Choosing a nursing home for a loved one involves meticulous research and an inherent trust in the chosen facility. Despite this careful selection process, serious issues such as neglect or abuse can unfortunately occur, often hidden beneath the surface of daily operations.
At Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC, we recognize the gravity of nursing home abuse and are dedicated to advocating for the rights and well-being of those affected in Illinois. If you or a loved one has suffered at the hands of a caregiver, our nursing home abuse attorney can guide you through the legal process and hold the facility accountable.
Why Choose Our Illinois Nursing Home Abuse Attorney?
- At Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC, we believe that victims of nursing home abuse deserve fair compensation for their damages. Over the years, we have helped thousands of people secure settlements and jury verdicts.
- Proving a nursing home’s liability can be complex, which is why you need an attorney on your side. Our firm will leverage the full extent of our knowledge, skills, and resources to build a powerful case and hold the facility accountable.
- During your case, you may have questions or concerns about what to expect. Our firm will maintain an open line of communication from your initial consultation to your case’s resolution, allowing you to stay informed.
Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
Detecting signs of abuse and neglect in nursing homes can be challenging. Many people feel ashamed or embarrassed and may be hesitant to report it to their families or the authorities. In these situations, family members must be vigilant.
Some common signs of nursing home neglect and elder abuse include:
- Unchanged bed sheets and unwashed clothing
- The presence of spoiled food in the resident’s area
- Physical injuries, such as bruises, scratches, and bleeding
- Noticeable and significant weight loss without a medical explanation
- Behavioral changes like depression or anxiety
- Signs of financial exploitation, including unusual account activities
- Reports or evidence of sexual assault
- Physical injuries like broken bones
- Emotional outbursts or frequent crying
What Federal Regulations Protect Nursing Home Residents?
The United States federal government has enacted several laws to safeguard elderly patients in long-term care facilities. In particular, the Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987 established fundamental standards of care and outlined basic rights for nursing home residents, which include:
- Freedom from abuse, mistreatment, and neglect
- The right to privacy
- The right to be treated with dignity
- The right to make personal decisions
In addition to these regulations, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program was established. This program has created a network of advocates in each state, including Illinois, who are dedicated to investigating and resolving complaints of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
Types of Nursing Home Abuse in Illinois
Nursing home abuse in Illinois can manifest in various forms, from physical abuse and financial exploitation to sexual abuse, emotional mistreatment, and neglect. In the most serious cases, this abuse can lead to a resident’s death.
If you or a loved one has suffered from one or more of the following injuries while in a nursing home, contact Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC for a free case consultation.
- Bedsores, pressure sores, and decubitus ulcers
- Medication errors leading to health complications
- Falls resulting in severe injuries like broken bones or brain injuries
- Failure to diagnose and treat medical conditions in a timely manner
- Infections, including pic line infections, urinary tract infections, and sepsis
- Cases of wrongful death within the facility
- Unexplained fractures, potentially indicating rough handling or falls
- Physical or sexual assaults by other residents or staff members
- Issues of dehydration and/or malnutrition
- Sudden, unexplained deaths
- Any injury related to abuse, neglect, or failure to monitor patients adequately
Why Do You Need an Experienced Illinois Nursing Home Abuse Attorney?
When entrusting a loved one to a nursing home, you expect that the facility will provide proper care. Unfortunately, abuse in nursing homes is more common than it should be. An Illinois nursing home abuse lawyer from Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC can be your advocate during this time.
Our attorney can support your case in many ways, such as:
- Gathering Evidence and Investigating Your Case: Your attorney can gather and analyze crucial evidence such as staff schedules, eyewitness testimony, and medical records, which are essential for building a strong case.
- Signaling to the Nursing Home That You Are Serious: Legal representation demonstrates to the nursing home and its insurance company that you are committed to seeking justice, which sometimes leads to more favorable outcomes.
- Calculating the Damages That You Are Entitled To: An attorney can identify the economic and non-economic damages that you or your loved one can recover. With this evaluation, you can fight for comprehensive compensation and potentially prevent financial hardship in the future.
- Preventing You From Making Mistakes: With legal guidance, you can avoid common pitfalls that would otherwise harm your lawsuit, such as providing recorded statements that could be used against you or mishandling documentation.
Time Limits for Illinois Nursing Home Abuse Cases
Illinois imposes specific statutes of limitations for filing lawsuits in nursing home negligence cases. Generally, victims have two years from the incident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Failing to meet this deadline can result in losing the right to seek compensation, so it is important to speak with an attorney right away.
Reporting Nursing Home Abuse in Illinois
If you notice or suspect nursing home abuse, immediate action is necessary. Take the following steps to report the abuse and seek help right away:
- Remove your loved one from the facility, if necessary, to ensure their safety.
- Report the abuse to the Illinois Department of Public Health at 1-800-252-4343. This initiates an investigation into the facility.
- Contact a nursing home abuse attorney to protect your rights and those of your loved one. Legal representation is crucial in addressing the abuse and preventing further harm to other residents.
Call Our Illinois Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has suffered from nursing home abuse in Illinois, Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC can fight to uphold your rights. Our firm is committed to seeking justice and fair compensation for the harm endured and will support you and your family every step of the way.
Don’t let nursing home abuse go unchecked. Contact us today at (800) 220-0984 for a free, confidential consultation and take the first step toward holding the responsible parties accountable.