How To File A Nursing Home Complaint In Illinois

When you trust a nursing home with the care of a loved one, you expect compassion, dignity, and professionalism. Sadly, nursing home abuse and neglect are far too common in Illinois. If you suspect mistreatment of a nursing home resident, it’s critical to act quickly — both to protect your loved one and to hold the facility accountable.

At John J. Malm & Associates, we’ve helped families across Illinois, including Naperville and St. Charles, file complaints, pursue claims, and recover millions of dollars for victims of nursing home abuse.

Here’s what you need to know about filing a nursing home complaint in Illinois — and seeking justice for your family.

Step 1: Filing a Complaint with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is responsible for regulating nursing homes and investigating allegations of abuse or neglect.

If you believe a nursing home resident is being mistreated, you can file a confidential complaint directly with IDPH.

How to File an IDPH Complaint:

Phone: Call the IDPH Nursing Home Hotline at 1-800-252-4343 (available 24/7).
Online: Submit a complaint through the IDPH website: IDPH Nursing Home Complaint Form.
Mail or Fax: Complete a Complaint Form and send it to the address or fax listed on the IDPH website.

Information to Include:

Resident’s name and location
Description of the incident(s)
Dates and details of the alleged abuse or neglect
Names of staff members involved (if known)

What Happens Next:
IDPH is required to investigate serious complaints within 24 hours if there’s immediate jeopardy to a resident’s health or safety. They will visit the facility, conduct interviews, and review records.

Step 2: Filing a Civil Complaint for Damages

While IDPH investigates violations of state law, filing a civil lawsuit is how victims and families seek compensation for harm caused by nursing home abuse or neglect.

A civil claim can recover damages for:

Medical expenses
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Wrongful death (in fatal cases)
Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)

Illinois law allows victims to pursue a civil action even if IDPH issues citations or imposes penalties on the nursing home.

Important Deadlines:
In most cases, Illinois law requires that civil claims for nursing home abuse be filed within two years of the date of injury.

Why Filing Both an IDPH Complaint and a Civil Claim Matters in Nursing Home Abuse Cases

Filing an IDPH complaint serves an important purpose: it alerts regulators to unsafe conditions and can lead to citations, fines, or even license revocation for a nursing home. However, an IDPH investigation does not compensate victims directly for the harm they’ve suffered.

That’s why filing a civil lawsuit is equally critical. A lawsuit allows victims and families to pursue real financial compensation — helping to cover medical bills, future care needs, and the devastating emotional impact of abuse or neglect.

In many cases, evidence uncovered during an IDPH investigation can strengthen a civil claim. IDPH findings can demonstrate a pattern of negligence by the nursing home, repeated safety violations, or reckless staffing practices.

Key Takeaway:

Filing an IDPH complaint protects public health.
Filing a civil lawsuit protects your family’s future.

At John J. Malm & Associates, our top-rated Illinois nursing home abuse lawyers help clients navigate both processes — ensuring that justice is pursued on all fronts.

Common Injuries and Complications from Nursing Home Neglect

Nursing home abuse and neglect can cause severe injuries — often with life-threatening consequences.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls alone cause over 34,000 deaths among older adults each year.

Other common injuries include:

Neglect can also cause infections, internal bleeding, organ failure, and a rapid decline in overall health.

Common Signs of Nursing Home Neglect Families Should Watch For

Recognizing abuse or neglect early can prevent further harm. Warning signs include:

Unexplained Bruises or Injuries
Frequent Falls
Weight Loss or Dehydration
Emotional Withdrawal or Depression
Poor Hygiene
Bedsores
Overmedication or Sedation

Families are often the first to notice changes — and reporting concerns immediately can save lives.

Case Example: Filing IDPH Complaint Leads to Important Evidence in Nursing Home Resident’s Injury Case

Sometimes, only the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) can get answers to important questions we need answered.

In a recent case, an IDPH complaint was filed against a Chicago-area nursing home after an elderly woman suffered a severe leg injury and underwent surgery. Initially, it was unclear how the injury to the woman had occurred.

IDPH dispatched investigators to the nursing home to question the director and staff regarding the incident. The IDPH investigation, along with police reports, helped uncover facts showing that the elderly woman’s injury was likely the result of a battery committed by another nursing home resident who had wandered into the woman’s room.

Our firm was then able to show how security measures employed at the nursing home had failed to prevent an intrusion by the resident, who had an apparent history of wandering.

“The injury to our elderly client was inexplicable to family members. A phone call the family had received from the nursing home failed to explain what really happened. The nursing home did not offer a sincere explanation as to why a 911 call was placed or why the elderly woman was suddenly taken to the hospital. The IDPH investigation was the first step in showing that the woman’s injury was actually sustained from an attack committed by another resident who had gained entry into her room. We were then able to pursue a civil claim to show that the facility had failed to keep her room secure from such an intrusion and protect her from harm by other residents.” — Illinois nursing home abuse lawyer, John J. Malm

After gathering relevant evidence — including staff interviews from IDPH, photographs, witness statements, and medical records — our firm pursued a successful civil claim for damages and secured a settlement of $750,000 to help compensate the woman for her medical expenses, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

FAQs About Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

1. How do I recognize signs of nursing home abuse or neglect?
Look for unexplained injuries, sudden emotional withdrawal, poor hygiene, weight loss, untreated bedsores, or unusual financial activity.

2. Can I file both an IDPH complaint and a civil lawsuit?
Yes. Filing an IDPH complaint helps report and investigate abuse, while a civil lawsuit seeks compensation for the harm suffered.

3. How long does an IDPH investigation take?
IDPH prioritizes complaints based on severity. Immediate jeopardy complaints are investigated within 24 hours; others may take weeks.

4. What compensation is available in a civil nursing home abuse case?
Victims can recover damages for medical expenses, emotional distress, disability, pain and suffering, and in some cases, punitive damages.

5. How much does it cost to hire a nursing home abuse attorney?
At John J. Malm & Associates, we work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

“Families trust nursing homes with the lives of their loved ones. When that trust is broken through abuse or neglect, the consequences can be devastating. Our team stands ready to fight for victims and families — ensuring those responsible are held accountable and justice is served.” — John J. Malm, Naperville nursing home injury attorney

Quick Checklist: What to Do If You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse

Document the Evidence: Take photos of injuries or unsafe conditions.

Talk to Your Loved One: If possible, ask them about their care.

Report Concerns to Staff: See if the facility addresses your concerns promptly.

File an IDPH Complaint: Here’s how:

Go to the IDPH website: Go to the IDPH website.
Select “File a Complaint”: On the website, look for the section or button that allows you to file a complaint.
Choose “Nursing Home” as the type of complaint: If you are filing a complaint about a nursing home, make sure to select the correct category for nursing homes.
Complete the form: Fill out the online complaint form with the necessary information.
Submit the complaint: Once you have completed the form, submit your complaint.

Seek Medical Evaluation: Ensure injuries or health issues are promptly treated and are documented in medical records.

Contact an Experienced Attorney: Call John J. Malm & Associates for a free consultation.

Why Families in Illinois Rely John J. Malm & Associates for Nursing Home Cases

When it comes to protecting vulnerable nursing home residents, experience matters.

At John J. Malm & Associates, we don’t just file claims — we fight for dignity, accountability, and justice. Our award-winning Illinois nursing home neglect attorneys know how to uncover hidden abuse, build strong cases, and demand the full compensation victims deserve.

With offices in Naperville and St. Charles, our firm offers the personal attention of a small practice combined with the resources and results of a larger law firm. We’re proud to have recovered millions of dollars for families devastated by nursing home negligence. Most importantly, we treat every client with the compassion and respect they deserve — because we know how much is at stake. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation.