Chicago Nursing Home Neglect Attorneys

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) estimated that approximately one in ten people over age 60 in the United States have suffered some form of abuse or neglect. If your loved one lives in a nursing home and he or she is one of these victims, our nursing home neglect attorneys can help. With more than 45 years of experience protecting the rights of elderly people in the Chicago community, our injury lawyers have developed a reputation for success, earning the trust of victims and their families throughout Illinois.

Free Case Consultation

For a free, no-obligation case evaluation, call the nursing home neglect lawyers at Donald W. Fohrman & Associates, LTD.

Call: (800) 437-2571

What Is Nursing Home Neglect?

Nursing home abuse or neglect occurs when someone with disabilities or an elderly person suffers maltreatment in a residential care facility. The maltreatment may come in many forms and maltreatment of a loved one is not always obvious. The abuse or neglect may be physical, mental, financial, or sexual.

What Kinds of Neglect Occur in Chicago Nursing Homes?

Although safe, clean, and comfortable facilities exist in the area, neglect is all too common in many nursing homes in Chicago. Some of the most common types of neglect our injury attorneys see involve:

Withholding food, water, or other nourishment
Failing to turn immobile residents
Staff members not assisting with the resident’s basic needs (bathing, dressing, using the restroom)
Failing to address medical problems
Untreated infections
Unsanitary conditions
Isolating residents

Nursing home neglect is a form of elder abuse. Other types of nursing home abuse include, but are not limited to:

Signs that may indicate nursing home neglect is occurring include:

Malnutrition
Dehydration
Poor Personal Hygiene
Rapid Weight Changes
Unexplained Bruises
Bedsores
Torn Clothing
Missing Personal Items
Withdrawal, Depression, or a Display of Fear
Visitation Restrictions

When nursing home residents are abused or neglected, they can suffer emotionally and physically. In many cases, the victim’s medical condition may worsen significantly without obvious explanation. Sometimes, abused victims unexpectedly pass away.

Illinois Nursing Home Care Act

The Illinois Nursing Home Care Act is designed to ensure that vulnerable residents in the state’s facilities are protected from unnecessary harm or discomfort. The Act applies to all long-term care facilities in Illinois. Under the Act, residents have the right to:

Be informed about the nursing home’s policies and their personal rights as residents
Know about their medical conditions
Participate in decisions regarding their own medical treatment
Be free from abuse and unnecessary restraints
Enjoy privacy, dignity and respect
Manage their personal finances

Who Can Be Held Liable for Nursing Home Neglect?

Sometimes, nursing home neglect occurs because a facility is understaffed. When a resident is injured because there are not enough caregivers onsite, the nursing home administrator and the facility may be liable. When nursing home abuse or neglect is committed by a facility staff member, however, the offender, as well as the nursing home may be able to be held liable for damages. If the worker is employed by a contracting agency, that company may be able to be held liable as well.