Waukegan Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Nursing home abuse is a tragic and all-too-common issue faced by elderly residents in nursing homes across Waukegan, Illinois, and the rest of the country. Families trust these facilities to provide their loved ones with the care, respect, and protection they deserve. 

Unfortunately, many nursing homes fail to meet these basic standards, leading to serious cases of abuse and neglect for senior citizens.

For victims and their families, seeking justice is essential. A Waukegan nursing home abuse lawyer can be a powerful advocate in holding negligent facilities accountable and ensuring that victims receive the compensation and care they deserve.

Why Hire Nursing Home Law Center

At Nursing Home Law Center, our top priority is obtaining justice and fair compensation for nursing home abuse victims. Our knowledgeable legal team has extensive experience in managing nursing home abuse cases with care and delivering substantial settlements and verdicts.

We carry out detailed investigations to make sure every form of abuse, from medical costs to emotional suffering and other losses, is thoroughly accounted for. With our in-depth understanding of nursing home abuse claims, we handle the legal challenges with precision and are relentless in defending your rights.

Throughout the process, we offer compassionate, clear communication, ensuring you and your loved ones remain informed, secure, and confident at every stage.

Types of Cases Handled by Our Waukegan Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers

Nursing home abuse occurs when elderly residents in care facilities experience harm or mistreatment at the hands of staff or other residents. This abuse can take many forms, from bodily harm to neglect and financial exploitation. Below are the types of cases our Waukegan nursing home abuse lawyers handle.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse involves the intentional use of force that causes injury or physical harm to a nursing home resident. This violence includes hitting, pushing, or using excessive restraints to control or confine residents.

Mental and Emotional Abuse

Psychological abuse refers to actions that cause mental and emotional harm to nursing home residents. This abuse can include verbal threats, humiliation, or isolating residents from family members and social activities.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse in nursing homes involves any non-consensual sexual activity directed at a resident. Sexual abuse is a violation of trust and can lead to long-lasting trauma for the victim.

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice occurs when nursing home staff fail to provide proper medical care, leading to harm. Common examples include bedsores, medication errors where residents receive the wrong dosage or drug, and failure to address serious medical needs.

Negligence

Nursing home negligence involves failing to provide basic hygiene care to residents, resulting in harm or serious health complications. This neglect includes poor hygiene, malnutrition, dehydration, or elopement, where a resident leaves the facility unsupervised.

Financial Abuse

Financial abuse occurs when staff or others exploit a resident’s economic resources. This exploitation may involve unauthorized use of bank accounts, forging signatures, or coercing residents to change legal documents.

Wrongful Death

When abuse or neglect in a nursing home leads to the death of a resident, it is considered wrongful death. Families may pursue legal action if a loved one has died due to nursing home abuse, medical malpractice, or negligence. Wrongful death cases seek to hold nursing home facilities accountable for the loss and prevent future tragedies.

Understanding Your Legal Rights

Federal and state laws protect nursing home residents and are designed to ensure their safety, dignity, and well-being while in care facilities.

One of the most significant federal protections is the Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987, which mandates that nursing homes receiving Medicare and Medicaid funding must provide services that promote the quality of life for residents, protect their physical and mental health, and ensure freedom from unnecessary restraints, abuse, and neglect.

In addition to federal protections, Illinois also has specific regulations to protect nursing home residents. The Illinois Nursing Home Care Act sets strict standards for the treatment and care of residents in nursing facilities across the state. 

This act includes provisions for resident safety, adequate staffing, and protection from neglect, and it gives residents the right to file complaints if their rights are violated.

Eligibility to File an Elder Abuse Claim 

If a resident’s rights are violated, they have the right to file a nursing home abuse claim. If the resident cannot do so, a family member or legal representative can file the claim to seek justice and compensation.

Liability in Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse Cases 

In cases of neglect and abuse, multiple parties may be held accountable for the harm inflicted on elderly residents.

• Nursing Home Staff: Individual staff members can be held liable if they engage in physical abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation of residents. Liable parties may include caretakers, nurses, or aides who fail to provide primary care or actively harm residents by withholding food, administering incorrect medications, or engaging in physical mistreatment.
• Nursing Home Management: Management teams are responsible for hiring qualified staff, providing proper training, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. Management can be liable for negligence if they hire unqualified or insufficiently trained employees or fail to address suspected abuse complaints.
• Nursing Home Facilities: The nursing facility can be liable if the abuse or neglect results from systemic issues, such as understaffing, poor facility maintenance, or failure to provide adequate care. The facility may also face liability for failing to comply with state and federal regulations designed to protect residents.
• Third-Party Contractors: In some cases, third-party contractors, such as medical professionals or therapists hired by the nursing facility, may also be liable for negligence or medical malpractice if their actions harm a resident.
• Product Manufacturers: If abuse or neglect involves faulty equipment, such as defective medical devices or restraints, the manufacturer of these products may be held liable for injuries that occur due to their failure.

How Our Waukegan Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys Can Help

At Nursing Home Law Center, our experienced Waukegan nursing home attorneys have a proven track record of helping victims and their families seek justice and compensation. With years of experience handling nursing home neglect cases, we understand the legal complexities and are committed to providing the comprehensive support and legal guidance you need.

Free Case Evaluation

We begin by offering a free consultation to review the details of your situation. During this session, we’ll listen to your concerns, evaluate the evidence, and help you understand your legal rights and options.

Case Investigation

Once we take on your case, our attorneys conduct a thorough case investigation. We gather physical evidence, such as medical records, witness statements, and facility inspection reports, to build a strong case. Our legal team works with medical experts and other professionals to uncover every detail of the abuse or neglect, ensuring that all responsible parties are held accountable.

Filing the Claim

After the investigation, we file the claim for the victim and their family. Our experienced attorneys handle all the legal paperwork, ensuring the claim is filed correctly and within the statute of limitations.

Settlement Negotiation

Many nursing home abuse cases are resolved through settlement negotiations. Our legal team is skilled in negotiating fair settlements that compensate victims for their suffering and medical expenses.

Trial Representation 

If a settlement cannot be reached, our attorneys are fully prepared to take the case to trial if needed. We have extensive trial experience and will aggressively advocate for your family in court. Our goal is to ensure justice is served and that the nursing home is held accountable for its actions.

Common Signs of Elder Abuse Among Nursing Home Residents 

Of Waukegan’s 86 Medicare-approved nursing homes, 36 facilities (42%) are struggling with their overall ratings. Specifically, 33 nursing homes (38%) fall short in health inspections, and 55 facilities (64%) have inadequate staffing. 15 nursing homes (17%) rated poorly in quality measures. [1]

The worst-rated nursing homes in Waukegan include:

Nursing home neglect and abuse can take many forms, and knowing the warning signals can help you intervene before it’s too late. Below are common signs to look out for:

• Unexplained bruises, broken bones, or frequent trips to the hospital;
• Sudden withdrawal, depression, or fear around specific staff members;
• Poor hygiene, malnutrition, dehydration, or untreated bedsores;
• Unauthorized withdrawals, missing belongings, or sudden changes in legal documents.

What to Do If You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse

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

• Call 911 if Immediate Danger is Present: If the resident’s safety is at risk, immediately call emergency services for help.
• Report the Abuse to Nursing Home Management: Share your concerns with the facility’s administrator or management team to address the issue.
• File a Complaint with the Local Ombudsman’s Office: The Ombudsman investigates reports of abuse and advocates for the rights and well-being of nursing home residents.
• Consult a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer: Seek legal assistance from a Waukegan nursing home abuse attorney to review your legal options and pursue justice for your loved one.

Damages You Can Recover Through a Nursing Home Abuse Claim

Victims of nursing home abuse may pursue various types of compensation:

• Economic damages address quantifiable losses, such as medical bills, relocation expenses, and lost assets resulting from financial exploitation.
• Non-economic damages provide compensation for less tangible injuries, including emotional trauma, pain and suffering, and diminished quality of life due to abuse or neglect.
• Punitive damages can be granted in cases of severe wrongdoing, serving to punish those responsible and discourage future abuse.

The Cost of Hiring Our Waukegan Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers 

At Nursing Home Law Center, our Waukegan nursing home abuse lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This arrangement means you pay no upfront fees, and we only receive payment if we successfully win or settle your case. Our goal is to ensure you can pursue justice without financial burden.

You Have Limited Time to Take Legal Action in Waukegan

In Waukegan, there is a limited timeframe, known as the statute of limitations, to file a nursing home abuse lawsuit. Illinois law typically allows two years from the date of the abuse or discovery to take legal action. Missing this deadline may prevent you from seeking compensation.

Contact a Waukegan Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Today!

With extensive experience handling personal injury cases, our Waukegan nursing home abuse attorneys are dedicated to securing justice and compensation for victims. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and legal options. Contact us today to protect your loved one’s rights and hold those responsible accountable!

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

References: [1] Medicare