Chicago Elder Abuse Lawyer

Experienced Legal Help for Victims of Elder Abuse in Chicago 

Elder abuse is a serious issue affecting older adults. Seniors in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and private residences face physical, emotional, and financial abuse. Caregivers and staff must provide proper care, but sadly, this is not always the case.

If your loved one has suffered mistreatment, our experienced elder abuse lawyers can help you seek justice and compensation. We are dedicated to holding abusive caregivers accountable and making sure older persons are protected under the law.

Successful Settlements for Elder Abuse Victims

Successful settlements show the accountability that negligent nursing homes and staff face for failing to protect vulnerable residents. Here are a few examples of settlements that have helped our clients receive compensation on behalf of their families:

• $1,500,000 Settlement – Won for a group home negligence case involving physical harm by other residents.
• $2,333,000 Settlement – Reached for two women who were sexually assaulted by a Certified Nursing Assistant.
• $3,000,000 Settlement – A pressure sore wrongful death settlement was secured for a woman whose husband died from untreated pressure sores in a skilled nursing facility following hip replacement surgery.

If your loved one has been a victim of elder abuse, legal action makes certain responsible parties are held accountable. Contact us today for a free case evaluation to explore your options and secure the compensation your family deserves.

What Is Elder Abuse?

Elder abuse encompasses a wide range of harmful actions toward an elderly person, often carried out by caregivers, family members, or staff at nursing homes. The most common types of elder abuse are:

• Physical Abuse: Any action that causes physical harm, such as hitting, slapping, or improper restraint. 
• Emotional Abuse: Psychological harm caused by threats, intimidation, or social isolation. 
• Sexual Abuse: Non-consensual sexual contact or inappropriate behavior. 
• Neglect: Failing to provide necessary care, nutrition, hygiene, or medical treatment.
• Financial exploitation: Theft or misuse of an older person’s money or assets, typically through fraud or coercion. 

Warning Signs of Elder Abuse

Recognizing the signs of elder abuse can be challenging, especially when victims are afraid or unable to speak up. However, family members can look for key indicators that might suggest mistreatment:

• Physical signs: Unexplained injuries, bruises, burns, fractures, or pressure ulcers (bedsores). Pressure ulcers, in particular, are common signs of a lack of care in assisted living facilities.
• Health decline: Malnutrition, dehydration, and poor personal hygiene, indicating neglect of medical needs. When proper care is not provided, it can lead to serious health problems like infections, dehydration, and an overall decline in health.
• Behavioral changes: Withdrawal from social activities, increased anxiety, or fearfulness around certain caregivers. Emotional mistreatment can lead to dramatic shifts in behavior, and seniors may become more reclusive or display signs of distress.
• Financial red flags: Large, unexplained withdrawals, missing valuables, or sudden changes in financial documents like wills and powers of attorney. 

If any of these warning signs are present, it is essential to take action and contact a qualified elder abuse law firm immediately. We help our clients to investigate further and build a strong case.

How Financial Exploitation Affects Seniors

Financial manipulation is a particularly devastating form of elder abuse, often involving family members, caregivers, or strangers who manipulate or steal money from vulnerable seniors. Signs include:

• Unusual withdrawals from bank accounts or forged signatures on financial documents.
• Significant changes in wills, powers of attorney, or beneficiaries without explanation.
• Unauthorized use of credit cards, assets, or personal funds.

This form of exploitation can leave elderly victims financially devastated and in need of immediate legal help. If you think your family member is a victim of financial fraud, reaching out to an experienced firm can help recover stolen assets and hold the perpetrator accountable. We’ve recovered restitution on behalf of many clients.

How Chicago’s Elder Abuse Law Firm Can Help

Our law firm has extensive experience advocating for seniors who have suffered mistreatment. We are dedicated to protecting vulnerable individuals and holding negligent parties accountable.

We will thoroughly investigate elder abuse claims by reviewing medical records, witness testimonies, and facility reports, gathering strong evidence to link the mistreatment to your family member’s injuries. Working with medical and financial experts, we will build a solid case to support your claim.

Our attorneys are committed to holding abusive staff members, caregivers, or family members liable, taking aggressive legal action to ensure accountability. We will pursue compensation for medical expenses, emotional suffering, and financial losses for our clients.

Chicago Elder Care Laws and Legal Protections

The Illinois Nursing Home Care Act (210 ILCS 45) states that elderly patients have the right to receive quality care and be free from any form of mistreatment.

In addition to state law, federal regulations also provide safeguards, such as those under the Older Americans Act, which aims to prevent elder abuse and ensure seniors live in a safe and dignified environment. Victims of harm or their family members have the right to file lawsuits against those responsible.

What to Do If You Suspect Elder Abuse

If you believe that your family member is suffering from mistreatment in a nursing home or assisted living facility, it is essential to act quickly. Here’s what you can do:

• Document the abuse: Keep a record of injuries, suspicious financial activity, or changes in behavior. This evidence will help build a strong case against the perpetrators.
• Report the incident: Contact the facility management, the Illinois Department on Aging, or Adult Protective Services. Reporting neglect to the appropriate authorities is critical for preventing further harm and getting your loved one the help they need.
• Seek medical attention: Get your family member proper treatment for any injuries or health issues caused by misconduct. Immediate medical attention can prevent the worsening of injuries and help document the extent of the harm caused.
• Consult an attorney: Reach out to an experienced elder abuse lawyer to discuss your legal options and ensure your loved one’s rights are honored. Our firm can help you navigate the process of reporting malpractice and pursuing justice.

We’ve helped clients and their families recover millions of dollars in damages. Contact one of our lawyers today. 

Free Consultation with an Elder Abuse Lawyer

If you suspect that your loved one is a victim of elder abuse, it is essential to take immediate action. Our firm offers a free case evaluation to help you understand your legal options and how we can assist in holding the perpetrators accountable. Our compassionate nursing home abuse attorneys in Chicago work diligently so our clients receive the justice they deserve. 

Call (800) 926-7565 or fill out our online form.