Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse Lawyers | Palatine, IL
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Nursing homes are often the best option for seniors who need extensive care and assistance. When families move their elderly loved ones into a nursing home, they expect the staff to give their loved ones the care and attention they need and deserve. However, some nursing homes do not live up to this standard and may even cause their residents to suffer from nursing home abuse and neglect.
Our nursing home abuse lawyers at The Good Law Group can help victims of nursing home abuse and neglect and their families in Palatine, IL. Our attorneys have the expertise to navigate cases involving nursing home abuse and neglect and secure compensation for the pain and suffering. Nursing home abuse and neglect is an unfortunate reality that no family should ever experience. You can count on our nursing home abuse attorneys to represent your senior loved ones and hold nursing homes and their staff liable for abuse and neglect.
Nursing Home Abuse
The Administration on Aging department of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services defines elder abuse as “any knowing, intentional, or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to a vulnerable adult.” The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) estimates that one in ten seniors have been the victims of abuse and neglect, and most of these instances occur in nursing homes. It is possible that the number of seniors who experience abuse and neglect is even higher since these cases are usually underreported.
Physical injuries and emotional distress commonly result from nursing home abuse and neglect and victims are more likely to die prematurely. The following are examples of nursing home abuse and neglect:
- Physical abuse: Physical abuse includes active abuse such as hitting as well as injuries from misuse of physical restraints and neglecting to provide necessities like food and water.
- Emotional abuse: Emotional abuse may occur from yelling, insults, harassment, and threats.
- Neglect: Neglect is the failure to provide adequate food, shelter, protection, and medical care which may cause bed sores, malnutrition, dehydration, and infections.
- Sexual abuse: This includes non-consensual sexual contact.
- Financial exploitation: This is when money or property of the residents is stolen, misused, or concealed by staff.
It is important to recognize the following signs that may indicate that your elderly loved one is the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect:
- Physical ailments: These may include bruises, cuts, broken bones, and other physical injuries.
- Changes in behavior: Your loved ones may suddenly show signs of fear, anxiety, or depression as well as loss of interest in their favorite activities or changes in sleep.
- Signs of neglect: Your loved ones may be neglected if they show signs of malnutrition, dehydration, bed sores, poor hygiene, sudden weight loss, or are missing required medical aids like hearing aids, glasses, walkers, dentures, and medication.
If you notice any signs that your elderly loved one may be the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, you need to immediately report the abuse to the nursing home. You should then call our nursing home negligence attorneys at The Good Law Group to review your case. We can provide representation to help hold nursing homes and their staff liable and secure compensation for the damages.
Reporting Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect in Illinois
It is important to report any potential abuse or neglect to the nursing home administrator immediately. They are obligated to conduct an investigation of all abuse and neglect allegations as well as instances of unexplained injuries under federal law. However, there are cases in which nursing homes will fail to meet these obligations. When a nursing home is not cooperating, you can make a report with the Ombudsman Program in Illinois.
The Ombudsman Program is a regulatory body that advocates for the fair treatment of seniors, including residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities. This program was created by the Older Americans Act of 1965 and there is an Ombudsman Program in each state. The Illinois Ombudsman Program in Illinois has a procedure that you can follow to make your report.
You can also make a report with local law enforcement as some acts of nursing home abuse and neglect may be considered criminal.
Filing a Lawsuit for Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect in Palatine, IL
If you have senior family members that are the victims of nursing home abuse and neglect, you and your family may be able to receive compensation by holding the responsible parties liable. Our nursing home abuse attorneys at The Good Law Group can help those who have experienced nursing home abuse and negligence in Palatine, IL.
We will start by reviewing your case, including the evidence of abuse and the reports you have made, and then help advise you on the next steps. We have experience navigating nursing home abuse and neglect cases and will provide representation to build and present your case to hold nursing homes and staff liable. You will not pay any out-of-pocket costs or fees unless we secure compensation for the damages.
If you have an elderly loved one who has experienced nursing home abuse or neglect in Palatine, IL, call our nursing home abuse attorneys at (847) 577-4476 for a free review of your case.
