Blog | Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd

Chicago, Illinois Nursing Homes Fined, Violated the Nursing Home Care Act

September 4, 2022/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – Several Illinois nursing homes are being fined by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). IDPH released its second quarterly report which showed various nursing homes that were fined and violated the Nursing Home Care Act.

IDPH has determined the following Chicago, Illinois facilities and nursing homes violated the Nursing Home Care Act:

Aperion Care Chicago Heights
Aperion Care West Ridge
Ascension Living Resurrection Village – Life Center
Belhaven Nursing & Rehab Center
Bethesda Rehab & Senior Care
Bethany Retirement Community
Chicago Ridge Nursing & Rehab
Clark Manor
Estates of Hyde Park
Fargo Health Care Center
Lakeview Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
Mayfield Care & Rehab Center
Norwood Crossing
Parkshore Estates Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center
Paul House & Healthcare Center
Prairie Manor Rehabilitation & Healthcare
Sheridan Village Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Smith Village: Senior Living Community
Southpoint Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Southview Manor
Symphony Midway
Symphony of Bronzeville
Symphony Chicago West
Wesley Place
West Chicago Terrace

To view the full report of facilities that have violated the Nursing Home Care Act, please click here.

Reporting nursing home abuse

More than 40% of nursing home residents have reported some form of abuse; in addition, 90% reported that they or another resident of the nursing home facility have been neglected. If you or your loved one is experiencing abuse or neglect in your nursing home, contact one of our experienced nursing home abuse attorneys today. We understand how traumatizing and difficult these circumstances are to navigate. Our team of skilled lawyers have the resources, experience and knowledge to hold those accountable and bring justice. Contact our firm today at (312) 384-1920 for a free consultation and case evaluation.

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Labor Day 2022

August 28, 2022/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched its annual “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Labor Day enforcement. Labor Day weekend brings in increased travel on America’s roadways, air traffic and more.

The National Safety Council (NSC) estimates nearly 455 people may die on U.S. roads this Labor Day holiday. While this number is high, the mortality rate is 2% less than last year.

As this weekend approaches, please make sure to plan ahead and never drive after consuming alcohol, marijuana or any drugs and other impairments over the deadliest holiday of the year. Here are a few safety tips the Dinizulu Law Group team came up with to keep you safe this weekend:

Driving Sober
Make sure to plan ahead how you will be getting to and from places over the weekend. You should never operate a vehicle or any mechanic device while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. Rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft are made easily accessible or you can call a local cab/ride share. Alternatively, make plans to stay where you are and sleep it off until you are completely sober.
Buckle Up
Make sure that you and all passengers are buckled up before heading off to your destination. Being buckled, in the event of a car accident, helps keep you safe and secure inside your vehicle. If you’re not buckled up, you may be ejected from the vehicle which is almost always deadly.
Plan Ahead
Ensure that your car is equipped to handle your drive. Check under your car for any leaks that may cause steering, brake or radiator failure. Secondly, check your tires to ensure that they are properly inflated and there is no obvious signs of wear and tear. If there is, it could cause a tire blow out which may involve a multi-vehicle crash. You should also make sure that your lights work properly. Have someone stand in front of your vehicle to test the front lights, signal lights and more; furthermore, have them stand behind your car to check the same. You should also ensure your windows are properly cleaned so your visibility is clear. Finally, know how to check the gauges on your car to make sure everything is working properly.

The Dinizulu Law Group hopes you enjoy a long, safe Labor Day weekend celebrated with your family and friends!

What Constitutes a Personal Injury Claim in Illinois?

August 28, 2022/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – Many people don’t understand what a personal injury lawyer exactly does or what constitutes a personal injury claim. You likely know that when someone is injured, they call a personal injury lawyer; however, do you know when to contact one yourself?

A personal injury claim may seek financial compensation for injuries resulting from an accident, medical malpractice or other factors.

The personal injury lawyers at the Dinizulu Law Group handle a wide variety of personal injury claims. Illinois law can be complex, but our team knows how to successfully pursue damages in even the most complex cases. If you were injured due to another’s negligence, we may be able to help recover compensation for your physical, emotional, and financial losses.

Common types of personal injury claims

Examples of the most common claims personal injury attorneys handle include:

Auto Accidents
Various forms of driver negligence can lead to auto accidents. These accidents may also result from employer negligence including if an employer fails to perform an adequate background back on its drivers. It may also include product defects such as defective brakes or lights.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Property owners have the duty to ensure that their property is hazard free and is safe from injuries. Examples of slip and fall accidents include failing to clean up a spill on failing to fix a broken handrail.
Medical Negligence
Medical malpractice can be very broad, but is alarmingly common. These types of causes normally involve unique circumstances, so it’s important to ask your attorney if they handle medical malpractice and personal injury cases since some do not.

How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Illinois?

The statute of limitations for a personal injury claim is two years in Illinois. The two-year limit begins on the date that the injury occurred; however, the statute slight differs for medical negligence or medical malpractice cases. In cases of medical malpractice, the statute begins on the date of the injury, when you became aware of the injury or when you reasonably should have become aware of it.

When to contact a personal injury lawyer

If you suffered a serious injury due to the negligence of someone else, you should contact an attorney right away. The experienced team of personal injury attorneys at the Dinizulu Law Group have the knowledge, resources, and skills available to fight for justice and hold negligent parties accountable. To receive a free consultation, call our office today at (312) 384-1920.

Premise Liability: Who is Resposible?

August 21, 2022/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – Under Illinois law, property owners have the duty of care to maintain a safe environment so those who come onto their property don’t suffer from a personal injury. This responsibility is known as “premise liability” which holds property owners in Illinois liable for accidents and injuries that occur on their property.

Common types of premise liability cases

There are various types of premise liability cases which may include:

Slip and fall cases
Inadequate maintenance of the premise
Defective conditions on the premise
Inadequate building security leading to injury or assault
And more

Who can be held liable

Each personal injury and premise liability case differs. There may be various parties that can be held accountable for your injury including property owners, business owners, landlords, government property owners and more.

Duties owed to guests

Property owners and operators have a duty to guests and visitors to ensure the environment is safe from foreseeable injuries. Additionally, they must maintain the premises to keep a reasonably safe condition.

Any person who has the legal right to be on the property must be provided the standard of care that property is well maintained and free of hazards that could injury someone.

Types of damages available in Illinois

There can be a various types of compensation if you were injured on someone else’s property due to their negligence. Types of compensation may include:

Pain and suffering
Full compensation for medical expenses
Lost wages if the injured person is unable to work
Loss of personal enjoyment
Potentially punitive damages in cases of gross negligence

How the Dinizulu Law Group can help

The skilled team of premise liability and personal injury attorneys at the Dinizulu Law Group are here to help you! We understand the difficulty of these cases and will fight until justice is served. To receive a free consultation, call us today at (312) 384-1920 to learn how we can further assist you.

Multi-Vehicle Crash on I-80 Leaves Two Fatalities

August 15, 2022/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – A deadly crash involving three vehicles shut down I-80 in Morris, Illinois on Friday. At least three vehicles, including semi-trucks, were involved. Illinois State Police stated there were two confirmed fatalities.

Illinois State Police District 5 near Joliet said troopers responded to the multi-vehicle crash. A vehicle in the westbound lane crashed into the rear-end of another vehicle, causing it to travel through the median and into the eastbound lanes, according to police. The car that had been struck and hit another vehicle had rolled over across the center median striking a fourth vehicle. A fifth vehicle was hit due to the debris from the crash.

I-80 was reopened around 5 a.m. Saturday.

Avoid risky driving: 7 tips

Nearly six million car accidents happen every year, according to DriverKnowledge.com. There are precautions you can take to avoid car accidents.

Don’t text or use your phone while driving
Do not drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Follow the speed limit
Keep a safe distance
Visually inspect your car before driving it (tires, gauges, gas and oil levels, etc.)
Ensure that you and all passengers are wearing a seatbelt
Use size and age-appropriate car seats for children

How to Report Nursing Home Neglect or Abuse in Illinois

August 14, 2022/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – There are a variety of options available to report nursing home abuse or neglect in Illinois. According to data provided by Nursing Home Abuse Justice, there are nearly 5 million elder abuse cases annually. More than 100,000 individuals live reside in Illinois nursing homes.

Who to contact

You can reach out to the following entities to report nursing home abuse or neglect in Illinois:

The Regional Ombudsman is based on the region or county you live in
Calling the Senior HelpLine
Contacting the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)
Healthcare and Family Services for Supportive Living Facility Complaints
Illinois State Police Medicaid Fraud Unit

Regional Ombudsman

Ombudsman are officials appointed to investigate individuals’ complaints including nursing home abuse and neglect; however, they are not emergency responders. It’s important after reaching out to your local Ombudsman to alert them of abuse or neglect that you call 911. Your local Ombudsman will explain options for reporting abuse, residents’ rights and Ombudsman protocol for responding to complaints.

The Senior HelpLine can also help provide contact information for your Regional Ombudsman.

Illinois Department of Public Health

A Central Complaint Registry is operated by IDPH to record and investigate complaints against nursing home facilities, hospitals, and other home health agencies. You can call the hotline at 800-252-4343; however, it’s recommended to submit complaints online due to a high volume of calls. To submit an online complaint, please click here.

Healthcare and Family Services for Supportive Living Facilities Complaints

The hotline is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 800-226-0768. All calls are kept confidential.

Illinois State Police Medicaid Fraud Control Unit

The Illinois State Police Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigates long-term care facilities related to Medicaid Fraud, abuse or neglect. Medicaid fraud may include defrauding the Medicaid system by billing for services that weren’t delivered or underdelivered. It may also include, but is not limited to, battery, sexual assault, and failure to deliver services or medications. To report Medicaid Fraud, abuse or neglect, contact 888-557-9503.

Contact a Chicago, Illinois Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Attorney

If you believe your loved one has suffered abuse or neglect while living in their nursing home facility, you should contact a skilled nursing home abuse lawyer immediately. The experienced attorneys at the Dinizulu Law Group have the resources and knowledge to fight for your loved one until justice is served. To receive a free consultation, call 312-384-1920 now.

How to Choose the Right Nursing Home for Your Loved One

August 7, 2022/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – Choosing the right nursing home for your loved one’s needs can be a daunting and time-consuming task. Nursing home facilities offer around-the-clock care, provide 3 meals a day and often provide rehabilitation services. Here are a few things to consider when looking to place your loved one in the best nursing home suited for them.

Consider staffing

First and foremost, nursing homes are struggling nationwide over staffing shortages. Nurses are required to work longer hours while being significantly understaffed. The first thing you should consider is the staffing to resident ratio. Are nursing home staff members friendly, caring and empathetic towards your loved one? You should inquire how long staff has been employed by the facility, as well as turnover to provide insight into the quality of the nursing home.

Observe the environment

During your tour of the nursing home, make sure to mentally note what you’re observing. It’s important that the environment is hazard-free including proper lighting, handrails, etc. so your loved one doesn’t injury themselves. Are rooms and common places clean? Do residents’ look well-groomed? These are all things you should take into consideration.

Ask about activities

You don’t want your loved one to be couped up in their room all day. Make sure to ask the nursing home about what activities are available. Will your loved one be able to participate in activities safely? Make sure to ask if residents are friends with each other or make a mental note of this. It’s important that your loved one feels a sense of community.

Location

If it’s possible, you should find a facility that’s close to home to make visiting your loved one more comfortable. Regular visits from family members are crucial to ensure that they’re living in an environment that is safe and free of neglect or abuse.

Make a second visit

Try to make an unscheduled visit to the nursing home facility. Nursing home staff ensures they’re putting their best foot forward when taking you on a tour of the facility. While you may not get a tour, the facility should still be operating smoothly.

What Are the Stages of Bedsores?

July 31, 2022/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – Nearly 1.5 million U.S. adults reside in nursing homes. It’s no secret that nurses across the nation are struggling from being overworked and understaffed. When this happens, residents are more prone to neglect and abuse. One of the most common signs of neglect is bedsores. Bedsores, or pressure ulcers, are caused by pressure from lying in bed, sitting in a wheelchair or wearing a cast for a prolonged period of time.

Stages of bedsores

There are four stages of bedsores:

Stage 1 is the mildest form of bedsores. The skin’s top layer is the only part affected. At this stage, the skin is not opened nor cracked. At this stage, nursing home staff should continuously check on the resident’s position, provide wound care, and regularly check to prevent bedsores from returning. Those who suffer from Stage 1 bedsores may recover in a few days; however, these ulcers should be treated immediately to prevent it from worsening.
Symptoms may include mild burning or itching, feel firmer than surrounding tissue, have a warmer temperature from surrounding normal tissue, sore to touch and appear red in people with lighter skin and blue or purple in people with darker skin.
Stage 2 is when the ulcer begins to penetrate the inner layer of skin and often times has fluid build-up or is blistered. The sore breaks into the second layer, but can be easily treated in a matter of days to avoid complications including inflections that can spread to the blood, bones and internal organs.
Symptoms may include a shallow, crater-like wound, yellowish fluid blister that may or may not have burst, pain, swollen, sore or red tissue around the sore, drainage or pus at the ulcer.
Stage 3 unfortunately shows that neglect or abuse is already present. When the pressure ulcer breaks into the second layer of tissue, it may look like a cater and turn black due to the dead tissue surrounding the infected area. Antibiotics are required to be prescribed, along wit other supportive treatment measures to fight the infection and speed up the healing process.
Symptoms may include pus, redness, foul odor, or discolored drainage.
Stage 4 is the most severe kind of bedsore usually affecting the muscles and ligaments which can take months to heal, or worse, may never heal. Residents suffering from stage 4 bedsores need to be taken to the hospital immediately where surgery may be required.
Symptoms may include extreme pain, drainage, dead tissue, visible muscles or bone, or a dark, hard substance known as eschar.

How to prevent bedsores

Bedsores can be prevented by nurses and nursing home staff inspecting the residents skin for areas of redness, particularly paying close attention to bony areas. Other methods to prevent bedsores may include:

Turning and re-positioning residents every 2 hours from their bed or wheelchair
Provide soft padding in wheelchairs to reduce the likelihood of pressure ulcers from forming
Helping residents sit upright in a wheelchair, changing positions every 15 minutes
Providing good skin care by keeping the residents skin clean and dry
Providing residents with good nutrition

Congress passed the Elder Abuse Protection and Prosecution Act in 2017 to prevent pressure ulcers and other injuries of mistreatment towards elder individuals. The U.S. government has also emplaced the Residents’ Bill of Rights to ensure residents living in nursing home facilities are treated fairly and with dignity.

When to contact a nursing home neglect lawyer

Bedsores are typically the result of insufficient and negligent care. If you know something is wrong and your loved one is suffering, you should immediately contact an experienced nursing home neglect and abuse lawyer. The knowledgeable and skilled attorneys at the Dinizulu Law Group are here to help you. Call us today at (312) 384-1920 for a free consultation and to learn how we can help you.

Nursing Homes Are Suing Family and Friends to Collect Patients’ Bills

July 31, 2022/in Blog/by Meghann Krone

CHICAGO, IL – America’s health care debt crisis is only getting worse, especially for those who have loved ones living in a nursing home facility. Nursing homes are now going after the relatives and friends of residents who don’t pay their bills.

NPR and Kaiser Health News dug into court records in Rochester, N.Y., and found that children, grandchildren, friends, neighbors and other family members have been sued – some upwards of $10,000. There were nearly 240 debt collection cases filed by nursing homes in and around the Rochester area between 2018 and 2021.

Unfortunately, this isn’t just happening in New York. Nursing home industry officials have seen lawsuits in California, Illinois, Kentucky, Massachusetts and Ohio.

The hang-up of why relatives and friends are being sued for their loved ones bills is admission agreements. An admission agreement is a legally binding contract that defines and describes a resident’s legal relationship with the nursing home. Often times, whoever signs the documents as a responsible party is who the nursing home will go after to collect payments.

Federal law prohibits nursing homes from making relatives sign an admission agreement; however, the reality is that they do get asked to sign it.

Importance of Not Signing a Nursing Home Admission Agreement

Some people sign admission agreements without realizing what they’re agreeing to and can ultimately end them facing a lot of trouble. Agreements can contain illegal or misleading provisions.

If you have signed an admission agreement and your loved one isn’t paying their bills, you could be accused of breaching a contract. It’s critical that you do not agree to be the “responsible party” so you are not responsible for the residents unpaid bills.

Ensure that you’re reviewing the admission agreement for terms like “responsible party,” “guarantor,” “financial agent,” or something similar. If possible, you’re loved one should fill out the paperwork themselves.

Arbitration Provision

A majority of nursing home admission agreements contain a provision that states all disputes regarding the resident’s car will be decided through arbitration. Arbitration is the process in which two parties attempt to settle a dispute by making a decision they both agree to. By signing an admission agreement that contains arbitration provisions, you are waiving your right to go to court to resolve the issue.

Since a nursing home can’t force you to sign an arbitration provision, it’s best not to. It will save you time and money in bills, fees and potentially court.

Best Nursing Homes in Illinois

July 27, 2022/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – The list of best nursing homes in Illinois has been released by U.S. News. Out of the 707 nursing homes in the state, 95 received an overall rating of 5 out of 5.

U.S. News reviews nurse staffing levels, health inspections, quality measures and other key data to determine each facility’s rating. Beginning in 2009, the U.S. News Best Nursing Homes rating have relied on data from Nursing Home Compare, a tool ran by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

In 2018, U.S. News added a Short-Term Rehabilitation rating, evaluating the care delivered to patients after a hospitalization for surgery, a heart attack, stroke, injury or similar condition.

In 2019, a Long-Term Care rating was added to evaluate the care delivered to residents who can no longer live independently and rely on help with daily activities such as eating, administering medication or getting in and out of a wheelchair.

For a facility to be eligible for rating, a home must receive reimbursement from CMS in July of 2021 and had sufficient data to evaluate quality in that rating.

To be recognized as a U.S. News Best Nursing Home, a facility must be “high performing” in short-term rehabilitation, long-term care or both.

To view data and learn more about the best nursing home facilities in Illinois, click here. The U.S. News Best Nursing Home report provides an overview of nursing home facilities, a resident safety summary including information on staff and resident COVID-19 vaccination rates, costs, inspections and more.