How to Report Nursing Home Abuse
When you suspect a loved one is hurt and suffering elder abuse, it can be tough to know how to act and where to turn. Your family member may be suffering abuse at the hands of nursing home staff members, and you may be unsure what to do about it. Illinois gives abuse victims the right to hold their abusers to account through a personal injury claim.
You have the option to report the nursing home abuse, but how do you do that? The good news is, it’s not hard to help your loved one get the care they need and report the abuse to the right people. If you need help, reach out to a nursing home abuse lawyer about your family’s situation.
Gathering Evidence of Nursing Home Abuse
Although you don’t have to prove they were abused, you need the right information to file a nursing home abuse report with the right people. If you don’t have the right information, it can be tough to identify the injured parties and the possible abusers.
For example, signs of financial abuse are different from signs of physical abuse. Letting the authorities know what to expect before they arrive can help them address the situation faster and get your loved ones in a safe situation.
Below is some of the information you may be expected to gather:
- Information on the alleged victim
- Relation of the alleged abuser to the victim
- Reasons you believe abuse is happening
- Safety of the victim
- Contact information for other witnesses
Contacting the Illinois Authorities about Abuse
Once you have the information you need about the case, you may need to turn to one of Rockford’s adult protection service agencies under the Illinois Department of Aging. You can report elder abuse to these agencies, and they can send a caseworker to assess the situation. If they believe your loved one is in danger or is unable to get out of the situation themselves, they can have them moved from the home.
Once your loved one is safe, you may have grounds for a lawsuit. Protecting your loved one is your top priority, but the costs of finding new caregivers, repairing their injuries, and restoring their finances can be high. Filing an injury claim against the abuser can help you give them financial security after their loss.
Protect Your Loved One with a Rockford Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
When a loved one is injured, it’s tough to act right away to help them. Knowing how to report nursing home abuse is half the battle, but you may be worried about the aftermath of the report and how to keep your loved one healthy and safe.
At Mahoney & Mahoney, LLC, we understand how important your loved ones are to you, and we’re here to help. If your loved one is possibly suffering abuse within their nursing home, you have a chance to reach out for a free consultation. We can help you and your family get compensated for your loved one’s losses, so they can get the care they need.
To get started on your report and lawsuit, contact a Rockford nursing home abuse lawyer by calling 815-656-4600 or by filling out the online form below.
