If you placed your loved one in a nursing home, it is reasonable to expect they will have their needs provided for and their legal and ethical rights upheld. However, the very nursing homes that family members rely on to take care of their elderly relatives sometimes fall below the general standard of care for nursing homes in Illinois.
Unfortunately, many nursing home residents suffer physically, emotionally, and even financially from sub-standard care. Fortunately, this is where a skilled injury attorney could step in to help. If you believe your loved one is not receiving the care they deserve in a nursing home, consulting with a compassionate Cook County nursing home abuse lawyer may be beneficial to you both.
Just because a loved one is in a nursing home or an assisted living facility does not mean they give up their rights. In fact, in Cook County they have many rights specifically guaranteed by the Illinois Nursing Home Care Act (210 ILCS 45).
This act establishes resident rights and the responsibilities of nursing home facilities to protect their residence from abuse and neglect. Under this Act, nursing home residents have the right to:
The Illinois Department of Public Health oversees and enforces the Nursing Home Care Act throughout the state. All facilities that fall under the definition of a long-term care facility are required to comply with the Act, and a Cook County nursing home abuse lawyer could help family members or residents themselves file suit if a facility fails to do so.
Family members who suspect or witness abuse or neglect in a nursing home should contact a nursing home abuse lawyer in Cook County as soon as possible to determine how best to take action. Some seniors may not talk about what is going on or even hide signs of maltreatment for fear of getting into trouble or out of shame, so it is wise for family members to be on the lookout for signs of abuse and neglect in the nursing home.
These signs may include but are not limited to:
Nursing home residents who are experiencing any kind of abuse or neglect may feel very isolated and afraid, on top of experiencing significant physical pain. To make up for this maltreatment, you or your loved one may be entitled to receive damages for injuries and losses resulting from nursing home abuse and neglect.
A skilled Cook County nursing home abuse lawyer could help you learn more about your legal options and the necessary action you must take when this situation occurs. Call today to set up an initial consultation.
