Experts believe that nursing home abuse is one of the most underreported forms of abuse in the nation today. Often, the victims of these incidents may have no one to turn to for help or no means to report their alleged abusers, which in some cases allows the abuse or neglect to continue. Both abuse and neglect of nursing home patients have the ability to lead to serious injuries or even to death of the resident which is why it is so important to remove those responsible for the abuse as soon as possible.
Unfortunately, once abuse has occurred, there is nothing that can undo the actions of those responsible. But the laws in Chicago and in Illinois do provide victims with the right to seek relief against those who caused their injuries, including any pain and suffering that had to be endured. Speaking with an injury lawyer who handles nursing home abuse cases is the best way to learn about what legal options may be available if you suspect your loved one has suffered at the hands of a nursing home.
Earlier this week, the former director of nursing at a Tennessee nursing home pleaded guilty to a single count of giving a false statement regarding medical care. The plea was part of a deal reached with prosecutors and the former director, who previously was facing eight counts of the same charge in relation to her position with a nursing home. She will be sentenced in May and faces up to five years in prison plus a fine and supervision for the crime.
The charges were brought after an investigation at the nursing home looking into potential wire fraud, healthcare fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering. During the course of the investigation, the director was charged in relation to the care, or lack of care, received by two residents. Both residents of the nursing home had pressure ulcers, commonly called bedsores, that were not being treated properly. One had a pressure sore that was infected and covered by bandages filled with feces. The other resident had a pressure ulcer so severe that live maggots were found inside of it. Maggots feed only on dead tissue which indicates the serious condition of the ulcer in this case.
A former registered nurse employed at the facility has already been charged criminally in relation to this matter. She is scheduled to be sentenced in June.
It can be difficult to understand exactly what type of care a loved one in a nursing home is receiving and whether an incident involving a family member was caused by abuse or neglect. Often, the first time a family experiences a situation like this is when their loved one is abused.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we have experience representing victims of nursing home abuse whether it occurred in Chicago or in other areas of Illinois. We provide every victim or that victim’s family with a free case consultation so that they can get the answers they need, whenever they need them. We are standing by 24 hours a day to take your call at (312) 924-7575 or toll free at (855) 529-2442 and there is no obligation on your part for taking advantage of the free call. If you suspect your loved one has suffered from abuse or neglect while in a nursing home or other medical facility, call us today and let us help you.
Prior Blog Entry:
Criminal Charges Brought Against Nurses Who Abused Elderly Patient, Illinois Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Blog, published January 6, 2014.
Resource:
Former nursing home director pleads guilty, by Wes Bunch, Times News, published January 29, 2014.