Our Chicago Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Lawyers Can Help
Attorneys who fight for the rights of nursing home residents
Arranging for a loved one to be moved to a nursing home is a difficult decision. When we make this decision, we trust that their needs will be met. When a loved one suffers harm instead, they deserve justice. The nursing home and neglect attorneys at Keating Law Offices, P.C. fight for their rights.
Senior citizens and disabled persons who are residents of nursing homes are often among the most vulnerable in society. While we hope that those who take care of nursing home residents will show them respect and give them the care they deserve, all too often these vulnerable members of society are injured due to nursing home abuse and neglect.
Our firm handles cases involving:
The rights of nursing home residents in the state of Illinois are protected under both state and federal laws. Any nursing home that fails to provide its residents with proper care may be liable. Under the Illinois Nursing Home Care Act, all nursing homes and other long-term care facilities are required by Illinois law to treat its residents with the level of care that a reasonably careful nursing home or facility would have used in the same situation.
Here are the most frequently asked questions that our nursing home abuse and neglect lawyers get.
How common is nursing home abuse?
Turnover is a big problem at nursing homes. Nursing homes are increasingly hiring employees who are not qualified or properly trained to take care of elderly patients. Many times, this leads to abuse and neglect of nursing home residents. Management is sometimes aware of this problem but not always.
What are signs of nursing home abuse and neglect?
Common signs of nursing home abuse and neglect include:
- Failure to provide medical treatment and follow-up care to residents
- Injuries/falls due to a lack of supervision and attentive care by staff members
- Injuries due to attacks by other residents
- Lack of hygiene (including lack of baths for residents)
- Ulcers/pressure sores
- Use of chemical restraints (sedatives) and over-medication
What should I do if I suspect my loved one is being neglected or abused?
Often, a loved one in a nursing home may be too frightened to tell someone about abuse or neglect. Or a loved one may be unable to speak out, due to conditions like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. You can help your loved one by looking for signs of abuse and neglect. If something doesn’t seem right to you, take notes. Document any new sores or bruises. Note any changes in your loved one’s behavior or appearance. Check to see if anything is missing from your loved one’s room. Pay attention to how your loved ones reacts to staff members. Take your concerns to the nursing home administrator. Then contact a lawyer experienced in nursing home cases for legal guidance.
How can a nursing home abuse and neglect lawyer help me?
You might think you don’t need a lawyer if a loved one has been harmed in a nursing home. All you have to do is contact the proper state or local authorities, and they will investigate your abuse or neglect claims. The reality is that state and local investigators are focused on determining whether abuse or neglect occurred in a nursing home. They’re not concerned with whether your family is compensated for the injuries sustained by your loved one.
We stand up for the rights of nursing home residents
Any Illinois nursing home or long-term care facility that does something that harms its residents or fails to do something to prevent harm to its residents, may be liable for negligence. For example, a nursing home or long-term care facility may be liable if it fails to provide proper medical treatment to a resident.
Under federal law, nursing homes are required to provide a level of care that promotes the quality of life of each resident. All nursing home residents have the right to be “free from physical or mental abuse.”
Abuse and neglect in nursing homes comes in all different forms. Residents may be subjected to emotional and psychological abuse by staff members of by other residents. Each person’s case is unique but there are certain warning signs that may inadequate that a nursing home is unsafe or providing inadequate care to residents.
You know if something is wrong with your loved one. Our attorneys can take quick action to investigate your loved one’s situation. We ask experts to review medical records to determine if your loved one is being given adequate care. If we find evidence of abuse or neglect, our priority is the health and safety of your loved one.
Our firm has the experience that gets results
We can also help you take legal action against the nursing home and other negligent parties responsible for the injuries your loved one suffered. Our attorneys are skilled litigators and negotiators who know how to get the best possible outcome.
Our firm has experience representing nursing home residents who have been the victims of neglect while living in the very places meant to protect them. Contact our nursing home abuse and neglect attorneys today for a free consultation.
