Is someone you love living in a nursing home in Illinois or elsewhere in the country? Have you ever had a friend, loved one, or family member placed in a nursing home or other type of long term care facility? If you are like millions of Americans, a nursing home has affected the life of someone you love. If it hasn’t, chances are it will at some point in the future as the population across the country ages.
Once placed in a nursing home, residents should receive tailored care that they need and deserve to address their unique needs. Whether they need assistance with daily activities or help with eating, no Illinois nursing home resident should have to go with their issues undressed. Unfortunately, nursing home abuse happens every day in homes across the state and often leaves victims with physical and emotional injuries. This disturbing action is illegal and a threat to the entire state but tragically abuse in long term care facilities goes underreported as victims do not have the means or ability to make meaningful complaints in many situations.
If your loved one currently resides in a nursing home, you may not know what signs to watch for that indicate abuse or neglect. Commonly, bruising, bed sores, dehydration, burns, and fear of employees or residents can signal a potential issue but it can be difficult to lean what actually is behind these signs. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer in Illinois may help you understand the cause of an injury and whether you and your loved one are entitled to relief.
Some have been critical of the steps necessary to file a complaint with the Illinois Department of Public Health when nursing home abuse is suspected, but thanks to recent legislation, this process has been streamlined. In August of this year, Governor Quinn signed a new law that enables people with a nursing home complaint to file that complaint online. The belief is that this access will further the goal to have complaints reported as well as simplify the process of managing those complaints from the state’s point of view.
Any complaints filed with the State of Illinois can launch an investigation into the alleged conduct of a nursing home, its employees, and/or its owners. But any fines or punishments that may be assessed are not designed to benefit victims as much as they are designed to harm wrongdoers.
Rather, for victims to obtain the relief they deserve, the laws let these victims and their family members bring a civil claim. This can lead to financial compensation for all damages and can enable a family and a victim to recover from injuries sustained.
The lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. have experience representing nursing home abuse victims and we want to help you as well. If an incident has occurred and you suspect wrongdoing, call the legal team at Abels & Annes, P.C. today and let us provide you with a free case consultation without any obligation on your part. We have a licensed lawyer standing by to take your call toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575 and everything discussed will be kept confidential.
Prior Blog Entry:
Nursing Home Employee Charged with Battery of Resident, Illinois Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Blog, published December 4, 2014.
Resource:
New laws make it easier to file nursing home complaints, donate Obama items, Chicago Tribune, published August 18, 2014.