In 2010, there were 787 certified nursing homes in state of Illinois. While that may seem like a large number of facilities, the aging nature of the American population continues to put a greater stress upon the existing homes to take in more residents, whether or not staff levels are adequate to handle the growth. Current projections indicate that the demand on skilled nursing facilities will not decrease for decades to come.
When a loved one or family member is placed in a nursing home, often it is because that individual needs an advanced level of care that cannot be provided at home or by unskilled family members. Trusting a facility to live up to the standard of care demanded of them by state and federal laws, family members may choose to place a loved one in a home. But too often, these vulnerable patients become the victims of nursing home abuse and neglect at the hands of care givers and employees at the facility and they may sustain injuries as a result.
The truth of these instances of abuse and neglect is that elderly, disabled victims often go ignored because they may not be able to express the suffering they experience or they may not have anyone to tell. This can lead to repeat instances of abuse and can increase the severity and intensity of the injuries suffered. When a victim is harmed in a nursing home, that victim and/or the victim’s family may be entitled to relief. Consulting with a personal injury lawyer may help you understand your options, including whether you have a valid claim, if you suspect abuse in a nursing home.
A nursing home in Tallahassee is facing fines totaling $31,000 from the State of Tennessee after an investigation revealed that employees failed to routinely test diabetics at the home. According to reports, 60 of 67 diabetic residents went weeks without receiving all the blood testing they required and officials believe that a lack of supplies was in part to blame. Reportedly, the nursing home did not have emergency protocols in place for the actions required in the event an emergency, including inadequate supplies, occurred.
As a result, numerous residents may not have received the medication they needed and may have suffered as a result. According to some residents, complaints were made to the management of the nursing home but no corrective action occurred.
Nursing home abuse and neglect takes many forms, including failure to properly treat patients or provide necessary medication. When an incident causes a resident to suffer, Illinois law may provide an avenue for relief through financial compensation.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we have a team of personal injury lawyers who have experience representing nursing home victims and we are ready to help you and your loved one as well. We offer a free case consultation without any obligation on your part and we are standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week to take your call. We can be reached toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we believe in helping those who have been hurt by others and we want to help you as well. Call us today and let us help you seek the relief you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
Federal Sanctions Pending at Nursing Home after Maggot Found in Resident’s Wound, Illinois Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Blog, published October 10, 2014.
Resource:
Nursing home fined for not testing diabetic residents, by Jennifer Portman, Tallahassee Democrat, published October 14, 2014.