Decatur, Illinois Nursing Home Abuse/Negligence Lawyer
When families trust an assisted living center to provide care for a loved one, it is horrific and intolerable to learn that the resident suffered harm through misconduct. Tragically, nursing home abuse and neglect occur far too often. The National Council on Aging (NCA) reports that around one in ten adults aged 60 or older has experienced some form of abuse, and up to five million people suffer mistreatment in assisted living environments every year. If you or a loved one was affected, it is critical to take advantage of all remedies afforded by Illinois law.
At Patel Law, PC, our team is prepared to seek justice for residents and ensure they receive fair monetary damages. We are experienced in pursuing assisted living facilities for mistreatment, so please contact us today. You can set up a no-cost consultation with a Decatur, Illinois nursing home abuse/negligence lawyer, and read on for some information about your options.
Signs of Misconduct in Nursing Homes
There is a difference between abuse and neglect; the former involves intentional conduct, while negligence relates to carelessness and failure to meet the standard of care. Both forms of harm can lead to serious injuries or death. Because loved ones are often in the position to identify the mistreatment of a resident who is elderly or vulnerable, you should know the signs of nursing home abuse and neglect. It is cause for concern if you observe:
- Visible signs of injuries, such as bruises, abrasions, and broken bones;
- Bedsores;
- Ligature marks at the wrists or ankles, a sign of physical restraints;
- Unexplained injuries;
- Urinary tract infection, sexually transmitted diseases, and injuries to the genitals; and,
- Withdrawal, isolation, depression, and anxiety.
Some signs of nursing home negligence involve the facility, so be aware of dirty common areas, unsanitary conditions, a lack of security, and related factors.
Remedies for Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
The first priority is to get a resident to a safe environment and report misconduct to officials, but your civil remedies are separate from any action the government might take. To recover compensation, you will typically pursue the nursing home via its liability insurance company. Our Decatur, Illinois nursing home abuse and neglect attorneys will handle the claims process and attempt to negotiate a settlement. If the insurer will not pay fair compensation, we will initiate litigation.
Patel Law, PC is dedicated to recovering the full amount of monetary damages allowed by law, including:
- Medical costs to treat your loved one’s injuries, such as surgery, hospitalization, outpatient procedures, and related care;
- Pain and suffering; and,
- Emotional distress.
Discuss Options with a Decatur, Illinois Nursing Home Abuse/Negligence Lawyer
It is reassuring to know that there are legal remedies for residents who suffer harm in nursing homes, but you will need experienced representation to assist with pursuing them. To learn more about the process for recovering compensation, please contact Patel Law, PC. We can schedule a free case review with an Illinois nursing home abuse and neglect attorney who can provide details.