Uncategorized | Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd

How to Address a Case of Nursing Home Neglect

October 6, 2020/in Uncategorized/by DAMG

The aging population that resides in Illinois nursing homes depend on staff members for a number of different things. From bathing to eating, to getting out of bed, nursing home residents rely on the healthcare workers in these facilities to assist them with most, if not all, of their day-to-day tasks. Without this help, a nursing home resident could become malnourished, weak, or even ill.

Nursing home residents who do not receive the proper care and supervision may be a victim of neglect.

If you think your loved one is a victim of neglect and they live in a nursing home in Chicago, IL, contact Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. One of our Chicago nursing home neglect lawyers would be happy to review your claim and determine if our legal assistance is needed. In the event a case of neglect exists, a lawyer would then review with you what your loved one’s legal rights are and how our firm can help protect them.

Examples of Neglect

Neglect happens when “caregivers don’t tend to an older person’s needs,” according to WebMD. Some examples of neglect might include:

Not giving a resident an adequate amount of water.
Not feeding a resident the recommended amount of meals. It is extremely important that nursing home residents are not only provided with the proper amount of meals but that the food they are given contains the nutrients and vitamins they need to stay healthy and strong.
A resident is not receiving the medications he/she needs to battle their condition or maintain their overall health.
A resident is left in bed for periods longer than recommended which increases their chances of developing bedsores. Nursing home residents who are bedridden or are unable to get out of bed without a healthcare worker’s assistance need to be moved regularly to prevent them from getting weak and developing unhealthy conditions like bedsores.
A resident is left dirty and unbathed.
Staff members fail to change a resident’s clothing regularly.

Signs of Neglect

Although neglect can sometimes be difficult to spot, WebMD offers a few signs to look out for that may be able to determine if your family member is not being properly cared for. Some signs of neglect might include:

Your relative is messy or unclean. His/her clothes may be dirty, their hair may be messy, or they may have developed skin rashes.
You notice a sudden drop in their weight, and they don’t appear to be hungry as often as they normally would be.
He/she has developed bedsores.
Your loved one is missing essential items such as their dentures, eyeglasses, hearing aids, or walker.

If you notice any of these signs while visiting your loved one and believe the changes might be attributed to neglect, it would be a good idea to bring this to the attention of the head nurse to find out more about it. If the head nurse doesn’t have an explanation or no one in the facility is eager to address your questions and concerns, consider contacting Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd.

Addressing a Case of Neglect

When a case of neglect exists, it can be addressed in many different ways. For starters, if a family member has solid evidence that points to neglect, they may wish to report the nursing home to the Illinois Department of Public Health or the state hotline.

State Hotline

If you wish to report a case of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, you can call the 24-hour Elder Abuse Hotline at 1-866-800-1409. You can click here to view a list of items that may need to be provided when reporting the alleged neglect.

Reporting to the Illinois Department of Public Health

If you don’t want to report a case of neglect but instead want to recognize a nursing home in Illinois for the poor-quality care it is providing to its residents, you can file a complaint against it by contacting the Illinois Department of Public Health. To file a complaint, call the Department’s toll-free hotline at 1-800-252-4343.

If you would like assistance with reporting a case of neglect or filing a complaint against a nursing home, don’t hesitate to contact one of our Chicago, IL nursing home abuse lawyers.

All nursing home residents have the right to live their lives free from abuse and neglect. If your relative’s rights have been violated and they have suffered as a result, it’s time you connect with our nursing home abuse law firm located in Chicago. If your loved one is being neglected, the matter must be addressed immediately so that the appropriate action can be taken to prevent your relative from suffering any longer. Contact our office today to learn more about how our skilled Chicago, IL nursing home abuse attorneys can help you.

Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. can be reached at:

221 North La Salle Drive, Suite 1100

Chicago, IL 60601

Phone: 1-312-384-1920

Website: www.dinizululawgroup.com

COVID-19 Lockdowns are Being Linked to a Rapid Decline in Long-Term Residents’ Mental Health

September 22, 2020/in Uncategorized/by DAMG

It’s been months since nursing homes and facilities alike went into lockdown mode to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus and although some facilities have allowed visitors back in, sources are highlighting the devastating effects these lockdowns have had on our aging population. According to AARP, the past five months we’ve spent under COVID-19 lockdowns has “created a mental health crisis” among long-term care residents. Many individuals who were once described as being outgoing and social are now being described as frustrated and depressed.

Lorri Evans says her mother is one of those individuals. Evans’ mother Helen, 99, went from walking with her walker the equivalent of four blocks, twice a day in February, to being bedbound a few months later. After Helen’s facility went into lockdown, the 99-year-old was “confined to the second floor of her complex—where her room was located—for months.” She no longer was being taken for walks outdoors which quickly caused her mobility to decline. Evans’ mother “had fallen into an abyss,” according to her daughter.

Not only did Helen’s physical abilities deteriorate, but also her mind, says Evans. Sadly, she isn’t the only one to witness her loved one’s mental/physical health decline due to COVID-19 shutdowns.

Deirdre Anderson says her father is also struggling as a result of being isolated for several months. Anderson’s father, Richard, 85, lives in a nursing home in Texas and suffers from dementia. While Richard was once social and had “a fair amount of friends,” he has since lost those connections, says his daughter. Anderson also shared that her father now compares his life in the nursing home to living in a prison, which is something she says he never did before.

Tami Crady is another to share how COVID-19 lockdowns have affected her father who lives in a nursing home in California. Crady says she now receives “desperate calls of ‘get me outta here, this is prison,’” from her father, Dave. Dave’s daughter says that for months, her father, who suffers from Alzheimer’s, has been “incredibly frustrated,” because of the way the lockdown has “interrupted his routine.” At one point during COVID-19 lockdowns, Crady says her father got ahold of an electric razor to give himself a haircut because nonessential workers were not permitted to enter the facility.

Many other individuals shared how COVID-19 lockdowns have affected their loved ones and many believe the isolation is putting them at great risk.

Robyn Grant, who is the director of public policy and advocacy for the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care told AARP that her agency is “hearing from a number of family members and [long-term care] ombudsmen that many residents are just losing the will to live.” Grant added that in states like Minnesota, “social isolation” is now being listed “as a cause or contributing factor on the death certificates of some long-term care residents who have died during the pandemic.” She also says “Failure to thrive” is another.

Studies Suggest Isolation is Linked to More Serious Health Issues Among Long-Term Care Residents

Aside from residents feeling lonely during the periods where nursing homes have been shuttered to the public, studies are suggesting that “isolation and loneliness are associated with a 50 percent increased risk of developing dementia, a 32 percent increased risk of stroke, and a nearly fourfold increased risk of death among heart failure patients.” Now, although isolation does affect each resident in their own way, it is up to the long-term care staff hired to care for residents to preserve their health by providing them with what they need.

Are you concerned that your loved one is not receiving the proper care/attention from nursing home staff members?

If your loved one lives in a nursing home in Chicago and you believe staff members at their facility aren’t providing them with the proper care/supervision which has caused them direct harm, the Chicago, IL nursing home abuse lawyers at Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. would like to discuss the issue with you. Our nursing home abuse lawyers understand how difficult the COVID-19 pandemic has been for both nursing home residents and their families and we are here to provide you with the legal assistance you need if you feel your loved ones nursing home has failed them in one way or another.

Although not all cases warrant legal action, if our Chicago, IL nursing home abuse attorneys believe you have a case, we will provide you with the time and effort needed to obtain the justice your loved one deserves. If you would like to discuss your concerns with a skilled attorney, feel free to contact Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. at 1-312-384-1920.

Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. is located at:

221 North La Salle Drive, Suite 1100

Chicago, IL 60601

Phone: 1-312-384-1920

Website: www.dinizululawgroup.com

Illinois Nursing Home Worker Charged with Felony Over Abuse Allegations

September 1, 2020/in Uncategorized/by DAMG

A Brookdale Burr Ridge nursing home employee was recently charged with two counts of aggravated battery after she was allegedly seen by other employees “punching and slapping a resident.” Devette Cobbs, 54, was initially arrested a few weeks ago “but was released without charges at the request of the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office,” says Patch.com. The source says prosecutors wanted video interviews of the witnesses before proceeding with charges.

After prosecutors conducted their investigations, they then charged Cobbs with two counts of aggravated battery of someone older than 60. Burr Ridge police shared that they were withholding additional details surrounding the arrest because Cobbs’ court appearance is scheduled for September 21^st in Wheaton. In the event Cobbs is convicted of the offenses she has been accused of committing, she could be facing jail time, probation, fines, and fees.

Did you know that elder abuse “is one of the most undetected and underreported problems” in the United States [Source: GA Department of Human Services Division of Aging Services]?

How Do I Know if My Aging Relative is a Victim of Nursing Home Abuse?

A nursing home is supposed to serve as a place for an elderly individual to go where they can rely on others to care for and supervise them as they are no longer capable of caring for themselves. While a large percentage of homes are providing their residents with exactly what they need, there are plenty of others that are taking advantage of their residents’ vulnerability. Some residents are physically abused while others are neglected and ignored.

Because nursing home abuse and neglect are serious issues that don’t quite receive the attention they deserve, it is your duty as a relative to monitor your loved one to ensure they aren’t being victimized by the very people who promised to take care of them. While monitoring your loved one, you will want to keep an eye out for any warning signs that might suggest they aren’t being properly taken care of.

Types of Elder Abuse

There are many types of elder abuse, some more common than others. Below, we are highlighting for you what these are along with some examples of each.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is when a nursing home worker uses physical force to “coerce or inflict bodily harm.” This can lead to a resident suffering from physical discomfort, pain, or injury. Some warning signs of physical abuse include:

Rough handling
Pushing, striking, slapping, punching, or beating
Hitting with a hand or instrument
Burning or scalding
Improper use of restraints or medications
Forcing someone to remain in a bed or chair

If you notice markings on your loved one such as bruising that are not consistent with a medical diagnosis or no explanation can be provided, this might be an indicator that they were physically abused.

Emotional Abuse

If a nursing home worker uses tactics such as “harassment, insults, intimidation, isolation, or threats that cause mental or emotional anguish,” this is referred to as emotional abuse. Some examples of emotional abuse include:

Isolating from friends, family, or activities
Threatening a resident with violence, nursing home placement, or neglect
Name-calling, insults, etc.
Ignoring or excessively criticizing
Excluding an elderly individual from the decision-making process even when he/she is capable of doing so and wishes to be included

Sexual Abuse

Any type of “sexual behavior that is directed toward an at-risk adult without the person’s full knowledge and consent” is considered sexual abuse. This includes:

Inappropriate touching
Any non-consensual sexual contact
Sexual harassment
Sexual assault
Rape
Forcing an individual to view sexually explicit materials

Neglect

When a nursing home worker “refuses or fails to provide essential services to the degree that it harms or threatens an older adult,” we refer to this as neglect. Examples include:

Failing to provide a resident with clean clothing, food, water, medical care, or other basic needs.
Ignoring the person and leaving them unattended for lengthy periods of time.
Leaving a resident in a bed or chair for long periods of time which causes them to develop bed sores or rashes.
Failing to treat medical conditions or injuries
Decayed teeth
Lack of clothing or inappropriate clothing provided for the present weather conditions

If you begin to notice changes in your loved one’s appearance or behavior such as a dramatic weight loss or weight gain, markings, etc., this could be a sign that they aren’t being properly taken care of. Although these signs do not always point to abuse, they are definitely worth investigating. In the event you have evidence that proves your loved one is being mistreated by one or more nursing home staff members, the Chicago, IL nursing home abuse lawyers at Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. are prepared to help you. If you would like to discuss your findings with one of our skilled nursing home abuse attorneys in Chicago, IL now, contact our office at 1-312-384-1920.

Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. is located at:

221 North La Salle Drive, Suite 1100

Chicago, IL 60601

Phone: 1-312-384-1920

Website: www.dinizululawgroup.com

Illinois Department of Public Health Accused of Failing to Investigate Complaints for More Than 3 Months Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

September 1, 2020/in Uncategorized/by DAMG

Families rely on nursing homes to care for, protect, and supervise their loved ones after they reach a point in their lives where they can no longer care for themselves. Unfortunately, not all nursing homes in Illinois provide their residents with the quality care they deserve. Instead, many nursing home residents are being abused, neglected, ignored, and/or subjected to live under conditions that fall far below state and federal standards.

Did you know that approximately five million elders are abused each year, some of which who live in nursing homes or other types of long-term care facilities [Source: National Council on Aging]?

When an Illinois nursing home resident becomes a victim of abuse and/or neglect, they or a family member are encouraged to file a complaint with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) which is then expected to conduct an investigation into the claim to determine if it can be substantiated. Sometimes, during these inspections, additional issues are uncovered which may result in the agency completing a full on-site inspection.

Now, residents and families of nursing homes residents need to understand that by law, the agency is required to conduct an investigation into any complaint it receives. With that said, it has recently been brought to the public’s attention that all of the abuse and neglect complaints that were filed between mid-March and June 22^nd were not being investigated. The Chicago Tribune says that administrators discovered this July 8^th.

Apparently, the Illinois Department of Public Health had hired a consulting firm and a former federal prosecutor to conduct a “top to bottom” outside review of its Bureau of Long-Term Care, cites the news source. The bureau “oversees regulation of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.” Months into the pandemic, top administrators discovered that the agency was not investigating any of the complaints it had received.

While the more serious complaints require that an investigation is conducted within 24 hours once it is received, others that are less serious require that an investigation begins within seven days. Those that are considered to be less serious in nature must be investigated within 30 days. Although the agency continued to investigate concerns stemming from infection control, it failed to address complaints of abuse and neglect which were, and still are, a very big concern during the COVID-19 pandemic.

How did this oversight happen?

According to an agency spokeswoman, the lapse in investigations was “based on decisions made by a retired employee who had come back to help out through June 5^th.” The spokeswoman also attributes the oversight to decisions made by Debra Bryars, who was an agency deputy director, and Aimee Isham, who oversaw the Bureau of Long-Term Care. While the agency fired Bryars, officials decided to place Isham on indefinite paid leave.

The source says she later resigned.

IDPH Resumes with Investigations

After the oversight was discovered, the IDPH began investigating the complaints that were left unaddressed. Agency officials announced that they have already investigated 272 allegations they received during mid-March and June 22^nd, and only found 17 to contain “factual circumstances.” IDPH also announced that Manatt Health Strategies will conduct “a top-to-bottom review of the bureau that oversees long-term care facilities, with a focus on recommending best practices to ensure proper licensure and oversight activities.”

Although the agency has begun to correct the errors that were made, many other organizations shared their disconcert for the oversight that left many vulnerable aging individuals at-risk. AARP Illinois was one of those organizations. After IDPH announced that it would be conducting a thorough investigation into the bureau, Bob Gallo, the director of AARP Illinois had this to say, “On behalf of family caregivers, the lack of transparency displayed here is unacceptable and heartbreaking for families across Illinois. We respect the investigation, but the department’s failure to protect the health and safety of Illinois’ most vulnerable population is inexcusable and has gone on for far too long.”

Did you recently file an abuse or neglect complaint with IDPH that was ignored or dismissed without any action being taken?

If you believe your complaint was not properly handled, the Chicago, IL nursing home abuse lawyers at Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. may be able to assist with your issue. If you believe your loved one was a victim of abuse or neglect, our attorneys can help you in getting the facility and/or nursing home workers recognized for their failure to provide your loved one with the care and respect they deserve. To learn more about the services our Chicago, IL nursing home abuse law firm offers and how we can help you address your concerns, contact us now 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

The History and Evolution of Rape Kits

July 8, 2020/in Uncategorized/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – Marty Goddard to revolutionize the first standardized rape kit in Chicago while she was volunteering at a crisis hotline for teenagers.

The first rape kit was sent to nearly 25 hospitals in the Chicagoland area in 1978 for a pilot program she designed. By the end of the following year, almost 3,000 rape kits had been turned over to crime labs. Within a few short years, the city collected thousands of sealed kits containing evidence and began putting rapists in prison.

In the United States today, someone is sexually assaulted every 73 seconds. Research shows a wide range of reasons why people don’t report their experience with sexual assault or harassment to authorities, and even hide it from family and friends. Self-blame is one reason people don’t report because victims blame themselves for their own victimization. Another reason is many people who have been raped don’t recognize it as rape, even if it fits the legal definition. Many people also fear speaking out against their abuser because their rape kit may be backlogged and never be tested by law enforcement.

It has been estimated that hundreds of thousands of rape kits sit untested in police departments and crime lab storage facilities.

Officials in Illinois have been promising for years to clear and keep a clear backlog by hiring more forensic scientists and utilizing robotics to make the process more efficient and transparent. Illinois governors have allotted funding toward fixing the problem dating back to 2002, when Gov. George Ryan announced funds to “erase” a backlog that had reached nearly 3,000 cases held up at state forensic labs. The plethora of untested rape kits and the destruction of rape kits indicates a systemic problem in our culture and a distinct failure to regard sexual crimes as seriously as other crimes.

If you or a loved one is a victim of sexual abused, you need an experienced attorney to explain your legal options. Filing a sexual abuse claim against an abuser or organization (whether it’s a school employee, a foster parent, a coach or grossly inadequate secured facility) that is responsible for allowing the abuse to be committed can be intimidating. The attorneys at the Dinizulu Law Group understand how you feel and are prepared to support you in every way necessary in order to help you get the compensation you deserve for the harm that was done to you. Contact our office today at (312) 384-1920 for a free consultation or visit our website for more information.

Three People Killed After Two Tractor-Trailers Cause Separate Accidents on Interstate 57 in Illinois

June 24, 2020/in Uncategorized/by DAMG

It was a sight many won’t ever forget. On Thursday, June 11^th two tractor-trailer trucks caused separate accidents on I-57 near Mattoon, IL that lead to deaths, injuries, and damaged vehicles. The first incident that occurred involved a tractor-trailer being driven by Jonathan S. Turner, 53. The Journal Gazette & Times-Courier reported that while Turner was driving on the interstate, he left the southbound lanes and crossed the median. Although the source did not specify whether Turner crashed into any other vehicles, it does say that Turner along with a woman who had been driving a pickup truck, suffered injuries.

Officials cited Turner for improper lane use.

Naturally, the incident led to delays on the interstate as traffic began to build while cleanup crews and first responders worked to clear the scene. Unfortunately, the heavy traffic served as a contributing factor in the second tractor-trailer accident. The news source reported that a second tractor-trailer, being driven by Andrzej Poprawa of Palm Coast, Florida, approached the traffic and failed to slow down in time. Poprawa collided with the stopped traffic which caused a chain reaction crash to occur.

The vehicle Poprawa first crashed into was occupied by Peggy Malcom, 78, and Brad Malcom, 50. Poprawa, Peggy Malcom, and Brad Malcom all suffered fatal injuries as a result of the truck crash. After striking the first vehicle, Poprawa’s truck then hit other vehicles forcing them to collide with other tractor-trailers, reports the news source. One of the vehicles the truck hit was being driven by Ricky L. Robertson who had to be transported to an area hospital.

Who is liable for an accident involving a commercial truck?

Commercial trucks play a very important role in our economy as they are responsible for getting goods and materials from one place to the next. Unfortunately, commercial trucks are sometimes responsible for causing accidents, most of which result in severe or fatal injuries not to mention significant property damage. If you were involved in a truck accident in Chicago, IL or a neighboring city and are looking to hold the truck driver liable for the impact the accident has had on your life and physical abilities, it’s time you contact Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. to speak with a Chicago, IL truck accident lawyer.

Truck accident cases differ from those involving passenger vehicles as there is typically more than one party involved. It is for this reason and several others that you should consider retaining a truck accident lawyer in Chicago if you are thinking about filing a personal injury lawsuit against the liable party.

Determining the Liable Parties in a Truck Accident Case

In the event the accident you were involved in was brought on by someone else’s negligence, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the party and even recover compensation from their insurance carrier for the injuries/damages you suffered. So, who might these liable parties be? The truck driver? Another vehicle that was also involved in the accident? The fact is, it could be both. To help you identify who the liable parties might be in your case, below are a few potential parties who may have contributed to causing the wreck you were involved in.

The truck driver.

Most vehicular accidents that occur on U.S. roadways are caused by driver error. If the truck driver was engaging in any type of careless or negligent behavior, he/she could be held accountable for providing you with compensation for your injuries/losses. Negligent behavior includes, but is not limited to, driving while impaired, driving drowsy, traveling too fast for roadway conditions, transporting a load that exceeds state and federal weight limitations, driving for a period longer than he/she is legally permitted to, etc.

The truck driver’s employer.

If a trucker’s employer allowed them to engage in behavior that violates state and federal regulations (i.e. work for periods longer than they are legally allowed to), the company can also be held accountable for the accident.

The manufacturing company that supplied the vehicle’s parts.

Let’s say the truck driver crashed into the back of your vehicle because he was unable to stop in time to avoid an accident. At first, you might assume the trucker was careless, distracted, or driving too fast for roadway conditions which is why he couldn’t avoid hitting you. But after a thorough investigation was conducted, it was determined the brakes were defective which is why he rear-ended your vehicle. In this case, you may be able to bring a lawsuit against the manufacturing company that sold the defective parts or even the party responsible for inspecting the vehicle before it set out on its trip.

Now, if you think you have a case against any of the parties listed above and wish to discuss how much you might be entitled to collect for your injuries, contact Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. now to speak with one of our skilled Chicago, IL truck accident attorneys.

Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. can be reached at:

221 North La Salle Drive, Suite 1100

Chicago, IL 60601

Phone: 1-312-384-1920

Website: www.dinizululawgroup.com

Family of 81-Year-Old Nursing Home Resident Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against the Facility Alleging Gross Negligence

June 11, 2020/in Uncategorized/by DAMG

A wrongful death lawsuit has been brought against Bridgeview Health Care Center after an 81-year-old resident of the facility passed away in April, his death partly due to COVID-19 [Source: The Chicago Tribune]. James Zbonski’s family filed the complaint in Cook County Circuit Court, alleging “gross negligence on the part of administrators and staff at Bridgeview.” The Chicago Tribune reported that Zbonski passed away April 6^th at Advocate Medical Center in Oak Lawn from COVID-19, acute respiratory failure, and pneumonia.

The source cited that Bridgeview had reported 34 cases of COVID-19 and 15 deaths to state officials as of May 29^th. The lawsuit alleges that “the rehab center failed to monitor patients and staff for symptoms of the virus and didn’t properly isolate patients who showed symptoms.” The complaint adds that “Zbonski’s roommate at the health care center had exhibited symptoms of the virus and died just days before [him].”

The family claimed that while facility administrators were aware that residents and/or staff were symptomatic or had tested positive for COVID-19, “staff lacked necessary protective equipment.” The family believes Zbonski’s death was “a byproduct of years, if not decades, of the nursing home’s mismanagement, misallocation of resources, and understaffing.” The news source cites that Bridgeview Health Care has been “cited numerous times in recent years by state health officials for not properly disinfecting medical equipment and not developing and implementing infection control measures.”

In a recent review by Medicare and Medicaid inspectors, it was discovered that the home “failed to follow practices to contain the spread of COVID-19 by proper use of personal protective equipment and proper handling of clean and soiled linen.” Because Zbonski’s family believes the nursing home lacked in certain areas, including failing to implement infection control and prevention measures, they are seeking an excess of $50,000 in damages.

Although it can be difficult for nursing home staff members to prevent a virus from entering a nursing home, they are expected to respond in an efficient manner. This means implementing safety measures recommended by U.S. health officials as well as following state safety guidelines. Nursing homes that fail to properly respond to the spread of an infectious disease which leads to the death of one or more residents puts the facility at risk of being sued.

Suing a Nursing Home on Behalf of a Resident Whose Death Stems from Negligence

Nursing home neglect lawsuits aren’t only used to help a family recover compensation for expenses related to the untimely death of their loved one, but they are also used to recognize a nursing home facility and/or staff member for the deficiencies that led to the resident’s death. If a loved one of yours recently passed away and you think their death was caused by negligence, the Chicago, IL nursing home neglect lawyers at Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. can help you seek justice.

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 Often Should I Visit a Loved One Who is Living in a Nursing Home Facility?

May 28, 2020/in Uncategorized/by DAMG

While the answer to this question is subjective as your location, physical ability, etc. will play a factor in how often you are able to go and visit with a loved one, ideally, you should be seeing them on a regular basis. According to Dr. Rita A. Jablonski-Jaudon, when you first move a relative into a nursing home, it would be good to visit on a daily basis “because it allows the family to see how the individual is adjusting to the new surroundings and if the new facility is responsive to the needs of the individual” [Source: Saunders House].

While daily visits are recommended, Dr. Jablonski-Jaudon said that she pays more attention to the quality of the visits as opposed to the quantity of them. However, depending on where your loved one is living and the medical conditions they suffer from, you have to decide whether you can commit to daily visits and if it is necessary to go and see your aging relative every day. Now, once your loved one has settled in, Dr. Jablonski-Jaudon says you may be able to reduce your visitation frequency and determine what the best times are to visit. She says that rather than going every day, you might begin to visit every other day and as time goes on, you might increase the gaps in between each visit.

When a loved one who is living in a nursing home suffers from dementia, memory care experts say these patients often “respond more favorably when they have a predictable routine.” With that in mind, you might consider creating a consistent schedule. One thing we do recommend when creating a schedule to visit your loved one is that it cannot hurt to pop in at a random time every now and then just to see how things are going even when the staff least expects you to show up. The sad reality is that nursing home abuse and neglect has grown into a serious issue, and many cases of it often go unreported.

How can regular visits to see a relative in a nursing home reduce the chances of him or her becoming the victim of abuse or neglect?

Aside from your visit serving as a time for you to spend with a loved one, it can also help prevent them from becoming a victim of abuse and even allow you to recognize any red flags. While visiting your loved one won’t guarantee that he or she won’t be mistreated, if the staff expects your visits, majority of the workers will be less inclined to harm the patient knowing someone is going to be checking on them regularly. And because nursing home abuse is rarely reported to the authorities even though the law requires facilities to do so, if you don’t visit a loved one, you may never know when something has gone wrong.

Consider this story involving a 96-year-old nursing home resident.

The 96-year-old female resident who has since passed away had been living at Kenwood Terrace Nursing Home in Sycamore Township. The caregiver, 27-year-old Alan Tillman, had been caring for the woman and during one encounter with her, he accidentally dropped her while moving her from her bed to her wheelchair. The woman fell on her knees and rather than report the incident, Tillman placed the woman in her wheelchair and “continued with his day,” reported Cincinnati.com.

Although Tillman allegedly knew the woman was in pain, he refused to take the proper action to address the issue as he feared he would lose his job. After three days, the pain intensified and that is when the woman was taken in for x-rays. Doctors determined that she had two broken femurs. The elderly woman later passed away, although the source highlighted that it was unknown whether the injuries she suffered played a role in her death.

Tillman, after admitting that he had dropped the woman, was charged with patient abuse.

While incidents cannot always be prevented, when you take the time to visit a loved one, it gives you the opportunity to assess their condition and determine if they are receiving the care you expect and that they deserve. Any time a red flag presents itself or you have been informed that your loved one is being mistreated, we recommend you contact our office to speak with a Chicago, IL nursing home abuse lawyer who can determine if you have a case on your hands. While not all red flags or complaints are a sheer sign of abuse, it is best to have a legal expert be the one to determine this.

If you have any questions regarding the care your loved one is receiving in a Chicago nursing home or have a concern you would like to discuss, contact Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. now to speak with a lawyer who can help you.

You can contact Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. at:

221 North La Salle Drive, Suite 1100

Chicago, IL 60601

1-312-384-1920

Website: www.dinizululawgroup.com

Is it Common for Nursing Home Officials to Ignore Claims of Abuse and Neglect?

May 28, 2020/in Uncategorized/by DAMG

Although we cannot speak for every facility, there has been evidence that has revealed claims of abuse were not properly investigated in certain facilities across the U.S. What this means is that after allegations of abuse were reported in these homes, no form of action was taken to determine whether there was any validity to these claims. Not only does this result in nursing home residents being put at risk of being mistreated again given that their claims were valid, but it also places other residents at risk of being abused as well.

You see, when abuse is occurring within a facility and nothing is done to prevent it, those inflicting the harm may continue to engage in the inappropriate behavior as they know there aren’t going to be any repercussions for their actions. As a result, cases of abuse just continue to accumulate. In fact, the Greenville News reported that inspectors found the existence of “immediate jeopardy” in a nursing home facility for veterans in South Carolina after it was discovered that “the facility failed to implement their abuse policy on investigating and protecting residents from abuse for 16 facility reported incidents of abuse/neglect and injury of unknown origin.”

Inspectors said that “they found example after example of the pains of vulnerable residents not being thoroughly investigated by officials at the facility.” One of the cases inspectors uncovered showed that a “frightened veteran alleged that his roommate had beaten him, but the staff never took the necessary steps to find out if he was telling the truth.” Another case that was found by inspectors revealed that a worker had overheard a resident yelling for help and when they arrived at their room, the worker found the resident who was calling for help “cut and bloodied with another resident standing over him.”

That case was also not properly investigated either, according to inspectors.

Examples like these truly show the importance of contacting a nursing home abuse attorney when you suspect that an aging relative is not being properly cared for or is the victim of abuse or neglect. While most assume that reporting their suspicions to officials within the facility will help them get to the bottom of the issue, clearly there are cases where this doesn’t occur. Therefore, if you believe a relative of yours who is living in a Chicago nursing home isn’t receiving the proper care or is being harmed by the staff who is supposed to be taking care of and monitoring them, don’t wait to contact Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd.

Our team of qualified and caring nursing home abuse lawyers in Chicago, IL will take the time to listen to your concerns, determine whether you have a viable case, and explain the course of action that will need to be taken to address the issue. Our office provides free consultations to those in search of legal help so we encourage you to give us a call now to find out how we can advocate for your aging relative who might be the subject of abuse.

You can contact Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. at:

221 North La Salle Drive, Suite 1100

Chicago, IL 60601

1-312-384-1920

Website: www.dinizululawgroup.com

What are Some Reasons Why Certain Nursing Home Staff Members Don’t Report the Abuse They Witness?

May 28, 2020/in Uncategorized/by DAMG

Staff members who are required to monitor and care for nursing home residents have a significant amount of responsibilities. Between feeding, bathing, and assisting them from one place to the next, the tasks these staff members must complete are endless. And even after they render the care that is expected of them, they still have a very important job to do—protect residents from being abused and neglected.

The sad reality is, many nursing home residents today are harmed and neglected by poorly trained and cruel staff members as well as other residents. While some of these cases of mistreatment are brought to light, a large number of them are not. Sometimes, it is unknown that a resident is being abused, but other times, these cases are witnessed by other workers employed at the facility but are never reported.

To be clear, nursing home staff members are required by law to report cases of abuse and neglect. Failure to report these acts to the appropriate agency could land them in jail and having to pay fines.

Now, as someone who may have a friend or relative living in a nursing home in Chicago, you might be wondering why staff members who witness harmful acts inflicted by their counterparts would choose not to submit a complaint. After all, their complaint could result in disciplinary action being taken that could potentially get this individual removed from the facility so that he/she could not harm another vulnerable resident. Now, although these staff members probably can provide an excuse to justify their reasoning for not taking appropriate action, we came across a few reasons of our own from My Alzheimer’s Story.

There may be certain nursing home workers who do not know what would be considered an act of abuse. The source suggests that there may be workers employed within the facility that have been in the industry for a long period of time and aren’t familiar with how the rules and regulations have evolved. There may also be newer staff members who haven’t been properly trained and are unaware of what type of behavior would constitute as an act of abuse, hence, they don’t know to report it.
Abuse and neglect might be the norm in certain facilities. If more than one health care worker is engaging in abusive behavior, then others might assume that just because it is common, it is “okay.” This can directly result in nursing home staff abusing and mistreating residents regularly and looking the other way if and when it does occur.
Workers fear if they report a case of abuse they will be retaliated against. Many individuals feel that if they come forward to report a coworker for engaging in behavior that could lead to them being fired and even incriminated, not only might that person retaliate against them, but the other staff at the facility may also “shun” them for making the report.
“Long terms care facilities are ideal stomping grounds for people who enjoy abusing the weak and vulnerable.” There are plenty of health care workers who enter the workforce as a nursing home care provider because they care about those who no longer are able to take care of themselves. However, there are also workers who take pleasure in harming individuals who simply cannot defend themselves both physically and verbally.

Now, because you can’t always rely on the staff at a nursing home to report cases of abuse and neglect, you need to always be keeping an eye out for signs that might indicate they aren’t receiving the proper treatment by those who should be caring for them. In the event you find anything to be suspicious and can’t seem to get straight answers from the staff when questioned about the signs or behavior you observed, then contact Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. to speak with a Chicago, IL nursing home abuse lawyer. Our skilled attorneys will assess the information you provide to determine if our legal assistance is needed.

You can contact Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. at:

221 North La Salle Drive, Suite 1100

Chicago, IL 60601

Telephone: 1-312-384-1920

Website: www.dinizululawgroup.com