Experienced Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys
When you have been injured – or are looking to help a loved one who has been injured – by nursing home abuse, you will likely want to work with lawyers who focus on injury law. At Hanna Vander Ploeg, LLC, in Chicago, protecting the rights of the injured is all we do.
Injured people come to see our nursing home abuse attorneys from throughout Chicagoland and its surrounding communities in Illinois. They know that we have the in-depth knowledge of nursing home abuse and injury law that they need to protect their rights in a wide variety of circumstances.
Stay Vigilant About The Warning Signs
Abuse and neglect are not always easy to spot. But here are some signs, symptoms and observations that should raise red flags:
- The presence of numerous and persistent bedsores (also called pressure ulcers)
- Your loved one seems to be suffering from malnutrition, and you have not been previously warned about a medical issue limiting appetite or food intake
- Poor hygiene and general improper hygiene maintenance
- Behavior or other indicators that would suggest deprivation of medication
- Your loved one has died under suspicious or completely unacceptable circumstances (which might warrant a wrongful death lawsuit).
Even if you aren’t sure that you have a case, you have nothing to lose (but peace of mind to gain) by speaking to a nursing home abuse lawyer about your concerns.
You Can Help Stop Nursing Home Abuse
When you work with our office, we help you pursue recovery while also working to put an end to nursing home abuse. In doing so, we apply more than 40 years of combined legal experience that includes work both in and out of the courtroom. In fact, members of our team are in court every day.
That commitment to protecting your rights from the very beginning of your case means we work with you to maximize your options. Whether negotiating for settlement or protecting your rights through trial, our nursing home abuse lawyers work closely with you so that you understand what is happening in the legal process and how the law applies to your case.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing Home Abuse In Illinois
If you suspect a loved one has suffered abuse or neglect in a nursing home, you likely have concerns. We answer some of the most common ones below.
What rights do nursing home residents have?
Nursing home residents in Illinois hold strong legal rights under both federal and state law. Federal law under OBRA and the Illinois Nursing Home Care Act protect the right to dignified treatment, proper medical care, freedom from abuse and neglect and the ability to participate in decisions about their care. When a facility violates these rights, families can pursue legal action to hold that facility accountable.
What information should I document if I suspect abuse or neglect?
Document as much as possible and start right away. Strong documentation builds a clearer picture of what happened and can make a significant difference in your case. Gather as many of the following as you can:
- Photographs of injuries, living conditions or unsafe areas
- Written notes with dates, times and descriptions of each incident
- Names of staff members who were present
- Medical records and care plans
- Written communications with the facility
- Names and contact information of potential witnesses
Preserving this information early puts you in a stronger position to move forward.
What if my loved one can’t communicate or report abuse?
You can still pursue a legal claim even if your loved one cannot speak for themselves. Many residents suffer from dementia, cognitive decline or physical limitations that prevent them from reporting abuse.
Family members can act on their behalf in these situations. Physical signs of harm, witness accounts and facility records can serve as key evidence when a resident cannot communicate what happened.
Can I sue on behalf of a loved one who has died in a nursing home?
Yes, you may have the right to file a lawsuit on behalf of a loved one who has died due to nursing home abuse or neglect. In Illinois, a surviving family member or the estate’s representative can bring a wrongful death claim or a survival action against the responsible facility. These claims can seek compensation for pain and suffering, medical expenses and funeral costs. Illinois law requires filing within two years in most cases, so acting quickly matters.
Schedule Your Free Initial Consultation With Us Today
Call 312-883-7623 to make an appointment with a nursing home abuse lawyer. You can also schedule a meeting with us by contacting our office online.