BLOG

​Nursing Home Reviews in Chicago

Back to Blog

When to Hire a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

3/5/2023

 
Picture
Nursing homes are meant to be places where elderly residents can receive the medical care and personal attention they need to live their later years in comfort and dignity.

Unfortunately, negligence and abuse cases have been rising recently, leaving many nursing home residents vulnerable to physical, emotional, and financial harm. As a concerned family member or friend of a nursing home resident, it's crucial to be aware of the signs of abuse and when to seek legal representation.

Nursing Home Abuse Statistics
Nursing home abuse cases are a growing problem in the United States. According to the National Council on Aging, approximately one in ten Americans over the age of 60 has experienced some form of elder abuse.

In nursing homes, the statistics are even more alarming. A recent study by the Special Investigations Division of the House Government Reform Committee found that nearly one-third of nursing homes in the United States were cited for abuse violations.

How Chicago Nursing Home Abuse is a Growing Concern: Understanding the Risks and Your Legal Options
More people need the services of nursing homes and assisted living facilities to ensure their loved ones receive the care they need. However, the growing number of facilities in the Chicago area has also increased reports of nursing home neglect and mistreatment.

It is crucial to understand the risks associated with nursing home care and the legal options available to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.

Why You May Need a Chicago Nursing Home Abuse Attorney
If you suspect your loved one has been mistreated or neglected in a nursing home, it's crucial to seek legal representation. An experienced nursing home abuse attorney can help you navigate the complex legal system and fight for your loved one's rights.

It's vital to seek legal representation because abuse cases involving injured nursing home residents can be complex and challenging to prove.

Many nursing homes have teams of lawyers working for the defendant's insurance company who will try to defend against any claims of abuse or neglect.

Common Forms of Abuse, Mistreatment, and Neglect
Nursing home residents can experience a wide range of abusive and neglectful behaviors in a nursing home, including:

Physical Abuse:
  • Hitting, slapping, or pushing residents
  • Restraint with physical restraints
  • Administering medications inappropriately or without consent
  • Inadequate assistance with daily activities such as feeding, dressing, or grooming
  • Failure to provide necessary medical treatment or care

Sexual Assault:
  • Unwanted touching or sexual contact
  • Sexual assault or rape
  • Sexual harassment or exploitation

Emotional Abuse:
  • Verbal abuse, including insults, threats, and humiliation
  • Isolation or social exclusion
  • Withholding necessary care or medication
  • Threats of harm or punishment
  • Manipulation or coercion

Financial Abuse:
  • Theft or unauthorized banking practices or use of a resident's property or money
  • Forging signatures or fraudulently altering documents
  • Charging excessive fees or charging for unnecessary services
  • Coercing residents to sign documents or make financial transactions

Neglect:
  • Failure to provide basic needs such as food, water, or hygiene
  • Failure to provide necessary medical treatment, care, or medication
  • Failure to provide adequate supervision or protection from harm
  • Isolation or social exclusion
  • Ignoring or dismissing a resident's needs or concerns

Failure to Protect the Resident's Rights
​
The nursing home must protect the resident's right to:
  • Be treated with dignity and respect
  • Be free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation
  • Privacy and confidentiality of their information and personal care program
  • Be informed about their medical condition and treatment options
  • Participate in their own care and make decisions about their medical treatment
  • Manage their own finances or choose a personal representative to manage their finances
  • Receive visitors and communicate with people outside of the nursing home
  • Complain about any aspect of their care or treatment without fear of retaliation
  • Be informed about their rights and responsibilities as a nursing home resident
  • Have access to their medical records
  • Be informed about any changes in their care or treatment plan
  • Participate in social, religious, and community activities
  • Free from physical or chemical restraints that are not medically necessary
  • Adequate and appropriate medical treatment and care
  • Receive proper nutrition and hydration

Abuse and neglect can take many forms, and it's essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms of mistreatment. If you suspect your loved one is experiencing abuse or neglect in a nursing home, it's crucial to take action and seek legal representation.

By understanding the types of abuse and neglect that can occur, you can help protect your loved one and ensure they receive the care and support they deserve.

When to Hire a Nursing Home Abuse Attorney
Types of Caregiver Abuse Cases
Neglect and abuse cases can involve many legal issues, including personal injury, medical malpractice, and wrongful death. Common abuse cases include physical assault, sexual abuse, emotional trauma, and neglect.

Reputable lawyers can help you determine the best legal strategy for your case and provide expert guidance throughout the legal process.

How Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help with an Abuse/Neglect Lawsuit
Successful lawyers have the knowledge and experience to help you navigate the complex legal system and fight for your loved one's rights. They can assist with investigating the abuse or neglect, gathering medical records, and building a solid personal injury claim.

They can also negotiate with insurance companies and pursue a wrongful death lawsuit if necessary. Many nursing abuse attorneys offer a free consultation and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won't have to pay anything unless they win your case.

Pursuing a Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit
How to Document AbuseDocumenting abusive behavior is critical to building a solid case. This evidence can include taking pictures of injuries, keeping a journal of incidents or conversations with staff, and requesting medical records.

Acting quickly is essential, as evidence can be lost or destroyed over time. Additionally, report the abuse or neglect to the nursing home administration and state regulatory agencies, such as the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Recovering Damages in a Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit
If your loved one has suffered from nursing home abuse or neglect, they may be entitled to financial recovery for damages such as medical costs, pain and suffering, and lost income. A nursing home abuse attorney can help you determine the damages you are eligible for and pursue compensation in court.

Depending on the case, a settlement may be reached, or a trial may be necessary to secure a just outcome.

How to Find a Chicago Nursing Home Abuse Attorney
Questions to Ask When Hiring a Chicago Nursing Home Abuse Attorney
When searching for a nursing home abuse attorney, it's essential to find a lawyer with experience handling similar cases. Ask questions:
  • Can you provide references from previous clients you have represented in nursing neglect cases?
  • What is your fee structure, and how are fees and expenses handled?
  • How will you keep me informed about the progress of my case?
  • What is your approach to handling nursing abuse cases, and what strategies do you typically use?
  • How long do you anticipate my case will take to resolve?
  • What are the potential outcomes of my case, and what kind of compensation can I expect?
  • How will you gather evidence and build a strong case on my behalf?
  • How do you plan to communicate and work with me throughout the legal process?

Paying for a Nursing Home Abuse Attorney
Many nursing home abuse attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only receive a payment if you win your case. This arrangement can be a practical option for families facing financial strain due to medical costs or other expenses associated with the abuse. 

Additionally, some attorneys offer a free case consultation, so you can discuss your case and evaluate your options before making any financial commitments.

Taking Action Against Nursing Home Abuse
Reporting Abuse to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)
If you suspect your loved one is being abused or neglected in a nursing home, it's essential to report the abuse to the IDPH. This agency is responsible for investigating claims of nursing home abuse and taking appropriate action to protect residents. You can file a report online or call their hotline to report abuse or neglect.

Preventing Abuse and Neglect
Preventing abuse and neglect requires a multi-faceted approach, including increased training and education for staff, better oversight and regulation by state agencies, and increased vigilance by families and loved ones. 

By staying informed and taking action to hold nursing homes accountable for their actions, we can work together to protect the health and well-being of our elderly residents.

Abuse and neglect is a serious issue that affects many elderly adults in nursing homes. If you suspect your loved one is being abused or neglected, it's crucial to take action and seek legal representation.

By understanding the signs of abuse, finding the right nursing home abuse attorney, and pursuing legal action, you can protect your loved one and secure the financial recovery they deserve.

Remember, reporting abuse and neglect to state agencies is essential in holding nursing homes accountable and preventing future cases of abuse or neglect.

Resources:
  • Nursing Home Regulations | CMS
  • About Reporting Nursing Home Abuse | Medicare


​
CONTACT:
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
225 W Wacker Dr #1660
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: (847) 835-8895
Toll Free: (888) 424-5757
Read More

Comments are closed.
Proudly powered by Weebly