Help For Your Addison Nursing Home Abuse Case
Nursing homes and elder care facilities provide important care for many people as they get older or need increased help for daily living needs. Unfortunately, the organizations that many of us trust to care for our loved ones sometimes fail to provide the conditions that residents deserve.
At Schramm Law Group, LLC, we have helped clients throughout DuPage County and the Chicagoland area with a wide range of personal injury matters. We are especially committed to helping those whose loved ones have been victimized through nursing home abuse or neglect.
Contact our office for the dedication and advocacy you need. We can help ensure that you and your loved one do not have to struggle with this any longer.
Uncovering Causes Of Neglect And Negligence In Nursing Homes
While there is no justification for nursing home neglect or abuse, the wrongdoing can sometimes be the direct product of failures in nursing home facilities and management procedures. Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) may have been improperly or inadequately trained. A facility may be understaffed and unable to provide adequate care to all residents.
This can lead to neglect and improper care that causes malnutrition, medication errors, bedsores, injuries from falls and more. Our firm can thoroughly investigate the nature of neglect and where procedural failings may contribute to that neglect. We can then present a detailed and aggressive case against the at-fault party to help you recover compensation for your loved one.
Identifying Elder Abuse And Taking Action
Physical, emotional and/or financial abuse is uniquely disturbing as it means someone has taken steps to actively hurt residents or take advantage of them.
An intentional act, however, is not required for a nursing home to be found liable. Nursing home facilities are liable to their residents “for any intentional or negligent act or omission of their employees.” See ILCS 45/3-601. Therefore a nursing home employee’s failing to do something may be sufficient to allow for liability.
Abuse can sometimes be difficult to identify because many nursing home residents suffer from conditions like dementia, Alzheimer’s or developmental disabilities – issues that often lead to misunderstandings. The at-fault party in these abuse cases will likely argue that your loved one’s condition has led to false accusations.
We know better. In many instances, the suspicions are justified. You may have noticed your loved one has become more withdrawn, argumentative or mistrusting. You may notice increased bruising or more instances of him or her “falling” when unattended. Uncharacteristic changes in behavior or physical condition are important to note and should be taken seriously by the health care facility, social workers and your attorney.
How To Recognize Possible Nursing Home Abuse Or Neglect
Identifying abuse or neglect in a nursing home setting often starts with noticing physical or behavioral changes. Families in DuPage County should pay close attention to patterns that suggest a decline in care or unsafe conditions.
Common warning signs include:
- Unexplained weight loss or dehydration: Poor hygiene, soiled clothing or bedding and lack of basic care may signal neglect
- Bedsores or skin breakdown: These injuries can worsen quickly and often indicate prolonged immobility without proper attention
- Unexpected injuries: Fractures, bruises or head trauma without a clear cause should raise concern
- Medication irregularities: Missed doses, sudden changes or signs of overmedication may point to improper supervision
- Recurring infections: Conditions such as UTIs, sepsis or pneumonia can result from inadequate monitoring
- Frequent falls or wandering: Lack of supervision can lead to repeated incidents and serious harm
- Changes in behavior: Withdrawal, anxiety, depression or fear around staff may indicate mistreatment
Recognizing these warning signs early can help prevent further harm and protect your loved one’s well-being.
Steps To Take If You Believe Abuse Has Occurred
When abuse or neglect is suspected, taking immediate and thoughtful action is critical. Early intervention can protect your loved one and preserve important evidence.
Key steps to consider include:
- Prioritize safety: Seek medical attention or move your loved one to a safer location if necessary
- Gather documentation: Photograph injuries, record dates and keep notes of any concerning observations
- Request records from the facility: Obtain care plans, incident reports and medical documentation
- Report the situation: Notify Illinois authorities, including the Department of Public Health, to initiate a formal review
- Preserve evidence: Retain communications, personal items and records that may support your claim
- Consult legal counsel early: Speak with an attorney before signing any documents provided by the facility
Taking these steps helps protect your loved one while building a foundation for any legal action that may follow.
Legal Protections Available Under Illinois Law
Illinois provides strong legal protections for nursing home residents through the Illinois Nursing Home Care Act. This law allows individuals and families to hold facilities accountable when proper care is not provided.
Under this framework, residents may pursue claims based on negligent or intentional acts that result in harm. In certain situations, the law may also allow recovery of attorney fees, which can reduce financial concerns about pursuing a claim.
Understanding these protections can help families take informed action and hold facilities responsible for maintaining safe and appropriate care standards. Taking timely legal action can make a meaningful difference in protecting your loved one.
We Can Help You And Your Loved One Seek Justice And Damages
Trust your instincts and get the legal support you need during this difficult time. Contact our office and arrange a free initial consultation with a lawyer at Schramm Law Group in DuPage County, Illinois. We can be reached online or by telephone at 630-394-2191.
