At the law firm of The Kryder Law Group, LLC, Accident and Injury Lawyers we understand the gravity of nursing home abuse and its devastating impacts. Our dedicated team of personal injury attorneys in Cicero are committed to representing elder abuse victims, ensuring their voices are heard, and justice is served. We meticulously investigate each case, holding accountable those who inflict harm on our vulnerable seniors. If you suspect your loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse lawyers, rest assured that we are here to help deliver justice.
What is Considered Nursing Home Abuse?
Nursing home abuse, as per Illinois Department on Aging, can encompass a wide range of wrongful actions. It includes physical abuse, sexual abuse, verbal abuse, mental abuse, emotional abuse, financial abuse, neglect, and abandonment.
What Illinois Laws Protect Elderly Nursing Home Patients?
The Illinois Act on Aging, or the Adult Protective Services Act is a legal framework designed to protect seniors from abuse. It empowers agencies to investigate suspected nursing home abuse and enforce penalties against perpetrators when nursing home laws have been violated.
The Illinois Nursing Home Care Act is a law enacted to safeguard residents from abuse in long-term care facilities. It mandates certain quality care standards and provides a course for legal recourse for victims of nursing home resident.
How Do Assisted Living Facilities Differ from Nursing Homes According to Illinois law?
An assisted living facility is different from a nursing home primarily in the level of medical care provided. Assisted living facilities typically offer help with daily activities, but less medical care. Nursing homes, on the other hand, provide 24-hour medical supervision and nursing facility and cater to individuals with serious health conditions.
What Signs of Nursing Home Abuse Should Raise Red Flags?
Unexplained physical injuries may include bruises, scars, or fractures that cannot be reasonably explained.
Emotional changes like sudden mood shifts or withdrawal may indicate emotional or psychological abuse.
Nursing home neglect can include poor personal hygiene, malnutrition, dehydration, bed sores, or unattended medical needs.
Behavioral changes when a elderly patients may exhibit fear, anxiety, depression, or becomes less communicative.
Unexplained changes in financial situations can be a sign of financial abuse.
Why Don’t Nursing Home Residents Report Their Abuse?
Often, nursing home residents who have suffered abuse do not report it due to fear of retaliation, lack of cognitive ability to articulate the abuse, or the belief that their complaints will be dismissed. Some may feel helpless, embarrassed, or guilty, which further discourages them from reporting the abuse.
Injuries Suffered by Victims of Elder Abuse
Elderly residents of in an Illinois nursing home can suffer a variety of injuries, each with its unique physical and emotional implications:
- Fractures and Bruises: These are common results of physical abuse that could indicate a pattern of harm.
- Pressure Sores: Often a sign of neglect, these painful wounds occur due to prolonged pressure on the skin.
- Infections: Frequently seen in neglected elderly, infections can result from unhygienic conditions and lack of care.
- Malnutrition and Dehydration: Inadequate nutrition and hydration can lead to severe health complications, often due to neglect.
- Psychological Issues: Emotional abuse can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders in the elderly.
What to Do If You Suspect Abuse in a Nursing Home
Document the Abuse: Start by documenting any signs of nursing home negligence or abuse you notice. Take photographs of visible injuries, keep a log of behavioral changes, and note any suspicious incidents. Your documentation will serve as pivotal evidence if you decide to file a nursing home abuse lawsuit.
Report the Abuse: Inform nursing staff members or the management of the nursing home about your suspicions. They have a legal obligation to investigate your concerns and take appropriate action. If immediate safety is a concern, do not hesitate to contact local law enforcement as well.
Contact the Illinois Department of Public Health: If the nursing home fails to address your concerns, you can file a complaint with the Illinois Department of Public Health, which oversees the licensing and regulation of Illinois nursing homes.
Consult a Lawyer: Reach out to an experienced nursing home abuse attorney who is well-versed in elder law and nursing home abuse. They can guide you through the complexities of taking legal action and help you seek justice for your loved one or family member.
What Is the Contact Information to Report Suspected Elder Abuse in Illinois?
For reporting suspected elder abuse or nursing home neglect in Illinois, call the statewide, 24-hour Adult Protective Services Hotline at 1-866-800-1409 or 1-888-206-1327 (TTY).
Confidentiality is assured.
How Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys Can Help You Seek Justice
- Case Evaluation: Personal injury lawyers provide a thorough evaluation of your case, assessing its viability and potential outcomes in preparation for filing a nursing home abuse claim.
- Legal Counsel: They offer experienced legal counsel, guiding you through complex legal processes and ensuring informed decision-making.
- Representation in Court: Should the Illinois nursing home abuse case warrant a trial, lawyers represent you in court, arguing your case skillfully to seek fair compensation for your damages.
- Settlement Negotiation: They negotiate settlements with the opposing party, striving to secure the maximum possible compensation for the elderly person.
Types of Compensation Abuse Victims
Victims of elder abuse may be entitled to various types of compensation. This can include reimbursement for medical bills and other costs stemming from medical treatment, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and in some cases, a wrongful death settlement.
What Is My Nursing Home Abuse Case Worth?
The worth of a nursing home abuse case depends on several factors. This includes the severity of the abuse, the extent of physical, emotional or financial damage, the duration of the abuse, the level of negligence involved, and the impact on the victim’s quality of life.
Additionally, the ability of the defendant to pay a settlement or verdict also plays a role. It’s important to consult with law firm experienced in handling nursing home abuse cases to accurately calculate potential compensation.
Contact a Cicero Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Today
At the law office of The Kryder Law Group, LLC, Accident and Injury Lawyers, we distinguish ourselves with a track record of proven success. Our seasoned attorneys offer a free consultation, providing you with a comprehensive overview of your case and potential legal action to pursue.
We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no upfront fees. Instead, our payment comes from a portion of the settlement we secure for you. We’re invested in your success, working tirelessly to uphold your rights and secure fair compensation.
(312) 223-1700