If you or a loved one has suffered nursing home abuse in Chicago’s South Shore, seek legal help from a South Shore nursing home abuse lawyer from The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers. Contact our personal injury law firm for a free consultation.
What is Considered Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect?
Abuse in nursing homes, as defined by the Illinois Nursing Home Care Act (210 ILCS 45), is deliberately causing injury, unreasonably confining someone, intimidating or punishing them, resulting in physical harm, pain, or mental or emotional abuse or anguish.
This can include physical, emotional and psychological abuse, sexual abuse and financial abuse. Neglect is defined as failing to provide adequate care and services that result in physical or mental harm to a nursing home resident.
The primary emphasis of Illinois’ 2011 Nursing Home Reform Act is on staffing levels in nursing home facilities.
Red Flags of South Shore-Chicago Nursing Home Abuse
Key warning signs include:
- Unsanitary conditions
- Unexplained injuries
- Sudden weight loss
- Medication errors
- Social withdrawal
- Staff’s discouraging your visits
Common Types of Abuse Injuries in Nursing Homes in South Shore, IL
Both non-physical and physical abuse of nursing home and assisted living facility residents in Cook County can result in serious injuries, such as:
- bruises,
- broken bones,
- head trauma,
- pressure wounds such as bed sores,
- emotional and psychological harm, including depression or anxiety, and
- wrongful death
How South Shore Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys Can Help
If you suspect a family member has been a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, our attorneys can assist you by:
- Evaluating the case thoroughly
- Collecting evidence
- Interviewing staff and witnesses
- Clarifying relevant laws and regulations
- Calculating both financial and non-financial damages
- Negotiating with insurance companies or the nursing home’s legal team
- Advocating for your loved one’s rights in court, if necessary
Taking Action Against Nursing Home Abuse in Chicago’s South Shore
If you suspect nursing home abuse, take the following steps:
- Carefully document any signs of abuse or neglect with detailed notes and photographs.
- Report the abuse to the appropriate authorities.
- Inform the nursing home facility administrator and request a thorough investigation into your concerns.
- Ensure your loved one receives medical treatment for any injuries and keep all medical records.
- Consult an Illinois nursing home abuse attorney to discuss the possibility of filing a nursing home abuse lawsuit.
Why Don’t Nursing Home Residents Report Their Abuse?
Residents may not report nursing home abuse or neglect due to fear of retaliation, shame, cognitive impairment, physical disabilities, or lack of knowledge about their rights.
How to Report Suspected Illinois Nursing Home Abuse
If you suspect abuse at one of Illinois’ nursing homes, contact:
- Illinois Department on Aging (APS) Elder Abuse Hotline: 1-866-800-1409
- Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH): 1-800-252-4343
- Illinois State Police: 1-217-786-7107
- Chicago Police Department: (312) 746-6000
South Shore Nursing Home Abuse Compensation
Victims of nursing home abuse in South Shore may qualify for financial compensation from the responsible facility by filing nursing home abuse lawsuits. Potential compensation includes coverage for medical expenses, damages for pain and suffering, relief for emotional distress, and compensation for wrongful death if the abuse had a fatal outcome.
Contact a South Shore Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Today
If you suspect nursing home neglect or abuse, contact a skilled attorney at The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers. Schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced nursing home negligence and abuse lawyers. During this meeting, we will discuss your legal rights, explore potential strategies, and address any questions you may have.
(312) 223-1700