Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Ohio

I'm a 57 year old man on SS Disability who's looked out for and loved my best friend's soon to be 88 year old sister in law as another wonderful friend whom I've cooked for once a week, taken to doctor and therapy appointments the last three years since she got a diagnosis of dementia which has gradually taken her over. I've accepted not a penny for the simple reason she is my friend and we've grown so close. In January, she moved into an assisted living facility where my friend and I have visited regularly. Some members of the "staff' have reported that she kisses me on the lips when saying hello and goodbye, which we've always done, and "they thought it was inappropriate" as my friend's son told me yesterday. He's made as much a stink about it as the nursing staff, as innocent as this has been, defaming me and putting my reputation in jeopardy. I've known this woman since I was a little boy. I've also just found an agent for my book and this scandal can hurt me very badly. By the way, I've been a paid and unpaid caregiver thirteen of the last twenty five years for various family members and friends, an ex seminarian, etc.

Do I have a cause for action against the assisted living facility? The son, inasmuch as he may have a hand in this?

Thank you. I'm grateful for any response.


Asked on 4/06/10, 7:47 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Harold Paddock Harold Paddock Co. LPA

Your situation might be better handled with mediation, rather than a public lawsuit. In a mediation, everyone involved can sit down with a trained neutral mediator to discuss the issues and work out a mutually agreeable solution. This can all be done promptly and in private. By way of comparison, a lawsuit might take over a year to get to court, and every document filed is a matter of public record. You might also consider a meeting with the facility administrator to discuss the background of your friendship and ways it can continue while the lady in question deals with her medical issues.

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Answered on 4/12/10, 12:44 pm


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