Nursing home neglect and abuse happens more often than people want to imagine. Senior citizens are vulnerable to mistreatment because they may need to rely on others for their care and daily living. Abuse, neglect, and negligence can take on many forms. The people who inflict harm may or may not have done so intentionally, but the impact is the same. Suffering from mistreatment can alter someone’s health, personality, and trust in the world outside of themselves. Our Wheaton, IL nursing home neglect lawyer has seen how greatly seniors can suffer because nursing home workers, doctors, or residents may treat them in a harmful way. If you suspect abuse is happening to your loved one, we urge you to intervene for their safety and contact us at Therman Law Offices, LTD immediately.
Signs Of Abuse Or Neglect
Nursing home abuse can lead to life-threatening injuries and even wrongful death. There are many ways that abuse may happen, and it’s important to keep an eye out for signs of mistreatment so that you can take swift action right away. Ignoring signs of abuse may only lead to further incidents in the future. It is vital to your loved one’s well being to take action as soon as you notice something is awry with their care. As our dedicated nursing home neglect attorney explains, signs of abuse can include the following:
- Malnutrition and dehydration
- Pressure sores, bed sores, and decubitus ulcers
- Clogged breathing tubes
- Sepsis or infection
- Fall injuries
- Medication errors
- Physical or chemical restraints
- Wandering or elopement from the facility
- Sexual assault
- Unexplained injuries or illness
- Bruises, burns, and other marks
- Alzheimer’s and dementia
- Dirty or unkempt clothing
- Unclean living area or bedding
- Personality changes
- Withdrawing from loved ones or visitors
- Seeming nervous around certain caregivers
- Requests to change legal documents
How We Can Help You
As soon as you suspect something is wrong with your loved one’s care, we recommend speaking with our team. We can handle tasks such as research inspection reports from federal and state regulators, request medical records from doctors and health care providers, access charts and files regarding the resident, assess bills and other odd financial charges, facilitate photographs of injuries and nursing home conditions, and help you understand the quality of care that your loved one should be receiving.
Therman Law Offices, LTD
No one deserves to live in fear of abuse, neglect, or other mistreatment. Senior citizens tend to need the care of others to help them with their daily living. If a caregiver abuses or fails to provide adequate care, then intervention from law enforcement and a legal team is wise. Further incidents may happen if swift action is not taken now. Let our Wheaton nursing home neglect attorney help your family handle the situation so no more incidents of abuse occur. Our team at Therman Law Offices, LTD is ready to take on your case. Let us offer guidance today.
Defining Nursing Home Abuse And Neglect
When we trust a nursing home with the care of a loved one, we expect that they’ll receive safe, compassionate, and respectful treatment. Unfortunately, this is not always the reality, as nursing home abuse and neglect occur in various facilities nationwide. Abuse and neglect in nursing homes can take different forms, each potentially causing significant harm to residents. It’s crucial for families to be able to recognize these signs and know when legal action may be necessary to protect their loved ones. At Therman Law Offices, LTD, we are dedicated to helping families in Wheaton understand their options when nursing home abuse or neglect is suspected.
What Constitutes Nursing Home Abuse
Nursing home abuse refers to intentional harm inflicted upon a resident by caregivers or other individuals in the facility. This abuse can manifest in physical, emotional, sexual, or financial forms. Physical abuse, for instance, might include hitting, pushing, or using excessive force, resulting in injuries such as bruises, fractures, or other physical harm. Emotional abuse, on the other hand, could involve verbal insults, threats, or isolation, which can significantly impact a resident’s mental health and well-being.
Financial abuse in nursing homes is another serious issue. This occurs when someone improperly accesses a resident’s finances, such as manipulating them into signing checks, altering wills, or directly stealing funds. Each form of abuse can have lasting effects on a resident’s health and sense of security, and in many cases, it’s essential to seek legal intervention to protect the individual’s rights.
Identifying Nursing Home Neglect
While abuse involves intentional harm, nursing home neglect refers to the failure of staff or caregivers to provide adequate care, whether through lack of attention or oversight. Neglect in a nursing home setting can result in serious harm, as residents often rely on caregivers for daily needs like hygiene, nutrition, and medical care. Examples of neglect include failing to assist residents with mobility, not providing necessary medications, or ignoring hygiene needs. Over time, neglect can lead to severe health consequences, including infections, malnutrition, and psychological distress.
Signs of nursing home neglect may not always be immediately apparent. Families should look out for warning signs such as sudden weight loss, poor personal hygiene, unexplained injuries, or a noticeable decline in mood. If these signs are present, it may be beneficial to consult with a Wheaton nursing home neglect lawyer to determine if the facility is liable for any harm suffered by the resident.
Legal Options For Families Affected By Nursing Home Abuse Or Neglect
If you suspect a loved one is suffering from abuse or neglect, legal options are available to help hold the responsible parties accountable. Legal claims can be filed against individuals, staff, or the nursing home itself, depending on the situation. A successful claim may result in compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages incurred due to abuse or neglect. In Wheaton, a nursing home neglect lawyer can provide the necessary legal guidance to assess the case and determine the best course of action.
Cases involving nursing home abuse and neglect can be complex, as they often require substantial evidence, including medical records, witness testimony, and any documented incidents within the facility. Consulting with a skilled lawyer can help ensure that these elements are properly addressed, allowing families to seek justice and improve conditions for their loved one.
Why Seeking Legal Help Matters
Addressing nursing home abuse and neglect through legal action not only provides relief to affected families but can also bring about much-needed improvements in nursing home practices. By holding facilities accountable, families can contribute to better standards of care and protect others from similar experiences. When families need support in such cases, a Wheaton nursing home neglect lawyer can offer valuable insight into the legal process and advocate on their behalf.
If you suspect that a loved one may be experiencing neglect or abuse in a nursing home, you don’t have to face it alone. At Therman Law Offices, LTD, we understand the challenges families face in these situations and are ready to provide compassionate and dedicated legal assistance. Contact us today to speak with an experienced Wheaton nursing home neglect lawyer who can help protect your loved one’s rights and pursue the justice they deserve.