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Illinois Elder/Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

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A growing segment of our population is entering nursing homes, or undergoing professional nursing or elder care at home. Unfortunately, not all nursing homes are professional, caring facilities. In fact, the National Center on Elder Abuse reports that abuse occurs in around 30% of all nursing homes across the United States.
Elder abuse is a term used to describe mistreatment and neglect of older adults. According to the World Health Organization, elder abuse is a single, or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to an older person.

Elder/nursing home abuse presents itself in many different forms, and can range from physical, sexual, and psychological abuse to malnutrition, financial exploitation, and pure neglect. Sometimes the abuse is simply in the failure to take action to prevent injury or death, such as in cases of neglect. Bruises, broken bones, or a sudden decline or change in physical or mental health, are signs that a resident may be a victim of abuse. There are some signs and symptoms that can provide evidence of elder abuse or neglect. The more visible signs of abuse include bruises, broken bones, cuts, scars and bedsores. The signs of neglect may be a bit harder to notice because the injuries aren't as readily apparent. Neglect includes providing insufficient food and water, inadequate attention to hygiene in residents who are not self-sufficient, inadequate medical care, and failure to assist residents who have mobility issues.

Threats of punishment, humiliation, and harassment have been defined as mental abuse. Additionally, verbal, written or gestured messages that convey a negative or belittling message, even if the patient's mental state or disability prevents comprehension, is considered abusive. A resident may not be prevented from interacting with other residents or having access to his/her room except under brief, monitored circumstances. Restricting a resident's rights in these ways is also deemed within the law to be mental abuse.

A loved one may be hesitant or unwilling to speak about these abuses for fear of retaliation or embarrassment, therefore you should be sure to keep an eye on out for new injuries or odors surrounding your loved one and their living environment.

Elder abuse also occurs outside of a nursing home setting; in these instances the abuse is perpetrated by a relative, associate or paid caregiver. Any kind of abuse that occurs in a nursing home can occur in a private home, and additionally, abuse has also been defined as the abandonment for a significant time period of any elderly person who is not self-sufficient.

If you suspect that someone you love has been abused or mistreated in a nursing home, you should contact an Illinois elder/nursing home abuse lawyer or attorney. They will schedule a free consultation in which they will evaluate your case, explain your legal rights, and assess any potential damages. An Illinois elder/nursing home abuse lawyer or attorney is knowledgeable about and experienced in trying cases which deal with abuse in nursing homes. They can assist you in your case, whether it goes to trial or whether you are able to negotiate an out-of-court settlement. Regardless, your attorney will ensure that justice is served and that your or your loved one's rights are protected.

If you or someone you love has suffered any type of abuse at the hands of another resident, you should also contact an Illinois civil lawyer or attorney, if you are seeking damages outside of the facility.

If you are ready to contact an Illinois elder/nursing home abuse lawyer or attorney, visit the American Bar Association and utilize the site's lawyer locator. Access to the site and the lawyer locator is absolutely free.