DuPage County Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys
Lawyers for Victims of Assault in Illinois Nursing Homes
In an ideal world, a nursing home would be a place where elderly individuals or those with health concerns can live out their golden years while receiving care with dignity and respect. Sadly, we do not live in an ideal world, and thousands of nursing home residents per year are made to suffer abuse at the hands of the very individuals who are supposed to be caring for them. Nursing home abuse can take many forms, including physical abuse perpetrated by staff members.
The skilled attorneys at Kaiser Law know that even a single instance of physical abuse in a nursing home is completely unacceptable, and those who engage in such behavior must be held fully accountable. Since opening our doors in 1990, our firm has helped many victims of nursing home abuse, including many who were physically abused or assaulted. With our background and experience, we understand how widespread the scourge of nursing home physical abuse has become, and we are equipped to help families seek justice. If your loved one has been assaulted or abused while staying in a nursing home, our lawyers are prepared to provide the guidance you need.
The Problem of Physical Abuse in Nursing Homes
According to a number of recent studies, abuse is an issue in one in three nursing homes nationwide. Equally disturbing is a report from the National Center on Elder Abuse which indicates that over half of nursing home staff members have actually admitted to mistreating residents—including a staggering 17 percent who admitted to shoving, pushing, or grabbing patients. Even worse, these are the reported numbers, which means the actual figures on nursing home physical abuse are likely to be even higher, as many incidents are never reported.
With so many incidents of nursing home physical abuse going unreported, it is often up to visiting family members and loved ones to recognize signs that a resident is being abused. Common warning signs or "red flags" include but are not limited to:
- Bruises
- Scratches and cuts
- Burns
- Broken bones
- Unexplained falls
- Fear of a particular staff member
- Refusal to eat or drink
- Depression or irritability
If you visit your loved one in a nursing home, and you notice any of these signs, it does not necessarily mean that your loved one is being abused. However, it does mean that you should start asking questions and possibly enlist the help of one of our nursing home abuse attorneys.
Trusted Counsel for Abuse Victims in Itasca and Addison
When you contact Kaiser Law regarding your concerns about a loved one being abused in a nursing home, we will go right to work for you and your loved one. First, we will help you explore your options for ensuring the safety of your loved one, which may include finding a new facility or caring for him or her at home.
Next, we will conduct a thorough investigation of the situation to determine how the resident suffered his or her injuries. Our attorneys will review patient records, shift rosters, and any other available information that could be helpful to your case. We know that nursing home administrators and staff members often become uncooperative when allegations of abuse arise, but we will fight through the red tape to uncover the truth. You can depend on us to remain at your side both at the negotiating table and in the courtroom in the pursuit of the justice your loved one deserves.
Schedule a Free Consultation Today
If you suspect that your loved one in a nursing home has been abused by a staff member, contact the office of Kaiser Law today. Call 630-233-9946 for a free, no-obligation consultation with a member of our team today. We serve abuse victims and their families in DuPage County, Cook County, and the surrounding areas.