Wicker Park Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Wicker Park, Illinois, has experienced notable demographic shifts, with an expanding middle class and a growing senior population. The area’s appealing urban lifestyle and easy access to various amenities contribute to the expanding population of older adults. 

Wicker Park’s median age is 35.9, and the median income is 160,000. Unfortunately, gentrification has exponentially increased property taxes, making it difficult for many seniors on fixed incomes to remain in their homes. As a result, many seniors are forced to utilize residential facilities, from senior living centers to nursing homes. 

Sadly, not all Wicker Park facilities provide the level of care seniors deserve. A case was recently settled with the family of Antonio Mares, a resident of the Center Home for the Hispanic Elderly. A physician ordered that Mr. Mares only receive soft foods, but the facility violated the order, resulting in his death. A CNA delivered food not allowed on his diet plan and later returned to find Mr. Mares choking. The CNA repeatedly used the call button to summon help, but no one from the nursing staff responded. 

Recent Nursing Home Abuse Settlements in Wicker Park

Recent settlements for nursing home abuse in Wicker Park highlight a growing concern for the safety of residents in long-term care facilities. Concerning examples include:

• A recovery of $1,500,000 has been achieved for the family of a dementia patient who unfortunately ingested poison after accessing chemicals that were stored in an unlocked closet.
• A recovery of $1,500,000 has been achieved for the family of a dementia patient who unfortunately ingested poison after accessing chemicals that were stored in an unlocked closet.

If your loved one has experienced neglect at a nursing home or care facility, pursuing legal action can be crucial for ensuring accountability and facilitating financial recovery. 

Wicker Park’s Healthcare and Nursing Home Landscape

Wicker Park is home to numerous healthcare facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and specialized care centers that serve older adults. 

UChicago Medicine South Shore Senior Center provides primary and specialty care for senior adults. The facility also offers geriatric psychiatry, physical therapy, an Alzheimer’s support group, and urgent care for existing patients. 

Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities in Wicker Park

Wicker Park is a suburb of Chicago, offering several care facilities for Wicker Park residents. For long-term care, Wicker Park has nursing homes and assisted living facilities that often combine medical care with social activities to enhance the quality of life for their residents. 

Some examples include:

• Margaret Ford Manor is an assisted living facility with a memory care division. 
• Avantara Lincoln Park offers rehabilitation therapies in a tranquil, spacious environment. The goal is to support patients in their journey to regain strength and independence. 
• Winston Manor is a large, 180-bed convalescent nursing home. 

Winston Manor provides convalescent care, but there are concerns about the staffing ratio. The facility provides 1 hour 42 minutes of nurse staffing per resident per day, compared to the average of 3 hours 24 minutes in Illinois. 

Avantara Lincoln Park offers an upscale rehabilitation facility. State inspections in 2024 noted some concerns regarding food procurement and garbage disposal. 

What Compensation Can Be Recovered in a Nursing Home Abuse Case

In an Illinois nursing home abuse case, residents and their families can seek compensation for the harm caused. Potential compensation can include:

1. Medical expenses–cover current and future medical costs, including treatments, therapies, medications, and medical equipment. 
2. Pain and suffering–Victims can claim compensation for physical and emotional pain and suffering. 
3. Wrongful death damages–If the neglect or abuse resulted in death, family members may pursue compensation. 
4. Punitive damages are typically only paid in cases of intentional harm or egregious negligence. They aim to penalize the responsible parties and deter similar conduct. 

Victims or their families should consult with a Chicago area personal injury attorney who specializes in nursing home abuse to understand their rights and options. 

Common Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

Entrusting the care of a loved one to a nursing home can be a frightening experience as you want to ensure that they are safe and receiving quality care. It is important to familiarize yourself with the common warning signs of mistreatment, including:

• Unexplained injuries–Unexplained bruises, fractures, cuts, or welts should be cause for concern. 
• Poor Hygiene and living conditions–Dirty or unkept living spaces, lack of proper personal hygiene, or inadequate clothing should all be cause for concern. 
• Changes in behavior–Sudden changes in a resident’s behavior, such as becoming withdrawn, fearful, or agitated, may indicate distress. 
• Medication mismanagement–If medications are not administered properly or are missing from the resident’s regime, it may be a sign of neglect. 
• Bedsores–Pressure wounds can indicate neglect, often resulting from a lack of proper care.

If any of the warning signs are present, take action immediately to ensure the resident’s safety. 

How to Check Nursing Home Ratings and Complaints in Wicker Park?

The Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) maintains a five-star review system for nursing homes, which is always a good place to start when looking into a facility. The care and compare tool allows you to compare facilities in a geographic area. For example, Winston Manor has an above-average 4-star rating, while the Center Home for the Hispanic Elderly receives just one star.

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDHP) is also a good resource for ratings and complaints about Wicker Park nursing facilities. You can find the fourth-quarter reports from 2024 here. 

Legal Protections for Nursing Home Residents in Illinois

Illinois nursing home residents are protected by various laws that ensure their rights and well-being. Crucial legal protections include:

The Illinois Nursing Home Care Act

The act establishes minimum standards for the care of residents in skilled nursing facilities. It covers issues such as staffing, safety, and patients’ rights. 

Federal Nursing Home Reform Act

The Federal Nursing Home Reform Act (NHRA), enacted in 1987, establishes minimum care standards for all nursing homes that receive Medicaid or Medicare. The act outlines the legal rights of residents and offers federal protections from abuse, neglect and mistreatment. 

Chicago Municapal Code 4-6-100

The code defines a “long-term care facility” and outlines the requirements for establishments that provide personal care, shelter, and nursing care to three or more individuals unrelated to the licensee. 

Steps to Take if You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse in Wicker Park

If you suspect that you’ve identified abuse or neglect, do what you can to document it. Photographic evidence is helpful to show injuries, poor facility conditions, or evidence of neglected hygiene.  

Report the abuse to the IDPH at (800) 252-4343, which is staffed 24/7. You can also contact Adult Protective Services at (866) 800-1409.

The Nursing Home Law Center is ready to investigate your case, gather the necessary evidence, and fight to secure the justice and compensation you deserve. 

How a Wicker Park Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Can Help

If someone you love has been victimized in a nursing home in Wicker Park, a nursing home abuse lawyer can be invaluable in ensuring justice is served. Here’s how the Nursing Home Law Center can help.

• Perform a thorough case investigation–Our experienced legal team will comprehensively investigate your case. We will gather evidence to build a strong case, including medical records, witness accounts, and facility documentation. 
• With extensive negotiation experience, we know how to engage with nursing homes and insurance companies to advocate for fair compensation without a protracted legal battle. 
• We have the necessary trial experience to fight for justice in court. 

The Nursing Home Law Center understands the sensitivity of nursing home abuse cases and the impact on families and helps families secure the compensation they deserve. Seek justice for your loved one with an experienced Chicago nursing home abuse lawyer. Contact us today for a free consultation.