How to Report Nursing Home Neglect in Chicago

Nursing home neglect is a serious issue that can lead to severe health complications, injury, or even death. In Illinois, nursing homes are legally required to meet a standard of care that supports residents’ well-being and medical care. 

If you suspect neglect in a nursing home, knowing how to report it properly is crucial to protecting your loved one and preventing further harm.

Compensation We’ve Won for Nursing Home Neglect Victims

Our successful settlements demonstrate accountability and justice for nursing home residents suffering due to neglect. Some notable cases include:

• $1,500,000—Recovered for the family of a dementia patient who ingested poison after gaining access to chemicals in an unlocked storage closet.
• $1,500,000—A group home negligence lawsuit that involved physical abuse by other residents.
• $610,000—A settlement for a resident dropped by staff due to improper use of a Hoyer lift.

Warning Signs of Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect

Recognizing warning signs of nursing home neglect early can make all the difference in protecting your loved one. Neglect in nursing homes can take many forms, each of which can have a severe impact on elderly people. Here’s what to look for in recognizing signs that may indicate neglect and elder abuse:

Emotional Neglect

Elder abuse doesn’t always involve physical injury; it can be psychological as well. Emotional neglect often goes unnoticed but can have significant long-term effects. 

Symptoms of emotional neglect include withdrawal from activities, increased depression, and unexplained anxiety. If your loved one becomes more socially isolated, it could be due to the staff neglecting their emotional needs. 

Medical Neglect

Healthcare neglect is one of the most serious types of neglect in nursing homes. Unexplained weight loss and missed medical appointments are common red flags that the staff may be failing to provide necessary medical care. 

Elderly patients are at a higher risk of complications if medical needs are ignored, and untreated medical conditions can lead to more issues. Keeping an eye out for these signs early is essential to ensure that your loved one receives timely treatment and care.

Physical Neglect

A form of physical abuse, physical neglect often manifests as poor hygiene or unsanitary living conditions. Patients may experience this when caregivers fail to assist them with personal care, leaving them in soiled clothing or dirty environments. 

The lack of attention to personal hygiene can increase the risk of infections and other health issues. This can also be seen in the failure to prevent falls, which can result in life-threatening nursing home injuries.

Elder Abuse

Elder abuse, whether emotional or physical abuse, is a critical concern. Signs of elder abuse include bruises, cuts, or burns that can’t be explained, as well as sudden changes in behavior, such as withdrawing from activities or becoming unusually fearful of certain staff members.

If your loved one experiences emotional distress or seems afraid of being around specific individuals, it may be due to elder abuse. 

By identifying these red flags early, you can make all the difference in preventing neglect or abuse from worsening. If you see signs that your loved one is experiencing neglect or abuse, contacting a nursing home abuse lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and uphold your loved one’s rights.

Understanding Your Options Under Illinois Law

The state provides several avenues to report nursing home neglect. Below are the essential steps to take if you suspect nursing home abuse or negligence:

Document the Signs of Neglect

Document unsanitary living conditions, untreated injuries, or poor hygiene. Note dates, times, detailed descriptions, and any exchanges with staff. 

Keep records of medical care visits and complaints to the nursing home administrator to provide evidence if you pursue legal action. Recognizing signs of neglect early can make all the difference, especially if the patient is at higher risk.

Speak with Facility Management

The next step is to speak directly with the nursing home staff or administrator. Express your concerns in writing and request a formal response regarding how the issue will be resolved. 

If the situation does not improve, this documentation can be used as evidence to support legal action. Reaching out to management can sometimes result in swift action, but if not, it’s important to escalate the matter to the appropriate authorities.

Report to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)

If the issue persists, reporting the neglect to the IDPH is crucial. You can contact the Nursing Home Complaint Hotline. Call their phone number at 1-800-252-4343 or file an online complaint through their website. 

The IDPH investigates all claims of neglect, and disciplinary action can be taken, including punitive damages, if the nursing home is found negligent. This step is vital in addressing neglect and preventing further harm, especially to higher-risk seniors.

Contact the Illinois Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

The Illinois Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program provides advocacy for patients. Ombudsmen help mediate disputes and make certain that residents’ rights are respected. If you’re facing issues with neglect, contacting the Ombudsman can be an important step. 

They act as a resource for family members seeking resolution and better care for loved ones in nursing homes.

Notify Adult Protective Services (APS)

If a nursing home resident is in immediate danger or at higher risk due to neglect, call 911 for emergency assistance. Additionally, you can contact Adult Protective Services (APS) at 1-866-800-1409. APS investigates reports of abuse and neglect involving elderly people aged 60+ or those with disabilities. This can be a vital step in protecting a vulnerable loved one.

Chicago-Specific Avenues to File a Complaint

In Chicago, nursing home neglect can also be reported to local organizations and advocacy groups focused on elderly residents’ quality of life. 

The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) is also a resource for reporting neglect in a nursing home in addition to the Illinois Department, especially if you are concerned about violations related to sanitation or staffing issues. Contact them directly to file a complaint.

Legal Process After Reporting Nursing Home Neglect

If assisted living facility abuse continues after reporting, taking legal action may be necessary. Consulting with a nursing home abuse lawyer can help you secure compensation for medical expenses related to injuries caused by neglect, as well as pain and suffering from inadequate care and mental distress. 

If the neglect leads to fatal consequences, you may also seek wrongful death damages. An attorney specializing in nursing home neglect cases is critical to achieving justice for your impacted family member.

How Our Legal Representation Can Help You Seek Justice

Our experienced lawyers specialize in elder abuse and neglect cases. We’re committed to advocating for elderly residents and will gather evidence, investigate the nursing home’s failure to provide proper care and work with medical experts to demonstrate the impact of neglect. 

Our team will hold facilities accountable and fight for the compensation your family deserves. We offer expert legal representation throughout all legal proceedings, protecting your loved one’s rights.

Free Consultation with a Chicago Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer

If your loved one is suffering from nursing home neglect, immediate action is crucial. Call us today for a consultation to discuss your family’s case and understand your legal options. Our nursing home abuse lawyers in Chicago work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.

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