How Do I Spot Abuse In an Illinois Nursing Home?

 Posted on March 13,2024 in Personal Injury

Many of us leave our elderly loved ones in nursing homes and other care facilities, and the proper care of our family members is typically one of the most important things we can imagine. However, nursing home assault and abuse do occur, and it is important to know how to spot abuse, in addition to what to do if you suspect this has occurred to your loved one. 

An experienced Illinois nursing home abuse lawyer specializing in personal injury cases can help you pursue a claim against a nursing home facility or the person responsible for the assault.

Identifying Nursing Home Assault and Abuse

Keeping an eye out for the common signs of nursing home assault and abuse is essential when visiting your loved one, as your family members may not be able to speak for themselves or properly verbalize the treatment they experience when you are not around.

Indicators that nursing home neglect, assault, or abuse is occurring include:

• Unexplained injuries such as cuts, bruises, fractures, or broken bones

• Signs of falls, which a nursing home should be working to prevent

• Changes in mood, including unexplained anxiety, depression, stress, or fear

• Signs of malnutrition or dehydration

• Sudden weight loss or weight gain

It is important to note that nursing home assault or abuse can occur from staff members who are supposed to be caring for your loved one or from other residents. When the abuse comes from another resident, the facility may still be at fault for your loved one’s injuries, as they have a duty to separate individual residents and monitor them to stop assault and abuse from occurring.

Can I Sue an Illinois Nursing Home For Abuse?

Pursuing a claim against a nursing home after abuse can be difficult, as you will need to document the abuse, but it is possible. Keep in mind that nursing home staff may make it challenging to do this by being evasive, refusing to respond, or actively hiding evidence.

Additionally, you will need to understand the Illinois Nursing Home Care Act and other state regulations that govern nursing home abuse claims in order to properly bring your case to court. This is where an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer can help advocate for you and your loved one’s rights.

Contact a Will County, IL Nursing Home Abuse Attorney

Leaving your family member in an Illinois nursing home may be necessary for her health and care needs. When nursing home assault or abuse occurs, it is essential that you ensure your loved one is safe and document all of your findings if you suspect she is not. Contact an experienced Joliet IL, nursing home abuse lawyer at McNamara Phelan McSteen, LLC by calling 815-727-0100 for a free consultation to learn more about your legal options.