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When a family places their elderly family member in the hands of nursing homes and staff, they should be able to trust that their loved ones are treated well and without abuse. Unfortunately, nursing home abuse and negligence is all too common in the United States.
According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, there are approximately 1,200 long-term care facilities with more than 100,000 elderly residents in the state. Though the state performs inspections for these licensed and regulated facilities, abuse still occurs nonetheless.
If you or an elderly loved one were abused in a nursing home, you may need an experienced personal injury attorney to help you with your case. A Calumet City nursing home abuse lawyer may be able to guide you through this process of filing a claim against the responsible party and seeking justice and compensation from a negligent nursing home. En Español.
According to 320 Illinois Compiled Statutes 20, also known as the Adult Protective Services Act, neglect is defined as a failure to provide the nursing home residents with all the necessities of life, primarily food, clothing, healthcare, shelter, and other basic human rights. All nursing home staff have the legal responsibility to report any abuse they witness at a nursing home.
Many victims do not report abuse themselves or even recognize that they are being abused. However, there are certain signs that abuse may have occurred, including:
Though inadequate staffing and poor management are often the cause of nursing home abuse and negligence, sometimes more malevolent activity may be occurring. Either way, it is essential to respond to any signs of nursing home abuse or negligence as soon as possible, and a seasoned lawyer may be able to help determine if a nursing home resident is being subject to negligence or active abuse.
Nursing home residents have certain legal rights which protect them from abuse and negligence. Under the Nursing Home Care Act, which is enumerated in 210 ILCS 45/, all nursing home residents have the right to be treated with respect and privacy and are protected from unlawful discrimination.
In addition, the Illinois Act on the Aging, located in 20 ILCS 105/, states that certain services must be available for nursing home residents. These include any assistance with grooming, respiratory services, exercise, toileting, and many more. If a nursing home resident is being subjected to unlawful abuse or negligence, an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer in Calumet City could help hold the responsible party liable in court.
If you or a loved one has experienced neglect or abuse, it may be beneficial to speak to a dedicated attorney. A Calumet City nursing home abuse lawyer could help determine the extent of the abuse or neglect and calculate how much compensation you or your loved one may be able eligible to recover.
Do not suffer in silence—there is help available. Call today to get started on your claim.