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We expect nursing homes to provide care and safety. We expect them to ensure their residents’ comfort and well-being. This means sufficient liquids and nourishment, heat and air conditioning, a well-maintained, tidy, waterproof building free from moisture damage or mildew. Sometimes, retirement homes fall short of the ideal. And sometimes the shortfalls are serious enough to constitute neglect.
The nursing home as a site of elder abuse is also more common than we’d like to think. Never should residents be vulnerable to mental, physical, or sexual abuse. Never should their money or possessions be stolen. Never should they be inappropriately medicated.
No one should have to anticipate abuse. But should it occur, your quick response can preserve your loved one’s rights to compensatory damages. Our office will take on your neglect or abuse case through a contingency fee plan. Unless and until you win compensation or a settlement, we will not charge you.
What Kinds of Nursing Home Abuse Have We Seen?
Elders with dementia, disabilities, or debilitating diseases are the most likely to experience abuse. Incidents can go unseen and unreported. Some residents fear retaliation or humiliation if they attempt to say something. Indeed, some victims have hidden evidence of maltreatment because of threats of further abuse.
Some might believe their complaints won’t be taken seriously. Still others have difficulty communicating about or recalling the details.
Therefore, it’s important to know how neglect or abuse happens, and what to look for, including:
Bodily Injury
- Sores, infections, bruises, burns, or any kind of unexplained wounds;
- Incorrect dosages of medicines;
- Unexpected or unattended falls;
- Bone breaks, sprains, bruises, or burns;
- Signs of underfeeding or unusual hunger or thirst;
- Unclean conditions.
Mental Injury
- Unusually anxious or withdrawn mood;
- Crying;
- Complaints of maltreatment.
Wrongful Death in Residential Care Situations
You may be entitled to compensation if you have reason to suspect neglect or abuse was involved in your loved one’s death in a nursing home. You are doing the right thing by seeking a Chicago nursing home abuse lawyer to examine the circumstances, and advise on legal recourse and accountability under Illinois law.
Often, the site of abuse will have a pattern of troubling conduct. Such cases warrant investigations of management and care staff.
If you believe that you or your loved one has suffered neglect or abuse in the Chicagoland area, reach out to our experienced Chicago nursing home abuse lawyer.
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