact the resident about the alleged abuse, and the resident has the final say in what type of action can be taken.
- Local Law Enforcement
Tips For Filing A Nursing Home Abuse Complaint
It is important to make the most detailed nursing home abuse complaint as possible. Make sure to collect information such as:
- Victim’s name;
- Victim’s age;
- Name and address of the nursing home or long-term care facility;
- Date(s) of incident(s);
- Description of the incident(s);
- Name of suspected perpetrator, if available;
- Names and contact information of any witnesses;
- If you reported it to the facility and whether any action was taken;
- Any other information you think is pertinent or important.
Other things you should do to substantiate your claim:
- Take photos of any injuries or poor conditions;
- Ask roommates and other residents if they have witnessed or experienced any wrongdoing at the nursing home;
- Keep detailed records of who you speak to about the abuse;
- Contact a nursing home abuse attorney. There may be other important sources of evidence that you have not even considered. The quicker you act, the better the outcome could be.
Worried? Our Attorneys Are Available Now
Don’t hesitate to contact the lawyers at Hughes & Coleman if you are concerned about your loved one’s wellbeing in a Kentucky nursing home. We can be reached at 866-280-4609 or through our online consultation form. We offer initial case evaluations free of charge.
