Are Nursing Homes Responsible when Residents Are Abused?
If you have a loved one in an Illinois nursing home, it can make you nervous. You’re allowing others to care for this loved one and hope they’re doing so in a caring way. Sadly, this is not always the case for many residents in these homes
In these instances, it is important to speak with a law office who can provide help. We can work with you on your case to see who is liable depending on the specific circumstances.
Understaffed Nursing Homes
Close to all nursing homes located in the United States are understaffed. This is leading to neglect, abuse, and injury in many of these homes. Studies have shown that one in six nursing home residents experience abuse every year. This abuse could be anything from physical abuse and neglect to psychological abuse, financial abuse, or even sexual abuse.
This statistic is low compared to the number of residents who are quiet about the abuse happening out of fear. If you have a loved one who has been a victim of nursing home abuse, it is important to speak with our law office regarding the help we can provide you with.
Every case is different, but we feel that you should have the right counsel on your side. Let us hear your story and find out if you should be compensated.
Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
Since this type of neglect and abuse often goes unreported, it is important to know what to look for. It is vital to act on getting help should your loved one show any of the warning signs. These signs may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Frequent bed sores or ulcers
- Unexplained injuries
- Bruising
- Dehydration
- Malnutrition
- Errors with medication
- Overdoses
- Severe infections, especially frequent ones
- Sudden withdrawal
- Unexplained depression
- Fear
- Anxiety or agitation
While these are just some of the signs, it is important to speak and listen to your loved one. Know how they feel about where they are being kept. It is something that should not happen, but it does. It is important to know your rights and the rights of your loved ones should something like this happen.
Who Is Liable?
It is important to note that if you’ve had a loved one injured or who even passed away as the result of abuse, neglect, or other negligence, it is the nursing home that is liable. You and your family are not liable for these damages.
In many cases, when something happens within the nursing home, such as a fall, it is the result of the failure of a nursing home to properly provide the mobility needs patients require. There should be a plan in place to limit the falls, such as not allowing those with mobility issues to walk unattended.
Many falls happen when a resident wants to move from the wheelchair to another area. When the home fails to respond to the resident, they find themselves doing it alone. This is negligent on the nursing home’s part. In Illinois, there is a process that has to be followed to report this negligence. However, if you need further assistance, it is best to speak with an attorney.
Let Our Attorneys Help Give Your Loved One Justice
It is important to speak with our lawyers as soon as you realize something is wrong. We can work with you on your specific situation and see if you have a case. No one should feel like they have no options. Let us help you. Give us a call today at 815-656-4600 or fill out the following online contact form.
