Champaign Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Types of Abuse That Occurs in Illinois Nursing Homes

We may not want to think about it, but nursing home abuse is a serious concern across the United States and other countries. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about two in three nursing homes and long-term care facility staff self-reported their instances of elder abuse in the past year.

Unfortunately, there are several types of nursing home abuse, each with its visual and hidden signs. Some of the most common abusive treatment occurring in these assistive living facilities include:

Physical Abuse

This abuse involves intentional harm or injury inflicted upon residents by caregivers or other residents. Signs may include unexplained bruises, broken bones, or bleeding. Vigilance is vital to detect and prevent physical abuse. As a family member, you need to regularly check for any unexplained injuries and bruises on your loved ones. Additionally, if your family member is showing signs of fear or anxiety around certain caregivers, that could be an indication of physical abuse.

Neglect

Neglect occurs when caregivers fail to meet residents’ basic needs. They may fail to provide food, water, or necessary medical care. Unfortunately, severe neglect can cause serious health consequences for your loved one. You will want to be mindful of any signs of malnutrition, dehydration, or untreated medical conditions. If you visit and there are signs of unclean living conditions or poor personal hygiene, it can also indicate neglect.

Sexual Abuse

Unwanted sexual contact or assault against nursing home residents is a severe violation of the resident’s rights. Unfortunately, some prey upon the most vulnerable individuals in these nursing home facilities. Sometimes, the abuse can be perpetrated by staff members or other residents. You will want to look out for any unexplained sexually transmitted infections, bruises around the genitals, or sudden changes in behavior that may indicate symptoms of sexual abuse.

Emotional Abuse

Emotional and verbal mistreatment is not only demeaning to the resident, but it can lead to psychological harm. Residents may experience anxiety, depression, or fear due to emotional abuse. Once again, you will want to be vigilant about spotting sudden changes in your loved one’s behavior, such as becoming withdrawn, fearful, or unusually quiet. All these could point to a sign of emotional abuse.

Financial Exploitation

Some staff members may try to exploit residents and misuse their funds or assets. Keep a close eye on your loved ones’ financial accounts and be wary of any sudden or unexplained changes in their financial situation. If any legal document, like a will, has been suddenly changed without explanation, that could also be a sign of economic exploitation.

Recognizing these signs and taking early action against nursing home abuse can prevent long-term harm. If you suspect abuse, reach out to our law firm and seek legal advice for your situation.

Who Is Responsible for Abuse and Neglect?

In cases of nursing home abuse, liability can fall on various parties, including:

• Medical staff and caregivers: Caregivers, nurses, and other staff members are directly involved in the resident’s care. They can be held liable if they neglect their duties or intentionally harm residents.
• Management and administration: Administrators, owners, and management personnel are responsible for maintaining a safe environment for everyone. They may need to be held accountable if they fail to prevent incidents or address abuse complaints.
• Nursing home facility: The nursing home itself may be liable if it fails to provide adequate training, supervision, or proper protocols to prevent abuse. Their negligence can lead to legal consequences.
• Contractors and third parties: If the abuse occurs due to contractors’ negligence, such as a maintenance worker or third-party service providers, these individuals and their employers may be held accountable.
• Other residents: If abuse occurs at the hands of another resident, the nursing home may still be liable if they fail to prevent these incidents from happening at their facility.

If you suspect someone has harmed your loved one, you must seek legal assistance as soon as possible. A Champaign nursing home abuse lawyer in our office can help you explore taking potential legal action against these parties.

Steps To Take If You Suspect Abuse

If you suspect nursing home abuse or neglect in Illinois, take the following steps to ensure the safety and well-being of your loved one:

• Contact law enforcement: If you believe your loved one is in immediate danger, do not hesitate to call 911 for assistance, especially if you believe a crime has been committed, such as sexual abuse or financial exploitation.
• Talk to the nursing home administrators: While you may want to skip this step, having a spare trial of the reposted abuse is important. Sometimes, they may claim that they didn’t know of the incident, allowing them to place blame on other parties. Keep all records of your interactions with the home’s staff and administrators.
• Report to Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH): To report concerns and seek additional help, call the Nursing Home Hotline at 1-800-252-4343 or 1-800-547-0466 (TTY). Complaints can also be made on the IDPH website.
• Contact a Champaign nursing home abuse attorney: After these steps, you will want to get legal advice from a trusted source. At Prince Law Firm, we are lawyers specializing in nursing home abuse. We can help you take the appropriate legal action to ensure the well-being of your loved one.

Remember that your loved one’s safety is the top priority. You need to stay vigilant and look out for any signs of abuse. If you suspect there are issues and the staff members or facility failed to protect your loved one, you have legal options.

Let a Champaign Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Help You Seek Justice

Suspecting that your loved one has suffered some type of abuse or neglect can be traumatizing for you and them. Fortunately, there are legal options to help you seek creation for their physical injuries, financial losses, and emotional trauma.

At Prince Law Firm, we understand how distressing these incidents can be for everyone. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with a Champaign nursing home abuse lawyer.