
Lina Girgis is a 2025 graduate of Cleveland State University College of Law. Prior to law school, Lina earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the Ohio State University. Between receiving her bachelor's degree and attending law school, Lina worked as a paralegal for Michael Hill, gaining invaluable experience working on nursing home abuse and neglect cases, developing, a comprehensive understanding of the legal system, and a deep passion for law.
During law school, Lina served as captain of the Mock Trial Team for two years, and made Cleveland State history by leading her team to victory in the regional finals of the American Association of Justice Student Trial Advocacy Competition. Lina's team of four first-year students proceeded to the national competition in Chicago, Illinois. After three days of back to back civil trials, Lina's team advanced to quarterfinals, and placed 8th in the nation.
Lina also participated in the Law Pretrial Justice Clinic, where she advocated for individuals charged with low-level offenses who lacked the ability to post bail during the pendency of their case. In between classes, mock trial, and work, Lina spent hours each week in the Cuyahoga County Jail with clients. She listened to their stories and drafted memorandums that would eventually be used by senior attorneys to argue reduced bail. Lina witnessed firsthand the positive impact of having an attorney that zealously advocates for her clients' interests. As a result of her efforts in the clinic, Lina received the CALI Excellence for the Future Award, an award given to the highest scoring student in each law school class.
Lina resides in Lakewood, Ohio with her two Russian Blue cats, Suki and Bambi. She enjoys taking walks near the lake, trying local coffee shops, traveling, and spending quality time with her family and close friends. Lina is eager to begin her career as an attorney at Michael Hill Trial Law, and looks forward to using her skills to seek justice for nursing home abuse and neglect victims and their families.
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When most people think about nursing home abuse, they imagine physical harm or neglect. But there is another form of mistreatment that often goes unnoticed — financial exploitation.
Every year, thousands of seniors in long-term care facilities lose money, assets, or property because someone took advantage of their trust. Sometimes, it’s a staff member stealing directly from a resident’s room. Other times, it’s more subtle — a caregiver manipulating a resident into signing checks, changing wills, or giving away valuables.

When families choose a nursing home for their loved one, they expect safe and attentive care. However, behind the welcoming smiles and clean lobbies, many facilities face a dangerous and growing crisis — chronic understaffing.
Across the United States, nursing home understaffing has become one of the most common causes of neglect and injury among elderly residents. With too few caregivers on duty, basic needs often go unmet, medications are missed, and serious emergencies are overlooked.

When families entrust a loved one to a nursing home, they expect compassionate care, professionalism, and safety. Unfortunately, that trust is sometimes broken. Across the United States, elder abuse and neglect in long-term care facilities remain widespread problems, affecting thousands of vulnerable residents every year.
While the terms abuse and neglect are often used together, they have distinct meanings — and recognizing the difference can make all the difference in protecting your loved one’s rights. Neglect is a failure to provide necessary care, while abuse is the deliberate act of causing harm. Both can lead to devastating consequences, from physical injuries to deep emotional trauma.

When families place an elderly loved one in a nursing home, they want reassurance that the facility is safe, compassionate, and well-managed. But how can families truly know what happens behind closed doors when they are not present? One of the most important safeguards comes in the form of state inspections of nursing homes. These inspections are designed to enforce standards, uncover neglect, and ensure residents are treated with dignity and respect.
While no system is perfect, inspections remain a cornerstone of accountability in long-term care. Understanding how they work, what they look for, and where they sometimes fall short can empower families to protect their loved ones.