If you’re concerned about your senior’s safety in Chicago, it’s important to be aware of the various types of abuse (1). Nursing home abuse is one of the most prevalent threats to senior safety in the modern era. Since so many seniors today are living out their lives in these facilities, this type of misconduct is becoming more and more common by the day. But these offenses are not excusable just because they are common. In fact, it’s more important than ever to stand up on behalf of your loved one and hold negligent parties accountable for engaging in senior abuse. Only by pushing back can we make nursing homes safer for everyone in the future. It’s an important mission – after all, many of us will probably end up in these nursing homes one day as well.
If you believe your senior is suffering from nursing home abuse, you should get in touch with a qualified, experienced attorney as soon as possible. Choose a lawyer who has specific experience with nursing home abuse lawsuits, and you’ll give yourself the best possible chance of a positive outcome. Make no mistake – these lawsuits can lead to considerable settlements. You can use these settlements to pay for medical treatments, cover damages, and handle emotional distress. Your settlement will also provide you with a sense of justice and closure. It’s best to get in touch with a qualified attorney as soon as possible, because the statute of limitations may prevent you from suing if you wait too long.
Physical Abuse
The first form of nursing home abuse is perhaps the easiest to spot. Physical abuse can occur in a number of different ways – from full-on beatings and physical restraints to less obvious forms of misconduct. Seniors are especially vulnerable to this type of treatment, as they cannot reliably defend themselves. This encourages malicious individuals to prey on them without fear of consequences. Seniors who are shoved or pushed may fall on the floor, fracturing their hips and suffering from serious health problems.
Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse can be just as harmful as physical abuse, and psychological wounds can take longer to heal compared to physical ones. Examples of emotional abuse include insults, threats, and forcing seniors to isolate themselves without seeing their loved ones. Even if seniors are rude or obnoxious towards staff members, they should always be treated in a conscientious and professional manner.
Neglect
When a senior suffers from neglect, it means that they’re not being taken care of properly. Obviously, nursing homes have a duty of care to their patients, and that means helping them maintain hygiene and ensuring they receive their medication. If seniors suffer from neglect, they can experience severe weight loss, bedsores, and other serious ailments. Bedsores are particularly prevalent in Chicago (2), where many nursing home facilities have been accused of leaving seniors immobile in beds for days on end.
Sexual Abuse
As unthinkable as it might seem, seniors can indeed suffer sexual abuse in nursing homes. In fact, some abusers specifically target elderly individuals because they see them as easy prey. In addition to psychological trauma, this type of abuse can also cause physical illness in the form of STDs and other concerns.
Financial Abuse
Financial abuse is a major concern for many families with seniors in nursing homes. This type of abuse can affect not only the senior, but also their beneficiaries. This is because scams and swindles may rob seniors of their life savings, leaving nothing for their family members to inherit. Many people assume that financial abuse only occurs when seniors fall for online schemes, but the truth is that most scams are carried out by those closest to the seniors. These are people they know and trust – such as staff members who interact with seniors every day.
Abandonment
Nursing home staff may also be guilty of another type of abuse called abandonment. As scary as it might sound, some elder care facilities have literally kicked patients out on the street, leaving them to fend for themselves without a care in the world. These individuals may be suffering from dementia and other similar types of cognitive decline. Often, nursing home facilities abandon seniors who can no longer pay their bills, but this is both illegal and unethical.
Where Can I Find a Chicago Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Near Me?
If you’ve been searching for a qualified, experienced nursing home abuse lawyer in Chicago, look no further than Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. Over the years, we have helped numerous families and seniors strive for positive results as they sue negligent nursing homes. We are passionate about seniors’ rights, and we can guide you towards a fair, adequate settlement in a confident, efficient manner. Book your consultation today, and we can immediately start to discuss an action plan.
Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd.
(312) 384-1920
221 North LaSalle, Suite 1100
Chicago, IL 60601
Sources
- https://www.nursinghomeabuse.org/nursing-home-abuse/types/#:~:text=There%20are%20five%20common%20types,include%20self%2Dneglect%20and%20abandonment.
- https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-illinois-nursing-home-oversight-20211018-y3ymfyb4lfbt5gvo27xwgoled4-story.html
