Chicago Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Chicago Nursing Home Abuse Attorney

Nursing home abuse is inexcusable. Families that place their loved ones into a nursing home facility typically only do so because they do not have the resources necessary to care for their family member on their own.

They trust that the nursing home, and its staff members, will provide the high quality care required of them by law. Unfortunately, this does not always happen. Nursing home abuse is a growing problem in Chicago, and throughout the country. If your loved one has suffered injury while in a nursing home, a Chicago nursing home abuse lawyer can help you make things right.

Signs of Nursing Home Abuse

Nursing home abuse can take many forms. The most common signs it is occurring include:

• Dehydration
• Malnourishment
• Unexplained bruises, broken bones, and other injuries
• Head injuries, which could indicate a fall
• Rapid and unexplained weight loss or weight gain
• Unsanitary conditions
• Unusual or sudden changes in behavior
• Withdrawal from activities the nursing home resident once loved
• Infections
• Instances of wandering or elopement
• Bed sores
• Sudden fear or anger towards staff members

It is important that anyone with a loved one inside a nursing home recognizes the most common signs of abuse. Once identifying that abuse is taking place, it is just as important to know what to do about it.

What to Do After Spotting Nursing Home Abuse

Learning a loved one is being abused inside a nursing home is incredibly shocking, and people often do not know what steps to take next. Certain individuals, such as nursing home staff members and medical professionals, are required by state law to report abuse when they see it happening. However, it is important that anyone that notices abuse within a nursing home reports it so they can put a stop to it.

If your loved one is in immediate danger, you should call 911. You should also call the police if you feel as though the nursing home will not allow you to leave with your loved one. You may need assistance to get them out safely.

Before taking any further action, you should try and speak with the nursing home staff about the injuries that made you suspect abuse or neglect. Ask staff members and administrators about the injuries and how your family member sustained them. If they cannot provide a reasonable and plausible explanation, you may have to report them.

In Chicago, you have many options for reporting nursing home abuse. You can report it to the Senior Health Line, the local ombudsman, or the Illinois Department of Public Health. You can contact all of these agencies and services through the Illinois Department of Aging website.

Lastly, you should contact a Chicago nursing home abuse lawyer that can help you claim the compensation your family deserves.

Our Chicago Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Can Advise on Your Case

If your loved one has been hurt in a nursing home, our Chicago nursing home abuse lawyer at Connolly Injury Law can help you make things right. Call us today at 312-780-0816 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation and to learn more about how we can help with your claim.