If you believe a loved one has suffered abuse or nursing home negligence in Evanston or across Cook County, The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers is here to help. Our experienced personal injury attorneys are dedicated to defending the rights of elder abuse victims throughout Illinois. We understand the severity of nursing home abuse cases and are committed to seeking justice for your loved ones. Let us guide you through this difficult time and fight for the compensation nursing home residents rightly deserve.
What is Considered Nursing Home Abuse?
According to the National Institute on Aging, nursing home abuse can cover a variety of harmful actions inflicted on elderly residents including physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, financial exploitation, or neglect.
It can encompass anything from the infliction of physical harm such as hitting or improper use of restraints, to emotional torment like humiliation or isolation. Sexual abuse and financial exploitation of nursing home residents are also serious offenses, involving non-consensual sexual acts or unauthorized use of the victim’s funds or property. Neglect, another form of abuse, occurs when Illinois nursing homes fail to provide for the resident’s basic needs.
Common Types of Nursing Home Abuse in Evanston and Chicago, IL
- Physical Abuse: Unlawful infliction of physical harm or discomfort.
- Emotional Abuse: Inflicting mental pain, distress, or psychological trauma.
- Sexual Abuse: Non-consensual sexual contact of any kind.
- Financial Exploitation: Illegitimate use of a resident’s funds or assets.
- Neglect: Failure to fulfill a caretaking obligation, impacting basic needs.
Common Types of Injuries from Elder Abuse
Elder abuse can result in a variety of injuries:
- Physical Injuries: These can range from visible injuries like bed sores, bruises and fractures, to more severe internal injuries. Often a result of physical abuse, they are common in cases of elder maltreatment.
- Psychological Trauma: Resulting from emotional or mental abuse including verbal abuse; this can lead to depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder, according to the American Psychological Association.
- Health Issues from Neglect: Failure in providing basic care can lead to malnutrition, dehydration, and untreated medical conditions (CDC).
- Sexual Trauma: Non-consensual sexual acts lead to physical injuries and emotional distress.
- Financial Loss: Unauthorized access to the use of the victim’s funds impacts their financial stability and security.
What Is the Single Most Common Type of Nursing Home Abuse in Illinois?
According to the Illinois Department on Aging, neglect is the most common type of nursing home neglect and abuse in Illinois.
What Are Signs of Nursing Home Abuse?
According to the Adult Protective Services of Illinois Department on Aging, always be concerned if:
- Access to see or speak with a family member is being impeded
- Implausible, inconsistent, or evasive explanations are offered for incidents
- The alleged victim is hesitant to respond to questions of concern
- The elderly person shows a change in demeanor such as anxiety or fear
- Caregivers or administrators in nursing home facilities defers or blames others
- There is delay or failure in seeking medical care, missed follow-up appointments, frequent changes in physicians
- Medicine or personal items are missing
What to Do If You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse
If you suspect nursing home abuse, it’s crucial to take immediate action. Document any signs or incidents that make you suspicious, and speak directly to the the nursing facility home management about your concerns.
If you’re unsatisfied with their response, or if the abuse continues, contact the local Adult Protective Services or Long-Term Care Ombudsman. For serious offenses, you may need to involve law enforcement.
Most importantly, consult with an experienced nursing home abuse attorney who can guide you through the legal process and fight for family members’ rights and wellbeing.
What Is the Contact Information for Reporting Suspected Elder Abuse in Illinois?
If you suspect Illinois nursing home abuse, you can contact the Adult Protective Services Hotline at 1-866-800-1409 or the Long-Term Care Ombudsman at 1-888-206-1327. For more information, visit the Illinois Department on Aging website.
How a Lawyer Can Help You Seek Justice
Nursing home abuse lawyers provide experienced legal counsel and guidance managing nursing home negligence cases. They thoroughly review your case, gathering all necessary evidence and documents to establish the grounds for a nursing home abuse.
Attorneys navigate the complex legal procedures, representing your interests in negotiations in or out of court. Their ultimate goal is to hold the offenders accountable and secure a fair compensation for the victims.
A Chicago nursing home abuse lawyer also offers emotional support, helping you make informed decisions during this challenging time. Their in-depth knowledge of Illinois law is pivotal in ensuring justice is served.
Types of Compensation Abuse Victims
Victims of nursing home abuse are entitled to financial compensation for any physical, emotional and financial damages suffered. This can include medical expenses, pain and suffering, or emotional distress.
Additionally, punitive damages may be awarded if it is found that the nursing home resident abuser acted with malicious intent. An experienced IL nursing home abuse attorney can help you understand your rights and seek full compensation for the damages suffered.
What Is My Nursing Home Abuse Case Worth?
The worth of a nursing home abuse case, like other personal injury claims, is primarily determined by the gravity and extent of the harm caused to the victim. The following factors often influence the value of such cases:
Medical Expenses: This includes both past and future medical bills associated with the abuse, such as hospital stays, medications, therapy, and any necessary ongoing care.
Pain and Suffering: This refers to the physical pain and emotional distress suffered by the victim. It is typically assessed based on the severity of the abuse and its impact on the victim’s life and well-being.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If the abuse has resulted in the victim’s inability to enjoy activities they used to, this can be factored into the compensation.
Punitive Damages: In cases where the abuse was particularly egregious and/or done with malicious intent, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the offender and deter similar conduct in the future.
Financial Losses: If the abuse resulted in financial exploitation.
Contact an Evanston Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Today
Don’t let your loved one suffer in silence. If you suspect nursing home abuse, take action today. Contact The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers for a free consultation.
In our meeting, we’ll listen to your concerns, assess your case, and discuss the best course of action. Our compassionate attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win. Trust us to work tirelessly for justice and fair compensation for your loved one.
Your loved one’s dignity and wellbeing are our priority.
(312) 223-1700