If you or a loved one has been a victim of nursing home neglect or abuse in Oak Lawn, IL, our experienced nursing home abuse attorneys in the law offices of The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers are here to help.
We are committed to protecting the rights of the elderly and ensure they receive the respect and care they deserve. Don’t suffer in silence. Our legal team is ready to hold those responsible accountable and seek the justice you deserve.
In this Article
What is Considered Nursing Home Abuse?
Nursing home abuse is defined under Illinois law, specifically the Nursing Home Care Act. It outlines several forms of abuse, including but not limited to: physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional or verbal abuse, confinement, passive neglect, willful deprivation, and financial exploitation that can occur in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
The Nursing Home Care Act stipulates that any intentional act or failure to act by a caregiver can be considered abuse if it causes harm or distress to an elderly person under their care.
Common Types of Abuse Found in Nursing Homes in Oak Lawn
Physical Abuse: This includes actions like hitting, slapping, or improper use of restraints.
Sexual Abuse: This involves any non-consensual sexual contact or exploitation.
Emotional Abuse: This can include verbal attacks, humiliation, or isolation from others.
Financial Exploitation: This can involve theft, fraud, or misuse of an elder’s assets.
Neglect: This includes failure to provide basic needs like food, medicine, or personal care.
What Signs of Nursing Home Abuse Raise Red Flags?
According to the National Institute on Aging, signs of nursing- home abuse and neglect can manifest physically, emotionally, or behaviorally.
Physical signs include unexplained injuries, malnutrition, or poor hygiene.
Emotional signs may involve sudden changes in mood, depression, or social withdrawal.
Behavioral changes might include reluctance to communicate when staff are present.
Financial abuse can also be a sign, such as an elder being asked to sign documents they don’t understand or changes in banking activity.
Why Don’t Nursing Home Residents Report Their Abuse?
Nursing home residents often don’t report abuse due to fear of retaliation, embarrassment, or because they’re physically unable to. Some residents may not even realize they’re being mistreated, or they may suffer from cognitive impairments that prevent them from effectively communicating the abuse.
How Families in Oak Lawn Can Prevent Nursing Home Abuse
Preventing nursing home abuse involves vigilance and open communication. Regularly visit your loved ones, and observe their physical and emotional condition. Ask about their daily experiences, and listen attentively to their concerns. Understand their rights under the Nursing Home Care Act, and educate them about it. Establish a good relationship with the nursing home staff, and regularly review financial and medical records.
Common Types of Injuries from Elder Abuse
Elderly individuals suffering from abuse or neglect most often experience these common injuries:
Physical Injuries: Unexplained fractures, bruises, cuts or welts.
Bedsores: Unhealed sores caused by prolonged pressure on the skin.
Malnutrition: Unwanted weight loss, muscle weakness, or vitamin deficiencies.
Infections: Unexpected or recurrent infections, particularly urinary tract infections.
Psychological Trauma: Mood swings, depression, withdrawal, or unusual fears.
Sexual Assault Injuries: Bruises around the breasts or genital area, unexplained STIs.
Fall Injuries: Broken bones or fractures due to unreported falls.
Medication Errors: Overdose symptoms, allergic reactions, unexplained changes in health.
Wrongful Death: Sudden death, without a clear or reasonable cause.
What to Do If You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse
If you suspect that your loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse in Oak Lawn, it’s crucial to take immediate action. First, ensure the immediate safety of the elder by transferring them to a safer environment, if possible. Report the physical, emotional or psychological abuse to the local law enforcement and Adult Protective Services. Consult a reputable Oak Lawn nursing home abuse attorney for legal counsel and to preserve the victim’s rights under the Illinois Nursing Home Care Act.
What Is the Contact Information to Report Suspected Elder Abuse in Illinois?
If you suspect elder abuse and neglect, you can reach out to the Illinois department of Adult Protective Services Hotline: 1-866-800-1409.
How Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You Seek Justice
An Oak Lawn nursing home abuse attorney advocates for victims and their families, helping them navigate the entire process involved in filing a nursing home abuse lawsuit. They gather evidence, liaise with medical professionals for assessments, and negotiate with nursing homes and their insurance companies. They also represent the victim in court, if necessary.
Their goal is to ensure fair compensation for the damages suffered, and to hold the nursing home facility and negligent parties accountable for their actions.
Types of Compensation Abuse Victims
Abused or neglected residents of nursing homes and their families can seek two primary types of compensation: economic and non-economic compensatory damages.
Economic damages refer to quantifiable losses directly resulting from the abuse, such as medical bills, other expenses for medical care, rehabilitation costs, or lost income.
Non-economic damages, on the other hand, compensate for intangible losses that do not have a precise monetary value. These can include pain and suffering, emotional and psychological abuse and distress, loss of companionship, and reduced quality of life. It can be challenging to calculate these damages, making the role of experienced nursing home abuse lawyers critical.
What Is My Nursing Home Abuse Case Worth?
The worth of your nursing home abuse case depends on several key factors. Your attorney will consider the severity and extent injuries suffered by your family member, the cost of medical treatment, any potential future treatment or care needed, and the degree of negligence or intentional harm involved.
They’ll also take into consideration the impact of the abuse on your loved one’s quality of life, including physical pain and suffering, psychological trauma, and loss of enjoyment in life.
Contact an Oak Lawn Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Today
At The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers, we believe in equal access to justice.
Schedule a Free Consultation
We offer a free consultation to discuss potential nursing home abuse and personal injury cases. During this session, we’ll review the facts of your case and assess its potential. We’ll answer any questions about the legal process, outcomes, and next steps.
Our goal is to provide the information you need to make an informed decision. It’s confidential and there’s no obligation.
How Will You Pay for Legal Services?
Wondering how you’ll afford legal representation? Don’t worry. Each Oak Lawn nursing home abuse lawyer in our law offices operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront.
We only get paid if we recover compensation for you. This approach allows us to provide high-quality legal representation to those in need, regardless of their financial situation. Contact us today to take the first step towards seeking justice for your loved one.
Get help from an Oak Lawn nursing home abuse lawyer if you suspect your loved one is suffering from nursing home abuse or neglect.
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Britt C.
Andrew Kryder went above and beyond to help me out with a case that I brought to him. He was prompt, attentive, and extremely thorough. It was a pleasure to work with him!
(312) 223-1700