Sadly, nursing home abuse occurs far too frequently in an industry that is supposed to protect and take care of our loved ones. The mistreatment of elderly and disabled individuals living in residential facilities is a growing problem for American society. While this type of abuse and neglect is generally perpetrated by staff members working within the facility, it is important to recognize that other trusted persons, sometimes including family members and friends, have been found guilty of abusing and taking advantage of elderly individuals.
According to the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), the abuse of elderly and dependent adults affects millions of people across the United States. In 2008, 3.2 million Americans resided in nursing homes and research indicates that more than 40 percent of people over the age of 65 will spend time in a nursing home before they die. The NCEA reports that in one study, more than 50 percent of nursing home staff admitted to mistreating residents (including neglect, physical violence, and mental abuse) within the prior year.
If you suspect your loved one has been a victim of abuse in Chicago, it is important you contact a nursing home abuse attorney immediately. At Jackowiak Law Offices, our attorneys have been representing victims like you for more than twenty years, and we can help you get the compensation your family deserves.
Types of Abuse
Elder abuse within a long term care setting can take many different forms, but most commonly involves:
- Physical Abuse
- Sexual Abuse and Assaults
- Verbal or Emotional Abuse
- Neglect that Cause Serious Harm
- Theft and Financial Abuse
- Improper Use of Restraints
- Forced Isolation
- Wrongful Death
Warning Signs
If you are concerned about elder abuse, there are warning signs you should be on the lookout for, including:
- Unusual or unexplained injuries such as bruises, broken bones, abrasions or burns
- Bed sores and open wounds
- Malnutrition and dehydration
- Infections
- Overmedication
- Sudden changes in behavior
- Emotional or physical withdrawal
- Excessive fear of people or certain situations
- Missing personal property
- Unexplained or unusual financial transactions
Taking Action Against Nursing Home Abuse, Contact an Attorney Today
Jackowiak Law Offices understands just how devastating it can be to discover that your loved one has been harmed in a nursing home setting. We know you placed your faith and trust in a facility to take good care of your loved one, and that facility has let you down.
Our attorneys fight for the rights of victims of nursing home abuse and neglect. We are very familiar with the federal and state laws that are designed to protect residents of long term care facilities, including the Illinois Nursing Home Care Act. Despite these laws and regulations, nursing home abuse is an everyday occurrence causing serious and long-lasting harm to both the victims and their families.
Take action now. Call us at 312-795-9595 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Chicago nursing home abuse attorney. We can help you get the compensation you and your loved one deserves.
