When nursing home abuse in Joliet, Illinois, happens to your family member, avoid letting it go unnoticed. Nursing home abuse stems from staffing shortages, unqualified staff members, and overworked nursing home staff. Our team of nursing home abuse lawyers is ready to review the situation and provide guidance to remedy it and obtain damages.
When to Hire a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer in Joliet, IL
The best time to hire a nursing home abuse attorney in Joliet, IL, is as soon as you suspect it is occurring. If you spot common signs of nursing home abuse, speak with personal injury law professionals within the timeframe stipulated by the statute of limitations.
The Most Common Signs of Abuse in Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities
The most common signs of nursing home abuse and neglect include physical ones, such as bruises, burns, and poor hygiene. However, nursing home residents will also exhibit other warning signs, including:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Withdrawn, sadness, or isolated demeanor
- Broken bones
- Bed sores or pressure sores
- Unexplained STDs
- Being easily agitated or nervous in the presence of certain people
- Dehydration
- Unclean living conditions
- Nursing home resident expresses fear
- Other residents making suspicious comments about nursing home staff
Keep in mind that elder abuse in nursing homes can begin before the warning signs become obvious, shortening the statute of limitations window.
How Long Do You Have to File a Joliet Nursing Home Abuse Case?
Victims of elder abuse in nursing homes have two years from the date of noticing the injury to file a lawsuit against a Joliet nursing facility. The statute of limitations for nursing home negligence lawsuits is the same as other personal injury cases, including medical malpractice and wrongful death.
It’s essential to engage with a legal professional versed in nursing home negligence cases as soon as possible. If nursing home owners become aware that family members intend to file against the assisted living facility, they might infringe on their legal rights and delay the opportunity to obtain fair compensation and damages.
What Types of Cases Do Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys Handle?
Our nursing home abuse attorneys in Joliet, IL, handle an array of claims against facilities, including:
- Neglect – Nursing home negligence that leaves facility residents with inadequate supervision and care where they can injure themselves and others
- Physical abuse – Actions that lead to obvious signs of abuse and neglect
- Mental abuse – Actions that lead to PTSD or change in demeanor
- Emotional abuse – Actions that cause emotional pain or distress
- Financial abuse – Unauthorized financial transactions that cause financial exploitation and loss of personal possessions
- Sexual abuse – Many forms of sexual activity without consent
Our nursing home abuse attorneys also handle nursing home negligence lawsuits involving:
- Medical malpractice – On-site medical care that leads to preventable injury or conditions or lack of medical care that leads to adverse effects
- Wrongful death – Negligent actions that lead to death
How Can a Joliet Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Help?
A Joliet nursing home abuse lawyer from our team can help family members and nursing home residents by carrying out several legal tasks, such as:
- Gathering information – Finding information to establish a case and investigating the claim
- Case evaluation – After gathering information, using it to determine the breadth of the case
- Determining case type in accordance with laws – Exploring the legal system to determine the scope of the case
- Filing a claim – Establishing the paper trail to start the proceedings for the case
- Discovery process – Formally gathering evidence from the defendant
- Court representation – Representing the resident in court and arguing the case
- Financial compensation negotiation – Negotiating damages with the defense
- Settlements – Formally obtaining damages from the defense
Depending on how the case develops, our legal team will take additional steps and actions.
What Is the Average Settlement in a Joliet Nursing Home Abuse Case?
Settlements in Joliet nursing home abuse cases vary based on several factors, such as the extent of abuse and responsible parties while pursuing justice. However, our lawyers will use the evidence of nursing home neglect or elder abuse to ensure justice.
The following are three settlement examples our legal team obtained for clients:
- $2.1 million settlement for a nursing home resident who developed a stage 4 bed sore after the facility ignored her doctor’s orders for physical therapy and medication
- $1.5 million settlement for nursing home resident with Alzheimer’s who ingested cleaning chemicals after the facility failed to follow its protocols of locking dangerous materials
- $1.1 million settlement for nursing home resident who was dropped by a staff member who failed to follow the proper procedure
What Kinds of Damages Can Be Recovered in a Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit?
In abuse lawsuits against nursing homes, our legal experts can seek compensation for damages such as:
- Medical bills – To cover expenses for treating injuries caused by nursing home abuse
- Pain and suffering – For residents and family members
- Serious injuries – Such as broken bones, severe cuts, and bruises, which require additional medical attention
- Wrongful death – In cases when a resident passes away due to nursing home neglect
- Mental anguish and emotional distress – The psychological effects of emotional abuse
- Financial losses – Payments to the facility or incapacity to work
- Loss of companionship, spouse, parent, or a loved one – The outcome of losing a loved one due to nursing home abuse/neglect
How Long Does It Take to Settle a Joliet Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit?
Settling a Joliet nursing home abuse lawsuit averages 18 months to two years, similar to personal injury cases. However, several factors affect the timeline.
Cases involving elder abuse, sexual abuse, or physical abuse that go to trial could take more than two years to settle. Long-term care facilities must protect their interests and could stall the discovery process, an important facet of abuse and neglect cases.
Therefore, it’s essential to consult with experienced nursing home abuse/neglect professionals who know how to navigate the legal process.
How Much Does a Joliet Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Cost?
The cost of a Joliet nursing home abuse lawyer varies. However, the team at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers works on a contingency fee basis. We require no upfront costs and offer a free consultation for you and your loved one.
The Statistics of Joliet Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
As of November 2023, Joliet, IL, has just over 20 nursing homes. In the second quarter of 2023, the IDPH listed two Joliet nursing homes on its list of violators. Both facilities violated codes 300.1210b) and 300.1210d)6), which have high-risk designations. Code 300.1210 addresses general requirements for nursing and personal care. [1]
While staff who commit abuse in nursing home environments admit to it in several cases, abuse and violence can also occur among residents. There was a recent case where a Joliet nursing and rehabilitation home resident admitted to striking another with a walker over a dispute that arose over a washing machine. [2]
Who Is Liable in a Nursing Home Abuse Case in Joliet?
In a nursing home abuse case in Joliet, several parties might be liable, such as:
- Nursing home administrators and owners who mismanage resources, schedules, and staffing levels
- On-site doctors who misdiagnose residents or fail to enforce a previous doctor’s orders
- Caregivers, including nurses, nursing assistants, and therapists, who fail to deliver care as directed by doctors
- Support staff, including custodians, janitors, cooks, and maintenance, who fail to keep the premises clean and provide safe environments
- Other residents
Which Standards Do Joliet Nursing Homes Have to Meet?
Nursing homes in Joliet must meet several standards on a local and state level, including:
- Obtaining and maintaining current licenses and permits
- Providing the highest care quality possible
- Preventing deterioration of facilities, communication, and food
- Delivering correct medical treatment and therapy to residents
- Preventing pressure sores
- Maintaining the respect and dignity of every resident
- Maintaining the legal rights of every resident
- Allowing residents to manage their finances unless otherwise noted by a legal entity
Illinois state law overseeing nursing homes emphasizes that the facilities may never abuse or neglect residents. It also emphasizes that facilities must follow the protocols they establish.
Which Agencies Regulate Nursing Homes in Joliet?
The agencies that regulate Joliet nursing homes include:
- Illinois Department of Public Health
- US Department of Health and Human Services’ Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
- Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations
How Often Are Nursing Homes in Joliet Inspected?
In accordance with Illinois law, Joliet nursing homes are inspected annually on average and without prior warning to the facilities. Surveyors will inspect facilities with complaints more often.
Surveyors check licenses and the grounds and conduct interviews with representatives. If they find deficiencies, they advise the appropriate parties and make note of the severity of each. Then, representatives can rebut or develop plans to address the deficiencies within 10 days. [3]
How to Report Nursing Home Abuse in Joliet, IL
To report nursing home abuse in Joliet, IL, you can contact the local Ombudsman representative at Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet at 1-888-401-8200 [4] or the Senior Helpline at 1-800-252-8966. [5]
You can also reach out to the Illinois Department of Public Health, Central Complaint Registry at 1-800-252-4343 or 1-800-547-0466.[6]
Contact a Joliet Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Today!
Many nursing home residents don’t report the abuse so a family member must advocate for them against the Joliet nursing facility. Our team handles personal injury neglect claims for clients seeking compensation and damages.
Contact our personal injury lawyers specializing in nursing home abuse at (888) 424-5757 toll-free. We offer a free initial consultation and don’t charge a fee unless we win. Our team will work tirelessly for your case.
Resources: [1] Illinois Depart of Public Health, [2] ShawLocal, [3] Illinois Department of Health, [4] Illinois Depart on Aging, [5] Illinois Department on Aging, [6] Illinois Department on Aging