Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in Chicago

A growing elderly population has led to increased incidence of nursing home negligence and abuse. State and federal regulations provide uniform standards for nursing homes and help to protect the safety of patients. Illinois nursing homes are licensed, regulated, and inspected by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Financing Administration (HCFA).

The Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987 requires that certified nursing facilities “provide services and activities to attain or maintain the highest practicable physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being of each resident” in accordance with a specific plan of care.

Despite such safeguards, patients still suffer from nursing home neglect. Nursing home injuries may result from a single incident, or from ongoing neglect. Bedsores, injuries from falls, malnutrition or dehydration, gangrene, reactions to wrong medication, and other claims may arise out of nursing home negligence. The Illinois Nursing Home Care Act (210 ILCS 45/1) also protects the rights of residents at long-term care facilities. A nursing home resident may recover for actual damages suffered as a result of “abuse” or neglect” under the Illinois Nursing Home Care Act. Actual damages include the cost of past and future medical treatment. Additional claims may also be available for residents of nursing homes who have suffered from abuse or neglect.

What Is Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect?

Nursing home neglect in Chicago occurs when patients are not given the basics of life. It may mean they’re underfed, dehydrated, left alone for much of the time or not given the grooming, proper medical care.

Nursing home abuse involves the negligent or intentional mistreatment of residents. It can involve financial, physical, sexual, emotional or medical abuse, which can be perpetrated by nursing home staff or other residents.

Both neglect and abuse can result in serious physical deterioration of a resident as well as emotional distress and depression. Since the elderly may have underlying medical conditions, the effects of the mistreatment can result in significant injuries or even become life-threatening. If you suspect nursing home abuse or neglect is occurring, it’s critical that you contact a nursing home negligence lawyer in Chicago at once to protect your loved ones.

What Are the Signs That You Need to Contact a Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer in Chicago?

The signs of abuse and nursing home negligence vary depending on the type of abuse being inflicted. In general, families should be alert if they notice any of the following signs:

  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Unexplained injury or illness
  • sores/ulcers on their bodies
  • broken bones and fall injuries
  • Sepsis or infection
  • Sudden worsening of physical condition
  • Poor grooming and hygiene
  • Lice and other infestations
  • Unexplained injuries, bruises or bedsores
  • Withdrawal or sudden personality changes
  • Sudden cognitive impairment
  • Sudden lack of funds or personal belongings
  • Incorrect clothing for the weather

These signs may be proof of abuse or neglect, and they do merit further investigation. A nursing home negligence attorney in Chicago can help and offer advice. If neglect or abuse has occurred, an attorney can help you gather evidence and launch a claim so that you have the resources to place your loved one in a safer environment. Nursing home neglect attorney George Argionis has years of experience in litigating these types of cases.

You can reach a nursing home neglect attorney at the Chicago offices of Argionis & Associates by calling (312) 782-4545 to schedule a free consultation. When you contact our law firm, you’ll always speak with a nursing home abuse lawyer. We do not broker your case to another firm or pass it along to a legal clerk. Our team of nursing home abuse attorneys in our Chicago offices have years of experience, and you won’t need to pay any legal fees until and unless they secure a settlement or trial win on your behalf.

If you believe your loved one has suffered from nursing home neglect or abuse, please call us at (312) 782-4545 to schedule a free consultation.