Serving Chicago, the surrounding suburbs, and all surrounding counties of DuPage, Will & Lake.
When you place a loved one in a nursing home, you expect them to receive safe, respectful care. Finding signs of neglect, unexplained injuries, fear, poor hygiene, or sudden health changes can be heartbreaking and alarming. Nursing homes have a duty to protect residents, and when they fail, families deserve answers.
Nursing home abuse and neglect cases can involve physical harm, poor supervision, medical neglect, financial exploitation, and violations of resident rights. Sklare Law Group helps families in Chicago, IL, take action when a loved one has been harmed in a nursing home or long-term care facility. Our experienced personal injury attorneys investigate these claims carefully and fight to hold negligent facilities accountable.
Client Review
Words cannot express how it warmed my heart and family heart, that through our trails and tribulations Ron and Kelly and especially the entire staff worked, so Hard and kept us abreast about everything that was going on. I and my family will always keep you all in our prayers, and May GOD continue to bless you and your families and give you all the desires of your heart. Mentally knowing you all truly cared about me and my well being, felt great Ron you made me feel that I didn’t have to worry because you had my back. You all are truly GOD sent. ( Much love to you all)
T.D.
What Is Nursing Home Elder Abuse?
The CDC describes older adult abuse as an intentional act, or a failure to act, that causes or creates a risk of harm to an adult age 60 or older by a caregiver or other trusted person. In a nursing home, this can include direct abuse as well as neglect, poor supervision, unsafe conditions, or failure to provide needed care.
Abuse is not always physical. It may also be emotional, sexual, financial, or tied to medical neglect. In some cases, a resident may be unable or afraid to explain what happened, making it even more important for family members to watch for warning signs.
Nursing Home Residents Have Rights
Residents in nursing homes have important protections under federal and state law. Medicare explains that nursing home residents have the right to be informed, make their own decisions, and have their personal information kept private. Federal regulations also state that residents have the right to be free from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and improper use of physical or chemical restraints.
These rights are not optional. When a facility ignores a resident’s safety, dignity, medical needs, or basic care, legal action may be necessary.
Examples of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
Nursing home abuse can happen because of intentional harm, careless hiring, poor training, understaffing, weak supervision, or a facility putting profits ahead of residents. Neglect can be just as dangerous as abuse, especially for residents who need help with daily care.
Examples may include:
-
Bed sores
-
Falls due to lack of supervision
-
Medical neglect or medical malpractice
-
Physical violence
-
Sexual abuse
-
Dehydration or malnutrition
-
Improper use of restraints
-
Financial exploitation
-
Failure to change bedding or clothing
-
Failure to assist with bathing or hygiene
-
Failure to provide food, water, or medication
-
Wandering or elopement due to poor supervision
-
Abandonment or isolation
None of these situations should be dismissed as normal aging. If a nursing home’s actions or inaction caused harm, Sklare Law Group can help review whether your family may have a claim.
Warning Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
Signs of abuse or neglect may be physical, emotional, financial, or behavioral. Some warning signs are obvious, while others are easy to overlook.
Watch for concerns such as:
-
Unexplained bruises, cuts, burns, or fractures
-
Bed sores or worsening wounds
-
Sudden weight loss
-
Dehydration
-
Poor hygiene
-
Soiled clothing or bedding
-
Fear, anxiety, withdrawal, or mood changes
-
Unexplained changes in finances
-
Missing personal items
-
Repeated falls
-
Delayed medical care
-
Staff refusing private visits with your loved one
Trust your instincts. Even if you do not have proof yet, an attorney can help determine what records, photos, witnesses, and facility information may be needed.
Can Visitors Injured at a Nursing Home File a Claim?
Residents are not the only people who may be harmed at a nursing home. Visitors may also suffer injuries because of unsafe property conditions. A visitor who slips on a wet floor, trips on damaged flooring, is hurt by poor maintenance, or is exposed to a hazard may have a premises liability claim.
These claims require more than showing that an injury happened. You must also show that a dangerous condition existed and that a responsible party may be liable.
Why Choose Sklare Law Group for a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer in Chicago, IL?
Sklare Law Group brings the personal attention and determined advocacy families need when a loved one has suffered nursing home abuse or neglect. As a family-founded Chicago personal injury firm, we treat clients with the care, respect, and open communication we would want for our own family.
Our partners have more than 50 years of combined experience handling serious injury claims, including nursing home abuse, medical malpractice, wrongful death, premises liability, motor vehicle accidents, and head and brain injuries. We are prepared to pursue justice through settlement negotiations, mediation, arbitration, or trial. We also offer free consultations, home or hospital visits when needed, and contingency fees, so there is no attorney fee unless we win your case.
Speak With a Nursing Home Abuse Attorney in Chicago
If your loved one was harmed in a nursing home, you do not have to accept vague answers from the facility. Sklare Law Group can investigate what happened, explain your family’s legal options, and fight for the compensation your loved one may deserve.
Call Sklare Law Group at 312-759-1616 for a free consultation. We serve families in Chicago, IL, the Chicagoland area, and communities throughout Northern Illinois.
