Rockford Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Expert Legal Counsel for Nursing Home Abuse Victims & Family Members in Rockford, IL 

If you need a trusted Rockford nursing home abuse lawyer, Nursing Home Law Center is here to help. Our experienced attorneys represent victims of nursing home abuse, nursing home neglect, and other forms of mistreatment across Rockford and throughout northern Illinois. 

We understand how devastating it is when a family member or elderly loved one has suffered abuse or emotional trauma in a place meant to provide proper care. Whether the harm involved physical, sexual, psychological, or financial abuse, our law firm is committed to seeking justice on your behalf. 

Contact our law firm today for a free consultation and learn how our experienced lawyers can help your family recover compensation and hold negligent nursing facilities accountable.

Nursing Home Abuse Case Settlements Recovered by Our Law Office 

At Nursing Home Law Center, our attorneys have recovered millions of dollars for victims of nursing home abuse, neglect, and wrongful death.

• $2,150,000 wrongful death settlement for a resident who developed severe bed sores and sepsis due to inadequate medical care.
• $1,500,000 recovery for the family of a dementia patient who tragically ingested poisonous chemicals left unsecured in a nursing facility.
• $735,000 settlement for a nursing home fall victim who sustained a broken leg and spinal fractures after falling from an unattended wheelchair.

How Our Rockford Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys Can Help

Our Rockford nursing home abuse attorneys have extensive experience handling nursing home abuse cases and understand the emotional and financial impact on families. We are committed to helping you seek justice and secure compensation.

We offer a free consultation to review your situation and explain your legal options. If you have a case, our experienced lawyers will investigate thoroughly, gathering medical records, witness statements, and facility reports to build strong evidence.

We handle all legal filings, negotiate with insurers, and fight for a settlement that covers medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.

We can help you take legal action against facilities such as:

• Amberwood Care Centre
• Mercyhealth Javon Bea Hospital – SNF
• PA Peterson at the Citadel
• Willows Health Center
• Rock River Health Care
• Ascension Saint Anne Place
• River Bluff Nursing Home
• Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center
• Forest City Rehab & Nursing Center
• Alden Park Strathmoor
• Alden Debes Rehab & HCC

Various Forms of Nursing Home Negligence and Abuse 

Physical Abuse

This includes any intentional use of force that results in physical harm to a resident, such as broken bones, bruises, head injuries, or other serious injuries. If your loved one has suffered abuse by a staff member or other residents, our Rockford legal team can help you file a personal injury claim to recover damages and seek justice.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse involves any non-consensual sexual contact or exploitation of a resident. Victims may be unable or too afraid to report the abuse. Our Rockford nursing home abuse lawyers will investigate thoroughly and fight to hold the facility and the abuser accountable.

Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse, also called psychological abuse, can include verbal assaults, intimidation, isolation, and humiliation. This type of mistreatment can cause deep emotional distress, depression, anxiety, and long-term trauma in residents.

Financial Abuse

Financial exploitation occurs when someone unlawfully accesses a resident’s finances or property. This can include stealing funds, manipulating bank accounts, or coercing residents into changing wills or legal documents. Our team can help your family recover stolen assets and pursue a financial recovery for the damages suffered.

Neglect

Nursing home neglect happens when nursing facilities fail to provide proper medical care, hygiene, nutrition, or necessary supervision. Common signs of nursing home neglect include dehydration, malnutrition, medication errors, and residents wandering unsupervised for extended periods. We help families hold negligent facilities accountable for failing to deliver proper care. 

Common Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect in Rockford, IL

Recognizing the common signs of nursing home abuse and neglect is essential for protecting your elderly loved one. Here are some of the most frequent warning signs that family members should watch for when visiting nursing homes in Rockford, IL:

Poor Hygiene

Unwashed hair, dirty clothing, body odor, and overall lack of cleanliness may indicate nursing home abuse and neglect. Nursing homes are responsible for ensuring that residents receive proper hygiene care, and failure to do so often signals deeper issues of nursing home negligence.

Infections

Frequent infections may suggest inadequate medical care or unsanitary conditions within the facility. Infections left untreated can cause serious complications for elderly residents.

Sepsis

Untreated infections can progress into sepsis, a life-threatening condition that often results from nursing home neglect. Sepsis is preventable with proper monitoring and medical care.

Bed Sores

Also called pressure ulcers, these are a major indicator of neglect. They occur when residents are left in one position for extended periods without being repositioned, highlighting failures in delivering proper care.

Malnutrition and Dehydration

Failing to provide residents with enough food and fluids can result in severe emotional trauma and even wrongful death. Malnutrition and dehydration are clear signs of nursing home neglect and abuse.

Unexplained Injuries

Broken bones, bruises, or cuts without reasonable explanations can point to physical abuse or negligent supervision. Unexplained falls or serious injuries should always be thoroughly investigated by an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer.

Causes of Abuse and Neglect in Rockford Nursing Homes

Nursing home abuse and neglect often stem from deeper systemic problems within the facility. Common causes include inadequate staffing levels, poor staff training, improper supervision, and a failure to provide proper medical care. Overworked or underqualified staff members may neglect basic needs, leading to issues like malnutrition, dehydration, and medication errors. 

In some cases, a lack of background checks allows individuals with histories of abuse or misconduct to be placed in direct contact with elderly residents. Financial pressures on nursing homes can also lead to cost-cutting measures that compromise patient safety. Understanding these underlying causes is critical to holding nursing homes accountable and preventing future abuse and neglect.

Rockford Nursing Facility Elder Abuse Statistics

Of the ten nursing homes located in Rockford listed on CMS at the time of writing, two received a “much above average” rating, and two others earned an “above average” score. 

However, six facilities were rated below average or worse, raising concerns about the safety and quality of care provided to residents. Notably, two Rockford nursing homes have been cited for nursing home abuse by federal regulators, highlighting serious failures in protecting elderly residents.

Damages Awarded to Victims of Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse

Victims of elder abuse in nursing homes may recover several types of damages, including:

• Economic damages: Compensation for medical expenses, relocation costs, and lost assets.
• Non-economic damages: Compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Punitive damages: Awarded in nursing home abuse cases involving egregious misconduct to punish the responsible parties and deter future abuse.

What to Do If You Suspect Your Loved One Is a Victim of Nursing Home Abuse in Rockford

If you suspect nursing home abuse or neglect involving a loved one in Rockford, it’s critical to act quickly to protect their safety and legal rights. Illinois law provides several protections for elderly nursing home residents, including the Illinois Nursing Home Care Act (210 ILCS 45/) and the Adult Protective Services Act (320 ILCS 20/).

The first step is to report the suspected abuse to the appropriate authorities. You can file a complaint with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), which oversees complaints related to nursing homes and assisted living facilities. If your loved one is in immediate danger, call 911.

After reporting the abuse, it’s essential to seek medical attention to treat any injuries, document physical or emotional harm, and gather important medical records. Preserving evidence early on is crucial to building a strong claim.

Finally, contact an experienced Rockford nursing home abuse attorney. A skilled attorney can guide you through the legal process, help you understand your rights under Illinois law, and ensure the nursing facility is held accountable. With the right elder abuse attorney, you can seek justice, secure compensation, and protect your loved one’s well-being.

You Have Limited Time to Take Legal Action in Rockford

Illinois law generally provides a two-year statute of limitations for filing a nursing home abuse lawsuit, as outlined in 735 ILCS 5/13-202. This time limit typically begins from the date the injury or abuse was discovered. Acting quickly is essential to protect your rights and ensure your claim is filed within the required timeframe.

Book a Free Consultation with a Rockford Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Near You!

At Nursing Home Law Center, our Illinois nursing home abuse attorneys are committed to helping victims and their families seek justice. We work on a contingency fee basis and offer a free consultation. Contact our law firm at (800) 926-7565 or fill out our contact form.