Bloomington Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer 

Nursing home abuse is a devastating issue affecting vulnerable elderly residents in Bloomington and beyond. Seeking legal help from a nursing home abuse attorney is important if you suspect that a family member has suffered abuse at a skilled nursing facility. 

An experienced nursing home lawyer can help gather evidence, hold responsible parties accountable, and pursue justice for your loved one.

Why Hire Nursing Home Law Center

At Nursing Home Law Center, our priority is to seek justice and compensation for those affected by nursing home abuse. Our experienced legal team has a strong history of handling abuse cases with care and securing substantial settlements and verdicts for our clients.

We leave no stone unturned, conducting in-depth investigations to ensure all damages—such as medical bills, emotional suffering, and other losses—are thoroughly accounted for. With our extensive experience in nursing home abuse claims, we handle the challenges head-on and fight relentlessly to safeguard your rights.

We offer compassionate, transparent support, keeping you and your loved ones informed and confident throughout the entire process.

Types of Cases Handled by Our Bloomington Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers

Elder abuse occurs when residents in nursing facilities suffer harm due to intentional acts or neglect by staff members, leading to physical, emotional, or financial exploitation. Our Bloomington nursing home neglect lawyers handle a wide range of abuse cases, ensuring that victims and their families receive justice and compensation for the suffering endured.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse involves any use of force against nursing home residents, including hitting, slapping, or improperly using restraints. This violence can lead to serious injuries such as broken bones, bruises, or even life-threatening harm.

Mental and Emotional Abuse

Emotional and mental abuse can be just as damaging as physical abuse, involving verbal threats, humiliation, intimidation, or isolation. This form of psychological abuse often causes emotional trauma, anxiety, or depression in elderly residents, impacting their overall well-being.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse occurs when a nursing home resident is subjected to non-consensual sexual contact, such as inappropriate touching or sexual assault. Elderly individuals, particularly those with cognitive impairments, are especially vulnerable to this form of abuse, which leaves both physical and emotional scars.

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice in nursing homes includes neglecting residents’ medical needs, leading to issues like bed sores, infections, and medication errors. Failing to provide proper medical care can have severe consequences, including preventable health complications and long-term suffering.

Negligence

Negligence in nursing homes involves failing to provide basic care, such as proper hygiene, adequate nutrition, or hydration. In severe cases, negligence may lead to elopement, where a resident wanders from the facility without supervision.

Financial Abuse

Financial abuse occurs when someone takes advantage of a nursing home resident’s finances. This exploitation can include theft, coercion to change wills, or unauthorized access to bank accounts.

Wrongful Death

In the most tragic cases, nursing home abuse or neglect can result in wrongful death. Family members may pursue a wrongful death claim to seek justice and hold the liable parties accountable.

Understanding Your Legal Rights

Federal and state laws protect nursing home residents and are designed to ensure their safety, dignity, and quality of care.

One of the most significant federal protections is the Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987, which mandates that nursing homes receiving Medicare and Medicaid funding must provide residents with the right to proper treatment, freedom from abuse, and the ability to live in a safe environment. 

This act grants residents rights to be treated respectfully, participate in their care plans, and voice complaints without fear of retaliation.

In addition to federal protections, Illinois law further safeguards nursing home residents. The Illinois Nursing Home Care Act holds facilities accountable for providing a standard of care that ensures residents’ health, safety, and welfare. 

Bloomington nursing homes must maintain proper staffing, provide adequate medical care, and ensure residents are free from neglect and abuse.

Eligibility to File a Claim

A nursing home abuse claim can be filed by the abused resident themselves, a family member, or a legal guardian. In cases where the resident has passed away due to abuse or neglect, the family can file a wrongful death claim to seek justice. 

An experienced nursing home abuse attorney can help guide families and victims through the process of filing a claim, ensuring that their legal rights are fully protected and upheld.

Liability in Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse Cases 

In nursing home neglect cases, multiple parties can be held liable for the harm caused to residents. Understanding who is responsible is essential in holding the right parties accountable and securing compensation for the victim.

Nursing Facility

The nursing home itself can be liable if it fails to provide a safe environment or if inadequate staffing, improper hiring practices, or inadequate training contributed to the abuse or neglect. Facilities are responsible for ensuring proper care for all residents, following state and federal regulations.

Nursing Home Staff

Individual staff members, such as nurses or caregivers, may be directly liable if they commit physical abuse, neglect, or sexual assault. Staff members must provide respectful and safe care; violating that responsibility can result in legal consequences.

Management and Administration

The facility’s management may be liable for failing to properly supervise staff, not addressing abuse complaints, or allowing unsafe conditions to persist. If management knew about abuse or failed to report it, they could be held accountable for the harm caused.

Medical Providers

Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers in the nursing home can be liable for medical malpractice, including medication errors, failure to diagnose, or improper treatment. Negligence in providing necessary medical care can lead to severe injuries or even death.

Third-Party Contractors

Some nursing homes rely on outside contractors for specific services, such as physical therapy or food services. These third-party providers can also be held liable if their negligence or failure to provide adequate care contributed to abuse or neglect.

How Our Bloomington Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers Can Help

At Nursing Home Law Center, our personal injury attorneys have extensive experience representing nursing home residents and their families in cases of abuse and neglect. We understand the complexities of holding nursing homes accountable and are committed to pursuing justice for those who have suffered harm.

Our law firm has successfully handled numerous nursing home abuse cases, securing compensation for our clients. Here’s how we can assist you in navigating the legal process and fighting for the rights of your elderly loved ones:

Free Case Evaluation

We offer a free initial consultation to discuss the details of your case and assess whether you have grounds to file a claim. During this evaluation, our Bloomington nursing home neglect attorneys will review the evidence and guide you on the best legal options available.

Case Investigation

A personal injury attorney will conduct thorough investigations to uncover the full extent of the abuse or neglect. We gather evidence such as medical records, witness statements, and facility reports to build a strong case. Identifying all liable parties ensures that every aspect of the abuse is properly addressed.

Filing the Claim

Once we have gathered the necessary evidence, our attorneys will file the claim on behalf of the victim or their family members. We take care of all legal paperwork and ensure that the claim is submitted within the appropriate deadlines and meets all legal requirements.

Settlement Negotiation

Many nursing home neglect cases can be resolved through settlement negotiations. Our attorneys will negotiate aggressively with the nursing home’s legal team and insurance companies to secure a fair and just settlement. We aim to recover compensation for medical bills, emotional distress, and other damages caused by the abuse.

Trial Representation 

We are fully prepared to take the case to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached. Our personal injury attorneys have the courtroom experience needed to represent nursing home residents and their families in court, fighting tirelessly to ensure justice is served.

Common Signs of Elder Abuse Among Nursing Home Residents 

There are 15 Medicare-approved nursing homes in Illinois. Of these, eight facilities (53%) have received a below- or much-below-average overall score.

Specifically, eight nursing homes (53%) fall short in health inspections, highlighting concerns about regulatory compliance and safety standards.

Regarding staff levels, nine facilities (60%) received low scores, indicating widespread inadequacies in staffing. Four nursing homes (27%) rated poorly in terms of quality measures, reflecting substandard care. [1]

The worst-rated nursing homes in Bloomington include:

Abuse can take many forms, and the symptoms may vary depending on the type of mistreatment. Recognizing the emotional and physical signs of elder abuse in nursing homes is essential for family members and loved ones.

• Unexplained injuries: Bruises, cuts, burns, or fractures with no reasonable explanation may indicate physical abuse.
• Restraint marks: Marks on wrists or ankles can suggest the improper use of restraints, which is considered physical abuse.
• Frequent falls: Fall-related injuries, like broken bones or head trauma, may result from neglect or physical harm.
• Withdrawal or depression: Sudden changes in mood, such as depression, anxiety, or withdrawal from social interactions, can be signs of emotional or mental abuse.
• Fearfulness around staff members: If a resident appears scared or anxious around certain caregivers, it may indicate emotional or verbal abuse.
• Sudden behavioral changes: Emotional abuse can cause residents to display agitation, anger, or uncharacteristic behavior.
• Unexplained genital injuries: Bruising or bleeding in genital areas can signal sexual abuse.
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): The presence of an STI in an elderly resident can be an alarming sign of sexual contact without consent.
• Sudden fear of physical contact: Sexual abuse victims may become fearful of being touched or approached by others.
• Poor hygiene: Dirty clothing, unclean bedding, or improper personal care can be signs of neglect by nursing home staff.
• Malnutrition and dehydration: Weight loss, dry skin, or constant thirst may suggest the resident is not receiving proper nutrition and hydration.
• Bed sores: These pressure ulcers occur when a resident is left in one position for too long, indicating a lack of proper care.
• Unusual bank activity: Large or unexplained withdrawals, missing funds, or sudden changes in a resident’s financial situation may point to economic exploitation.
• Changes in wills: Unexpected changes to a resident’s financial or legal documents could signal coercion or exploitation by caregivers.

What to Do If You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse

If you believe your elderly loved one is being abused in a nursing home, it’s crucial to take immediate action to ensure their safety and well-being. Below are the steps you should follow:

Call 911 if There is Immediate Danger

If your loved one is in immediate physical danger or has suffered serious injuries, contact emergency services right away. Law enforcement can intervene to prevent further harm and provide medical attention.

Report to the Nursing Home Administrator or Management

Once the immediate threat is addressed, report the abuse to the nursing home’s administrator or management. They are required to investigate complaints and take corrective action to ensure the safety of residents. Be sure to document your report in writing.

File a Complaint with Your Local Ombudsman’s Office

The Ombudsman’s Office advocates for nursing home residents and investigates complaints of abuse or neglect. The Ombudsman can help mediate disputes and resolve issues within the facility, ensuring that the residents’ rights are protected.

Contact a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

After reporting the abuse, contact a skilled nursing home abuse lawyer. They can help you gather evidence, file a legal claim, and hold responsible parties accountable. An experienced personal injury lawyer will guide you through the legal process to seek justice and compensation for your loved one.

Damages You Can Recover Through a Nursing Home Abuse Claim

When a loved one suffers abuse or neglect in a nursing home, filing a legal claim can help you recover compensation for the harm caused.

Economic damages are intended to compensate for the direct financial losses caused by the abuse. Examples include:

• Medical expenses
• Relocation costs
• Lost wages

Non-economic damages address the emotional and psychological toll that abuse has on the victim and their family members. These damages are more challenging to quantify but are no less important. Examples include:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma
• Loss of quality of life

In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the nursing home for particularly egregious conduct. These damages are not meant to compensate the victim but to send a strong message to the nursing facility that such behavior will not be tolerated.

The Cost of Hiring a Bloomington Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

At Nursing Home Law Center, we understand that families dealing with nursing home abuse are already facing emotional and financial challenges. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront legal costs to worry about. 

You only pay if we successfully recover compensation for you. This arrangement lets you focus on your loved one’s well-being while we handle the legal process.

You Have Limited Time to Take Legal Action in Bloomington

In Bloomington, as in the rest of Illinois, there is a limited window of time to file a claim for nursing home abuse due to the statute of limitations, which is two years from the date the abuse occurred or was discovered. If you fail to file within this timeframe, you may lose the right to seek justice and compensation.

Contact a Bloomington Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Today!

At Nursing Home Law Center, our experienced Illinois legal team has a proven track record of securing justice and compensation for victims of nursing home abuse in Bloomington. We are dedicated to protecting the rights of elderly residents and holding nursing homes accountable for their actions. 

With our extensive experience in handling nursing home abuse cases, we provide compassionate, aggressive legal representation for you and your loved ones. If you suspect nursing home abuse, don’t wait—contact our office today for a free consultation.

Call us at (800) 926-7565 or complete our contact form.

References: [1] Medicare