Peoria Nursing
Home Attorneys

Most people are aware that nursing home abuse is a growing problem in America. The senior population deserves quality care and respect; instead, many who reside in nursing homes face many different types of abuse and neglect. Some even are subject to it daily. Unfortunately, Illinois has the most nursing home abuse cases among all other states, even largely populated states like New York, Texas, and California. Many family members who are aware of the abuse their loved one suffers aren’t sure where to turn for help. When you call our well-versed Peoria nursing home attorneys, we will help ensure you take every necessary step to protect your loved one, prevent the abuse from occurring again, and seek compensation for the damage that has been done.

The Rights of Illinois Nursing Home Residents

Both state and federal regulations afford nursing home residents with many rights. Any abuse or neglect is a clear violation of these rights. Under the Nursing Home Care Act, nursing home residents have the following rights in addition to others:

• Financial freedom: Residents can manage their own financial affairs. (210 ILCS 45/2-102)
• Personal property rights: Residents can keep, use, or wear their personal property. (210 ILCS 45/2-103)
• Right to privacy: Residents should be given respect and privacy. (210 ILCS 45/2-105)
• Residents are allowed private communication concerning mail, telephone calls, or in-person visits. (210 ILCS 45/2-108)
• Freedom from restraint: Residents should be free from unnecessary chemical and physical restraints. (210 ILCS 45/2-106) Residents should not be given unnecessary drugs or given excessive doses or medicated for an excessive duration, or given medication without adequate monitoring. (210 ILCS 45/2-106.1)

If your loved one’s rights are not being honored and respected in their nursing home, you could have a legal claim for abuse or neglect. Our Peoria nursing home lawyers can review the facts and determine what your next steps should be to protect your loved one, ensure their rights are upheld, and seek compensation for the damage that has been done.

Watch for Signs of Abuse or Neglect in a Nursing Home

It’s natural to want to believe that the nursing home is providing care that meets both legal and ethical standards for your family member. However, sometimes this can cause you to miss sure signs of abuse and neglect. As Peoria nursing home attorneys, far too often, we see that the warning signs are missed. Knowing what to look for is the first step in protecting nursing home residents. Always be mindful of any of these signs:

• Bruising, scars, or welts on the body
• Unexplained broken bones, dislocations, or sprains
• Broken eyeglasses
• Signs of restraint use, such as rope marks on the resident’s wrist
• Caregivers refusing to let you be alone with the resident
• Unusual behavior such as mumbling behaviors, thumb sucking, or rocking behaviors.
• Caregivers using belittling, controlling, or threatening behavior with residents
• Unusual weight loss
• Signs of poor nutrition and dehydration
• Poor hygiene
• The presences of bedsores
• Unsafe living conditions (lack of heat, faulty electrical wiring, fire hazards, or no running water)
• Missing cash from the resident’s room

How Our Compassionate Peoria Nursing Home Lawyers Can Help

It is traumatic to learn that you or a loved one is experiencing abuse or neglect in a place that is supposed to provide quality care. Our top priority is walking through this challenging time with you, to protect and compensate you for mistreatment and harm that is not your fault. We offer complete legal services for nursing home abuse or neglect victims and their families.

• Research state and federal regulator’s inspection reports
• Obtain medical records from healthcare providers
• Examine bills, billing procedures, and Medicare payments
• Safeguard access to charts and files from nursing homes, even if they push back
• Facilitate photographs of conditions at the nursing home and the victim’s injuries
• Help you comprehend standards of care that nursing homes must adhere to by law
• Negotiate settlements and file lawsuits when necessary, depending on your situation and preferences
• Take your claim seriously and support you during the entire legal process

Turn to Skilled Peoria Nursing Home Attorneys

At Malman Law, we take pride in adapting our legal representation to meet our clients’ unique needs and in skillfully guiding them through each phase of the multifaceted legal process. Our Peoria nursing home attorneys are aggressive and effective litigators, but they are also counselors that can provide clients with useful legal advice about their best options.
If you suspect nursing home abuse or neglect, it’s time to take the next step. Call (312) 629-0099 today or use our online contact form to schedule a free, confidential consultation with our skilled attorneys.

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