Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Rockford

Our Experience as Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers

Nursing home abuse is an outrage.  It is so shocking and heart-wrenching. Our experienced Rockford nursing home abuse lawyers can help you if you suspect a loved one has suffered from nursing home abuse or neglect. Most nursing home abuse cases proceed through three stages.

1. Determining whether abuse has in fact occurred (although in some cases this is obvious).
2. Stopping the abuse immediately by any means necessary.
3. Aggressively pursuing fair compensation for the abuse.

Even a lawyer fresh out of law school can accept a nursing home abuse case, and so can a lawyer who is experienced in other fields but only dabbles in personal injury law. At Malman Law, we offer something more. We are proven Rockford Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers.

• Personal injury law (including nursing home abuse law) is the only type of law we practice.
• Our clients win their cases 95 percent of the time.
• More tan 30+ years serving over 20,000 personal injury clients.
• Our clients have walked away with a total of more than $200,000,000 in compensation.
• Well over 90 percent of our clients receive private settlements, without ever having to appear at trial.

Nursing home abuse cases involve more than legal issues. Like medical malpractice cases, they often require the application of medical expertise to determine whether abuse has in fact occurred and, if so, what kind of abuse occurred. In response, we employ a full-time Registered Nurse with over 30 years of practice experience to help us investigate medical issues.

Signs of Nursing Home Neglect

Nursing home neglect refers to the failure of nursing home staff to provide adequate care and attention to residents. It can manifest in various ways, and it is important to be vigilant about recognizing the signs of neglect. If you believe a loved one is suffering injuries due to neglect, never wait to discuss your concerns with our Rockford nursing home abuse lawyers at Malman Law.

Some common signs of nursing home neglect include:

• Poor personal hygiene: Unkempt appearance, dirty clothing, and unbrushed hair.
• Malnutrition or dehydration: Significant weight loss, dry skin, and constant thirst.
• Bedsores or pressure ulcers: Skin irritations, wounds, or open ulcers due to prolonged pressure on certain body parts.
• Untreated medical conditions: Lack of proper medical attention, unexplained injuries, or failure to administer medication as prescribed.
• Unsanitary living conditions: Dirty living spaces, unclean bedding, and overall poor cleanliness.

Types of Nursing Home Abuse

Nursing home abuse takes misconduct to the next level, as it can involve intentionally causing harm to residents. Abuse can take many forms, each equally distressing for the victim. Our nursing home abuse attorneys at Malman Law are committed to holding nursing homes entirely accountable for any abuse and resulting injuries they allow to occur.

As a loved one, stay aware of these types of abuse to ensure early detection and intervention. Some common types of nursing home abuse include:

• Physical abuse: Any intentional use of physical force that causes harm or injury to a resident. This can include hitting, slapping, pushing, or even restraining a resident forcefully.
• Emotional abuse: Inflicting emotional anguish, distress, or pain through verbal or nonverbal acts. This can include insulting, intimidating, or isolating a resident.
• Sexual abuse: Any non-consensual sexual act or unwanted sexual contact. This can include rape, molestation, or harassment.
• Financial exploitation: Illegally or improperly using a resident’s funds, property, or assets for personal gain. This can include stealing money, forging signatures, or coercing a resident into signing documents.
• Neglect: Failure to provide adequate care, attention, and basic necessities to a resident. This can include ignoring medical needs, not providing proper nutrition, or failing to maintain a clean living environment.

Identifying the Abuser

Identifying the abuser in cases of nursing home abuse can be challenging, as it may involve staff members, other residents, or even visitors. If possible, closely observe any suspicious behavior or signs of abuse and report it immediately.

Warning signs that may indicate the presence of an abuser include:

• Aggressive or violent behavior
• Frequent arguing or conflicts with residents or staff
• Inappropriate sexual comments or behavior
• Unexplained injuries or marks on a resident
• Sudden changes in behavior or mood

If you suspect abuse, gather any evidence you can, such as photographs of injuries or written statements from witnesses, and contact our Rockford nursing home abuse attorneys right away.

Is There a Difference Among Nursing Home Neglect, Abuse, and Negligence?

While closely related, there are distinct differences among nursing home neglect, abuse, and negligence. Understanding these differences can help you navigate your legal options more effectively.

• Nursing home neglect refers to the failure to provide basic care and necessities to a resident, resulting in harm or injury.
• Nursing home abuse refers to intentional harm inflicted upon a resident, either physically, emotionally, sexually, or financially.
• Nursing home negligence refers to the failure to meet the expected standard of care, resulting in harm to a resident.

Remember that regardless of the specific term used, any form of mistreatment in a nursing home is unacceptable and should not go unpunished. Seeking the guidance of a qualified nursing home abuse lawyer from Malman Law can help you understand the legal aspects and build a strong case for your loved one.

Liability for Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect: Who Can I Sue in Rockford?

When it’s time to hold someone responsible for nursing home abuse and neglect, multiple parties may be liable. These parties can include:

• The nursing home facility: If the facility fails to provide proper training, supervision, or resources to its staff, or does not comply with nursing home regulations, they can be held responsible for the abuse or neglect that occurs on their premises.
• Staff members: Individual staff members who actively engage in abusive behavior can be personally liable for the harm they cause to residents.
• Third-party contractors: If the facility hires third-party contractors, such as cleaning or maintenance services, and acts of abuse or neglect occur under their watch, the contractors may also be held liable.

Determining the liable parties requires a thorough investigation of the specific circumstances of the case. An experienced Rockford nursing home abuse attorney can help identify those responsible and hold them accountable for their actions.

The Compensation Your Loved One Deserves

If your loved one has suffered injuries from nursing home abuse or neglect, they may be entitled to compensation for their suffering and losses. Compensation can help cover various damages, including:

• Medical expenses: Reimbursement for medical bills related to injuries or illnesses caused by the abuse or neglect.
• Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical and emotional pain endured by the victim.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Damages for the impact of the abuse or neglect on the victim’s quality of life.
• Punitive damages: Additional damages awarded in cases of extreme negligence or intentional harm, intended to punish the wrongdoer.

Calculating the appropriate compensation amount is a complex task that requires expertise and experience. Our skilled Rockford nursing home abuse attorney can assess your case and aggressively pursue maximum compensation on behalf of your loved one.

Nursing Home Resident Rights in Rockford, Illinois

As a nursing home resident in Rockford, Illinois, your loved one has certain rights that should always be upheld by the facility. These rights include:

• The right to be treated with respect and dignity.

• The right to be informed about their medical condition and treatment plan.

• The right to privacy and confidentiality.

• The right to be free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

• The right to participate in their care and make choices about their daily lives.
• The right to have their personal belongings respected and secured.

If your loved one’s rights have been violated, speak with our team. We protect the rights of nursing home residents.

Call a Rockford Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Today

If your loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect in Rockford, do not wait to take action. Malman Law is particularly dedicated to upholding the rights of vulnerable citizens like seniors in nursing homes who cannot protect themselves. When others prey on them and cause physical harm, emotional trauma, or financial losses, we are ready to seek justice.

Contact us today for a free case evaluation.