Joliet, IL Nursing Home Injury Attorneys
Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Lawyers in Joliet, IL
Nursing homes play a vital role in caring for the elderly and people with disabilities. They are meant to provide the support and medical attention needed to help residents maintain a good quality of life. Unfortunately, not all nursing homes live up to the standards of care they are expected to maintain. When a nursing home is negligent in providing the proper care, residents can suffer serious injuries and other forms of harm. The attorneys at Nursing Home Injury Center work with families in Joliet, Illinois to hold nursing homes accountable for injuries caused by negligence.
When a loved one suffers an injury at a nursing home, this can be a distressing and challenging experience for the person and their family. Our lawyers understand the complex factors that can play a role in these cases, and we can investigate the circumstances surrounding the injury and take steps to hold a nursing home responsible for the harm a resident has suffered. With the help of our attorneys, families can focus on supporting their loved ones with the assurance that the proper steps are being taken to address the issues that led to an injury.
Common Forms of Nursing Home Negligence
When a nursing home fails to provide the proper care, residents can suffer serious harm. A nursing home may fail in its duty to protect patients’ health and safety in multiple ways, including.
- Abuse: Residents may experience multiple forms of abuse by staff members or others. Physical abuse may involve hitting, slapping, or using excessive force, leading to bruises, broken bones, or other injuries. Emotional abuse can include verbal harassment, threats, or isolation, which can cause severe psychological harm. Sexual abuse is a particularly egregious crime that can leave lasting emotional and physical scars. Nursing homes have a responsibility to protect residents from abuse by staff members or other residents, and failure to do so is a serious violation of their duty of care.
- Neglect: A nursing home may fail to provide the basic care that residents need, such as assistance with daily activities, personal hygiene, or medical care. This can lead to a range of issues, including bedsores, infections, malnutrition, and dehydration. Neglect can be just as harmful as abuse, leading to severe physical and emotional damage. Residents who are neglected may suffer from a decline in their overall health and quality of life.
- Improper Restraint: While some nursing home residents may require restraints for their safety, the use of restraints must be carefully monitored and applied according to strict guidelines. Improper physical restraints can cause injuries like bruising, pressure sores, and circulation problems. Improper chemical restraints such as the misuse of sedatives or other drugs can have a negative impact on a person’s overall health. Nursing homes must ensure that any use of restraints is medically necessary and that residents are treated with respect.
- Inadequate Supervision: Many nursing home residents require constant supervision, especially those with cognitive impairments like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Inadequate supervision can lead to accidents, such as falls or wandering away from a facility unsupervised. Falls or other incidents can result in serious injuries, such as fractures, head injuries, or exposure to dangerous situations. Nursing homes have a duty to provide appropriate supervision to prevent these types of accidents from occurring.
- Lack of Medical Care: Nursing homes are responsible for ensuring that residents receive the medical care they need, including regular health assessments, medication management, and treatment for existing conditions. When a nursing home fails to provide adequate medical care, residents may suffer from untreated illnesses, worsening of chronic conditions, or preventable complications. This can lead to serious health issues and even wrongful death. Nursing homes must have qualified medical staff and proper protocols in place to address the medical needs of their residents.
- Medication Errors: Medication management is a critical aspect of nursing home care. Residents often rely on multiple medications to manage their health conditions, and errors in administering these medications can have severe consequences. Common medication errors include giving a person the wrong medication, incorrect dosages, or administering medications at the wrong times. These errors can lead to adverse drug reactions, worsening of medical conditions, or even fatal outcomes. Nursing homes must ensure that medications are administered correctly and that staff are properly trained in medication management.
- Poor Facility Conditions: The physical environment of a nursing home plays a significant role in the safety and well-being of its residents. Conditions such as unsanitary living spaces, faulty equipment, or inadequate heating and cooling can contribute to injuries and illnesses. For example, slippery floors or poorly maintained walkways can increase the risk of falls, while unsanitary conditions can lead to infections. Nursing homes are required to maintain a clean and safe environment for their residents, and failure to do so is a form of negligence.
Holding Nursing Homes Accountable for Negligence
When a nursing home fails to meet its duty of care, the consequences for residents can be devastating. It is essential for families to take action to hold negligent facilities accountable and to protect the rights of their loved ones. At Nursing Home Injury Center, our nursing home injury attorneys in Joliet are dedicated to helping families achieve justice and secure compensation for the harm caused by negligence.
Our team will conduct a thorough investigation of the nursing home, including reviewing medical records, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with experts. We will work tirelessly to hold the responsible parties accountable, whether through a negotiated settlement or by taking the case to court. Our goal is to ensure that your loved one receives the care they deserve and that negligent nursing homes are prevented from causing further harm.
Contact Our Joliet, Illinois Nursing Home Negligence Lawyers
When nursing home neglect or abuse leads to injuries, it is crucial to take immediate action. The attorneys at Nursing Home Injury Center can help families hold negligent nursing homes accountable for the harm their loved ones have suffered. We provide compassionate legal representation while fighting to ensure that justice is served. Contact us at 309-524-6900 to set up a free consultation today.
