Abusing nursing home residents is deplorable, and altering medical records to hide the effects of the negligence is downright immoral. That is what the staff at an Illinois nursing home has allegedly been doing, though, but two ex-employees refuse to let it continue.
The decision to place a loved one in a nursing home can be a difficult one. While we often have the best of intentions, caring for an elderly family member can be a strain on your family and moving an individual into a facility designed to care for the aging can be tremendously helpful. Not only do nursing homes have skilled staff on hand, but facility resources are also designed to help loved ones transition into their autumn years.
Unfortunately, the National Council on Aging (NCOA) provides data indicating that approximately one out of every 10 Americans over the age of 60 will experience some form of elder abuse. Many times, this is nursing home abuse comes at the hands of caregivers at a senior care facility. Nursing home neglect and abuse takes many forms, such as:
The elderly who are experiencing nursing home abuse or neglect are at an increased risk of death at a rate of 300% more those who do not experience such cases of elder abuse. During a time when your loved one is supposed to be enjoying their golden years, the last thing you want is another’s misconduct causing harm to your loved one. What can you do to ensure nursing homes and elder care facilities are following the law and treating their patrons with the respect they deserve?
Nursing Home Abuse Takes Many Shapes
Under the Nursing Home Care Act, the state of Illinois ensures that nursing home patrons and their families have recourse if the unthinkable happens and the facility or one of their agents neglects or mistreats an individual. For example, every nursing home resident has a right to manage their own financial affairs. Additionally, residents must be allowed their own personal physician if requested, albeit at their own expense. In addition to the hard line rules, Illinois law also requires that caregivers treat residents with dignity, ensuring privacy and respect in treatment programs.
Although sometimes patients or residents may need restraints to prevent them from harming themselves, these restraints may never be used as punishment. The facility, however, may not use restraints without the informed consent of the resident or the resident’s guardian.
Sometimes physical neglect or abuse in a nursing home is obvious, but emotional trauma is less apparent, particularly when a resident suffers from an ailment that prevents them from effectively communicating.
Chicago Nursing Home Neglect Lawyers and Elder Abuse Attorneys Can Help You
It may appear that nursing home lawsuits resulting from the injury of a loved one are straightforward. Although the law does prohibit certain neglectful or abusive acts, administering justice remains complicated. A skilled nursing home lawyer will help you determine who to bring an action against and also what claims to assert.
The experienced Chicago nursing home abuse attorneys at Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. understand the complicated nature of bringing caretakers and nursing home facilities to justice in the unfortunate event of nursing home negligence and abuse. Let our nursing home abuse lawyers in Chicago help you. Please contact us today at 1-312-384-1920 or 1-800-693-1LAW.
NBC Chicago recently reported on a tragic case involving nursing home abuse and the law that might prevent the family of the deceased from attaining justice. The 88-year-old victim spent the last 10 months of his life in a nursing home and required around-the-clock care after suffering a stroke.
Listen as Attorney Yao Dinizulu explains what to do when you suspect nursing home abuse.
Nursing home abuse is a common occurrence. If you suspect nursing home abuse, there are immediate steps you need to take.
The first step that you need to take is seek immediate medical attention. Depending on the severity of the abuse, this can mean calling 911 or demanding that your loved one see a doctor immediately. You can’t waste time. The second step that you need to take is to gather evidence. This includes pictures of any injuries or sores, copies of medical records, and statements from witnesses. You’ll need this evidence to support your case.
You can also contact the Illinois Department of Public Health. Once you file a claim of nursing home abuse, the Department of Public Health will send someone out to inspect the nursing home. During their inspection, they will review medical records, interview staff and residents, and assess the nursing home’s policies. As a result of their investigation, the Department can make the nursing home pay fines for negligence as well as order the nursing home to implement a plan of care that targets the specific issues stated in your claim. Watch the video to learn more.
If you have questions about nursing home abuse and what to do if you suspect it, I want you to call me at 1-800-693-1LAW. I am a nursing home abuse attorney that is here for you. You may also contact me by email. Visit our firm’s media page, where you can view more videos and learn more about the signs of nursing home abuse.
Listen as Attorney Yao Dinizulu explains what you can do when you are being sued by a nursing home for debts accumulated by a deceased family member.
I once had a client who was being sued by a nursing home for the debt that her deceased father accumulated. She was already dealing with the passing of her father, and to add the new debt to her life only made matters worse. She told me of all of the negligence that had happened during her father’s stay. The nursing home was not taking care of her father.
Upon further investigation of her case, I found that the contract the home wanted her to sign called for her to sign her own name on her father’s contract on behalf of her father. Law students know that for a contract to be enforceable, both parties have to fulfill the promises outlined in that contract. In this case, the nursing home promised to provide adequate medical care to her father, which they did not. Their lawsuit was dismissed, but we were able to turn around and sue the nursing home for negligence. Watch the video to learn more.
If you or a family member has experienced nursing home negligence, I want you to call me at 1-800-693-1LAW. I am a nursing home abuse attorney that’s here for you. You may also contact me by email. Visit our firm’s media page, where you can view more videos and learn more about your case.
Looking after an elderly parent or grandparent can be a full-time job. If you cannot provide for the medical needs of your loved one, then it may be time to consider the benefits of nursing homes.
By the time they reach the grand old age of 60, our parents and grandparents have earned the right to a peaceful retirement. They should be cared for in a safe, comfortable setting by professionals who understand their needs. Unfortunately, many long-term care facilities do not screen or train their employees well enough – and residents suffer the consequences.
The growing elder population in the United States has sparked a higher demand for nursing homes. Unfortunately, this has inspired profit-minded entrepreneurs to open retirement homes without the credentials or ethical compass to offer reliable care.
Nursing home residents and their loved ones expect long-term care facilities to provide reliable care in a safe, comfortable environment. Unfortunately, nursing home abuse and neglect are deplorably common.
With us, your case is all about you, not the ego of your attorney.
We’re refreshingly honest. We will always tell you the truth.
We are a firm with the right experience and resources to go toe-to-toe with insurance companies in the courtroom.
When others negligently cause harms and losses, we provide security and peace of mind.
The Dinizulu Law Group offers in-person meetings in our office or we can meet you where it’s convenient for you too!
The Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd, is a distinguished personal injury law firm in Chicago providing outstanding legal representation to its clients. They specialize in personal injury litigation, dedicating themselves to fighting for justice on behalf of individuals who have suffered serious and permanent injuries or wrongful death. With an unwavering commitment to personalized service, combined with exceptional knowledge, they deliver stellar results while providing steadfast support throughout every step of the legal process. Contact us today to schedule a Free consultation.
221 North LaSalle, Suite 1100
Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: (312) 384-1920
Toll Free: +1-800-693-1LAW
