West Virginia at a Glance

OHFLAC licenses and certifies West Virginia nursing homes and investigates complaints about care.

• Licenses and inspects West Virginia nursing homes
• Receives complaints at 304-558-0050 or via the online complaint form
• Nursing Home Act residents’ rights appear at W. Va. Code § 16-5C-15

Visit the state agency site →

Families can speak with a West Virginia nursing home lawyer to understand if rights may have been violated.

West Virginia resident rights include:

• Right to be treated with consideration, respect, and full recognition of dignity
• Right to be fully informed of their rights, condition, and charges
• Right to choose a physician and participate in care planning
• Right to refuse treatment
• Right to privacy and confidential records
• Right to voice grievances without retaliation
• Right to be free from mental and physical abuse and improper restraints
• Right to manage their own financial affairs
• Right to private communication and visits

Source: W. Va. Code § 16-5C-15 (Nursing Home Act — residents’ rights and civil action)

Phone: 1-800-834-0598
Website: https://legalaidwv.org/our-programs/long-term-care/

Learn more about nursing home ombudsmen →

If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. To report nursing home abuse or neglect in West Virginia, contact OHFLAC.

Families can:

• Call OHFLAC at 304-558-0050 or file the online Health Facility Complaint Form
• Contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman at 1-800-834-0598
• Report suspected crimes to local law enforcement

Include the facility name, resident name, dates, injuries, witnesses, and photos if available.

Full reporting guide →

Families may be able to sue a West Virginia nursing home when poor care caused injury or death. West Virginia’s Nursing Home Act allows direct suits for rights violations, though medical-care claims follow the state’s medical liability rules.

Common claims include:

• Personal injury: The resident was harmed by neglect or abuse.
• Wrongful death: Poor care contributed to the resident’s death.

West Virginia has strict legal deadlines, so families should speak with a nursing home abuse lawyer as soon as possible. Don’t wait — get started right now.

Free case review →

Nursing home settlements and trial verdicts in West Virginia can vary depending on the situation. Some cases have resulted in payouts of more than $1 million.

See nursing home settlement amounts in West Virginia →