Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Injury Attorneys Edwardsville, IL
If you have a loved one who has suffered an injury or violation of rights because of negligence on the part of nursing home ownership, management, staff or other residents, you are entitled to fight for financial compensation. Often, a lawsuit is the only way to improve living conditions and stop illegal practices.
Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer
Nursing home neglect is a serious issue that occurs when caregivers fail to provide necessary medical care, personal hygiene, or even basic needs like food and water. This type of neglect can lead to severe physical and emotional harm, especially for elderly residents who rely on caregivers for daily support. A skilled lawyer specializing in nursing home neglect can thoroughly investigate your case, gather essential evidence, and hold the responsible parties accountable.
A nursing home neglect lawyer can assist families by:
- Gathering Evidence: This includes medical records, witness statements, and facility inspection reports to establish a strong case.
- Filing Legal Claims: Your lawyer will prepare and file claims against the nursing home, demanding fair compensation for any suffering endured.
- Navigating Illinois Laws: Nursing home cases in Illinois involve specific state regulations and legal nuances, which an experienced local lawyer can navigate efficiently.
- Advocating for Justice: By pursuing a legal claim, families can help ensure other residents are protected from similar harm.
If you’re in Edwardsville, Illinois, and suspect that your loved one is a victim of neglect, contact Walton Telken for compassionate and dedicated legal representation.
What is Nursing Home Abuse?
Nursing home abuse involves intentional harm or mistreatment of residents by caregivers or facility staff. This abuse can take many forms, including physical harm, emotional abuse, financial exploitation, and sexual abuse. According to a report from the Human Rights Watch, nursing home abuse and neglect have been exacerbated by systemic issues within many care facilities, including inadequate staffing and insufficient oversight.
Types of nursing home abuse include:
- Physical Abuse: This involves any form of physical harm, such as hitting, shoving, or improperly restraining a resident.
- Emotional Abuse: Emotional harm through yelling, threatening, or isolating residents.
- Sexual Abuse: Non-consensual sexual contact or harassment, which may go unnoticed due to the victim’s vulnerability.
- Financial Exploitation: Theft of funds, unauthorized transactions, or manipulation to control the resident’s financial resources.
- Neglect: Failing to meet a resident’s basic needs, which can lead to serious health complications.
These abuses can have devastating consequences for the physical and emotional well-being of residents. Legal action not only seeks justice but can also create pressure on facilities to improve their standards of care, ensuring that residents are protected from further harm.
What Are the Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect in Edwardsville, Illinois?
Recognizing signs of abuse or neglect is crucial to protect your loved one’s safety and well-being. Families and loved ones should be vigilant, especially if the resident shows sudden changes in behavior, appearance, or health. Here are some common signs of abuse and neglect:
- Unexplained Injuries: Bruises, fractures, or scars may indicate physical abuse or rough handling.
- Poor Hygiene: Dirty clothing, uncombed hair, or body odor may suggest neglect.
- Emotional Withdrawal: If your loved one becomes unusually quiet, fearful, or anxious, it could signal emotional or psychological abuse.
- Sudden Weight Loss or Malnutrition: A lack of proper nutrition can be a sign of neglect, particularly if the resident is unable to feed themselves.
- Bedsores or Pressure Ulcers: These painful sores develop from prolonged periods without movement and often indicate poor care.
- Unexpected Financial Transactions: If there are unfamiliar charges or withdrawals from a resident’s bank account, financial abuse may be occurring.
According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), abuse often goes unreported because elderly residents may feel ashamed or fear retaliation. Families should trust their instincts and investigate any signs that seem suspicious, as early detection can prevent further harm.
Where Do I File a Complaint Against Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect in Illinois?
In Illinois, complaints about nursing home abuse or neglect can be filed with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). The IDPH is responsible for investigating allegations of abuse and ensuring that facilities comply with state health and safety standards. Filing a complaint can lead to an investigation, which may result in corrective actions or penalties for the facility.
To file a complaint:
- Contact the IDPH directly at their hotline: 1-800-252-4343.
- Use the Online Reporting System: You can submit complaints through the IDPH’s official website.
- Complete a Written Report: For formal complaints, you may need to provide details of the incident, including names, dates, and any supporting documentation.
Filing a complaint can bring immediate attention to the issue and protect other residents from similar treatment. Additionally, your attorney can assist in this process by helping document the abuse and supporting you through legal actions against the facility. For further guidance, consider consulting with a knowledgeable attorney like those at Walton Telken in Edwardsville.
Free Consultation ▪ We Don’t Get Paid Until You Do
The attorneys of Walton Telken have decades of experience handling personal injury and wrongful death cases. Our lawyers work together to help you recover the full and fair money damages you may be entitled to for injuries and financial loss. We serve clients in the Metro-East and throughout Southwestern and Southern Illinois, as well as in Eastern Missouri, including the St. Louis metropolitan area.
Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your nursing home injury or negligence claim. We will give you a clear explanation of the law and help you understand your options. We handle all nursing home negligence cases on a contingency fee basis. You won’t pay attorney’s fees unless we help you recover money damages.
We represent clients and families in nursing home abuse and neglect cases involving:
- Falls
- Wandering off, elopement
- Malnutrition and dehydration
- Bed sores, insufficient sanitary care
- Improper medication procedures
- Physical and sexual assault from staff and residents
- Emotional and mental abuse
“Nursing home abuse is emotionally heart-wrenching on the victim and family. We will give you an honest, clear assessment of your case. We will vigorously and compassionately protect your rights and work to recover the maximum money damages to which you are entitled under the law.”
We also work with other attorneys on a professional referral basis
Contact us at one of our locations in Illinois or Missouri to arrange an opportunity to meet with one of our attorneys.