Abandonment in Illinois Nursing Homes

Illinois Nursing Home Attorneys For Victims of Falls and Other Accidents Due to Lack of Supervision

Abandonment in nursing homes is a form of neglect that occurs when caregivers or staff desert residents, leaving them without proper supervision, care, or support. Elderly residents who are abandoned may suffer from a lack of basic needs, medical attention, and emotional care, resulting in serious harm or even death. At John J. Malm & Associates, we are dedicated to fighting for the rights of nursing home residents who have been abandoned. With offices in Naperville and St. Charles, our experienced Illinois nursing home injury attorneys are committed to helping victims and their families seek justice and fair compensation.

What is Abandonment in Nursing Homes?

Abandonment in a nursing home setting occurs when a caregiver or staff member intentionally deserts a resident, leaving them without the necessary care, supervision, or medical attention. This type of abuse can lead to dangerous situations where residents are left to fend for themselves, often in life-threatening conditions. Forms of abandonment in nursing homes include:

• Leaving Residents Unattended: Staff may leave residents alone for extended periods of time, particularly those who are immobile or unable to care for themselves.
• Failing to Respond to Emergencies: Ignoring or delaying response to a resident’s call for help or a medical emergency.
• Deserting Residents During Transport: Failing to accompany residents to and from medical appointments or abandoning them during transportation.
• Failing to Provide Basic Needs: Leaving residents without access to food, water, medication, or hygiene services.

“Abandonment is one of the most devastating forms of nursing home abuse, leaving residents vulnerable to serious harm. Our firm is dedicated to ensuring that those responsible for abandoning their duties are held accountable.” — John J. Malm, Illinois nursing home abuse attorney

Recognizing the Signs of Abandonment in Nursing Homes

Abandonment is often difficult to detect, especially if family members do not visit the resident frequently. However, there are several warning signs that families should be aware of, including:

• Unmet Basic Needs: Residents may be left without access to food, water, or necessary medications.
• Injuries from Falls or Accidents: Abandoned residents who are left unsupervised may suffer injuries from falls or accidents due to a lack of proper care.
• Untreated Medical Conditions: Residents may have untreated infections, bedsores, or other medical conditions that go unaddressed because of abandonment.
• Emotional Distress: Residents who are abandoned may exhibit signs of anxiety, fear, or depression due to the lack of care and attention.
• Malnutrition and Dehydration: Residents who are abandoned may suffer from malnutrition or dehydration due to the lack of proper nutrition and hydration.

If you notice any of these signs, it is crucial to take immediate action to protect your loved one from further harm.

The Impact of Abandonment and Lack of Supervision on Nursing Home Residents

The consequences of abandonment in nursing homes can be severe, leading to physical, emotional, and psychological harm. Some of the common impacts of abandonment include:

• Physical Injuries: Residents who are abandoned may suffer from injuries due to falls, accidents, or a lack of assistance with mobility.
• Medical Complications: Without proper supervision, residents may experience worsening health conditions, infections, or untreated illnesses.
• Malnutrition and Dehydration: Abandoned residents may not receive adequate food or water, leading to malnutrition, dehydration, and related health issues.
• Emotional Trauma: Abandonment can lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety, depression, and fear, especially for residents who rely on caregivers for emotional support and companionship.
• Death: In extreme cases, abandonment can result in the death of a resident due to a lack of critical medical care, nutrition, or safety.

The emotional and physical toll of abandonment is profound, and residents who experience this form of abuse are often left in vulnerable, life-threatening situations.

Legal Protections for Nursing Home Residents in Illinois

The Illinois Nursing Home Care Act provides legal protections for nursing home residents, ensuring that they receive the necessary care and supervision to maintain their health and safety. Nursing homes are legally obligated to provide adequate care and must not abandon residents under any circumstances.

Victims of abandonment in nursing homes may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical Expenses: Compensation for any medical treatments, hospital stays, medications, or care required due to the abandonment.
• Pain and Suffering: Residents who have suffered physically or emotionally due to abandonment may be entitled to compensation for their pain and suffering.
• Wrongful Death: If abandonment leads to the death of a resident, surviving family members may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim.

At John J. Malm & Associates, we have a proven track record of holding nursing homes accountable for their negligence. Our experienced nursing home attorneys work tirelessly to ensure that victims of abandonment receive the compensation and justice they deserve.

How Our Attorneys Can Help Victims of Abandonment

Proving abandonment in a nursing home can be challenging, but the attorneys at John J. Malm & Associates have the knowledge and experience necessary to investigate and pursue justice on behalf of victims. Here’s how we can assist you:

• Thorough Investigation: We will conduct a comprehensive investigation into the allegations of abandonment, gathering evidence such as medical records, witness statements, and facility inspection reports to build a strong case.
• Advocating for Residents’ Rights: Our legal team is dedicated to protecting the rights of nursing home residents, ensuring they receive the care and supervision they deserve, and holding negligent facilities accountable.
• Filing a Lawsuit: If necessary, we will file a lawsuit against the nursing home and any responsible parties, seeking compensation for medical costs, pain and suffering, and other damages caused by the abandonment.
• Negotiating Settlements: We will work to negotiate a fair settlement that compensates the victim for their suffering and ensures they receive the care they need moving forward.
• Trial Representation: If a settlement cannot be reached, our experienced trial attorneys are prepared to take the case to court, presenting a compelling argument on behalf of the victim.

With offices in Naperville and St. Charles, our team at John J. Malm & Associates is ready to represent victims of abandonment across Illinois.

What to Do if You Suspect Abandonment in a Nursing Home

If you suspect that your loved one is a victim of abandonment in a nursing home, it is important to act quickly to protect their health and safety. Follow these steps:

1. Document the Evidence: Keep detailed records of any signs of abandonment, such as unmet basic needs, injuries, or lack of supervision. Take photographs if necessary.
2. Speak with Nursing Home Management: If it is safe to do so, discuss your concerns with the nursing home’s administration and document their response.
3. Report the Abandonment: Contact the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to report the suspected abandonment. The IDPH is responsible for investigating allegations of abuse and neglect in Illinois nursing homes.
4. Contact an Experienced Nursing Home Abuse Attorney: Reach out to John J. Malm & Associates for a free consultation. Our attorneys will investigate the abandonment and work to hold the nursing home accountable for failing to provide adequate care.

John J. Malm & Associates: Protecting Your Loved One’s Rights in Abandonment Cases

At John J. Malm & Associates, we are committed to holding nursing homes accountable for abandoning their residents and ensuring that residents receive the care and attention they deserve. Abandonment is a serious violation of trust, and nursing homes that fail to provide proper care must be held responsible for their actions.

Our firm provides compassionate, skilled legal representation to victims of nursing home abandonment, and we work on a contingency fee basis—meaning you won’t pay any attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you.

Contact John J. Malm & Associates for Help Navigating Your Nursing Home Negligence Case

If you or a loved one has been a victim of abandonment in an Illinois nursing home, don’t wait to take action. Contact the top-rated Illinois nursing home injury attorneys at John J. Malm & Associates for a free consultation. With offices conveniently located in Naperville and St. Charles, we are here to help families throughout Illinois. Contact us today, and let us fight for the justice and compensation your family deserves.