Our Chicago nursing home abuse lawyers are here to help elderly nursing home and assisted living residents and their loved ones.
If your loved one has been harmed in a Chicago nursing home or assisted living facility, you deserve an experienced elder abuse law firm to fight for justice.
At Nursing Home Law Center, we focus exclusively on elder neglect and abuse claims and are dedicated to protecting the rights of seniors and their families throughout Chicago and Illinois. Our Chicago-based injury lawyers are located in downtown Chicago at 225 West Wacker Drive.
Elder abuse in Illinois is a growing concern, with reports showing that only 1 in 24 cases of elder mistreatment is ever reported to authorities. Many Chicago nursing homes have received poor state inspections due to chronic understaffing, inadequate medical care, and repeated safety violations. These issues put vulnerable nursing home residents at serious risk.
Our legal team works tirelessly to hold negligent facilities accountable, seek compensation for victims, and help families regain peace of mind.
We have helped families recover substantial settlements for victims of elder neglect, abuse, and wrongful death in Illinois. Some of our recent case results include:
$3,845,000 Bed Sore Settlement – A nursing home in Cook County failed to provide adequate care for a resident, resulting in infected Stage 4 pressure sores. The settlement compensated the victim for medical expenses and pain and suffering.
$2,176,300 Nursing Home Fall Settlement – A dementia patient fell from their bed due to a lack of fall precautions and suffered multiple fractures. The case exposed the facility’s failure to implement safety protocols.
$1,968,450 Sexual Abuse Settlement – A disabled woman in a Chicago nursing home was sexually assaulted by a staff member. The facility failed to conduct proper background checks before hiring.
$1,742,900 Malnutrition & Dehydration Lawsuit – A resident died of severe dehydration due to staff neglect. The lawsuit revealed chronic understaffing and lack of supervision.
$1,287,600 Medication Error Settlement – A nursing home patient received the wrong medication for weeks, leading to a serious medical emergency.
We leave no stone unturned, conducting thorough investigations to cover all aspects of the abuse, including medical costs, emotional distress, and other related damages. With our extensive knowledge of nursing home abuse claims, we effectively manage the legal process and work relentlessly to safeguard your rights.
We communicate compassionately and transparently throughout the case, ensuring you and your family stay informed, supported, and confident at every stage.
At Nursing Home Law Center, we are committed to fighting for victims of nursing home abuse and neglect in Chicago and across Illinois. Our firm focuses exclusively on elder abuse cases, giving us the specialized knowledge and experience needed to take on nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and long-term care providers who fail to uphold their duty of care.
Unlike general personal injury law firms, we focus solely on nursing home abuse and neglect claims. This allows us to:
Our attorneys have secured millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for victims of bedsores, malnutrition, falls, medication errors, and abuse in Chicago-area nursing homes. We have the resources and experience to take on even the largest nursing home chains and hold them accountable.
We understand that filing a claim against a nursing home can be overwhelming for families. That’s why we provide:
We represent clients on a contingency fee basis, which means:
Our firm has successfully litigated against for-profit nursing home chains, understaffed facilities, and negligent caregivers who failed to protect elderly residents. By taking legal action, we help:
Nursing home abuse refers to any intentional harm, neglect, or exploitation of elderly residents in a nursing home or assisted living facility. This mistreatment can take many forms, all of which can have devastating effects on the physical, emotional, and financial well-being of nursing home residents.
Our Chicago nursing home abuse lawyers handle a wide range of cases to protect the rights of older adults and their families, ensuring they receive justice and compensation for the harm they’ve endured.
Physical abuse is one of the most visible forms of nursing home abuse. It includes any bodily harm inflicted on a nursing home resident, such as hitting, slapping, pushing, or rough handling. Additionally, physical or chemical restraints may be improperly used, causing serious injuries like bruises, broken bones, or long-term psychological damage.
Emotional or mental abuse occurs when nursing home staff members use words or actions to humiliate, intimidate, or isolate a resident, leading to psychological distress, depression, or mental illness. Verbal abuse, threats, and other forms of mental abuse are common in nursing homes that fail to train or supervise staff adequately.
Sexual abuse in a nursing home setting involves any non-consensual or unwanted sexual contact between a staff member and a resident. This type of abuse can include inappropriate touching, assault, or coercion of a resident, particularly those who are cognitively impaired. Sexual abuse is a heinous violation of trust, leaving deep emotional and psychological scars.
Medical malpractice in nursing homes occurs when caregivers fail to provide adequate medical care to nursing home patients. This neglect includes failure to prevent bed sores, medication errors, misdiagnosis, or failure to treat infections. Considering how quickly you could die from a complication like Sepsis, this is alarming.
Nursing home neglect includes failure to meet basic needs such as proper nutrition, hydration, and hygiene. It may also involve a lack of supervision, leading to dangerous situations such as residents wandering off the property (elopement).
Financial abuse involves the exploitation of a resident’s financial resources. This act can include unauthorized use of the resident’s bank accounts, forging signatures on financial documents, or coercing the resident to change their will.
In the most severe cases, nursing home neglect or abuse can lead to a resident’s death. Families who have lost a loved one due to the negligent or abusive actions of a nursing home facility can file a wrongful death claim to hold the facility accountable and seek justice for their loss.
Nursing home residents in Chicago and throughout Illinois are protected by federal, state, and local laws designed to ensure their right to quality care and protection from nursing home abuse and neglect.
Chicago’s municipal code 4-6-100 includes provisions for long-term care facilities, reinforcing state and federal laws by ensuring compliance with staffing, safety, and emergency preparedness regulations. Nursing homes operating within Chicago must adhere to city health and safety inspections and may face fines or closure for non-compliance.
The Chicago Department of Family & Support Services (DFSS) runs an Elder Protection Program, offering local resources to investigate and address elder abuse and neglect in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. The city works with Adult Protective Services (APS) to provide emergency assistance and intervention when needed.
If an elder abuse victim is unable to file a nursing home abuse lawsuit themselves, certain parties are allowed to take legal action on their behalf. Family members, legal guardians, or someone with power of attorney for the resident can pursue a nursing home abuse case.
Additionally, if a resident dies as a result of abuse or neglect, the resident’s estate or close family members may file a wrongful death claim. These claims help hold Illinois nursing homes accountable for their actions and seek justice for the abused or neglected resident and their family.
In nursing home neglect cases, liability can extend beyond the individual staff members directly responsible for the mistreatment.
The nursing home can be held liable if it fails to provide a safe environment for its residents. This failure includes inadequate staffing, poor training, or failure to implement proper safety protocols. When a nursing facility prioritizes financial gain over resident care, it can lead to neglect and abuse, making the facility directly responsible for any harm that occurs.
Individual caregivers, nurses, or aides can also be personally liable for their abusive or negligent behavior. This includes actions such as physical abuse, verbal abuse, and neglect of basic needs, as well as failing to provide necessary medical treatment. Staff members who abuse or neglect residents are legally accountable for their actions.
Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals who provide medical care to nursing home patients may be liable if their negligence harms them. This liability can include prescribing incorrect medications, failing to monitor a resident’s health condition, or neglecting to treat injuries or illnesses.
Nursing homes often rely on third-party contractors for food preparation, security, and medical care. If these contractors fail to meet the necessary standards of care and their negligence harms a resident, they can also be held liable.
For example, if a third-party security company fails to prevent unauthorized access to the nursing facility, resulting in abuse, they may share responsibility.
The owners and administrators of nursing homes are responsible for overseeing the facility’s operations and ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations. They can be held liable if they fail to properly hire, train, and supervise staff or ignore reports of abuse and neglect.
At our law firm, we understand the emotional and physical toll that nursing home abuse can take on both victims and their families.
With years of experience handling nursing home abuse cases throughout Chicago and Illinois, our team of dedicated attorneys is committed to fighting for the rights of elderly residents who have been mistreated in nursing facilities.
We are well-versed in the complexities of nursing home abuse lawsuits and work diligently to ensure that our clients receive justice and fair compensation for the harm their loved ones have suffered.
Our Chicago nursing home abuse lawyers offer comprehensive legal services to assist you at every stage of the legal process, from the initial consultation through settlement or trial. Here’s how we can help:
We offer a free consultation to help you understand the details of your case and your legal options. During this evaluation, we will listen to your concerns, assess the situation, and provide guidance on the best course of action.
Whether you are dealing with suspected abuse or clear signs of neglect, our legal team is here to answer your questions and provide advice without any obligation.
Our attorneys conduct thorough investigations into nursing home abuse claims. This process involves reviewing medical records, interviewing witnesses, and examining the policies and practices of the nursing home facility where the abuse or neglect occurred.
We work closely with medical experts and other professionals to build a strong case on behalf of the nursing home residents who have been harmed.
Once we have sufficient evidence to support your case, we will file a nursing home abuse lawsuit against the responsible parties, which may include the nursing home staff, administrators, and the facility itself. Our team ensures that all legal documents are prepared and submitted on time, allowing you to focus on your loved one’s recovery while we handle the legal work.
In many cases, nursing home abuse lawyers can secure compensation through settlement negotiations. We negotiate with the nursing home and their insurance company to seek a fair settlement covering medical treatment costs, pain and suffering, and other damages your loved one has experienced.
Our goal is to obtain a settlement that reflects the full extent of the harm done without requiring a lengthy trial.
While many cases can be resolved through settlement, some nursing home negligence cases require a trial to reach a resolution. If the responsible parties refuse fair compensation, our experienced trial attorneys are fully prepared to take your case to court.
We have a proven track record of success in representing victims of nursing home abuse in courtrooms across Illinois and will aggressively pursue justice on behalf of your family.
There are 221 Medicare-approved nursing homes in Chicago, and a significant portion of these facilities are struggling with their overall ratings and inspections. Specifically, 137 of these homes, or 62%, have received an overall rating of below or much below average. This indicates potential issues in health inspections, staffing levels, and quality measures.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) uses a Five-Star Quality Rating System to assess nursing homes. This system evaluates facilities based on health inspections, staffing, and quality measures, providing an overall rating to help consumers compare care options.
These ratings suggest that many of Chicago’s nursing homes may struggle with compliance with state and federal health regulations, potentially impacting residents’ well-being. Staffing deficiencies are a critical concern, as they can affect the consistency and adequacy of care provided to residents, influencing their daily lives and long-term health.
While some facilities maintain acceptable standards in certain areas, the prevalence of average or below-average ratings underscores the importance of thorough research when selecting a nursing home in Chicago. According to ratings, here are some of the worst offenders in Chicago.
Elder abuse in nursing homes can take many forms, and recognizing the common signs is essential in protecting nursing home residents from further harm. Here are some examples of the most frequent signs of elder abuse in nursing facilities:
If you suspect nursing home abuse involving your loved one, it’s crucial to act quickly to ensure their safety and hold those responsible accountable. Here are the essential steps to take to report nursing home abuse or neglect:
If your loved one is in immediate physical danger or suffering from life-threatening harm, do not hesitate to contact local law enforcement by calling 911. This step ensures your family member receives medical care and protection right away.
If there is no immediate danger, file a complaint with the facility’s administration and request an internal investigation.
The Illinois Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program advocates for residents’ rights and investigates complaints of nursing home abuse and neglect.
IDPH is responsible for investigating nursing home violations and ensuring compliance with health regulations.
If the suspected abuse involves an elderly resident outside of a licensed nursing home, contact APS.
The Illinois Attorney General investigates elder abuse and nursing home neglect cases.
If you suspect abuse or neglect, it’s essential to speak with a nursing home abuse lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced lawyer can help you understand your legal options, gather evidence, and file a nursing home negligence lawsuit if necessary.
A nursing home abuse attorney will ensure your loved one’s rights are protected and work to secure compensation for the harm they have suffered.
Victims of nursing home negligence may be entitled to various types of compensation, depending on the severity of the abuse and the harm suffered.
Economic damages cover the measurable financial losses related to the abuse. Examples include:
Noneconomic damages compensate for the emotional and psychological harm caused by abuse. These damages include:
Punitive damages are awarded in cases of particularly egregious or malicious abuse. These damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter future abuse. They are not related to the actual harm suffered but serve as a form of penalty for the abusive behavior.
At Nursing Home Law Center, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not have to pay legal fees unless we win your case. This setup allows neglect victims and their families to pursue justice without worrying about the cost of legal representation. We aim to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve without financial stress.
If you suspect nursing home abuse or neglect in Chicago, it is crucial to act quickly. Illinois law sets strict statutes of limitations for filing a claim, and failing to take timely legal action can prevent you from recovering compensation for damages.
Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Illinois, including nursing home abuse and neglect cases, is:
If the abuse results in wrongful death, 735 ILCS 5/13-209 allows surviving family members to file a claim, but they must do so within two years from the date of death.
If medical malpractice is involved, 735 ILCS 5/13-212 provides:
Some circumstances may pause (toll) the statute of limitations, including:
These exceptions are rare, so it is best to consult a Chicago nursing home abuse lawyer immediately to preserve your right to seek justice.
At Nursing Home Law Center, our experienced team of Chicago nursing home abuse lawyers has successfully represented countless victims and their families in nursing home abuse lawsuits. We are dedicated to holding negligent assisted living facilities accountable for their actions, ensuring that residents receive the care and respect they deserve.
Our Illinois nursing home abuse lawyers are based in Chicago, IL and serve victims across the state, including:
We fight tirelessly to secure financial compensation for victims of nursing home abuse and neglect, and our comprehensive legal knowledge makes us well-equipped to handle your case from start to finish. If you or a loved one has suffered abuse or neglect in a Chicago nursing home, don’t wait to take action.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options. Let our Illinois nursing home lawyers help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve, ensuring responsible parties are held accountable for their actions.