Waukegan Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Compensation for Elder Abuse and Nursing Home Injuries in Springfield, IL

If your loved one has been harmed in a care facility, a Waukegan nursing home abuse lawyer can help protect their rights and hold the nursing home accountable. Abuse and neglect in nursing homes can lead to serious harm, including physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial exploitation.

At Nursing Home Law Center, our legal team has extensive experience handling nursing home abuse cases throughout Illinois. We offer a free consultation to help you understand your options and pursue justice for your elderly loved one.

We can help you file claims against facilities such as:

• Pavilion of Waukegan
• The Terrace
• Elevate Care Waukegan

Nursing Home Case Settlements Recovered by Our Law Firm 

• $2,150,000 awarded in a wrongful death case where a resident developed fatal sepsis from untreated bed sores while under nursing home care.
• $1,200,000 settlement for a disabled woman who sustained severe injuries in a van accident during transportationby nursing home staff.
• $610,000 recovered for a resident who was dropped by staff due to improper use of a mechanical lift device, resulting in long-term injury.

What Constitutes Nursing Home Abuse in Waukegan, IL?

Nursing home abuse in Waukegan, IL, includes any act or failure to act that causes harm to elderly residents in a nursing home facility. This can involve a wide range of mistreatment, both physical and emotional, and may give rise to a nursing home abuse lawsuit. 

Abuse in a long-term care facility can take several forms and may be committed by staff or even other residents.

Physical Abuse

Hitting, pushing, or rough handling of elderly residents can cause broken bones, bruising, or head trauma, especially in frail individuals.

Sexual Abuse

Any unwanted sexual contact or behavior toward a resident, particularly those with disabilities, is a severe violation of trust and safety.

Mental Abuse

Verbal threats, humiliation, and intentional isolation are all forms of psychological abuse that can lead to anxiety, fear, and depression.

Financial Abuse

Stealing money, forging checks, or manipulating a resident to change legal documents are all examples of financial exploitation often seen in elder care settings.

Types of Negligence in a Nursing Home

Negligent care occurs when a nursing facility fails to meet a resident’s basic needs. This may include not turning a resident to prevent bedsores, failing to assist with mobility, or ignoring personal hygiene. These oversights can cause serious injuries and long-term harm.

Negligent Hiring

Some facilities skip background checks or rush hiring due to staffing shortages. This can result in unqualified or even dangerous individuals being responsible for residents’ care.

Understaffing

Too few nursing home staff mean residents don’t receive the supervision or care they need. In Illinois, skilled care residents should receive at least 3.8 hours of nursing and personal care daily, including time from licensed nurses.

Poor Training

When staff aren’t properly trained, they may not understand how to respond to emergencies or manage conditions like Alzheimer’s. This puts both the resident and others at risk.

Medication Errors

Incorrect dosing, missed medications, or giving the wrong medication are all common in understaffed or disorganized facilities. These medication mistakes can lead to severe medical complications or even death.

Waukegan, IL, Nursing Home Abuse Statistics

Of the three nursing home facilities in Waukegan listed on CMS at the time of review, none earned an “above average” or “much above average” rating. One facility received an average score, while the other two were rated “below average” or “much below average.” 

These low ratings may reflect serious issues with care quality, staffing, or safety protocols—risk factors often associated with nursing home abuse and neglect.

Common Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect in Waukegan

Recognizing early warning signs is key to protecting elderly residents from further harm. If you suspect nursing home abuse, look out for the following:

• Unexplained bruises, cuts, or fractures, especially broken bones without a clear cause.
• Bedsores or pressure sores, often caused by immobility and lack of proper repositioning.
• Malnutrition or dehydration, sometimes visible through sudden weight loss, dry skin, or chapped lips.
• Improper hygiene, such as dirty clothing, unwashed hair, or strong odors, indicates neglect in care.
• Medical treatment delays or refusal of medical treatment that should be standard for their condition.
• Sexually transmitted infections may be signs of sexual abuse by staff members or other residents.
• Withdrawal from activities, depression, or fearful behavior, all of which may signal emotional or psychological abuse.
• Unusual financial activity, like missing funds or pressure to sign financial documents.

Common Causes of Nursing Home Abuse in Waukegan

Many residents of nursing homes in Waukegan suffer from abuse stemming from systemic issues within care facilities. Chronic understaffing is one of the most common causes, leaving caregivers overwhelmed and unable to provide proper care to all residents. 

Inadequate training also contributes, as some nursing home staff members may not recognize signs of distress or understand how to handle patients with cognitive impairments.

Other causes include poor facility oversight, high staff turnover, and lax enforcement of laws. These issues can lead to serious consequences, such as failure to provide proper nutrition, improper handling, or failure to prevent resident falls. In some cases, staff members may intentionally harm vulnerable individuals or exploit them financially due to lack of accountability.

What to Do If You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse in Waukegan

If you suspect an elderly person is experiencing abuse or neglect in a nursing home or assisted living facility in Waukegan, it’s essential to act quickly. Start by documenting any warning signs, such as sudden weight loss, unexplained bruises, changes in behavior, or poor hygiene. Speak with your loved one privately if possible, and take notes or photos to preserve evidence.

Then, remove the resident from immediate harm if necessary and seek medical attention. Prompt medical evaluation can both protect their health and provide critical documentation for any future legal action. 

Finally, contact an experienced attorney to help you understand your legal rights and begin gathering evidence. Legal guidance early on is key to protecting the well-being of your family member and ensuring the facility is held accountable.

Nursing Home Residents’ Legal Rights in Waukegan, IL

Nursing home residents in Waukegan are protected under both federal and Illinois law, including the Illinois Nursing Home Care Act (210 ILCS 45/). This law ensures that all nursing home residents have the right to be free from abuse and neglect and to receive proper medical care and personal attention in a safe, dignified environment.

Under the Nursing Home Care Act, an elderly person in a nursing home has the right to:

• Be treated with respect and dignity
• Be free from physical or chemical restraints unless medically necessary
• Refuse medical treatment (with informed consent)
• Participate in the planning of their care
• Manage their own financial affairs unless deemed incompetent
• File complaints without retaliation

In addition, staff members and administrators are required to report any violations of residents’ rights under the Abused and Neglected Long Term Care Facility Residents Reporting Act (210 ILCS 30/). Failure to report suspected elder abuse or neglect isn’t just unethical—it’s a legal violation. 

Facilities that breach this duty can be held accountable through civil litigation, especially if the neglect results in serious injuries or wrongful death. 

Why Seek Legal Help 

A Waukegan personal injury lawyer provides essential legal support when you suspect a loved one has suffered abuse or neglect in a nursing facility. These attorneys understand the complexities of elder abuse cases and how to navigate Illinois laws protecting elderly individuals’ rights.

An experienced lawyer will begin by thoroughly investigating the situation, reviewing medical records, facility reports, and any other evidence that could support a claim. They’ll identify any violations of care standards, including neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, or financial abuse. 

If a valid case exists, your attorney will handle every aspect of the legal process, from filing claims and negotiating settlements to representing you in court if necessary.

An experienced nursing home abuse lawyer will fight to recover compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and, in severe cases, wrongful death. More importantly, they help hold negligent staff, medical professionals, and facilities accountable, working to ensure your elderly loved one and others receive the care and dignity they deserve.

If you suspect neglect or abuse of a senior citizen in Waukegan, IL, taking action immediately with the help of a qualified nursing home abuse lawyer is a critical first step toward ensuring justice.

How to Report Nursing Home Abuse in Waukegan, IL

Anyone who suspects abuse or neglect in a nursing home in Waukegan should report it to the proper authorities. In Illinois, nursing home complaints can be made directly to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), which investigates violations in licensed care facilities. You can:

• Call the IDPH 24/7 Nursing Home Complaint Hotline at 1-800-252-4343
• File a complaint online via the IDPH website
• Contact Waukegan Police or local law enforcement if there is an immediate danger to the resident

You may also contact Adult Protective Services at 1-866-800-1409 for cases involving suspected elder abuse or exploitation. After reporting, consult a lawyer to begin building a case and secure legal protection for your loved one.

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

If your loved one has suffered harm in a nursing home in Waukegan, don’t wait to take legal action. Contact our team of experienced nursing home abuse lawyers today for a free consultation. The dedicated attorneys at the Nursing Home Law Center will review the facts, help you understand your legal options, and fight to hold the facility accountable. 

Contact our law firm at (800) 926-7565 or fill out our contact form to get started. There are no fees unless we win your case.