Rockford Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys

The decision to relocate a loved one to a nursing home is not made lightly. But as difficult as this choice may be, the reality is that for many seniors,  independent living is not possible or not in their best interests.

Most nursing homes provide great care for patients. However, there are many who have been cited for abuse and neglect issues due to inexperienced staff members and substandard care. This is a scary situation for prospective patients and their loved ones. Nobody wants to place their loved one in an abusive environment.

The signs of nursing home abuse are not always physical.  As a family member, it’s important to spend time with your loved one in the nursing home environment and assess the situation for yourself. There may be other types of abuse, such as psychological and financial abuse, going on that you may not know about.

If you do notice signs of abuse, what are your next steps? A nursing home abuse lawyer from Clark Frost Zucchi can help you seek compensation and justice after a nursing home incident that has harmed your loved one. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. 

Types of Nursing Home Abuse

When you think of nursing home abuse, physical abuse is probably the first thing that comes to mind. This type of abuse may involve being slapped, punched, kicked, pushed, or restrained. Common signs include broken bones, bruises, and bleeding. 

There are other types of abuse to be aware of as well. They include the following:

• Neglect. Unlike abuse, neglect is not usually intentional. Neglect can involve medication errors, dehydration, and malnutrition due to a lack of food, water, or proper medication. Leaving residents unattended and failing to report injuries promptly are also forms of neglect.
• Emotional abuse. This is actually the most common form of nursing home abuse. It involves insulting or threatening a resident, as well as controlling or isolating them. 
• Sexual abuse. Surprisingly, sexual abuse is common in nursing homes. This involves any form of unwanted sexual contact, touching, or groping. Sexual elder abuse is often committed against residents who are disabled.
• Financial abuse. This is when a staff member or someone else steals from a nursing home patient. This may include stealing money and other belongings, accessing their bank accounts, and changing the patient’s will without their consent. 

When Nursing Home Abuse Happens, We Help Families Seek Justice

If you or a loved one experience nursing home abuse, you may be able to seek compensation by filing a lawsuit against the home or care facility where the abuse occurred. Damages awarded may include economic damages and non-economic damages. Economic damages are financial costs associated with the claim, like the cost of medical care for an injury. Non-economic damages are awarded for the pain and suffering the patient endures.

If a patient dies due to nursing home abuse or neglect, filing a wrongful death claim may be the best option for holding the home and staff accountable. A skilled nursing home abuse attorney can help you understand your legal options for seeking justice and advocate for your family.

Contact Us Today

Nursing home abuse is a common problem that can cause patients to suffer serious injuries or death. If your loved one has been affected, legal help is available. The team at Clark Frost Zucchi can help you hold the nursing home responsible for your loved one’s abuse or neglect. We will work aggressively to seek justice on your behalf. We serve clients throughout Northern Illinois. Schedule a free consultation today by calling us or filling out the online form.