by Colin G. Meeker, Attorney at Law
email: [email protected] :: 
office: 330.253.3337 :: 
mobile: 330.603.7173
On March 12, 2020, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced that visitors will not be permitted at Ohio nursing homes. Even in situations where you have a hospice patient, nursing homes must abide by the Governor’s order. To quarantine a nursing home from outside influences is an important part of battling COVID-19. However, nursing homes are now dealing with elderly patients who are alone, in a confused state, and wondering why their families have abandoned them.
As the number of Akron COVID-19 cases increase, we would like to send our best to everyone affected by the virus.
Nursing Home Liability
Ohio nursing residents have the right, upon reasonable request and when appropriate, to private and unrestricted communications with the resident’s family. Private and unrestricted communications include the right to receive mail, the right to have access to a telephone, as well as the right to private visits. During the COVID-19 outbreak, it is reasonable for a nursing home to prevent family visitors from entering the home. However, if residents will be prevented from seeing their loved ones, it is the nursing home’s responsibility to provide a way for residents to have contact with their families. During this pandemic, it is neglect for a nursing home to isolate a nursing home resident for a long period of time. With all of the technological capabilities we have at our disposal, nursing homes must afford residents the opportunity, and assist where needed, with alternative ways of communicating with family members and friends. No nursing home resident should pass away without their family being able to say goodbye.
If your loved one has become infected by COVID-19, and you are not permitted to see them in their time of need, you should always speak with a COVID-19 attorney in your time of need.
The COVID-19 attorneys at Blakemore, Meeker & Bowler Co., L.P.A. are currently working with families who have lost residents of nursing homes with COVID-19 now. We are experienced in litigating wrongful death and personal injury cases and will be with you while we assist you in compensating you for your loss. Please contact Attorney Colin G. Meeker at (330) 603-7173 for help understanding your legal options.
Note: We have constructed this post using outside sources, including news bulletins and first-hand accounts from outside sources. The details concerning this accident have not been independently verified and so, if you have identified false information, please inform us immediately. We will adjust the post to reflect accurate content.
Disclaimer: At Blakemore, Meeker & Bowler Co., L.P.A., we are always looking to improve the quality and safety of our state and have been saddened by the outcome of the COVID-19 pandemic across Ohio. We hope to inform those in our community about the outbreak in the hopes that those who are responsible for taking care of our elders will work to avoid unnecessary loss of life in the future. These posts are not to be taken as a solicitation for business. The information within should never be misconstrued as medical or legal advice. We hope that all involved in the Coronavirus epidemic will receive a speedy recovery.
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