Chicago Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers

When a loved one is abused or neglected in a nursing home, resulting in illness, injury or death, it can be beyond devastating. Alarmingly, a recent audit from the federal government found that a significant amount of suspected abuse—including sexual abuse—occurs in nursing homes, and many are failing to report it.

Some of the most common signs of nursing home injuries that could be due to negligence or abuse include:

• Asphyxiation
• Bedsores
• Choking
• Clogged breathing tubes
• Dehydration
• Financial abuse / exploitation
• Head injuries or injuries due to falls or fractures
• Bruises, cuts, welts, and wounds that have no reasonable explanation

Nursing home facilities and staffers can be held legally responsible for tort claims such as negligence and/or assault and battery. Nursing home residents’ rights are specifically guaranteed by law—The Illinois Nursing Care Act. This includes the right to individual dignity and self-determination. In addition, any and all nursing homes that participate in Medicaid or Medicare must also meet federal residents’ rights requirements under the Federal Nursing Home Reform Act.

The Residents’ rights under the Illinois Nursing Care act include but are not limited to:

• Free speech and religion
• The right to reside in the same room as your spouse (with some exemptions)
• The right to mail, phone, and visitation
• Freedom from working for the facility
• Freedom from abuse and neglect
• The right to privacy
• The right to an electronic monitoring device
• The right to refuse an identification wristlet
• The right to be free of physical restraints
• A number of financial rights
• Personal property rights
• Medical rights
• Mental health rights

In addition to the above, residents hold the right to make certain complaints and receive specific assistance from the Office of the Long Term Care Ombudsman. They also have the right to file complaints with the facility administrator, the residents’ advisory council, and related rights. In Chicago, the agency responsible for nursing home residents is the Illinois Department of Public Health.

We cover several other key topics regarding nursing home neglect and abuse in our blog. Explore the articles below, and contact us with any questions:

How To Report Elder Abuse In Illinois

We provide an overview on how to report elder abuse in Illinois. Read post.

The Illinois Nursing Home Care Act

We are here to help victims and their families better understand their rights under the Illinois Nursing Home Care Act and pursue justice for the harm done to them. Learn more about your rights under these laws and how our team is prepared to help you uphold those rights. Read post.

Signs & Types Of Elder Abuse In Nursing Homes

Learn more about the signs and types of elder abuse in nursing homes. Read post.

Nursing Home Neglect Statistics

Nursing home abuse is a growing concern in the United States, with an estimated 5,000,000 cases of physical abuse, financial abuse, and neglect occurring each year. Read post.