Chicago Nursing Home Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Demanding Justice for Victims of Sexual Abuse in Chicago Nursing Homes

Nursing homes are meant to be places of care and protection, yet far too many residents become victims of horrific abuse behind closed doors. Sexual assault in assisted living facilities is a sickening betrayal of trust — one that often goes unreported and unpunished, leaving vulnerable residents to suffer in silence.

Nursing homes have a duty to protect residents from all forms of abuse, including sexual assault. Unfortunately, many cases of nursing home sexual abuse go unreported, leaving victims suffering in silence. When assisted living facilities fail to uphold their responsibility to care for vulnerable people, it’s essential to take legal action.

Families trust nursing facilities to provide safety and care. When that trust is broken, victims and their families need a Chicago lawyer experienced with elder sexual abuse to claim justice.

Nursing Home Sexual Abuse Settlements

When care facilities fail to provide proper care, nursing home patients become vulnerable to horrific abuse, including sexual assault. Legal action is critical to holding these facilities accountable for their neglect and abuse. Some of the settlements our law firm has secured for victims of nursing home mistreatment include:

• $2,333,000 Settlement – Awarded to two women who were sexually assaulted by a certified nursing assistant (CNA).
• $810,000 Settlement – Recovery for a dementia patient sexually assaulted by a nursing home maintenance worker.
• Confidential Eight-Figure Settlement – Secured for a physically disabled woman sexually assaulted by a maintenance worker.

These settlements show that it is possible to hold nursing homes accountable for sexual abuse and recover damages for victims. If your family member has experienced abuse in a nursing home, contact an attorney to get help now. 

Warning Signs of Abuse and Sexual Assault

Sexual abuse can be committed by staff members, other residents, or outside visitors. When the signs are not recognized or are ignored, the abuse continues unchecked. Below are common physical and emotional indicators of sexual abuse in nursing homes:

• Unexplained bruising near genital areas, inner thighs, or breasts.
• Vaginal or anal bleeding or infections
• Fear of being touched or extreme withdrawal from social activities.
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms, anxiety, depression, or self-harm.

According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, 1 in 10 nursing home patients experience some form of abuse, and sexual abuse remains one of the most underreported forms due to the victim’s fear or inability to communicate effectively.

Recognizing these signs early on can prevent further trauma, get victims the medical treatment they need, and bring perpetrators to justice.

How Nursing Home Neglect Enables Sexual Abuse

In many cases, sexual abuse in nursing homes is enabled by neglectful practices within the facility. Some of the factors contributing to this neglect include:

• Failure to conduct proper background checks on staff with a history of sexual abuse or other crimes.
• Inadequate security or lack of monitoring by nursing home staff.
• Failure to address complaints of sexual misconduct by staff or residents.
• Understaffing leads to a lack of supervision and oversight.
• Policies that discourage reporting or attempt to cover up incidents to protect the facility’s reputation.

Nursing homes that fail to take these necessary precautions put their residents at serious risk. Illinois law, including the Illinois Nursing Home Care Act, requires facilities to maintain proper standards of care, but many nursing homes fail to meet these expectations.

Legal Options for Nursing Home Residents Victim of Sexual Abuse

Nursing facilities are legally obligated to protect residents from abuse. When sexual abuse occurs, the facility may be held responsible for neglecting their duty. Illinois law provides multiple avenues to protect victims, including:

• Illinois Nursing Home Care Act (210 ILCS 45) – Protects residents from neglect and abuse.
• Federal Nursing Home Reform Act (OBRA) – Establishes national safety standards.
• Mandatory reporting laws require staff to report suspected abuse or face penalties.

Victims of sexual abuse may be entitled to compensation for a range of damages, including medical expenses and trauma-related therapy. Additionally, they can seek compensation for pain and suffering caused by the abuse, as well as wrongful death damages if the abuse resulted in suicide or severe health complications.s

Filing a Lawsuit with a in Chicago

If your family member has been the victim of sexual abuse in a senior care home, immediate legal action is necessary. Here are the key steps to take:

• Report the abuse to local law enforcement and the Illinois Department of Public Health.
• Document evidence, including physical signs, behavioral changes, and suspicious interactions.
• Consult with an experienced attorney to begin your legal claim.

Filing a lawsuit for sexual misconduct serves to hold the facility accountable for its failure to protect residents and helps prevent future abuse by exposing unsafe practices. It also provides an opportunity to secure compensation for medical care and the emotional distress caused by the abuse.

How a Chicago Nursing Home Lawyer Can Help

A skilled Chicago nursing home abuse attorney plays a crucial role in ensuring that justice is served. Our legal team conducts a full investigation into abuse allegations, gathering evidence such as medical records and witness statements to build a strong case. 

We identify all liable parties, including individual staff members and the facility itself. Our team negotiates settlements and, if necessary, takes the case to trial, working relentlessly to maximize compensation for victims.

Our firm has extensive experience in holding negligent nursing homes accountable for abuse, and we are committed to fighting for the rights of victims.

Contact Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers for a Free Consultation

If your family member has suffered sexual violation in a long-term care facility, immediate action is critical. Evidence can disappear quickly, and time limits apply to your case. A Chicago nursing home abuse attorney can help protect your rights and ensure that your family member receives the compensation they deserve for the harm suffered.

Evidence disappears quickly, and time limits apply to your case. Speak with a lawyer today to protect your loved one’s future.

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