Peoria Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Nursing home abuse is a growing concern in Peoria, Illinois, and across the United States, affecting our most vulnerable residents. As the elderly population grows, the need for vigilant protection of nursing home residents has never been more critical.

If you suspect elder abuse, it is essential to seek legal help from an experienced Peoria nursing home abuse lawyer.

Why Hire Nursing Home Law Center

At Nursing Home Law Center, we are dedicated to pursuing justice and compensation for victims of nursing home abuse. Our skilled legal team has a strong history of handling abuse cases carefully and securing substantial settlements and verdicts.

We perform detailed investigations to make sure every aspect of the abuse—whether it’s medical costs, emotional suffering, or other damages—is thoroughly addressed. With our extensive experience in nursing home abuse claims, we manage the legal process effectively and work relentlessly to safeguard your rights.

Throughout the case, we offer compassionate and clear communication, ensuring you and your family feel supported, informed, and confident at every step.

Types of Cases Handled by Our Peoria Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers

Nursing home abuse can manifest in various forms, from bodily harm to financial exploitation. Our Peoria nursing home lawyers handle a wide range of cases, ensuring that victims and their families receive the legal support they need.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse involves intentional harm to a resident, such as hitting, slapping, or improper use of restraints. If a nursing home resident shows unexplained bruises or other physical signs of injury, this may indicate abuse. In some cases, nursing home employees may use restraints unnecessarily, leading to injuries like broken bones or pressure sores.

Mental and Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse is often harder to detect, but its impact on the well-being of nursing home patients can be just as harmful as physical assault. Verbal abuse, threats, isolation, and humiliation can cause severe emotional distress and leave nursing home residents feeling powerless. Signs may include depression, anxiety, or withdrawal from social activities.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual assault is an alarming reality for many nursing home residents in Peoria’s assisted living facilities. This form of abuse involves non-consensual sexual contact and can result in both emotional distress and physical harm. Residents who are cognitively impaired or unable to communicate are at a higher risk for such violations. 

Family members should be alert to any sudden changes in behavior or physical signs that may indicate sexual misconduct.

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice in assisted living facilities involves preventable mistakes such as medication errors, failure to treat infections like bedsores, or incorrect diagnoses. Nursing home patients may suffer serious injuries or complications if the facility fails to provide proper medical care, leading to preventable injuries or even death.

Negligence

Nursing home neglect refers to the failure to meet residents’ basic needs. This neglect can include poor hygiene, malnutrition, sudden weight loss, dehydration, and elopement (when a resident wanders off unsupervised). Nursing home negligence cases arise when these failures lead to physical or emotional harm that could have been avoided with proper care.

Financial Abuse

Financial exploitation is another form of abuse in which a resident’s financial resources are illegally or improperly used by caregivers or staff. This might include stealing money, forging signatures on financial documents, or pressuring a resident into making financial decisions against their will. Families must remain vigilant and report any suspicious financial activity involving their loved ones.

Wrongful Death

In cases where nursing home negligence or abuse leads to the death of a resident, families may file a wrongful death claim. Wrongful death cases can result from medical malpractice, neglect, or physical assault, seeking justice for the untimely loss of a loved one.

Understanding Your Legal Rights

Nursing home residents are protected by federal and state laws designed to ensure their safety and dignity.

The Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987 establishes federal standards for care in nursing homes, guaranteeing residents the right to live free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

In Illinois, the Nursing Home Care Act provides additional protections, outlining the statutory duties of nursing homes to maintain a safe environment for residents.

Eligibility to File a Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Claim 

If these rights are violated, a nursing home abuse claim can be filed by the nursing home residents themselves. If they are not able to do so, a family member or legal representative can file a nursing home abuse case on their behalf.

Liability in Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse Cases 

Liability for nursing home abuse can extend to multiple negligent parties. For example:

• Nursing home facility
• Nursing home staff
• Nursing home administrators
• Third-party contractors
• Product manufacturers

How Our Peoria Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys Can Help

Our Peoria nursing home attorneys have extensive experience handling cases of nursing home abuse and neglect. We understand the pain and frustration that families endure, and we are committed to providing effective legal representation every step of the way.

Free Case Evaluation

We offer a free consultation to review your case, answer any questions, and discuss your legal options. This initial evaluation is designed to help you understand whether you have grounds for a nursing home abuse claim.

Case Investigation

Our legal team conducts thorough investigations to uncover evidence of abuse or neglect, including reviewing medical records, interviewing witnesses, and gathering documentation of injuries or repeated problems at the facility.

Filing the Claim

Once we have gathered the necessary evidence, we will file a nursing home abuse lawsuit on your behalf. Our attorneys handle the legal process, ensuring that all deadlines are met and that your claim is properly filed.

Settlement Negotiation

Many nursing home abuse cases are resolved through settlement negotiations. Our attorneys are skilled in negotiating fair compensation for victims, covering medical bills, emotional distress, and other damages.

Trial Representation 

If a fair settlement cannot be reached, our law offices are prepared to take the case to trial. We will fight for the justice and compensation your family deserves.

Common Signs of Elder Abuse Among Nursing Home Residents 

In Peoria, Illinois, there are a total of 27 Medicare-approved nursing homes. Of these, 13 facilities (48%) have an overall score of below or much below average. Specifically, 14 nursing homes (52%) fall short in health inspections, and 18 facilities (67%) have inadequate staffing levels. Five nursing homes (19%) rated poorly in quality measures. [1]

The worst-rated nursing homes in Peoria include:

Families should watch for the following warning signs of abuse or neglect:

• Unexplained bruises or injuries
• Sudden weight loss
• Poor hygiene or untreated bedsores
• Changes in mood or behavior, such as depression or fear
• Missing personal belongings or financial discrepancies

What to Do If You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse

If you suspect nursing home abuse and neglect, take these steps immediately:

• Call 911 if Immediate Danger Exists: If the resident is in immediate danger, contact emergency services.
• Report Abuse to Nursing Home Management: Notify the facility’s administrator or management of your concerns to prevent further harm.
• File a Complaint with Your Local Ombudsman’s Office: The Ombudsman’s office investigates complaints and advocates for nursing home residents.
• Contact a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer: Speak with a Peoria nursing home abuse lawyer to explore your legal options and pursue justice.

Damages You Can Recover Through a Nursing Home Abuse Claim

Victims of nursing home abuse and neglect can seek several types of damages.

Economic damages cover measurable losses like medical expenses, relocation costs, and lost financial resources due to financial abuse.

Non-economic damages compensate for intangible harm, such as emotional distress, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life caused by abuse or neglect.

Punitive damages may also be awarded in cases of extreme misconduct to punish the responsible parties and deter future abuse.

The Cost of Hiring a Peoria Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Our law firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs for our services. You only pay if we successfully recover compensation for your case.

You Have Limited Time to Take Legal Action in Peoria

In Illinois, the statute of limitations for filing a nursing home abuse lawsuit is generally two years from the date the nursing home injury occurred or was discovered. If you fail to file a claim within this timeframe, you may lose the right to seek fair compensation for the harm caused to your loved one. It is essential to act quickly to ensure your rights are protected.

Contact a Peoria Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Today!

At Nursing Home Law Center, our experienced Peoria nursing home abuse attorneys are ready to help you and your family seek justice. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us provide the legal support you need to protect your loved one’s rights and well-being.

Call us at (800) 926-7565 or fill out our contact form.

References: [1] Medicare