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There are approximately 1,200 long-term care facilities in Illinois providing more than 100,000 residents with care according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. Nursing homes routinely cut staff, reduce pay, and hire inexperienced workers in an effort to cut costs. Sadly, this often means that nursing home residents are subject to abuse and neglect at a time in their lives when they are extremely vulnerable.
A compassionate personal injury attorney can help protect loved ones from all types of abuse and neglect in a nursing home. A Cicero nursing home abuse lawyer can help nursing home residents and their families recover for injuries and losses as a result of abuse.
People commonly think nursing home abuse solely refers to physical abuse. The Adult Protective Services Act provides an expansive definition of what constitutes nursing home abuse. Under the act, “abuse” means causing any physical, mental or sexual injury to an eligible adult, including exploitation of such adult’s financial resources. See 320 ILCS 20/2(a)
Fortunately, nursing home residents are afforded protections under both state and federal law. The Nursing Home Care Act provides nursing home residents with rights when under the care of a licensed facility, “No resident shall be deprived of any rights, benefits, or privileges guaranteed by law, the constitution of the State of Illinois, or the Constitution of the United States solely on account of his status as a resident of a facility.” (210 ILCS 45/2-101)
This law amongst others, offers nursing home residents with a degree of protection, by holding nursing homes liable for abuse and neglect. A Cicero nursing home abuse lawyer can help anyone who believes a nursing home violated this law.
Nursing home abuse can take many different forms including:
No matter what losses occur, a nursing home abuse lawyer in Cicero stands ready to assist and seek justice.
Signs of poor nursing home care can include:
Nursing home residents who are subjected to abuse and neglect are often afraid, confused, depressed, and often are too weak to advocate for themselves. A Cicero nursing home abuse lawyer can help provide critical support and advocacy for nursing home residents and will begin every nursing home abuse case with a thorough investigation.
Unfortunately, it is common for nursing home abuse to go unnoticed because nursing home residents will not advocate for themselves. Therefore, it is important to protect your own or your loved one’s dignity and rights in a nursing home with the help of an attorney.
A devoted Cicero nursing home abuse attorney can be a critical resource and voice for a nursing home resident subjected to abuse or neglect. If you suspect you or a loved one are suffering abuse while in a nursing home, contact a Cicero nursing home abuse lawyer today.