Riverdale Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

When you place a loved one in a nursing facility for the sake of their health and safety, you rightly expect that they will be properly cared for and their rights respected. When a nursing home resident is subjected to abuse and neglect, they may suffer serious injuries, not to mention an infringement of their foundational legal rights. Contact a Riverdale nursing home abuse lawyer as soon as possible if you or your loved one has been the victim of negligent nursing home practices.

A seasoned personal injury attorney could fervently advocate on your behalf to help you recover compensation for damages.

Possible Signs of Abuse

The signs of nursing home abuse are many and varied, but the following are among the most common indicators that mistreatment may be taking place:

  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Dehydration
  • Malnourishment or refusal to eat
  • Bedsores
  • The nursing home resident refuses to speak
  • Fractured bones, lacerations, bruising,
  • Lack of cleanliness
  • Mental changes such as anxiety or sudden outbursts

Other potential signs of abuse include unexplained sexually transmitted diseases, emotional withdrawal, or making sudden modifications to powers of attorney or other legal documentation. Bear in mind, just because the aforementioned signs are present does not automatically mean a nursing home resident is being abused. Speak with a knowledgeable Riverdale attorney regarding any concerns of nursing home abuse to determine what legal action may be warranted.

Riverdale Laws Concerning Nursing Home Residents’ Rights

Under 210 Illinois Compiled Statutes § 45, the state’s Nursing Home Care Act, residents are afforded substantive rights to make decisions regarding their health and wellbeing. These rights include:

  • The right to make decisions about utilizing their personal possessions
  • The right to choose their preferred healthcare provider
  • The right to refuse healthcare and treatment
  • The right to use electronic monitoring in their room
  • The right not to take nonessential medication
  • The right to be unrestrained unless necessary
  • The right to be afforded privacy
  • The right to make financial decisions
  • The right to request and review medical records

The Statute of Limitations in Riverdale For Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuits

735 ILCS § 5/13-202 gives victims of nursing home abuse two years from the date they are injured to file a lawsuit seeking damages. If a resident suffers fatal injuries due to the abuse inflicted, a wrongful death lawsuit may be filed by the decedent’s personal representative up to two years from the date of the victim’s death.

A skilled nursing home abuse lawyer in Riverdale could ensure the plaintiff’s observance of the applicable statute of limitations. It is critical that a lawsuit be filed by the required deadline, or else the court could refuse to hear the plaintiff’s case.

Recoverable Damages

A range of damages may be recoverable in nursing home abuse cases, including those for medical bills, treatment costs, loss of quality of life, pain, and suffering. In cases where the instance of abuse is found to be particularly wanton or malicious, the court may also award punitive damages.

Schedule a Consultation with a Riverdale Nursing Home Abuse Attorney

If you are concerned that your loved one could be suffering nursing home abuse, now is the time to retain vigilant legal representation. A Riverdale nursing home abuse lawyer could safeguard your rights and fight to hold a facility legally liable for maltreatment of residents. Call to schedule a consultation.