The elderly in Illinois nursing homes, are among the most vulnerable members of society, often requiring specialized care and attention in nursing facilities.
Unfortunately, nursing home abuse puts these individuals at risk. If you or a loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse in Aurora, seek legal help from an Aurora nursing home abuse lawyer in our personal injury legal team at The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers.
What Is the Illinois Nursing Home Care Act?
The Illinois Nursing Home Care Act (NHCA) establishes care and treatment standards for nursing homes in the state. It details nursing home resident rights and nursing home obligations for providing safe and quality care.
The NHCA mandates that nursing home patients’ homes maintain clean, safe facilities and offer proper medical care, nutrition, and medication management. It also bans physical, sexual, emotional, and financial abuse of residents.
Common Types of Nursing Home Abuse in Aurora
A nursing home abuse case can take many forms:
- Physical abuse: Using force to cause harm, like hitting or restraining.
- Emotional abuse, mental abuse, and verbal abuse: Causing distress through threats, insults, or isolation.
- Sexual abuse: Non-consensual sexual contact or exploitation.
- Neglect: Failing to provide basic needs such as food, hygiene, and medical care.
- Financial exploitation: Misusing a resident’s finances through theft or pressuring them to sign over assets.
How a Lawyer Can Help You Seek Justice
If you suspect nursing home negligence, act immediately. Nursing home abuse lawyers offer:
- Legal knowledge: Up-to-date on complex laws and regulations governing Illinois nursing home abuse cases.
- Experience: Familiar with abusers’ tactics, they know how to counter them.
- Resources: The tools for investigating and collecting evidence.
- Negotiation: Reaching a settlement for compensation for costs, i.e., medical bills.
- Court advantage: A lawyer boosts your chance of winning in court, if your nursing home abuse lawsuit goes to court.
What Are Signs of Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect?
Some signs of nursing home abuse or nursing home neglect may include:
- Unexplained injuries, bruises, or broken bones
- Sudden changes in behavior, such as fearfulness or withdrawal
- Malnutrition or dehydration
- Poor hygiene and unsanitary living conditions
- Unexplained financial transactions or missing belongings
Why Don’t Nursing Home Residents Report Their Abuse?
Many Illinois nursing home patients don’t report abuse due to fear of retaliation, shame, or cognitive impairments that hinder understanding and communication with family members.
What to Do If You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse
If you suspect nursing home abuse, act fast:
- Talk to them: Have a conversation about their care and note any concerns.
- Document everything: Record signs of abuse with photos, medical records, and witness accounts.
- Report it: Inform the nursing home administration and file a report with the IDPH.
- Get legal help: A nursing home abuse attorney in Aurora can offer guidance.
How Report Suspected Elder Abuse in Illinois
If you suspect elder abuse in an Illinois nursing home:
- Adult Protective services (APS) , Hotline 1-866-800-1409
- Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) by calling 1-800-252-4343
Contact an Aurora Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Today
If you believe your loved one has been abused in a nursing facility, do not hesitate to seek legal help from our personal injury law firm, The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers. Our team can provide the legal representation and guidance you need to secure justice and compensation for your loved one.
Contact us today for a free consultation.