Placing a loved one in a nursing home is never an easy decision. Families trust that their elderly relatives will receive the care, dignity, and safety they deserve. Unfortunately, that trust is sometimes violated. Nursing home abuse and neglect are very real problems across Oklahoma, and families often don’t know what legal options are available until it’s too late.
At Koller Baker & Associates, we help families hold nursing homes and care facilities accountable for the harm caused by neglect, mistreatment, or abuse. With decades of experience in personal injury and civil abuse cases, our Oklahoma legal team is committed to advocating for the elderly and vulnerable. We’re here to guide you through your legal rights and fight for the justice your family deserves.
Nursing Home Abuse in Oklahoma
Nursing home abuse refers to any intentional act that causes harm or distress to a resident. Under Oklahoma law, abuse can be physical, emotional, sexual, or financial in nature.
Some common examples include:
- Physical abuse – hitting, pushing, restraining, or using excessive force
- Emotional abuse – yelling, threatening, humiliating, or isolating residents
- Sexual abuse – any unwanted sexual contact or interaction
- Financial exploitation – stealing money, manipulating finances, or coercing financial decisions
Abuse can be committed by staff, other residents, or even visitors. What matters legally is whether the facility took reasonable steps to prevent it, and how they responded once abuse was suspected or reported.
What Is Considered Neglect in a Nursing Home?
Neglect occurs when a nursing home fails to provide proper care or meet the basic needs of a resident. This isn’t about honest mistakes—it’s about ongoing or serious failures to uphold the standard of care.
Examples of nursing home neglect in Oklahoma include:
- Failing to provide adequate food, water, or hygiene
- Ignoring medical needs or failing to administer medications
- Leaving residents unattended for long periods
- Not preventing bedsores or infections
- Failing to report or respond to signs of injury or illness
Neglect may be unintentional, but that doesn’t mean it’s excusable. Nursing homes have a legal and moral responsibility to protect their residents.
Warning Signs of Abuse and Neglect
Families often feel powerless or unsure whether their suspicions are valid.
Common signs of abuse or neglect include:
- Unexplained injuries or bruises
- Sudden behavioral changes
- Poor hygiene or soiled clothing
- Dehydration or malnutrition
- Bedsores or frequent infections
- Fearfulness around staff or other residents
- Missing personal items or unusual financial transactions
If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait. Report the issue and seek legal advice immediately.
Oklahoma Laws Protecting Nursing Home Residents
Oklahoma has specific statutes in place to protect residents of long-term care facilities. Under the Nursing Home Care Act, facilities are required to provide a standard of care that includes safety, hygiene, adequate nutrition, medical treatment, and dignity.
If a facility violates these obligations and a resident is harmed as a result, they may be held legally liable through a civil lawsuit. In some cases, criminal charges may also apply, depending on the severity of the abuse.
Families may be entitled to compensation for medical costs, pain and suffering, and even punitive damages intended to punish gross misconduct.
How to Report Nursing Home Abuse in Oklahoma
You can report suspected nursing home abuse or neglect by contacting:
- Oklahoma State Department of Health
- Adult Protective Services (APS)
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
But don’t stop there—filing a legal claim can help uncover the full truth and prevent harm to others. Our team can help you gather evidence, speak to experts, and file a claim on your loved one’s behalf.
Contact Koller Baker & Associates Today
No one should suffer mistreatment in a place that’s meant to offer care and protection. If you believe your loved one has been abused or neglected in a nursing home, contact Koller Baker & Associates today. We’ll listen, investigate, and fight to hold those responsible accountable—because your family deserves justice and peace of mind.
