Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect

Nursing Home Injury Lawyers Protect the Rights of the Elderly in Illinois

Nursing home abuse and neglect can lead to devastating injuries and compromise the health and dignity of elderly residents. For families, discovering that a loved one has been harmed in a nursing facility is especially distressing. At John J. Malm & Associates, we are dedicated advocates for victims of nursing home abuse and neglect, and we tirelessly pursue justice on their behalf.

When families place a loved one in a nursing home, they trust the facility to provide adequate care. Unfortunately, many nursing homes fail to hire enough qualified staff or provide proper training, leading to substandard care. These shortcomings put Illinois nursing home residents at serious risk of harm.

In response to this growing issue, Illinois passed the Nursing Home Care Act (210 ILCS 45/1-113), a law designed to protect the rights and safety of nursing home residents. The act holds nursing homes accountable when they fail to provide appropriate care, ensuring that residents receive the dignity and protection they deserve.

“Standing up for elderly victims of nursing home neglect and abuse is essential. These vulnerable individuals deserve to live their lives with dignity and respect, and it is our duty to hold those responsible accountable for failing in their care,” says John J. Malm, highlighting the firm’s commitment to advocating for victims.

At John J. Malm & Associates, we understand the impact that nursing home abuse and neglect can have on both the victims and their families. Our team of top-rated Illinois nursing home attorneys is committed to holding negligent nursing homes accountable and seeking the compensation and justice that our clients deserve. If you suspect that a loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse, we are here to help.

What Actions Constitute Claims for Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect in Illinois?

Nursing home abuse and neglect can result in a variety of serious injuries and complications. Common actions that lead to legal claims in Illinois include:

• Bed Sores and Ulcers: These pressure injuries, often due to immobility and lack of care, can progress to dangerous infections if not treated early. According to Mayo Clinic, bed sores are preventable with proper repositioning and hygiene care.
• Sepsis: This life-threatening response to infection can develop from untreated bed sores or wounds. Johns Hopkins Medicine warns that sepsis can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated promptly.
• Falls: Falls are a major risk for elderly residents and can cause serious injuries like fractures. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths among seniors.
• Physical or Sexual Assault or Abuse: Nursing homes have a duty to monitor staff and residents to prevent harm. Abuse of any kind can have lasting physical and emotional consequences.
• Malnutrition or Dehydration: When nursing homes fail to provide adequate nutrition and hydration, serious health complications can occur. Cleveland Clinic highlights the importance of proper nutrition for elderly residents.
• Medication Errors: Errors in dosage or administering the wrong medication can be life-threatening. Johns Hopkins Medicine identifies medication errors as a leading cause of preventable harm in healthcare settings.
• Infection Due to Neglect: Poor hygiene and lack of medical attention can lead to preventable infections.
• Failure to Diagnose Bed Sores, Infections, and Other Diseases: Early detection of bed sores, infections, or other diseases is crucial to prevent severe outcomes.
• Bed Rail Injuries: Improper use of bed rails can lead to injuries such as entrapment or suffocation. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns of the dangers associated with bed rail use.
• Violence: Nursing home residents can suffer violence from other residents or even staff.
• Abandonment: Abandonment occurs when caregivers or staff desert residents, leaving them without proper supervision, care, or support, which can lead to serious injuries, such as falls.
• Injuries Due to Wandering: When nursing residents wander away (elope) and escape the nursing home, they can fall down and become injured.
• Wrongful Death: One of the most commons nursing home claims in Illinois is wrongful death claims, where a nursing home resident dies as a result of the negligent actions or inactions of nursing home staff or caregivers.

These issues are common in nursing homes and can cause serious physical, emotional, and financial consequences for residents and their families.

What are the Common Warning Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect?

There are several warning signs that could indicate abuse or neglect in a nursing home setting. Some of the most common include:

• Unexplained Falls: Frequent falls may suggest that the nursing home staff is failing to provide adequate supervision or mobility assistance.
• Dehydration or Malnutrition: Rapid weight loss, dry mouth, and confusion can be signs of neglect. Mayo Clinic highlights the importance of hydration in maintaining elderly health.
• Sudden Personality Changes: If your loved one seems withdrawn, depressed, or anxious, this could be a sign of emotional abuse.
• Development of Bed Sores: Bed sores are often a sign of neglect, especially in patients who are immobile.
• Unexpected Bruises or Skin Discoloration: Unexplained bruises or injuries may be a result of physical abuse or improper handling by staff.
• Rapid Weight Loss: This could indicate malnutrition or a lack of proper care.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s critical to contact a nursing home attorney to investigate whether these symptoms may be related to abuse or neglect.

What is the Role of the Illinois Department of Public Health in Nursing Home Cases?

The Nursing Home Care Act (210 ILCS 45/) was created to protect residents of long-term care facilities in Illinois. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is the government body responsible for enforcing these regulations. The IDPH conducts investigations into complaints of abuse or neglect and holds nursing homes accountable for violations of the Nursing Home Care Act.

If you suspect that your loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, it’s important to file a complaint with the IDPH. They will investigate the facility, often without prior notice, and issue a report on their findings.

What Actions Should You Take if You or a Loved One has Experienced Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect in Illinois?

If you or a loved one has suffered from nursing home abuse or neglect, it’s essential to take action immediately. At John J. Malm & Associates, we have extensive experience representing victims and their families in DuPage County, Kane County, Cook County, and throughout Illinois. Our knowledgeable nursing home attorneys will thoroughly investigate your claim and work with you to achieve the justice and compensation you deserve.

Contact John J. Malm & Associates for a free consultation today to discuss your legal options and protect the rights of your loved one.

Some of Our Firm’s Recent Nursing Home Settlements: Protecting the Rights of Elderly Victims

Nursing home negligence and abuse can have devastating consequences for elderly residents. Below are three settlement cases involving elderly women who were harmed while under the care of nursing homes in Kane County and DuPage County, Illinois. Each case example highlights the importance of holding nursing homes accountable when they fail to provide the necessary care and protection for their residents.

A nursing home settlement of $750,000 was reached for an elderly woman residing in an Illinois nursing home who was physically attacked by another resident. The nursing home failed to properly monitor and prevent the attack, resulting in significant physical and emotional trauma for the victim. After the incident, the family of the victim hired our firm to bring a claim, alleging that the nursing home staff had neglected their duty to keep residents safe from harm. This case serves as a reminder that nursing homes must take proactive steps to ensure that residents are protected from potential threats posed by other residents.

A nursing home settlement of $440,000 was reached for an elderly woman who fell and fractured her hip while living in an Illinois nursing home. The lawsuit claimed that the nursing home staff failed to provide the necessary supervision and assistance to prevent falls, which are a common risk for elderly residents. The fall resulted in pain and suffering, along with prolonged medical treatment for her injury. The nursing home acknowledged their negligence in failing to prevent the accident. This case emphasizes the critical need for proper fall prevention protocols in nursing homes to safeguard vulnerable residents from injury.

A $900,000 nursing home settlement was secured in a case involving the wrongful death of an elderly woman in a DuPage County nursing home. The nursing home staff failed to refer the woman for necessary medical treatment, despite her worsening condition. The delay in seeking medical attention ultimately led to the woman’s untimely death. The family pursued legal action, claiming the nursing home’s neglect and lack of proper medical care were directly responsible for her death. This settlement underscores the severe consequences of nursing home negligence and the need for staff to be vigilant in providing timely medical care to residents.

• Understanding Government Star Ratings for Nursing Homes in Illinois
• Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect FAQs

Contact the Illinois Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Attorneys at John J. Malm & Associates

John J. Malm & Associates is an experienced Illinois personal injury law firm representing individuals and families who have suffered an injury or loss due to an accident. You may be entitled to a substantial settlement if you have been injured. Call 630-527-4177, or 630-524-2323, and speak with Attorney John J. Malm and his team.