How To Report Nursing Home Abuse in West Virginia? 2025

The decision to entrust a loved one to a nursing home comes with the agreement that your family member will receive compassionate care, not neglect or abuse. Unfortunately, too many families in West Virginia deal with nursing home abuse. At Wooton, Davis, Hussell & Johnson, PLLC, we have seen the devastating impact of nursing home abuse firsthand, and we are committed to helping families understand how to report nursing home abuse in West Virginia.

It is vital that nursing home abuse is reported so that action can be taken to prevent the abuse from continuing and protect future residents from experiencing the same treatment.

How To Report Nursing Home Abuse in West Virginia

If you suspect a loved one is suffering from abuse or neglect in a West Virginia nursing home, taking swift action is vital. Abuse in long-term care facilities can take many forms, including physical harm, emotional mistreatment, neglect, and financial exploitation. Fortunately, there are multiple ways to report abuse and seek justice.

Step 1: Recognize the Signs of Nursing Home Abuse

Before filing a report, it’s important to identify any potential warning signs of abuse, such as:

• Unexplained injuries: bruises, cuts, burns, fractures
• Sudden weight loss or dehydration
• Poor hygiene or unsanitary living conditions
• Changes in behavior: withdrawal, fear, depression
• Bedsores or infections
• Unexplained financial transactions or missing valuables

Step 2: Report the Abuse to the Proper Authorities

There are several local authorities you can report abuse to, including the following:

• West Virginia Office of Health Facility Licensure and Certification (OHFLAC): OHFLAC is responsible for investigating complaints against nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and long-term care providers.
• West Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program: The ombudsman program advocates for residents’ rights and helps resolve complaints related to mistreatment or poor care.
• Adult Protective Services (APS): APS investigates elder abuse and neglect cases. If you believe your loved one is in immediate danger, file a report with APS.
• Law Enforcement: For serious injuries, assault, or life-threatening situations, contact local police, as law enforcement can intervene, conduct an investigation, and press charges if necessary.

Step 3: Gather Evidence

To strengthen your report, collect as much evidence as possible that supports the abuse claim. This can include photographs of the injuries or poor living conditions, medical records documenting unexplained injuries or health deterioration, statements from staff or other residents who witnessed the abuse, and financial records if financial exploitation is suspected.

Step 4: Consult a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Reporting the abuse is only the first step. If your loved one has suffered harm, you may need legal assistance to hold the facility accountable and seek compensation. A nursing home abuse lawyer can help in the following ways:

• Conducting a thorough investigation: Gathering key evidence to support the claim.
• Filing a legal claim: Pursuing a negligence or wrongful death lawsuit.
• Seeking financial compensation: Recovering damages for medical bills, pain and suffering, and relocation costs.
• Ensuring corrective measures: Holding the facility accountable to prevent further abuse.

No one should endure mistreatment in a nursing home. By reporting abuse to the appropriate agencies in West Virginia and seeking legal help, you can protect your loved one and ensure justice is served. If you suspect abuse, do not wait. Act as soon as possible to safeguard your loved one’s well-being.

FAQs

Q: What Is Considered Negligence in a Nursing Home?

A: Nursing home negligence happens when a facility fails to provide the standard of care required to keep residents safe and healthy. This can lead to serious harm, including injuries, medical complications, or even death. Negligence can take many forms, including inadequate supervision, lack of medical care, and failure to maintain a safe environment. Inadequate supervision or security measures may also be considered negligence.

Q: What Types of Abuse Frequently Occur in Nursing Homes?

A: The types of abuse that frequently occur in nursing homes include physical abuse like hitting, slapping, or pushing; emotional or psychological abuse, such as yelling, insults, or threats; and neglect, which may look like failing to provide food, water, hygiene, or ignoring calls for assistance. Abuse in nursing homes can take many forms, and it can go unnoticed or unreported, as these individuals are highly vulnerable due to physical and cognitive limitations.

Q: Who Regulates Nursing Homes in West Virginia?

A: Nursing homes in West Virginia are regulated by the Office of Health Facility Licensure and Certification (OHFLAC), which operates under the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR). OHFLAC is responsible for licensing nursing homes, conducting inspections, and ensuring compliance with state regulations to protect the health, safety, and well-being of residents. They work to enforce quality care and safety standards.

Q: Is Elopement Considered Elder Abuse?

A: Elopement can be considered elder abuse if it results from neglect or inadequate supervision by a nursing home or caregiver. While elopement itself is not inherently classified as abuse, it can indicate abuse and often leads to serious harm or even death in extreme cases. State and federal laws require that nursing homes protect residents. If they fail to do so, they can be held legally responsible and face fines, penalties, and loss of licensure.

Q: Can a Lawyer Help With Nursing Home Abuse Incidents?

A: Yes, a lawyer can help with nursing home abuse incidents. They can play a crucial role in helping victims and their families seek justice, compensation, and accountability. If a loved one has suffered abuse, neglect, or harm in a nursing home, an attorney can guide you through the legal process and ensure the responsible parties are held accountable.

Lawyers can help by investigating abuse or neglect, proving liability and negligence, and supporting and guiding you through the claims process.

Speak With a Trusted Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Today

Reporting nursing home abuse in West Virginia is a critical step to protecting your loved one and ensuring negligent facilities are held accountable. Whether you have witnessed signs of abuse or suspect neglect, it is vital that you initiate action immediately to prevent further harm and help secure justice for your vulnerable loved one.

Reach out to the nursing home abuse lawyers at Wooton, Davis, Hussell & Johnson, PLLC today to set up an initial consultation and receive the legal care that you need.