Uncategorized | Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd

Staying Safe While on America’s Roadways this Holiday Season

November 22, 2021/in Blog, Uncategorized/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.

Inadequate Maintenance of Trucks Can Lead to More Truck Accidents

November 19, 2021/in Blog, Uncategorized/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – Truck drivers and trucking companies often skip required inspections and maintenance to save time and money. While trucking companies may generate more revenue by delivering loads in a quicker, more efficient manner, it puts the lives of many innocent individuals at-risk.

Truck crash investigations have routinely shown problems with truck maintenance, such as:

Brake failure
Broken taillights
Defective air brakes
Defective couplings
Tire blowouts
Failure to install blind spot mirrors
Lake of reflective tape
And more

If trucking companies and truck drivers routinely ensured that tractor trailers were maintained and inspected, the above listed problems would be easily discoverable. If you have recently been injured due to the negligence of a truck driver, contact the truck accident attorneys at the Dinizulu Law Group who will represent your injury claim and investigate if truck maintenance was performed under Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) laws.

A study performed by FMCSA found that 27 percent of trailer trucks had brake safety issues and 3 percent experienced tire problems.

FMCSA Truck Maintenance Regulations

The FMCSA has comprehensive regulations for trucks in terms of inspection, repair, and maintenance that all drivers must abide by, such as:

“Every motor carrier shall systematically inspect, repair, and maintain, or cause to be systematically inspected, repaired, and maintained, all motor vehicles subject to its control.”
Parts and accessories must be in a safe, proper condition at all times.
Pushout windows, emergency doors, and emergency door marking lights must be inspected every 90 days, at minimum.
Refrain from operating any large rig if it’s in a state that’s likely to cause an accident or breakdown; if so, you must mark the trailer with an “out of service” sticker.
Drivers must perform a “pre-trip” inspection to ensure its safe condition and the load is secure.
Review the last truck inspection report and sign off verifying any necessary repairs were completed.
Complete an inspection of the truck and prepare a written report that documents any defect or deficiency.

Contact the Dinizulu Law Group Today

The truck accident attorneys of the Dinizulu Law Group are experienced and knowledgeable about trucking laws and accidents and investigate all of our cases thoroughly to determine what caused the accident. Call our office now at (312) 384-1920 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case and begin the process of getting the compensation you deserve.

Moving a Loved One into an Illinois Nursing Home? Here’s How to Check Which Facilities have Deficiencies

November 2, 2021/in Uncategorized/by DAMG

Chicago, IL—When discussing long-term care options with a loved one and/or close family members, it’s important to consider the nursing homes that are meeting state and federal rules and regulations as well as those that are being recognized for having recurring deficiencies. With all the information the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) makes available to the public, finding this information has become much easier to do.

What is the Special Focus Facility (SSF) Program, and how does it help you identify which nursing homes in Illinois have deficiencies?

The SFF program was created by CMS to help address an ongoing issue that affects the health and wellbeing of nursing home residents—a lack of compliance from nursing homes. There are many nursing homes in Illinois today that neglect to follow CMS’ health care standards and the SFF program aims to identify them.

While CMS says most nursing homes do have deficiencies, generally averaging around six to seven, many allow the lack of compliance to develop into a pattern. These are the homes that become enrolled in the SFF program.

Here’s how the SFF program works

CMS uses a point system to determine which facilities become candidates for the SFF program. When a home is cited for a deficiency, points are assigned to the home. The more deficiencies a home is cited for, the more points it receives. Deficiencies that are considered serious in nature also result in more points being assigned.

CMS says that the “facilities with the most points in a state then become candidates for the SFF program.” The homes on the SFF program list are subject to a “full, onsite inspection of all Medicare health and safety requirements every six months.” The agency also “recommends progressive enforcement” until the home graduates out of the program or is no longer entitled to receive funding from Medicare and/or Medicare.

Enforcement might include a home being fined or having Medicare payments denied.

Which Illinois nursing homes are current candidates for the SFF program?

CMS recently issued a new list of nursing homes participating in the SFF program. The homes are separated into six categories which include:

New Additions- These are homes that were recently added to the list but have not yet had their inspection.
Not Improved– Homes identified as “not improved” are those that “have failed to show significant improvement despite being given the opportunity to show improvement in at least one inspection.”
Improving– These homes have shown improvement since their most recent inspection. Although improvement is good, CMS won’t immediately graduate a home from the program until continuous improvement is shown.
Recently Graduated- A home that falls into this category is one that “not only improved, but they sustained significant improvement for about 12 months” during which time they had two inspections.
No Longer in Medicare and Medicaid- These are homes that voluntarily left the program or were terminated due to a lack of compliance.
SFF Candidate list- The homes that are placed on the “SFF Candidate list” are those that qualify to be placed in the program.

Below you’ll find a list of the homes located in Illinois that fall into one of these six categories.

Newly Added

University Rehab, Urbana, IL

Not Improved

Generations At Rock Island, Rock Island, IL

Shown Improvement

Aperion Care Capitol, Springfield, IL
Elevate Care Waukegan, Waukegan, IL

Recently Graduated

Aperion Care Bradley, Bradley, IL

SFF Candidate List

Aperion Care Chicago Heights, Chicago Heights, IL
Arcadia Care Danville, Danville, IL
Arista Healthcare, Naperville, IL
Bria of Belleville, Belleville, IL
Champaign Urbana Nursing & Rehab, Savoy, IL
Gardenview Manor, Danville, IL
Integrity HC of Belleville, Belleville, IL
Integrity HC of Smithton, Smithton, IL
Landmark of Richton Park Rehab & Nursing Center, Richton Park, IL
Lena Living Center, Lena, IL
The Loft Rehab of Rock Springs, Decatur, IL
Manor Court of Clinton, Clinton, IL
New Athens Home for the Aged, New Athens, IL
River Crossing of Rockford, Rockford, IL
Sharon Health Care Willows, Peoria, IL
Stephenson Nursing Center, Freeport, IL
Sunset Rehabilitation & Health Center, Canton, IL
Symphony of Chicago West, Chicago, IL
Watseka Rehab & Health Care Center
West Suburban Nursing & Rehab Center

Get help with choosing a nursing home that is going to be right for your loved one

Homes that are consistently recognized for having compliance issues are those that often “pose risks to residents’ health and safety,” according to CMS. That is why it is important to conduct thorough research on any homes you are considering before relocating your loved one. If you have questions about the nursing homes in Chicago or need to know what to look for in a nursing home, contact Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. to speak with a Chicago, IL nursing home abuse lawyer.

At Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd., our Chicago nursing home abuse attorneys are committed to protecting our aging population and are here to help you identify signs of an unsafe nursing home to help prevent your loved one from becoming of abuse and neglect.

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

Who offers immediate help after a nursing home abuse incident occurs in Chicago, Illinois?

November 2, 2021/in Uncategorized/by DAMG

You’ve found out your loved one is being mistreated by a nursing a nursing home staffer and now you’re in a state of panic. What do you do? Who do you contact? How do you prevent the abuse from recurring?

These are among some of the most common questions that are asked after abuse is discovered and those our Chicago, IL nursing home abuse lawyers are prepared to address.

Who should I contact after finding out my loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse?

If you’re looking for immediate help, whether it is because you believe your loved one’s health or even life is at risk, you can always call 911. When you call 911, an officer will be dispatched to the nursing home where he/she shall write up a report. Be sure to disclose all the details that led to your discovery of the abuse so that this can be included in the report.

In addition to or in lieu of calling 911, you can also contact Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. at 1-312-384-1920. Our firm accepts calls 24/7 so you can feel confident in knowing someone will be able to offer you help and guidance during this difficult and confusing time. Generally, it is a good idea to call 911 in addition to contacting our office if a crime has been committed and involves your loved one.

Crimes might include physical assault and sexual assault.

What agencies in Illinois assist with cases involving nursing home abuse?

If you’re looking for immediate help, the Chicago nursing home abuse attorneys at Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. are here to help. However, there are agencies located within the State of Illinois that are also able to assist with abuse-related matters, some of which are listed down below.

Illinois Department on Aging (IDOA)

The IDOA has made available to the public a Senior HelpLine. The number to the Senior HelpLine is 1-800-252-8966 and provides abuse intake. You can also call the Adult Protective Services Hotline at 1-866-800-1409 to report suspected abuse of a person who is 60 years of age or older.

Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)

The IDPH is in charge of investigating “quality care issues, such as allegations of actual or potential harm to patients, patient rights, infection control, and medication errors.” While the IDPH does limit the types of cases it investigates, it may be able to help in cases stemming from elder abuse.

If you wish to file a formal complaint with the IDPH, you can do so in any of the following ways:

By telephone. You can call 800-252-4343 to report the abuse allegations.

By mail. While filing a complaint by mail will prolong the process, it is an option afforded to you. To file a complaint with the IDPH by mail, download the Healthcare Facilities Complaint Form by clicking here and mailing it to the following address:

Illinois Department of Public Health

Office of Health Care Regulation

Central Complaint Registry

525 W. Jefferson St., Ground Floor

Springfield, IL 62761-0001

Fax. Your complaint form can be faxed to the following number: 217-524-8885.
By e-mail. Forms can be emailed to DPH.CCR@illinois.gov.

What are some things a Chicago, IL nursing home abuse lawyer will do to help a loved one who is a victim of elder abuse?

The individuals who reside in nursing homes depend on those that work there to provide them with care and assistance. Many are vulnerable and unable to do for themselves. At Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd., we are advocates for those who are unable to speak up and defend themselves against the very people they seek help from each and every day.

At our firm, you can count on our legal experts to do the following:

Identify whether a valid case exists. This will require a thorough investigation which may include gathering medical records, taking witness statements, etc.

Help you and your loved one exercise your legal rights. If a case exists, we will review with you the options available to you and/or your loved one. This might include filing a personal injury lawsuit against the nursing home. If you decide to pursue legal action, we can help you value your case by determining what damages your loved one is entitled to. This might include pain and suffering, mental anguish, etc.

Represent you and/or your loved one in court. Going up against a nursing home and its lawyers isn’t always easy, but you can rest assured we will fight hard to defend your loved one’s rights.

If you believe your loved one was abused by one or more nursing home staffers in Chicago, we urge you to contact Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. so that we can begin working on your case. Time is of the essence in these types of cases as we wouldn’t want any pertinent evidence to disappear or have your loved one continue to be supervised by the person who caused them harm.

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 to do If You Were Injured in an Uber Accident in Illinois

November 2, 2021/in Blog, Uncategorized/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – Rideshare apps have grown exponentially over the past few years. Many riders use Uber or Lyft as their primary means of transportation. According to a report released by Forbes, in 2019 alone, there were more than 6.9 billion rides. Passengers that were injured in a rideshare accident, such as Uber or Lyft, are entitled to compensation for their injuries. The responsibility for any injuries or property damage is assigned to the at-fault driver who caused the accident.

Taking a Look at Uber’s Liability Coverage

Rideshare services have led to a 3% increase in overall car accident fatalities. Uber vehicles were involved in 97 fatal crashes between 2017 and 2018, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A study by NHTSA findings reveal some disturbing statistics:

Nearly 1,000 daily car accident deaths are due to the increasing number of rideshare vehicles on the road.
Uber vehicles were involved in 97 fatal crashes between 2017 and 2018.
Those crashes led to 107 deaths.
21% of those crash victims were riders.
21% of those crash victims were drivers.
The remaining 58% of crash victims were third-party drivers or passengers.

Unlike taxi cabs, ride-share vehicles are not considered common carriers under the law, so they are not held to the same safety standards and financial liabilities.

State laws regulate ride-sharing services and may vary in different states. Depending on which state you live in, the law will look at state ride-share regulations, as well as who was at-fault for the accident. View Illinois Ridesharing Arrangements Act here.

Insurance Has an Impact on Injury Cases

Insurance plays a significant role in personal injury claims. If the Uber driver is at-fault, the passenger can file a personal injury claim for up to $1 million against Uber’s Liability Coverage. If another driver is at-fault, injury victims must rely on the driver’s bodily injury liability coverage with his/her own personal auto insurance provider. If the driver at-fault was uninsured or underinsured, injury victims may be able to file a claim against Uber’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. THis coverage may also apply if the accident was a hit and run.

Uber drivers are covered under four major insurance companies in the United States: Allstate, Farmers, Liberty Mutual, and Progressive; however, this insurance will only pay out for injured when the Uber driver is logged into the Uber app at the time of the accident. This shows that the driver is fully on-duty and en route to pick up a passenger or delivering a passenger to designated location.

If the driver is logged into the app, bodily injury typically covers $100,000 per accident, $50,000 in bodily injury per person, and $25,000 in property damage per accident. If an Uber driver is en route to pick up a passenger or providing a trip, auto insurance limits are much higher. Specifically, they are: $1,000,000 third-party liability, $250,000 in uninsured motorist bodily injury, and contingent comprehensive and collision to actual cash value of the car).

If the driver is not logged into the app, Uber will not assume liability for injuries and any accident claims filed against the company’s insurance policy will likely be denied. To collect compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, an Uber accident attorney can file a personal injury claim on your behalf to recover compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance company.

Filing a Claim: Drivers and Passengers

Since passengers are rarely at-fault for an accident, they are more likely to have a better chance of recovering compensation versus an Uber driver. Uber drivers may also be found partially at-fault for an accident, even if they were hit by another driver. Partial liability may be assigned to the Uber driver if the following conditions can be proven:

Distracted driving
Reckless driving
Speeding
Running a red light or stop sign
Disobeying traffic laws
Alcohol and/or drugs

Finding an Uber Accident Attorney in Illinois

If you were injured in a rideshare accident, the Uber accident attorneys at the Dinizulu Law Group are here to help you navigate the aftermath of filing a personal injury claim. To learn about what legal action you can take to seek compensation for your injuries, call our office at (312) 384-1920 for a free consultation today.

Bicycle Hit and Run Accidents: What To Do

October 24, 2021/in Blog, Uncategorized/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – Bicycle hit and run accidents often result in catastrophic injuries for the bicyclists involved. It can be challenging to recover compensation for this type of crash for the bicyclists injuries, property damages, among other losses.

More than 2,300 bicyclists were injured as a result of vehicle crashes in Illinois alone, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation. Unfortunately, 12 bicyclists fatally lost their lives due to the crash.

If you were involved in a bicycle hit and run crash, here are the steps that you should take:

Call 911 immediately
If you were involved in a hit and run bicycle accident, you need to call 911 immediately to report the incident. Relay as much information as you can about the driver including their physical description, a description of the vehicle, and the direction that the vehicle fled.
Do not pursue the driver
Under no circumstances should you pursue a hit and run driver, as this places you and others in more danger. People typically flee the scene when they are intoxicated or have a reason to run from law enforcement. Do not get involved with this.
Seek medical care
It’s important to seek medical care as soon as possible. Even if your injuries don’t seem severe, many signs and symptoms of bicycle accident injures don’t appear for days or hours later. It’s important to immediately seek medical care to establish a timeline of events.
Gather evidence
If possible, take photos of the scene of the accident of anything that seems relevant. This may include injuries, the damaged bicycle, debris lying around the scene, traffic and weather conditions, and more. If there were any witnesses to the crash, get their names and contact information before they leave the scene.
Examine your insurance documents
It’s important to take a look at your own auto insurance policy to examine the coverage you have. If you carry uninsured motorist coverage, you may be able to receive compensation for your losses. Some insurance carriers offer a variety of personal injury protection (PIP) insurance that can be used to cover medical bills in this type of situation.
Contact a personal injury attorney
You should contact an experienced Chicago bicycle accident and personal injury lawyer as soon as you’re able to. Our skilled attorneys will handle every aspect of your case, including investigation what happened, communicating with law enforcement officials investigating the crash, and handling insurance carriers.

Illinois Nursing Homes Residents Suffer from Facilities Understaffing Issues

October 17, 2021/in Blog, Uncategorized/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – An atmosphere of chronic understaffing doesn’t support nursing home residents safety – an issue that remains prominent throughout the United States. Illinois has struggled to provide clinical and support staff in nursing homes and long-term care facilities, making basic care of residents extremely challenging.

Understaffing in nursing homes across the nation is nothing new – especially in Illinois. A report by AARP in 2018 shows Illinois ranked as the worst state in the country for direct care hours. Illinois law requires, “minimum staffing ratios to be 3.8 hours of nursing and person care each day for a resident needing skilled care and 2.5 hours of nursing and personal care each day for a resident needing intermediate care,” (Section 300.1230).

There are some indicators you can look for that will tell you if a nursing home has serious staffing issues. For example, if call light are frequently unanswered, this is a red flag that there’s understaffing in the facility.

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) cited and fined Aperion Care of Mascoutah for repeatedly not answering residents call lights. The administrator admitted he was aware that there was an issue with call lights not being answered timely. One resident admitted to using a bedpan when having to go to the bathroom because call lights go unanswered anywhere from 30 minutes up to an hour.

In December 2020, Illinois nursing homes were significantly understaffed in 165 facilities and affecting the care of more than 11,700 residents. Chicago nursing homes suffered a 19 percent shortage of nurses by December, and an additional 19 percent of aides.

Inadequate Staffing Levels Correlate to Low Quality Care

Without adequate staff and enough skilled nurses and aides, it’s nearly impossible to deliver the quality of care implemented by state and national laws. Understaffed nursing homes have increased reports of:

Bed sores/pressure ulcers
Falls and other fall-related injures
Dehydration
Malnutrition
Infections/spread of diseases

Look out for these signs if you or a loved one is a nursing home. Unfortunately, sexual abuse and physical abuse are also prone to increased instances due to the lack of oversight. It may mean that they are in danger and are vulnerable to speak up. It’s important to document any incidents, inform the administrator and/or call the police, and contact an experienced nursing home abuse attorney.

Contact the Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers at the Dinizulu Law Group

The skilled attorneys of the Dinizulu Law Group understand how nursing homes can provide poor quality of care to residents and we are hear to fight for you and help you throughout the duration of the legal process. To learn about your legal options, call our office now at (312) 384-1920.

What Evidence Should I Gather to Prove Nursing Home Neglect?

October 12, 2021/in Uncategorized/by DAMG

CHICAGO, IL — You think your loved one isn’t getting the proper treatment from nursing home staffers, and you’ve witnessed signs that point to neglect. What do you do and how can you prove your loved one is being victimized by the people who are supposed to be caring for them?

Steps to Take After Witnessing Signs of Nursing Home Neglect

If you believe your loved one is a victim of nursing home neglect, one of the first things you should do is contact Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. to speak with one of our experienced Chicago, IL nursing home neglect attorneys. If you’re looking to get your relative relocated to a new and safer facility, our lawyers can assist you with this and much more.

What a Chicago Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer Will Do For You

Finding out that your loved one isn’t receiving the care they are entitled to or being treated with the respect they deserve is heartbreaking. Most of the individuals who reside in nursing homes rely on staffers to assist with day-to-day tasks as well and care for them as they are no longer able to do it themselves. These individuals are vulnerable and staff members are well aware of this.

When our nursing home abuse law firm is contacted regarding a case of neglect, you can rest assured that we will do the following:

Determine if you have a valid case against the nursing home and/or one or more staff members.

If we suspect a case of neglect exists, we will help you get your loved one relocated to a safer place.

2. Help you gather evidence to support your case.

When a nursing home resident is neglected, you may be able to bring a lawsuit against the facility and/or a specific staff member, or your loved one may be able to file it themselves. However, in order to sue a nursing home, you will need to prove the facility or staffer was negligent in some way.

Proving negligence can be tricky and because an act of negligence is usually what these cases stem from, it is important to be able to show what the staffer did that was negligent. Thankfully, our skilled Chicago nursing home abuse and neglect attorneys will handle gathering all of the evidence needed to support your case.

Some examples of the evidence we might use includes:

A detailed description of what you witnessed. You are going to want to write down if you haven’t already done so all of the signs of neglect you identified. The date these findings were made would also be beneficial to your case.
Witness statements. If someone else such as another staff or even a visitor saw your loved one being neglected, we can collect statements from them that recount exactly what they saw.
Photos/videos. Photos of your loved one’s condition as well videos can also assist with proving negligence. If the home has surveillance cameras and the act was caught on camera, we can help you recover the video footage so that it can be used as evidence.
Medical records. Medical records are very important to nursing home neglect cases as they can help identify why a resident suffered an injury or what caused their condition to worsen. For example, if your loved one developed a condition such as a bedsore that only worsens without adequate treatment, this can be documented in their medical records which can later be used to help prove your case.

3. File a personal injury lawsuit against the facility and/or a staffer.

If your loved one suffered an injury or illness because they were neglected, they may be entitled to recover damages to serve as a form of relief. Some of the damages we may be able to help you recover after filing a lawsuit include:

Pain and suffering
Mental anguish
Medical expenses
Loss of enjoyment of life

4. Fight for justice.

When you move your loved one into a nursing home, the last thing you expect is for them to be harmed. Nursing homes are supposed to be employing enough staffers to ensure there is a reasonable resident to staff member ratio as well as those who are capable and qualified to do the job. When facilities become understaffed or hire workers who are underqualified, it puts many lives at risk.

Because most of the individuals in nursing homes are unable to speak up and defend themselves, they rely on family and professionals such as our dedicated Chicago, IL nursing home neglect lawyers to speak up for them—and that is exactly what we do here at Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. When you retain a lawyer to represent your loved one’s nursing home neglect case, you can rest easy knowing that we will be fighting as it if was one of our own who was harmed.

To schedule a time to speak with a nursing home abuse lawyer in Chicago, IL, call 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

How to Spot Poor Hygiene Practices in Illinois Nursing Homes

October 4, 2021/in Uncategorized/by DAMG

Chicago, IL—On the outside, a nursing home might appear to be well-kept and inviting, but on the inside, there may be serious issues that go unnoticed that are putting the health and lives of residents at risk. We’re talking about poor hygiene.

Nursing home operators and the individuals who are hired to work in them are required to meet certain standards in terms of hygiene not only because residents deserve to live in a clean space, but also because they tend to have weaker immune systems. When a nursing home doesn’t enforce good hygiene practices, it can cause infections and other contagious diseases to spread.

While there are plenty of nursing homes that follow good hygiene practices, there are a number of those that don’t, and it is important for families to be able to spot them. This way, the issue can be recognized and addressed.

Examples of Poor Hygiene Practices

Nurses or other health care professionals do not wash their hands after tending to residents.

One of the most effective ways of reducing the spread of viruses and other germs is by washing hands. Nursing home staffers should be washing their hands in between tending to patients or after cleaning up a resident’s living area or bathroom. If you noticed that a nurse or other staff member did not wash their hands while touring a facility or while you were visiting with your loved one, this should be brought to the attention of the facility administrator.

2. A resident’s clothing is dirty, or they appear to be unbathed.

Nursing home residents need to be bathed regularly and their clothes should be changed and washed daily. If your loved one appears to be wearing dirty clothing or informs you that they have not been bathed, this is a serious issue that needs addressing.

Residents who are left in dirty clothing or go unbathed are at a higher risk of developing rashes or skin infections. Not only might these be uncomfortable for a resident to have to live with, but they could potentially develop into a more serious condition.

3. The dining area appears to be dirty.

If you noticed that the tables and/or floors in the dining area are always dirty, this might be an indicator that the kitchen isn’t as clean as it should be. Anytime a facility is responsible for handling food, they need to ensure the area where it is being prepared and served is clean and sanitary. Kitchens and dining areas are one of many places where germs like to linger and if they aren’t being cleaned regularly, there is a good chance those germs will cause infections and spread.

4. The floors are dirty.

While there is much that goes on in a single day in a nursing home, the floors do need to be cleaned regularly. With so much movement in and out rooms, there is a good chance bacteria and other germs are being transported all around the facility. And the only way to stop the spread is to clean and sanitize the floors.

Did you know that “the transfer rate of bacteria from shoes to clean tiles is 90% to 99%?”¹Not only can certain bacteria found on the bottom of shoes cause urinary tract infections and diarrhea when a person is exposed to it, but there are certain types that can cause a person to suffer from pneumonia.

5. The bathrooms are not clean.

Bathrooms are breeding ground for germs and bacteria which is why they need to be cleaned and sanitized constantly. Nursing homes that allow their bathrooms to remain unclean and unsanitary may also be ignoring other areas of the facility as well which only heightens the risk of bacteria and viruses spreading.

How to recognize a nursing home for poor hygiene?

Nursing homes that display bad hygiene practices can be reported to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). The IDPH is “responsible for ensuring nursing homes comply fully with mandatory state regulations.”

When should a nursing home neglect attorney be contacted?

If bad hygiene practices have led to your loved one being neglected, you can contact Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. to find out if you need to enlist the help of a Chicago, IL nursing home neglect attorney. Nursing home residents have the right to live in a facility that is free from abuse and neglect. Should this right be violated by nursing home staff members, you or your loved one may have the right to take legal action against the facility.

If you think your loved one is a victim of neglect and they live in a Chicago nursing home, contact Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. so that we can determine if you have a viable case against the home.

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

Source:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2019/07/03/my-shoes-dirty-studies-suggest-theyre-covered-fecal-bacteria/1637780001/

Illinois’ New Law Makes Virtual Visitation Possible for Nursing Home Residents

September 28, 2021/in Uncategorized/by DAMG

Chicago, IL—When the COVID-19 virus officially became a pandemic, nursing homes were left with many challenges. How would they protect their vulnerable residents from contracting this unknown and unpredictable virus? They started by implementing guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and then began limiting who could enter these facilities.

Unfortunately, nursing home administrators didn’t quite know the price they would pay by doing so.

After nursing homes closed their doors to visitors, many of which were family members of the residents living inside, these facilities learned just how detrimental it was to close off their residents from their friends and family. According to research, isolation and loneliness, something many nursing home residents experienced at the beginning of the pandemic, increases a resident’s risk of developing dementia by 50%.¹ It also increases their risk of stroke by 32%.

While nursing homes attempted to protect their residents from the COVID-19 virus, they were also harming them in the process. With SB 2137, however, nursing home residents will now have access to video chat so that if “in-person visits are prohibited or restricted due to federal or state rules or guidelines,” they have a way of staying in contact with their loved ones.

When was SB 2137 enacted?

SB 2137 was introduced at the beginning of 2021, and it was signed into law on August 27, 2021. It also went into effect that same day. Here’s what the new law brings with it:

Allows for virtual visitation to be included in nursing homes’ visitation policies.
Provides funding for technology and assistive equipment. AARP highlights that the funding may be provided through federal Civil Monetary Penalty (CMP) funds or from other state or federal resources.
Allows for individualized visitation schedules to be created for residents.
A nursing home’s virtual visitation policy shall include a schedule for how the equipment will be cleaned and sanitized.
Staff and volunteers shall be trained on how to help residents as they virtually connect with friends and loved ones.
Nursing homes shall be penalized if they fail to comply with the guidelines outlined in SB 2137. Penalties will not be imposed, however, until 2023.
The Illinois Department of Public Health will be “adopting social isolation prevention policies within 60 days after the effective date of [SB 2137].”

Important: If you have a loved one living in a Chicago nursing home, you should be aware that virtual visitation is not meant to replace in-person visitation. It is meant to act as an alternative for when in-person visits are either not possible or have been suspended.

Why it’s important to stay connected with loved ones who are living in nursing homes?

While lawmakers say SB 2137 will ensure that “moving forward, there will be more of a balance between physical and social-emotional health” among nursing home residents, families should continue to make every effort to visit their loved ones regularly.

When families take the time to visit their loved ones, it allows them to physically see the environment they are living in as well as assess their physical condition. Visiting nursing home residents often can also:

1. Help prevent abuse and neglect.

When nursing home staffers know that a resident’s family members are going to be visiting them often, they are less likely to abuse or neglect them as they know they are more likely to get caught. However, just because you visit doesn’t exactly mean your loved one is in the clear of being abused or neglected.

Therefore, when you visit, you should always key an eye out for any signs of abuse or neglect and question anything that seems out of the ordinary. For example, if your loved one’s behavior seems off or they appear to be unclean, it is important to find out why.

2. Visiting your loved one helps them stay socially active and gives them something to look forward to.

Nursing home residents generally enjoy seeing a familiar face and having someone they can trust to talk to. If a resident is struggling with making social connections within the home, they may rely on their visits with you to keep them socially active.

Visiting a loved one in a nursing homes also gives them the reassurance that they aren’t forgotten. Many worry that once they relocate to a nursing home, no one will make the effort to visit, and therefore, it is important to prove them wrong.

If You Suspect Your Loved One Isn’t Being Treated Fairly, Here’s What You Can Do

If you believe your loved one’s rights are being violated or they may be a victim of abuse or neglect, we ask that you contact Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. so that you can discuss your concerns with an experienced Chicago, IL nursing home abuse lawyer. Our attorneys will be happy to assess the situation and determine if you could benefit from legal help.

Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. does offer free consultations so we encourage you to take advantage of this by calling 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

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