Oak Park Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Holding Nursing Homes in Oak Park Accountable for Abuse and Neglect

When families entrust a loved one to a nursing home or assisted living facility, they expect high-quality care, professional staff, and a safe environment. Unfortunately, elder abuse, neglect, and mistreatment occur in some facilities, leading to serious injuries, emotional distress, and wrongful death.

Whether due to understaffing, inadequate training, or willful neglect, nursing home abuse is a violation of trust that can have devastating consequences. If you suspect a loved one is being mistreated, taking immediate legal action can protect them and ensure the facility is held accountable.

Our Chicago nursing home abuse lawyers represent victims of nursing home abuse in Oak Park and throughout Illinois, including in Chicago. We work to secure compensation for medical costs, emotional suffering, and other damages while fighting to prevent further harm.

Recent Settlements in Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse Cases

Families who have pursued legal action against negligent nursing homes have obtained significant settlements, including:

• $2,150,000 wrongful death settlement for a resident who developed severe bed sores and sepsis due to improper medical care.
• $1,200,000 settlement for a disabled woman who suffered serious injuries in a nursing home van accident caused by staff negligence.
• $610,000 settlement for a resident dropped by staff misusing a Hoyer lift, resulting in multiple fractures.

These cases show the importance of holding nursing homes accountable for failing to provide safe, competent care.

What Compensation Is Available in a Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit?

Victims of nursing home neglect or abuse, as well as their families, may be entitled to financial compensation for:

• Medical expenses for treatment related to injuries or neglect
• Pain and suffering caused by emotional and physical trauma
• Wrongful death damages in cases where negligence led to a fatality
• Relocation costs if the resident must be moved to another facility

Many nursing home abuse claims are settled before trial, but in cases where facilities refuse to accept responsibility, litigation may be necessary.

Oak Park, Illinois: A Community with Assisted Living and Nursing Home Facilities

Oak Park, located in Cook County just west of Chicago, is known for its historic architecture, cultural landmarks, and vibrant community. The village is home to the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, where the legendary architect developed his Prairie School style, and the Ernest Hemingway Birthplace Museum. Scoville Park and Mills Park provide gathering spaces for residents, while Rush Oak Park Hospital serves as a primary healthcare provider for seniors.

With a growing elderly population, many Oak Park residents rely on nursing homes, assisted living centers, and memory care facilities for long-term care. Notable facilities in the area include:​

• Belmont Village Oak Park: Offers assisted living and memory care services, focusing on a blend of comfort and active living. ​
• Oak Park Arms: Provides independent and assisted living options, along with short-term stays, emphasizing a maintenance-free lifestyle for seniors. ​
• Brookdale Oak Park: Features independent and assisted living services, with amenities designed to cater to the diverse needs of seniors. 
• American House Oak Park: Recently opened, this community offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care services, located at the corner of Madison Street and South Oak Park Avenue. 

While some provide excellent services, others have been cited for issues such as understaffing, sanitation violations, and neglect.

Families researching care options should review public records on facility inspections, past violations, and resident complaints to make informed decisions about their loved one’s care.

How to Evaluate a Nursing Home’s History and Quality of Care?

Before selecting a nursing home—or if you suspect neglect—families can review facility performance through:

• The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Nursing Home Ratings – A five-star rating system that evaluates staffing levels, health inspections, and resident care quality.
• Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Long-Term Care Reports: This provides detailed records of violations, inspections, and complaints about nursing homes across the state.

These resources can help families identify facilities with a history of safety concerns or poor resident care.

Legal Protections for Nursing Home Residents in Illinois

State and federal laws safeguard the rights of nursing home residents, ensuring they receive proper care. Key regulations include:

• Illinois Nursing Home Care Act (210 ILCS 45) – Protects residents from abuse, neglect, and mistreatment while setting operational standards for facilities.
• Federal Nursing Home Reform Act (42 U.S.C. § 1395i-3) – Establishes mandatory care requirements for federally funded nursing homes, ensuring adequate staffing and medical attention.
• Chicago Municipal Code 4-6-100 – Regulates nursing home safety, staffing requirements, and elder protections within city limits.

Facilities that fail to meet these legal requirements can be held liable for harm to residents.

Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

Families should be aware of common warning signs that may indicate abuse or neglect, including:

• Physical injuries – Bruises, bedsores, or broken bones
• Poor hygiene or malnutrition – Unexplained weight loss, dehydration, or unclean conditions
• Emotional withdrawal – Fearfulness, depression, or avoidance of staff
• Financial exploitation – Unusual bank withdrawals or sudden changes in financial documents

Document the evidence and take action immediately if any of these signs are present.

Steps to Take If You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse

Step 1: Look for Signs of Neglect or Mistreatment

• Check for physical injuries, malnutrition, or emotional distress.
• Speak with your loved one about their experience in the facility.

Step 2: Report the Abuse

• Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH): 1-800-252-4343
• Chicago Adult Protective Services: (312) 744-4016

Step 3: Gather Documentation

• Take photographs of injuries or unsafe facility conditions.
• Request medical records and staff reports.
• Speak with other residents or their family members about any concerns.

Step 4: Contact a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

A lawyer experienced in nursing home negligence cases can help investigate the claim, gather medical evidence, and pursue financial compensation.

How an Oak Park Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Can Help

At Nursing Home Law Center, we advocate for families throughout Illinois, including Oak Park and Chicago, in holding negligent nursing homes accountable. Our legal team will:

• Investigate facility history, staff qualifications, and past violations
• Gather medical records, expert testimony, and witness statements
• Negotiate settlements to ensure fair compensation
• Take cases to trial if a facility refuses to accept responsibility

Illinois Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit Deadlines

Illinois law sets strict deadlines for filing a nursing home abuse lawsuit:

• Personal injury claims (735 ILCS 5/13-202) – Must be filed within two years from the date the injury was discovered.
• Wrongful death claims (735 ILCS 5/13-209) – Must be filed within two years from the date of death.

Failing to take action before the deadline may result in losing the right to seek compensation.

Contact an Oak Park Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Today

If a loved one has suffered nursing home abuse or neglect in Oak Park, do not wait to take legal action. Our Chicago nursing home abuse attorneys are ready to investigate, build your case, and fight for the compensation your family deserves. Call (800) 926-7565 today for a free consultation.