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I live in OH as well. I don't know about the rest of the state, but where I am in the NE, NH had their own doctors, and PCPs did not "step on their toes" unless they were also on staff at the hospital as well. (Got into an argument with the administrator when mom was hospitalized). Now, if she was discharged from NH, then she could have seen her PCP, but then why bother.
End result, mom got sick, went to hospital, her PCP had dropped her so hospital used the doctor who was NH doctor at another facility she was at. The current NH she was at, discharged her while she was hospitalized. End result, she passed,
Upon her death, communication from all ceased.
I've been in the hospital a couple times the last 2 years. The responding EMTs suggested this hospital because it is relatively close by, I declined both times. I want nothing to do with this hospital ever again.
I digress, if you believe they did something wrong let Karma take care of it. In my mom's case, both NHs closed within a couple months of each other. The NH near the hospital had a total staff change since it was (and still is) pretty low rated. These events brought about a sense of peace
Blessings to you.
States can enact their own statute of limitations (the length of time allowed for suit before the "statute runs"). For Ohio, medical mal practice statute is one year, generally:
"As with other causes of action, Ohio law limits how long a plaintiff has to file a lawsuit for medical malpractice. It does this in two ways, both of which can be found in O.R.C. § 2305.113: a statute of limitations and a statute of repose. If the time limit under either the statute of limitations or the statute of repose has expired, then the plaintiff will be unable to sue."
https://www.plevinandgallucci.com/medical-malpractice-oh-filing-deadline/?nowprocket=1
There are other factors to consider as well:
2. Malpractice claims, and proofs.
The malpractice needs to be reasonably specifically defined, and areas in which it occurred identified. Something like playing "games with the height of the bed" wouldn't qualify as a specific incident of malpractice.
Neither would "constantly kept her sedated". The latter would require specification: How often is "constantly"? What were the underlying conditions? Was she cognizant before sedation? Who ordered the sedation?
And importantly, what are the standards of care in that state for people with her condition? Standard of care is a critical factor in determining malpractice.
3. General information.
The article cited above provides more information required to file a medmal suit:
A medmal suit needs to address the "standard of care" and how it was breached. Eexpert testimony is also required. When I worked for firms with medmal practices, they generally researched, selected and relied on specific medical specialists. Those specialists also reviewed medical files to determine if malpractice had occurred; if it hadn't the recommendation was that grounds for filing a med mal suit weren't existent, based on legal requirements.
It's sad to consider that your mother didn't receive the best care, but from what you've written, it doesn't seem as though you really have grounds for a suit.
Nolo Press briefing here is interesting, and if you use your search engine to research you will easily find lawyer in your area who specialize in this sort of suit or settlement. I would caution you not to pay any fees and to use no lawyer that works on other than taking the case on contingency, because the truth is that you can sue anyone in the world you wish to; but the real question is "can you win" and the answer is very likely that you cannot.
It is quite common for Nursing Homes to have their own supervising physicians, and many elders in nursing homes are sedated and often over-sedated because there is not the staff to manage disruption otherwise. In the case of a suit there must be very specific breaking of laws and rules and they must be able to be proven.
You don't mention how long ago this is. I think that going to a Lawyer may settle in your mind the matter of any punishment for the loss of your elder, and may allow you to move on with grieving and move on with your life thereafter. I would suggest you see a Lawyer with this question. There will likely not be any cost for consult. I am very sorry for your loss.
https://www.medicare.gov/what-medicare-covers/what-part-a-covers/compare-nursing-home-quality
Report problems you saw to the ombudsman though the Area Agency on Aging of the Council of Governments in th nursing home location.
It would be very hard to find an attorney to represent you in a law suit. It may ease your mind to get a free consult with a few elder law attorneys. Was it mom that was complaining? Or did you witness bad treatment? Mom, especially if she had dementia, may not have been accurate in her descriptions. But, would have been her reality.
And how long ago was it? What you are feeling may be part of your grief process.