If you suspect that a loved one has suffered abuse or neglect in a nursing home in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood, we can help. The Chicago nursing home abuse lawyers at The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers represent victims of elder abuse throughout Chicago and the South Side.
We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that nursing home abuse and neglect can take on the elderly victims and their families. Our goal is to help you get your loved one the justice and the financial compensation that they deserve for suffering at the hands of their caregivers.
In this Article
What Is Nursing Home Abuse?
Nursing home abuse is any type of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse that occurs in a nursing home setting. It can also include financial exploitation and neglect.
Nursing home abuse is a serious problem in the United States. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), one in 10 older adults living in nursing homes or assisted living facilities experienced some form of abuse.
Physical abuse – Physical abuse is any type of physical force that causes harm to an elderly person. This can include hitting, slapping, pushing, kicking, or using restraints in a harmful way.
Emotional abuse – Emotional abuse is any type of verbal or nonverbal behavior that causes emotional or mental anguish. This can include yelling, name-calling, threats, or isolation.
Sexual abuse – Sexual abuse is any type of sexual contact that is forced, coerced, or unwanted. This can include rape, sexual assault, or unwanted touching.
Financial exploitation – Financial exploitation is the illegal or unauthorized use of an elderly person’s money or property. This can include theft, fraud, or scams.
Neglect – Neglect is the failure to provide basic needs, such as food, shelter, clothing, or medical care.
Self-neglect – Self-neglect is the inability to meet one’s own basic needs due to physical or mental impairment.
What Are the Signs of Nursing Home Abuse?
The signs of nursing home abuse can vary depending on the type of abuse.
Physical abuse – Physical signs of abuse can include bruises, scratches, or broken bones. The victim may also have a fear of being touched or may be withdrawn and depressed.
Emotional abuse – Emotional signs of abuse can include anxiety, depression, withdrawal, or sudden changes in behavior. The victim may also be argumentative, agitated, or have difficulty sleeping.
Sexual abuse – Sexual abuse can cause physical injuries, such as bruises or sexually transmitted infections. The victim may also have changes in behavior, such as being withdrawn or unusually quiet.
Financial exploitation – Financial exploitation can cause the victim to have unexplained withdrawals from their bank account or credit cards. The victim may also have difficulty paying bills or may give away possessions.
Neglect – Neglect can cause the victim to have poor hygiene, weight loss, or dehydration. The victim may also have bedsores or untreated medical conditions.
Self-neglect – Self-neglect can cause the victim to have poor hygiene, weight loss, or dehydration. The victim may also have difficulty caring for their home or may not be taking their medications.
Act Quickly
If you suspect that your loved one is being abused or neglected in a nursing home, it is important to act quickly. The sooner you take action, the better chance you have of stopping the abuse and getting your loved one the help they need.
How Can I Prevent Nursing Home Abuse?
There are some steps that you can take to help prevent nursing home abuse, such as:
Researching nursing homes – When looking for a nursing home, be sure to research the facility and staff. Visit the facility and meet with the staff to get a feel for the environment.
Staying involved in your loved one’s care – Once your loved one is in a nursing home, stay involved in their care. Visit often and ask questions about their health and well-being.
Reporting any suspicious behavior – If you see anything that makes you suspect abuse or neglect, be sure to report it to the proper authorities.
Don’t Hesitate to Contact Us
If you suspect that your loved one is being abused or neglected in a nursing home, don’t hesitate to reach out to the experienced elder abuse lawyers at The Kryder Law Group, LLC. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling these types of cases and can help you get the compensation your loved one deserves. Contact us today for a free consultation.
The Illinois Nursing Home Care Act
The Nursing Home Care Act (210 ILCS 45/) governs nursing homes in Illinois. The Act requires nursing homes to provide a certain level of care to their residents. The Act also establishes rules for how nursing homes must operate.
The Nursing Home Care Act requires nursing homes to treat residents with courtesy and respect and to maintain residents human and civil rights. It also requires that nursing facilities:
Provide safe and clean living conditions for residents
Protect residents’ rights
Provide adequate staffing
Provide quality care that meets residents’ needs and more
If a nursing home fails to meet these requirements, they may be guilty of abuse or neglect.
What Should I Do if I Suspect Abuse or Neglect?
The NCEA recommends you take the following actions if you suspect the abuse or neglect of nursing home residents.
Contact Local Law Enforcement
If you believe that a crime has been committed, call 9-1-1 immediately.
Contact Adult Protective Services
You can also report the abuse to Illinois’ Adult Protective Services (APS) agency. APS agencies investigate reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of adults who are unable to protect themselves due to a physical or mental disability.
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)
The IDPH is responsible for the licensing, regulation and inspections of Illinois nursing homes. Their 24-hour nursing home hotline is: 800-252-4343.
Senior Helplines
You can contact these Illinois resources to report nursing home abuse in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood:
866-800-1409 (for suspected abuse in the home)
888-206-1327 (for suspected abuse in the home, TTY access)
800-252-8966 (The Illinois Senior Helpline to report suspected abuse in long-term care facilities)
888-206-1327 (The Illinois Senior Helpline to report suspected abuse in long-term care facilities, TTY access)
Contact the Ombudsman Program
If you have concerns about the quality of care your loved one is receiving in a nursing home, contact the Illinois long-term care ombudsman program. Ombudsman programs are designed to resolve complaints from nursing home residents and their families. Visit theconsumervoice.org for a list or Ombudsman resources.
Get Legal Help
Once you have reported the suspected abuse, it is important to get legal help. A Bronzeville, Chicago nursing home abuse lawyer can discuss the next steps with you and help you get the compensation your loved one deserves.
If you suspect that your loved one is being abused or neglected in a nursing home, it is important to act quickly. The sooner you take action, the better chance you have of stopping the abuse. The compassionate Chicago nursing home abuse lawyers at The Kryder Law Group, LLC can help. Our attorneys are ready to work tirelessly to get compensation for the serious injuries of a Bronzeville nursing home resident who has suffered abuse or nursing home neglect. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Compensation for Nursing Home Abuse Victims in Bronzeville, Chicago
If your loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse, they may be entitled to compensation. Compensation can help cover the costs of medical treatment, physical and emotional therapy, and more.
It is important to note that if your loved one has been the victim of abuse or neglect, you may only have a limited amount of time to file a claim. If you wait too long, you could be barred from recovery.
Don’t wait to get help, tragically, cases of abuse of elderly residents can end in wrongful death. The sooner you contact a Bronzeville elder abuse lawyer, the better.
Call The Kryder Law Group, LLC today for a free legal consultation.
The Kryder Law Group, LLC | Bronzeville Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers
The Kryder Law Group, LLC represents nursing home abuse victims in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood and throughout the city. Our attorneys can compile evidence and build a strong case to get the compensation your loved one deserves. We hold nursing homes accountable for their negligent actions.
Don’t wait to get help. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Bedsores – also known as pressure ulcers, bedsores are a common form of nursing home abuse. Bedsores develop when a person is left in the same position for too long.
Physical abuse – this can include anything from hitting and slapping to restraining residents.
Sexual abuse – unfortunately, sexual abuse is all too common in nursing homes. Residents who are unable to protect themselves are often targeted by predators.
Emotional abuse – this can include verbal abuse, intimidation, and isolating residents from their loved ones.
Financial abuse – this happens when nursing home staff take advantage of residents for financial gain. This can include anything from stealing money to using residents’ credit cards without permission.
If you suspect nursing home abuse, we can help. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What to Expect in a Free Case Evaluation
When you call to discuss your concerns about your loved one’s treatment in a nursing home, we will ask you a few questions about what happened. We will then schedule a free case evaluation with one of our experienced Bronzeville, Chicago nursing home abuse lawyers.
During your free case evaluation, we will review the facts of your case and answer any questions you have. We will also explain your legal options and help you decide if filing a nursing home abuse lawsuit is right for you and your family members.
There is no obligation to hire us, and you will not be charged any fees unless we win your case.
How Much Does a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Cost?
The Kryder Law Group, LLC works on a contingency fee basis. This means that we do not charge any upfront fees, and you will only owe us if we win your case.
If we are able to recover compensation for your family or your loved one, our attorneys will take a percentage of the settlement or verdict. This way, you can get the legal help you need without having to worry about how you will pay for it. The large corporations that run nursing homes can have a team of lawyers on their side and we can help level the playing field.
The bottom line is that you should not have to worry about the cost of a lawyer when your loved one has been the victim of abuse. Get the help you need by contacting The Kryder Law Group, LLC today.
Call Us Today for a Free Case Evaluation
If you suspect that your loved one is being abused or neglected in a Chicago, Illinois nursing home, don’t wait to get help. The sooner you take action, the better chance you have of stopping the abuse.
Contact The Kryder Law Group, LLC today for a free case evaluation with one of our experienced Bronzeville, Chicago nursing home abuse lawyers. We will review your case and help you decide if filing a lawsuit is right for you. Call us now.
(312) 223-1700 