Galesburg Nursing Home Injury Attorneys
Skilled Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Lawyers in Galesburg, Illinois
Entrusting the care of a loved one to a nursing home is not an easy decision, but it may be necessary to ensure that an elderly or disabled person will receive the assistance and medical treatment they need. In these situations, families expect that their loved ones will receive compassionate and professional treatment. Unfortunately, some nursing homes fail to meet these expectations, and negligence by a facility or its staff can cause residents to suffer serious harm. Nursing home abuse and neglect are far too common in Galesburg and other communities, and vulnerable elderly residents may experience physical injuries and emotional trauma due to these issues.
These incidents can devastate families, leaving them to grapple with the physical, emotional, and financial consequences that affect their loved ones. At Nursing Home Injury Center, we understand the profound impact that nursing home injuries can have on families. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling cases involving nursing home abuse and neglect. We provide compassionate legal help and representation, helping families demonstrate the harm their loved ones have suffered at the hands of neglectful or abusive nursing home staff. We are committed to securing the compensation families deserve while achieving justice for the wrongs done to their loved ones.
Understanding Nursing Home Abuse
Abuse in nursing homes can take many forms, and victims can suffer devastating consequences. It is essential for families to recognize the signs of abuse and take swift action if they suspect something is wrong. Nursing home abuse may include:
- Physical Abuse: This may involve injuries or other forms of harm that are intentionally inflicted on residents by staff members or other residents. Hitting, slapping, shoving, or other forms of physical violence can lead to serious injuries, as well as emotional trauma. People who have suffered physical abuse may experience cuts, bruises, broken bones, or other forms of bodily harm that cannot be accounted for. Families should also be aware of any sudden changes in the resident’s behavior or mood, such as fearfulness around certain people or withdrawal from social interactions.
- Sexual Abuse: This particularly horrific form of abuse may involve non-consensual intercourse, unwanted touching, or other forms of sexual contact or behavior. Elderly people, especially those with cognitive impairments like dementia, are particularly vulnerable to this type of abuse. A person who has experienced sexual abuse may experience injuries to the genital region or other parts of the body, sexually transmitted diseases, or behavioral changes such as anxiety, depression, or fear. It is crucial for families to report any suspicions of sexual abuse immediately and seek legal assistance to protect their loved ones.
- Improper Restraint: Nursing home staff may use restraints inappropriately or excessively to control residents, minimize their movements or activities, or address troublesome behavior. Physical restraints, such as belts or bedrails, should only be used when absolutely necessary and under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Chemical restraints may involve the use of sedative medications to control a resident’s behavior. Improper restraint can lead to physical injuries, psychological trauma, and even wrongful death.
Recognizing Nursing Home Neglect
Neglect in nursing homes is another significant concern, and it can lead to severe physical and emotional harm. Neglect occurs when nursing home staff fail to provide adequate care, resulting in the deterioration of a resident’s health and well-being. There are several types of neglect that families should be aware of, including:
- Understaffing: When a facility does not have enough staff members to meet the needs of its residents, it will not be able to provide the quality of care expected. Residents may not receive assistance with daily activities, such as eating, bathing, or using the restroom. Understaffing can also lead to delayed or missed medical care, increasing the risk of serious health issues.
- Lack of Supervision: Adequate supervision is crucial in preventing accidents and injuries in nursing homes. Residents who are left unsupervised may be at risk of falls, wandering, or other dangerous situations. For example, a resident with mobility issues who is not supervised may attempt to move on their own, resulting in a fall and a serious injury. Lack of supervision can also lead to increased vulnerability to abuse by other residents or staff members.
- Failure to Provide Medical Care: Elderly nursing home residents often have complex medical needs that require regular monitoring and care. When nursing home staff fail to provide appropriate medical treatment, residents’ health can deteriorate rapidly. This neglect can include failure to administer medications on time, not following up on medical concerns, or ignoring symptoms of serious conditions. Lack of medical care can result in preventable illnesses, worsening of existing conditions, and even wrongful death.
- Medication Errors: Nursing homes must take steps to ensure that patients receive the proper medications at the right times. Errors related to medications, such as giving patients the incorrect medications, administering medicines at the wrong dosages, or failing to provide necessary medications, can have severe consequences for residents. Medication errors can lead to allergic reactions, dangerous side effects, deterioration of the overall condition of patients, or even fatalities due to a lack of life-preserving medicines.
- Improper Hygiene: Maintaining cleanliness is essential for the health and dignity of nursing home residents. Issues such as infrequent bathing, unclean living environments, and poor dental care can lead to infections, skin conditions, and a decrease in a resident’s overall well-being. Neglecting hygiene can also contribute to the development of pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores, which can become life-threatening if they are not properly treated.
Contact Our Galesburg, IL Nursing Home Negligence Lawyers
If you suspect that your loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect in Galesburg, Illinois, it is crucial to take immediate action. Nursing Home Injury Center is here to help you protect your loved one’s rights, and we will pursue justice on your family’s behalf and help you recover financial compensation. Our firm is dedicated to holding nursing homes responsible for their negligence and ensuring that elderly or disabled residents receive the care and respect they deserve. Contact us today at 309-524-6900 to discuss your case in a complimentary consultation and learn how we can assist you.
