Kenwood Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Legal Help for Nursing Home Abuse Victims in Kenwood, Chicago 

The tough economic times have required working adults to seek alternative care for their elderly parents and loved ones. With this new reality of having strangers taking over your loved one’s care, you at least desire that the facility will make a considerable effort to do it well. 

However, some facilities have poor management systems that lead to unsanitary living conditions, inadequate safety measures, and less resource availability to improve the patient’s well-being. Others employ fewer staff, leading to medication errors, physical abuse, and a lack of proper supervision. 

The Nursing Home Law Center is an organization that helps Kenwood families harmed by elderly care facilities get the justice and compensation they deserve. We aim to make the nursing home and elderly care facilities in Kenwood perform a splendid job by ensuring those found to be at fault are held accountable for their negligence.

Recent Nursing Home Abuse Settlements in Kenwood

The settlement you receive from a nursing home abuse case depends on the strategy your Kenwood nursing home abuse lawyer adopts. An experienced lawyer can get you a settlement similar to the following:  

• A $1,700,000 settlement was awarded to a patient and their family after a nursing home fall that resulted in a subdural hematoma and hip fracture.
• A dementia patient ingested poison when she gained access to chemicals in an unlocked storage closet. The family won the case and received a $1,500,000 recovery.
• A family filed a group home negligence lawsuit involving physical abuse by other residents. They received a $1,500,000 compensation.

Our Chicago nursing home abuse law firm has walked with clients going through such unfortunate cases. Let us fight for you while you focus on your loved one’s recovery. 

Kenwood Healthcare and Nursing Home Landscape  

Kenwood residents have various nearby options to consider while seeking care for their elderly loved ones. Examples include:

• University of Chicago Medical Center provides specialized geriatric care, chronic disease management, and rehabilitation services for elderly patients.
• Jackson Park Hospital offers holistic care for seniors, including emergency services, primary care, and outpatient programs.

In addition to hospitals and medical centers, Kenwood has programs and health initiatives such as:

• The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) sponsors senior cafes and wellness programs in Kenwood and surrounding areas. 
• Elderwerks Educational Services: This organization helps families transition to elderly assisted living, nursing homes, and home care services. 

Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities in Kenwood

Kenwood has limited nursing homes and assisted living within the city but has multiple options in the surrounding areas within a few minutes’ drive. A lawyer can assist you in knowing what to look for and pitfalls to avoid. Let’s sample two facilities: 

• Kenwood Healthcare Center: This facility offers long-term care, short-term rehabilitation, and skilled nursing services, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy. However, in 2020, IDPH cited the facility for inadequate infection control practices and staffing shortages, but efforts have been made to improve the situation.
• Montgomery Place: This premium facility provides independent living, assisted living, and memory care services. In the past, some families have noted occasional inconsistencies in staffing responsiveness.

What Compensation Can Be Recovered in a Nursing Home Abuse Case?

Nursing home abuse compensation varies in the type and magnitude of the violation or offense. However, you can receive compensation from three categories:

• Economic damages: Medical expenses (past and future), lost wages or income, rehabilitation costs, property damage or repair costs, out-of-pocket expenses
• Non-economic damages: Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of companionship or consortium, reduced quality of life, mental anguish
• Punitive damages: Wrongful conduct, gross negligence, intentional harm 

A competent Kenwood nursing home abuse lawyer can help you recover compensation from the three categories. 

Common Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

Noticing signs of nursing home abuse and neglect can take weeks or even months if you are not vigilant. The following are the common signs to look for every so often:

• Emotional or psychological abuse
• Financial exploitation
• Behavioral changes
• Sexual abuse
• Environmental hazards
• Medical negligence
• Physical abuse

If your loved one is showing any of the above signs or you suspect something is off, contact the Nursing Home Law Center. Let us listen to you and give you a way forward. 

How to Check Nursing Home Ratings and Complaints in Kenwood

Ratings and complaints play a considerable role in helping families decide which nursing home or elderly care facility to settle for. The following are two reliable platforms to check how nursing care facilities perform: 

• CMS Five-Star Rating System: This platform contains information for nursing homes at a national level. They assess staffing balance, quality measures taken, and health inspection scores. 
• Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Nursing Home Reports: This state department receives and investigates complaints. They also write quarterly reports outlining the violations found on inspection.  

Legal Protections for Nursing Home Residents in Illinois

You may be relieved to know that the state and federal laws and the local ordinances have provisions that protect your loved one’s rights. It also forms a strong foundation for your legal case. Let’s sample three laws: 

• Chicago Municipal Code 4-6-100: The provisions state that nursing homes should not operate without receiving a license and having observed all health and safety standards. 
• Federal Nursing Home Reform Act: This law requires each patient to receive tailored care. It also ensures the facility meets staffing standards and quality care provisions. 
• Illinois Nursing Home Care Act (210 ILCS 45/): The rights of patients and how they should be handled are discussed in this law. It also outlines the penalties for violations.

Knowing which law was violated in your situation can be overwhelming. A nursing home abuse lawyer in Kenwood can figure this out for you and build a strong case. 

Steps to Take If You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse in Kenwood

The success of a nursing home abuse case depends on how you handle the situation after you suspect its occurrence. Here are the proper steps to take:

1. Document the Abuse by recording details, taking photos, and gathering evidence.
2. Notify the nursing home’s administration.
3. Report to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) or local law enforcement.
4. Ensure your loved one gets proper medical care and remove them from the facility if the risk remains.
5. Connect with local resources like the Illinois Long-Term Care Ombudsman (1-800-252-8966) or elder abuse hotlines, such as the APS 24-hour hotline at 1-866-800-1409 and 1-800-252-4343 (IDPH hotline).
6. Contact a Kenwood nursing abuse lawyer specializing in such cases.

Consult a Kenwood Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Near You! 

A nursing home abuse lawyer in Kenwood can evaluate and build your case, guide you through the legal process, negotiate a reasonable settlement, and represent you in court. The Nursing Home Law Center endeavors to fight for what you deserve and obtain justice for your family. 

Call (800) 926-7595 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation.