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Chicago Nursing Home Abuse Attorney

Nursing home abuse is, sadly, all too common in the US. Each year, an estimated 5 million seniors report being victims of abuse; and many more suffer in silence. It’s a national disgrace unfolding right here in our own backyard. If you believe your loved one has been a victim of nursing home care abuse, you need to act fast and contact a Chicago nursing home abuse attorney right away!

What are the five types of abuse in a nursing home?

It’s scary to think of a parent or grandparent being abused in a nursing home. Unfortunately, it happens all too often, and in ways that are both heartbreaking and infuriating. Here are five types of nursing home abuse and neglect that an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer in Chicago, Illinois can assist you with:

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is the intentional infliction of harm on residents. Sometimes, it’s the result of staff members feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. In other instances, it may be a case of “rough handling” during transfers or personal care. Neither is justified.

Signs of nursing home physical abuse:

  • Bruises, pressure marks, cuts, or welts
  • Broken bones or any other internal injuries
  • Sprains or dislocations

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse can take many forms, ranging from unwanted touching to sodomy and/or rape.

Signs of sexual abuse:

  • Bruises or marks on the thighs or genitals
  • Torn, soiled, or stained underwear
  • Recently acquired STIs
  • Unusual vaginal or anal bleeding
  • Sudden changes in mood or personality

Emotional Abuse

Emotional (or psychological) abuse can be just as damaging as physical or sexual abuse. It can cause lifelong trauma, anxiety, and depression. It’s also the most common type of nursing home abuse, according to WHO.

Signs of emotional abuse:

  • Exhibit withdrawn, depressed, or anxious behaviors
  • Withdrawal from social activities, as well as hobbies
  • Sudden outbursts of anger

Financial Abuse

Financial abuse refers to the unauthorized use of a nursing home resident’s money or property. This can be anything from stealing cash to identity theft, or using a credit card without permission.

Signs of financial exploitation:

  • Unusual activity on bank accounts or credit cards
  • Missing money or belongings
  • A sudden change in a will or power of attorney

Neglect

You’ll need a Chicago nursing home neglect lawyer if a nursing home facility displays negligence by failing to provide food, water, or medical care. Neglect can also mean failure on a caregiver’s part to lend a helping hand when needed, like bathing or dressing.

Telltale signs of neglect:

  • Dehydration
  • Malnutrition
  • Bedsores
  • Untreated medical conditions
  • Dirty or soiled clothing or bedding
  • Unsanitary living conditions

Seek justice with a Chicago nursing home abuse attorney

Though the Illinois Nursing Home Care Act protects elderly residents from being abused or neglected in nursing home facilities, sometimes even after reporting maltreatment, investigations may last for months without any firm decision on liability.

If you believe someone you love is being abused or neglected by nursing home staff, it’s important to seek legal help immediately to file a lawsuit. Though audits may be done by Illinois’ Department of Public Health to document incidences of abuse in Chicago, an experienced Chicago nursing home abuse lawyer from The Law Offices of Joseph Younes P.C. will fight tooth and nail to get your loved one the restitution they deserve — whether it’s rightful reimbursement for medical bills or filing a personal injury lawsuit against a nursing home to get the compensation settlement that your loved one deserves.

Consult our firm today for a no-charge case evaluation today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Abuse in a care home can take many different forms. While some are more obvious – like when a staff member hits a resident – abuse can also occur with only one error that results in significant injury. Nursing Home Neglect is also regarded as abuse. Even while it might not be malicious, it might nevertheless have a negative impact. Typically, in a nursing home, there are a few main problems that can exist that could cause your loved one harm. This includes physical abuse, mental abuse, financial abuse, malnourishment, and neglect.

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