Blog | Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd

10 Worst Skilled Nursing Homes in Chicago, Illinois

January 30, 2022/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – Illinois estimates over 76,000 of its citizens may be elder abuse victims. According to Illinois data, 8,000 cases are reported to Adult Protective Services annually. The Nursing Home Database compiled a list of the ten worst skilled nursing homes within a 50-mile radius of Chicago, Illinois, based on the Weighted All Cycles Score developed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

Aperion Care Chicago Heights | Chicago Heights, IL

This facility was cited 3 times during the most recent infection control inspection. Additionally, it has been more than 21 months since the most recent inspection. They were fined in the most recent period more than $276,700. Aperion Care Chicago Heights received 2 out of 5 stars, according to the CMS Five Star Rating system. CMS cited that this facility is worsening.

West Suburban Nursing Home & Rehab Center | Bloomingdale, IL

This facility was cited more than 4 times for COVID-19 related violations during the most recent infection control inspection and is continuing to worsen. Furthermore, it has been more than 22 months since the most recent inspection. The nursing staff of West Suburban Nursing & Rehab Center spends less time on average with its residents than the state average and less time than the national average for total nursing homes spent per resident. This nursing home facility was fined more than $400,100 in the most recent period. This nursing home was rated 2 out of 5 stars by CMS.

Landmark of Richton Park Rehab & Nursing Center | Richton Park, IL

This one-star nursing home facility was cited 3 times for COVID-19 related violations in the most recent infection control inspection and is continuing to worsen. The nursing home staff of Landmark of Richton Park Rehab & Nursing spends less time on average with its residents than the state average. Additionally, staff spends less time than the national average for total nursing homes spend per resident. They were fined more than $483,360 in the most recent period.

Crossroads Care Center of Kenosha | Kenosha, WI

Another one-star nursing facility was cited 3 times during their last inspection; furthermore, it has been more than 8 months since their most recent inspection. The nursing staff of Crossroads Care Center of Kenosha spends less time on average with its residents than the state average, as well as less time than the national average for total nursing homes spent per resident. They were fined more than $146,800 in the most recent period. CMS noted that this facility is worsening.

Simmons Loving Care Health Facility | Gary, IN

While this facility may be improving according to the CMS rating system, it has yet to be rated. This facility was cited two times during the most recent infection control inspection. It has been 7 months since Simmons Loving Care Health Facility’s most recent inspection. They were fined more than $246,695 during the most recent period.

Symphony of Chicago West | Chicago, IL

This two-star nursing home facility is worsening, according to CMS, and has been more than 7 months since the most recent inspection; additionally, the facility was cited 3 times during the most recent infection control inspection. The Nursing Home Database created an analysis based on the time staff spends with residents. The staff at Symphony of Chicago West spends less time on average with its residents than the state average and less time than the national average for total nursing homes spent per resident.

The analysis shows Registered Nurses (RN) only spend 0.19 hours with residents, compared to the state average of 0.76 hours. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) spends an average of 0.67 hours with residents at Symphony of Chicago West. The total amount of hours staff at this nursing home facility spent with residents per hour was only 2.02, compared to the state average of 3.43 hours, and the national average of 3.88 hours.

Illinois has required since 2013 that nursing homes have enough staff to give each resident needing skilled care at least 3.4 hours of nursing care, including at least 51 minutes of licenses nurse care. At least 21 minutes of the licensed nurse’s time must be care for by a registered nurse (Illinois Cares).

Symphony of Chicago West was fined more than $315,000 in the most recent period with 61 complaints filed.

To view the COVID-19 infections at Symphony of Chicago West, click here.

City View Multicare Center | Cicero, IL

Another 2-star nursing home that’s worsening, according to the CMS standards. This facility was cited 5 times during the most recent infection control inspection. It has been more than 3 months since the most recent inspection. There were more than 45 complaints filed in 2021, and they were fined $35,650 in the most recent period.

Elevate Care Country Club Hill | Country Club Hills, IL

Cited more than 6 times during the most recent infection control inspection, this 2-star nursing home facility is worsening. It has been more than 22 months since the most recent inspection. An analysis shows that the staff at Elevate Care Country Club Hill spends less time on average with its residents than the state average and less time than the national average for total nursing homes spent per resident.

RN’s at this facility only spend 0.48 hours on average with residents compared to the state average of 0.76 hours. LPN’s spend roughly 1.05 hours with residents, which is above the state average of 0.63 hours. In total, Elevate Care Country Club Hill spends an average of 3.22 hours per resident, compared to Illinois’ state average of 3.43 and the national average of 3.88.

Elevate Care Country Club Hill had more than 54 complaints filed in 2021; additionally, were fined more than $324,510.

Harbor Health & Rehab | East Chicago, IL

Although this is a 1-star nursing home according to the standards of CMS, Harbor Health & Rehab is improving. The facility was cited 3 times during the most recent infection control inspection; additionally, they have not received an inspection in more than 5 months.

Staff spends less time on average with its residents than the state average and less time than the national average for total nursing homes spent per resident. The analysis showed this Habor Health & Rehab’s RN’s spent an average of 0.37 hours with residents, compared to the state average of 0.65. LPN’s spent 0.73 hours with residents, compared to the state average of 0.92. In total, staff at Habor Health & Rehab Center only spent an average of 2.35 hours with residents compared to the state average of 3.65 hours.

More than 31 complaints were filed against them and they were fined more than $72,500.

Arista Healthcare | Naperville, IL

This 1-star nursing home facility is worsening and was cited 5 times during the most recent infection control inspection; furthermore, it’s been more than 12 months since the most recent inspection; however, analysis shows they spend the most time with residents. RN’s spent an average of 1.10 hours with residents at this facility while LPN’s spent 0.35 hours with residents.

In total, Arista Healthcare spent 3.01 hours with residents per day, compared to the state average of 3.43 hours, and the national average of 3.88 hours.

They were fined more than $131,360 in the most recent period and had more than 45 complaints filed against them in 2021, as of November.

How Patient-Doctor Confidentiality Conflicts with the Law

January 17, 2022/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – Patient-physician confidentiality is a fundamental aspect of medical ethics. Patients entrust their doctors with personal information, and it is considered medical malpractice when information to a third party is disclosed without the patient’s consent.

What is Patient-Doctor Confidentiality?

Patient-doctor confidentiality is the notion that a person should not be worried or concerned about seeking medical treatment out of fear that his or her condition will be disclosed to another party. The objective of the confidential relationship is so that patients can entrust their private information will be kept with their doctor or medical provider. Disclosing all information allows doctors to make an accurate diagnosis to provide the patient with the best possible medical care.

Principle IV of the American Medical Association’s Code of Medical Ethics states, “[a] physician shall safeguard patient confidences and privacy within the constraints of the law” [1]. This duty of confidentiality has certain exceptions such as a patient’s threat to inflict serious physical harm on a specific, identified person when there is reasonable probability to believe the patient will carry out that threat [2].

The second part of Principle IV states, “within the constraints of the law” often justifies physicians’ decision to disclose confidential information. In most states, physicians are required by state law to disclose evidence of child abuse which can be obtained through a physical examination or discussion with the minor [3]. Similarly, the law tells physicians to disclose information that indicates that a crime has occurred or may occur [3].

What is Covered by Patient-Doctor Confidentiality?

Confidentiality covers all medical records of the patient, including medical history, pre-existing medical conditions, x-rays, lab reports, etc.), as well as all communications between the patient and doctor. Generally, this includes the nurses and staff that work with the doctor.

What Constitutes as a Breach in Patient-Doctor Confidentiality?

A breach of patient-doctor confidentiality occurs when a patient’s private information is disclosed to a third party without their consent and most of the time knowledge. However, there are certain exceptions to the disclosure of information to state health officials and court orders that require medical records to be produced. These rules apply to both physicians and psychotherapists.

Patient confidentiality is protected under state law. When this is violated, the patient may have a cause of action against their doctor, medical providers, medical institution, among others for medical malpractice.

What Are the Privilege and Waiver Rules?

The patient-doctor privilege belongs to the patient. The patient has the right to decide whether or not the information is disclosed. In most cases, the doctor has no discretion as to whether or not the information can be disclosed.

A patient waives their privilege by initiating a lawsuit in which the patient’s health is the issue, so long as the interactions between the doctor and patient are relevant to the lawsuit. A patient may also initiate a lawsuit for personal injury; however, the patient-doctor relationship must be relevant to the medical issues provided in the lawsuit in order for the privilege to be waived. For example, if a patient files a personal injury lawsuit, the release of their medical records would be relevant to the case.

Patient-doctor confidentiality relationships also protect observations, not just words. A doctor’s observations during an examination are considered a part of communication, which is privileged as a result. However, a doctor can disclose very basic details about the examination without breaching patient-doctor confidentiality.

When a third party assists with the provision of a patient’s healthcare, the rules of confidentiality will often prevent disclosure of the information by the doctor or the third party.

How Long Does Doctor-Patient Confidentiality Last?

According to the American Medical Association’s Code of Medical Ethics, the duty of confidentiality continues even after a patient has stopped being seen or treated by that particular doctor, even surviving the death of a patient.

Filing a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit for Breaching Confidentiality

If a doctor breaches the confidential relationship with their patient by disclosing protected information, the patient may be entitled to file a lawsuit. A patient may recover compensatory damages which include emotional suffering and damage to a patient’s reputation resulting from the disclosure.

Doctors may also be subject to sanctions by state medical boards for violating confidentiality rules. Although these sanctions don’t help the patient, it reduces the likelihood of future breaches of confidentiality.

If you or a loved one’s confidential information has been disclosed to a third party without your consent, please contact one of our skilled medical malpractice attorneys at Dinizulu Law Group. Our experienced medical malpractice lawyers of the Dinizulu Law Group have extensive knowledge and resources to seek justice for you or your loved one. Call our office today for a free consultation at (312) 384-1920 or visit our website for additional information.

Teen Driver Awareness Month: Tips for Being on the Roadway

January 9, 2022/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – January is recognized as Teen Driving Awareness Month, and for a good reason. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 2,400 teens ages 13 to 19 were killed in 2019 from motor vehicle accidents. It’s natural for parents to be worried and concerned about their teenager on the roadway, especially knowing the dangers of other drivers. Below are a few tips that can help teens stay safe while they are behind the wheel and on the roadway.

Encourage Wearing a Seatbelt

There’s a reason it’s against the law to not wear your seatbelt, yet many people choose not to. Nearly six out of 10 drivers ages 16 to 20 that were involved in a car crash in 2011 were not wearing a seatbelt. Being buckled up during a car crash helps keep you safe and secure inside your vehicle. If you aren’t wearing one during the time of a car crash, you could be ejected from the vehicle and suffer from catastrophic injuries or death. Furthermore, not wearing your seat belt could cause you to be thrown rapidly into the airbag which can further injury or fatally kill you.

Stay Off Cell Phones

We live in a time where we are glued to our cell phones, specifically teenagers. In July 2019, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed into law that any person(s) using an electronic device while driving that causes a crash that results in bodily harm, permanent disability, or disfigurement to another person is a Class A misdemeanor. If death results from a car crash, it is considered a Class 4 felony.

The Pew Research Center found that one in four teens admitted to texting while driving – even in states like Illinois where it is illegal.

Limit the Number of Passengers

If you’re new to the roadway, it’s best to keep your passengers to a minimum as it increases distractions. While you may be excited to take your friends on a ride, you are at a greater risk of being involved in a car crash. In Illinois, the first 12 months of licensing or until the driver turns 18 (whichever occurs first), the number of passengers is limited to one person under the age of 20, unless the passenger(s) is a sibling, step-sibling, child, or stepchild of the driver.

Many teens admit to having three or more passengers in their vehicle while driving. Teens with this many passengers face 4 times the likelihood of getting in a car crash.

Restrict Driving Times

The later or earlier it gets, the more likely a teen is to be involved in a car crash. Nearly 16 percent of fatal car crashes involving teenagers occur between 9:00 PM and 12:00 AM. More than 20 percent of fatal teen accidents occur between midnight and 6:00 AM.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Getting your license should be a fun and memorable experience. Make sure that you are aware of your surroundings and limit your distractions to put you less at risk of getting in a car accident. If you are injured in a car crash, the personal injury attorneys at the Dinizulu Law Group can help you. Call our office at (312) 384-1920 to learn how we can better help you.

Staying Safe on New Years: One of the Dangerous Nights of the Year

December 30, 2021/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – As 2021 comes to a close, that means New Year’s festivities are almost here. While the end of the year brings excitement and joy, it also comes with catastrophic dangers unlike any other day.

New Year’s Accident Statistics

Holidays give us a reason to celebrate and cheer, yet statistics have shown it’s also prone to being the most dangerous time of year. To no surprise, roadways are more congested and more alcohol is typically consumed this time of year. In fact, nearly 45 percent of the population admits to binge drinking on New Years Eve.

New Year’s Day poses a 95 percent increase in car accidents. To give you a better understanding of how dangerous traveling around this holiday can be, here are a few statistics:

During Christmas and New Year’s last year, there were 285 drunk driving-related traffic deaths in the United States.

According to the National Safety Council, 36% of traffic fatalities in 2019 during the New Year holiday period involved an alcohol-impaired driver.

The average blood alcohol content level on New Years Eve is 0.09%.

Plan Ahead

If you plan on drinking for the holiday this year, create a plan ahead of time. Make arrangements to Uber home or call a cab to get you to your final destination that night.

While fares may be higher for public ride services like Lyft or Uber, it’s much cheaper than what a DUI would cost. If you live in the Chicago area, CTA is allowing free rides from 10:00 PM to 4:00 on New Years Eve.

Do not drink and drive and put the lives of others or yourself at danger over one night of drinking.

Designate a Sober Driver

Do not put the lives of others or yourself at-risk for one night of drinking and fun. Designate someone beforehand to be your sober driver for the night or make alternative plans for you to get home safely.

Stay Safe

The National Highway and Safety Administration’s says safe driving begins with responsible choices, including:

Plan and depart for your New Year’s celebration as early as you can.
Drive the speed limit, even if you are behind schedule.
Designate a designated driver ahead of time or use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely.
Use your defensive driving skills and anticipate potential driving challenges like weather, road conditions, and large animals.
Watch out for other impaired drivers. If you see a driver you think is under the influence, call 911 or contact your local police dispatch right away.

Have Fun

While New Year’s Eve is a night for celebrating and ringing in the New Year, it’s important to remember to be safe above all else. The team at the Dinizulu Law Group would like to wish you a safe and happy New Year.

Sexual Assaults Hit 20-Year High in Near North District of Chicago, Illinois

December 29, 2021/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – Nineteen of Chicago’s twenty-two police districts saw an increase in sexual assault reports over this past year compared to 2020, with reports nearly doubling in River North and other parts of downtown Chicago.

Lately across news headlines, it’s unfortunately not surprising to see “Limo driver sexually assaults woman in Gold Coast,” or “Video shows woman raped in River North while security stood by.” The number of similar crimes in the area has skyrocketed compared to last year, according to the Chicago Sun Times analysis of police statistics.

River North, part of The Near North district, and other parts of downtown saw the highest amount of sexual assault cases reported out of any district in the city – an area that is getting progressively worse.

According to Chicago Police Departments CompStat figures, there were 77 sexual assaults reported in the Near North district in 2020. After this past Sunday, there were more than 150 sexual assaults reported this year – more than a 95 percent increase over the last year and the most in two decades for the district.

The Near North district is known for its plethoric bar and club scene, though police don’t directly blame this, but rather drugs and alcohol often playing a role in this incidents.

Sexual Assault Reports Increased Across Almost Every District

With nineteen out of Chicago’s twenty-two police districts, they nearly all saw a rise in sexual assault crimes.

The Shakespeare district, also known as Logan Square, Wicker Park, and Bucktown, saw a 103 percent increase from 36 reports of sexual assault to 73. Likewise, Jefferson Park saw the largest increase with 121 percent increase in reports from 33 sexual assaults in 2020 to 73 this year alone.

As of Monday, there have been more than 2,050 cases of sexual assault reported in Chicago – more than a 25 percent increase compared to the same time frame in 2020.

Chicago police officers have recently undergone in-service trainings focused on trauma-informed responses to sexual assault, according to police officials.

Few Arrests Made from Sexual Assault

A 2020 report by the Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation revealed that Chicago police didn’t make an arrest in roughly 80 to 90 percent of sexual-related crimes between 2018 and 2019.

As of December 22, there were more than 420 felony sexual assault charges tied to Chicago-related incidents. Charges in 160 cases were rejected.

A woman who was sexually assaulted outside of Joy District nightclub said she still doesn’t know the name of her attacker who was with her group earlier that night. She has warned others about her friend’s male acquaintance who was with them that night.

She initially blamed herself, but when she returned weeks later to the same nightclub with her friend and her friend experienced the same thing, she realized this wasn’t a one-off incident.

Another River North establishment that has been the subject of multiple lawsuits involving sexual assault allegations is El Hefe nightclub. Two lawsuits were filed in 2019 against El Hefe after two women were sexually assaulted after someone drugged their drinks. The lawsuit alleged the bar and staff’s negligence contributed to the attacks.

If You’re a Victim of Sexual Assault, Get Help Right Away

If you’ve been a victim of sexual assault, it’s important to alert authorities immediately. It’s understandable that you may want to take action against your abuser. An Illinois sexual misconduct attorney can help you confront your abuser and make him or her pay for what has been done to you.

The Chicago sexual misconduct attorneys at the Dinizulu Law Group understand how emotionally difficult these types of claims can be. Our lawyers will provide you with quality legal representation and give your case the caring attention that it deserves. Contact us today at (312) 384-1920 to learn more about how we can help.

Slip and Fall at the Grocery Store: Who is At Fault?

December 13, 2021/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – Grocery store slip and fall injuries are often caused by a negligent store employee who may fail to clean up spills, overload shelves, or block aisles with boxes. When you head to the grocery store, you shouldn’t leave hurt or injured. These types of accidents are preventable despite the common occurrence of slip and fall injuries.

Grocery Store Falls

Grocery stores have hard surface floors to make it easier for cleaning, which can result in serious injuries like concussions, sprained ankles, fractured and broken bones, back and spinal cord injuries, or traumatic brain injuries (TBI).

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents

The most common causes of slip and fall accidents at grocery stores include:

Spilled liquid or food on the floor
Wet floors from mopping
Faulty entrances and exits
Missing or torn floor mats
Aisle obstructions from boxes
Overloaded shelves
Unmaintained parking lots like cracks and potholes

Who is Liable for an Injury at a Grocery Store?

Grocery stores have a duty of care to their customers under Illinois state premise liability laws which states they have the obligation to provide a safe environment for customers that is free of hazard to prevent accidents and injuries from occurring. When a store is negligent and breaches their duty of care, injury victims are entitled to compensation.

If you’ve been injured due to a grocery stores, the slip and fall attorneys at the Dinizulu Law Group can file a premise liability lawsuit on your behalf in court.

Collecting Compensation for Your Injuries

In many cases, slip and fall injures are settled out of court which benefits the grocery store, as it keeps them out of a lengthy court litigation. Slip and fall grocery store settlements vary from case to case and depends on a variety of factors including the severity of your injures, the medical expenses incurred, and the wages you have lost or loss of future earnings. You may be eligible to receive the following compensation:

Pain and suffering: Mental and emotional distress may come from your accident and you may be compensated for it.
Medical expenses: Medical expenses may include hospital stays, medication, testing, and other treatment such as physical therapy. Compensation for medical expenses will cover medical attention from the day of your injury; furthermore, it may cover medical attention you need in the future.
Loss of income: In some cases, injures are so catastrophic that the victim is unable to work at the same pace they were able to before the accident occurred. If this you are deemed eligible for loss of income, compensation is based on your wage history before the injury.

Contact a Chicago, Illinois Premise Liability Attorney

If you’ve been injured due to a grocery stores negligence, contact the premise liability lawyers of the Dinizulu Law Group. We’re here to help you and hold those who caused your injuries liable. Call our firm now for a free and confidential consultation now at (312) 384-1920.

How Can I Prove My Loved One Who Suffers from Dementia Was Abused by a Nursing Home Staff Member?

December 8, 2021/in Blog/by DAMG

Chicago, IL—A large percentage of the individuals who occupy nursing homes in the U.S. suffer from some form of dementia, making it difficult for them to recall certain information and traumatic events. The World Health Organization (W.H.O.) reports that more than 55 million individuals worldwide live with dementia and there are roughly 10 million new cases recorded each year.

If your loved one suffers from dementia—a syndrome that is known to cause a person’s cognitive abilities to deteriorate, and you believe they have been abused or neglected by a nursing home staff member, our Chicago, IL nursing home abuse lawyers are here to help.

Dementia Facts You May Not Know

According to the W.H.O., dementia “results from a variety of diseases and injuries that primarily or secondarily affect the brain.”
Alzheimer’s currently serves as one of the most common forms of dementia. The W.H.O. estimates that 60-70 percent of the cases of dementia are categorized as Alzheimer’s.
Dementia currently serves as “the seventh leading cause of death among all diseases and one of the major causes of disability and dependency among older people globally.”

Stages of Dementia

Dementia occurs in three stages, early, middle, and late. A brief overview of each stage is outlined below.

Early Stage Dementia

When a person enters the early stages of dementia, they might appear to be forgetful, lose track of time, or get lost in places that were always familiar to them, according to the W.H.O. The W.H.O. says this stage of dementia is sometimes overlooked because “the onset is gradual.”

Middle Stage Dementia

As a person’s dementia progresses, their cognitive abilities will begin to decline at a more rapid rate. For instance, they might forget something that happened recently or the names of the people they know. Communication may now be a difficult task for them, and they might begin to display behavior out of the norm. Some individuals who enter the middle stage of dementia might also need “help with personal care.”

Late Stage Dementia

According to the W.H.O., the “late stage of dementia is one of near total dependence and inactivity. Memory disturbances are serious, and the physical signs and symptoms become more obvious.” Some symptoms a person might experience during the late stage of dementia include:

Being unaware of the time or place they are in.
Inability to recognize friends or relatives.
Trouble with walking.
In need of assistance with caring for themselves.
Behavioral changes that might involve a person becoming aggressive.

Statistics Show Residents with Dementia are More Susceptible to being Abused or Neglected

Statistics have shown that individuals who suffer from dementia are at a higher risk of being abused by nursing home staff members. This is partly because they are less likely to remember an incident or recall enough information to report the inappropriate behavior.

If you suspect that your loved one has been physically, emotionally, or sexually abused by a nursing home staff member and their condition makes it difficult or impossible for them to recall information, we suggest you contact one of your experienced Chicago, IL nursing home abuse attorneys.

At Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd., our lawyers will follow a series of steps to help you gather evidence to substantiate your claims given they are valid.

How our Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in Chicago Can Help You Prove Allegations

Although it may be clear to you that your loved one has been mistreated by one or more nursing home staffers, your case won’t stand in court if you aren’t able to gather the evidence needed to support your claims. For example, if you’re loved one was assaulted by someone who was working in the nursing home in which they reside, you’ll be expected to prove your loved one suffered an injury along with the cause of those injuries.

Gathering evidence has proven to be tricky as certain information requires permission to access, though our nursing home abuse attorneys have experience with this. Not only will we help you build your case given, but we will help your loved one fight for the justice they deserve.

Damages We Can Help Your Loved One Recover in their Nursing Home Abuse Case

In addition to recognizing the nursing home for allowing negligent behavior to occur, we can also assist your loved one with recovering damages to make up for their pain and suffering. To do this, we will need to file a complaint against the home. In the complaint, we can help identify the damages you’re likely entitled to. Some might include:

Medical expenses if any were incurred as a result of the abuse
Pain and suffering
Mental anguish
Additional costs and/or losses

If you would like to speak with one of our skilled lawyers about a recent incident that occurred or how to hold a nursing home in Chicago liable for abuse, contact Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. at 1-312-384-1920.

You can contact Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. at:

221 North La Salle Drive, Suite 1100

Chicago, IL 60601

Phone: 1-312-384-1920

Website: www.dinizululawgroup.com

What Makes Someone A Credible Witness for a Car Accident Claim?

December 5, 2021/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – The aftermath of a car accident can be chaotic, anxiety-provoking, and traumatizing. Accidents can occur very quickly which is why it’s important to have witness testimony, but having a witness that’s not credible can damage your claim more than it can help you.

What is a Credible Witness?

Credible is the quality of which a witness is believable in whose testimony is likely considered to be true and unbiased. Insurance adjusters, judges, and jurors are more likely to believe testimony from witnesses who are honest and credible.

Why Are Credible Witnesses Important to Have for My Case?

After being injured in a car accident, you have a large stake in the outcome of the car accident claim you file. Insurance companies are not your friends – they have a reason to believe your statements may be biased or self-serving since the outcome of the case directly impacts you.

The role of a credible witness is to provide essential information about the cause and outcome of a car accident that’s free from bias, prejudice, or clouded judgment. If it’s not clear who was at-fault, testimony from a credible witness may be your best way to show what truly happened at the scene.

Factors That Impact a Witness’ Credibility

When using eyewitness testimony to support your Chicago car accident case, be aware the following factors could impact the credibility of a witness like:

History of criminal activity or dishonest behavior
Relationship between the witness and drivers involved in the claim
Cognitive difficulties, including memory problems, becoming confused easily, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Any vision problems that would obstruct or limit the witness’ view of the accident
Any interest or stake in the outcome of the accident claim
Inconsistencies in a witnesses testimony

How the Dinizulu Law Group Can Help You

The Dinizulu Law Group is here to help you when you need a reliable Chicago personal injury lawyer to help establish a strong claim and help identify credible witnesses to support your case. Call the Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd today at (312) 384-1920 for a free, confidential consultation.

The COVID-19 Pandemic Isn’t Going Anywhere Just Yet—And Neither is the Nursing Home Abuse Issue

December 1, 2021/in Blog/by DAMG

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, elder abuse rates have steadily increased, reports the World Health Organization (WHO), suggesting the issue is worsening, not improving. WHO says that within the past year, one in six people aged 60 and older experienced some form of elder abuse and two in three staff members reported that they committed abuse.”

While it’s clear the COVID-19 virus has presented us with many challenges, some of which we were not equipped to handle, elder abuse is preventable. Elder abuse can be an isolated incident or a repeated act and can be inflicted by nursing home staffers, residents, or even health care professionals. Nursing home neglect, which is also a form of abuse, happens when there is “a lack of appropriate action.”

Although elder abuse can happen in any community setting, rates are often highest in nursing homes and long-term care facilities, according to WHO.

What factors put a nursing resident more at risk of being abused?

Anyone living in a nursing home is at risk of being abused and neglected. However, certain factors put residents at a higher risk of being targeted. These include:

Functional dependence/disability

A large percentage of the individuals residing in nursing homes are physically dependent on staffers. This means they need help getting in and out of bed and even need assistance with bathing and using the restroom. These individuals are often considered “needy” and are easily neglected if a staffer cannot devote the necessary time they need. Staffers who are overburdened or burnt out might also become more frustrated with these individuals and inflict harm when they begin to feel overwhelmed.

Poor physical health

Residents who are in poor physical health require a significant amount of attention, that of which a staffer might not have to give. The truth is, many nursing homes are understaffed, meaning there aren’t enough workers to supervise and care for the residents being housed in the facility. This often results in workers being assigned to care for more residents than they can handle.

Cognitive impairment

A cognitive impairment can stem from old age or a health issue such as dementia. When a resident is diagnosed with some form of dementia such as Alzheimer’s, their memory suffers, and they are less likely to remember an incident should one occur.

Poor mental health

According to WHO, “approximately 15 percent of adults aged 60 and over suffer from a mental disorder.” Mental health issues can stem from a number of different things including the environment a person is subjected to live in, medications, or their lack of mobility. When a person transitions from being independent to dependent, it can take a toll on their physical and mental health.

Similar to the other factors mentioned above, caring for a nursing home resident who suffers from a mental health disorder can be challenging and some workers are simply not cut out for it.

Low income

Although nursing home abuse can happen in a privately-run facility or one that operates with government funding, it tends to happen in homes that cater to low-income individuals. Homes that are faced with financial strain often cut their staff and make other sacrifices that put a resident’s health and wellbeing at risk.

How can I protect my loved one from nursing home abuse during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Though we are hopeful that the COVID-19 pandemic will soon be brought to an end, it is still a global concern. Homes have put into place certain precautionary measures to protect residents, though not all follow them. To help reduce the chances of your loved one becoming a victim of abuse or neglect, we recommend that you do the following:

Visit your loved one often. This allows you to assess their physical and mental condition and also provides you with the opportunity to evaluate the environment they are living in. If you cannot visit your loved one in person, it is recommended you visit with them virtually through FaceTime, Zoom, or another app that supports face-to-face calling.

Keep an eye out for signs of abuse and neglect. While visiting your loved one, be sure to keep an eye out for any physical and emotional signs that might signal abuse. If something seems off, don’t hesitate to bring it to a nurse’s attention.

Become more informed on the facility’s COVID-19 protocol. Knowing what a nursing home’s COVID-19 protocol looks like can help you identify when something isn’t being done properly.

Contact a Chicago, IL nursing home lawyer if you suspect your loved one is being abused or neglected

If you believe your loved one has been abused or neglected by a nursing home staffer, our Chicago nursing home abuse lawyers are here to help. We would be happy to sit down with you to help you make sense of the matter and understand your legal rights. To schedule an initial consultation with a nursing home abuse lawyer now, call us at 1-312-384-1920.

You can contact Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. at:

221 North La Salle Drive, Suite 1100

Chicago, IL 60601

Phone: 1-312-384-1920

Website: www.dinizululawgroup.com

Staying Safe While on America’s Roadways this Holiday Season

November 22, 2021/in Blog/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – America’s roadways may be congested this year as the American Automobile Association (AAA) predicts more than 53 million people traveling for the Thanksgiving holiday, up 13% from last year. AAA predicts 48.3 million American’s to travel on the roadways, as commuters leave work early and mix with other holiday travelers.

Senior Vice President of AAA Paula Twidale explained how travel will look much different than last year by stating, “now that the boarders are open and new health and safety guidelines are in place, travel is once again high on the list for Americans who are ready to reunite with their loved ones for the holiday.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for people aged 1 to 54 in the United States.

Take time to plan your travel ahead of time to ensure your car and those traveling with you too will be safer. While accidents can happen for any reason, there are dangers specific to the holiday season.

Drunk driving is responsible for many holiday accidents and fatalities each year. While we all love celebrating with loved ones, social binge drinking can lead to a person making a fatal decision to get behind the wheel while intoxicated.
Dangerous weather conditions like snow, black ice, wind, and hail increase the risk during the winter season. As people travel on roadways, many drivers face these hazardous conditions.
American’s may be traveling more than normal during he holiday season, feeling pressed for time, and drive fatigued and stressed. Due to the pressure and tension of the COVID-19 pandemic, it may increase tensions on the roadway.

How to Stay Safe on the Roadway

Even experienced and careful drivers face these dangerous conditions and are susceptible to the risks that roadways pose. Here are a few ways you can protect yourself and your family on the road this holiday season:

Drive Sober
Do not drive impaired and put others lives at risk, including your own. Make alternative travel arrangements if you know you will be drinking, including designating a sober driver or taking an Uber home.
Plan for the Weather
Winter can be unpredictable, especially in Illinois, so be sure to check the weather before getting on the road. Black ice is one of the most dangerous parts of driving during the wintertime. Drive slowly and drive defensively.
Remain Alert
Not all drivers pay attention on the roadway, so make sure you are and drive with extra care and keep an eye on other drivers.
Don’t Text and Drive
Other than it being against the law, any type of handheld phone usage while driving is dangerous. Texting is one of the top reasons for car crashes, especially during the holiday season. Avoid all distractions while driving, especially your cell phone.

No matter what your plans are this holiday season, the roadway poses hazards like weather and distracted drivers. If you are injured in an car accident, contact the personal injury attorneys of the Dinizulu Law Group. Our attorneys are knowledgeable and experienced who will fight for the negligent party to be held accountable. Contact our office now at (312) 384-1920 to learn how we can further help you.