Sexual Abuse Attorney in Columbus

Columbus Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers Protecting Your Rights

Nursing home abuse remains a persistent and deeply troubling problem across the country, with residents exposed to traumatic exploitation. Sexual abuse includes any form of unwarranted or unwanted sexual contact or touching, especially when carried out by force. This is one of the most disturbing forms of mistreatment, and sexual abuse affects both men and women in nursing homes.

Abusers often target patients who may be disabled and unable to speak up or defend themselves. Our Columbus sexual abuse lawyers at Rourke & Blumenthal have a long record of pursuing justice in these difficult cases. We act aggressively to hold responsible parties accountable for their actions.

At Rourke & Blumenthal our team understands the sensitive nature of these cases. We coordinate discreetly with medical providers, investigators. If appropriate, law enforcement and Adult Protective Services to prioritize the survivor’s safety and well-being while building a strong civil case for compensation.

Call (614) 321-3212 or request a confidential consultation. Your family pays no attorney fees unless we recover compensation.

The following are common signs of nursing home sexual abuse. If you notice these, address them immediately:

Investigate these signs right away, as they may indicate sexual abuse your elderly loved one is frightened to report. Our legal team can help ensure your loved one does not face abuse or neglect during this vulnerable time.

In addition to these warning signs, behavioral changes such as sudden fearfulness around certain staff members or visiting family, reluctance to join activities, or caution when approached may indicate abuse. Facilities in Columbus are required to keep thorough records and allow for regular inspections, so legal advocates can request detailed documentation to support an investigation. Taking immediate action preserves critical evidence and may help protect not just your loved one, but other residents as well.

Ohio Law, Liability, and Your Rights

Ohio law requires nursing homes and assisted living facilities to protect residents from foreseeable harm. Sexual abuse is never the resident’s fault, and facilities can be civilly liable when abuse occurs on their watch. Liability may arise from negligent hiring or retention, inadequate supervision, understaffing, failures in background checks, poor training, ignoring prior complaints, or missing warning signs. When appropriate, we also pursue claims against third-party contractors, staffing agencies, or security vendors whose negligence contributed to the abuse.

Our Columbus attorneys gather medical records, incident reports, staffing logs, maintenance and access records, surveillance footage, and witness statements to establish exactly what happened and who is responsible. We work with forensic nursing professionals and trauma-informed experts to document injuries and the ongoing effects of sexual trauma.

What To Do If You Suspect Abuse

• Ensure immediate safety. Seek emergency medical attention if needed and request a sexual assault forensic exam where appropriate.
• Report concerns. You can contact Adult Protective Services for Franklin County, local law enforcement, and the Ohio Department of Health long-term care complaint unit.
• Document everything. Preserve clothing, note dates and times, save messages, and keep a written timeline of observations and conversations with staff.
• Do not confront the suspected abuser alone. Speak with counsel first to avoid jeopardizing an investigation.
• Call legal counsel. Early involvement helps secure evidence, protect confidentiality, and meet critical filing deadlines that may apply under Ohio law.

Potential Compensation in Nursing Home Sexual Abuse Cases

Survivors and families may pursue compensation for medical treatment, therapy and counseling, pain and suffering, loss of dignity, loss of enjoyment of life, and, in severe cases, punitive damages to deter future misconduct. In wrongful death arising from abuse, additional damages may be available to the family. Deadlines for filing claims can be strict, so contacting a Columbus attorney promptly is important.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is a civil case different from a criminal case?

A criminal case seeks to punish the offender. A civil case focuses on compensation and accountability from both the abuser and any facility or company whose negligence enabled the abuse. Civil and criminal matters can proceed at the same time.

Will my loved one have to testify?

Many cases resolve without a public trial. If testimony is necessary, we use trauma-informed methods, request protective orders when appropriate, and work to minimize retraumatization.

What if the facility says there is no proof?

We independently investigate. Medical records, staffing schedules, access logs, prior complaints, and expert analysis can reveal patterns and corroborate abuse even when staff deny it.

Can we still bring a claim if Adult Protective Services or police are investigating?

Yes. APS and law enforcement investigations can complement a civil case. We coordinate so that efforts do not conflict and to ensure key evidence is preserved.

How much does it cost to hire your firm?

We represent survivors on a contingency fee. You pay no attorney fees unless we obtain a settlement or verdict.

A safer future for your loved one starts with one call in Columbus

If you suspect nursing home sexual abuse in Columbus, act now to protect your family member and their legal rights. Our team moves quickly to secure evidence and pursue accountability while supporting the survivor’s recovery.

Contact Rourke & Blumenthal online or call (614) 321-3212 for a free, confidential case evaluation.