Caregivers — whether professionals or family members — are instrumental in reporting elder abuse. They’re required to be adept at identifying the subtle and overt warning signs of abuse and knowing the right channels for reporting it. Some professionals are mandated by state laws to report elder abuse cases, even if they only have suspicions of the abuse.
The statute of limitations governs the timeframe within which a lawsuit must be filed after an elderly person suffers an injury due to nursing home abuse. In Illinois, the nursing home abuse statute of limitations for most cases is two years. Exceptions may apply in cases involving special circumstances.
After instances of nursing home abuse, families often wonder, “When can a nursing home be held liable for abuse committed by staff members?” You can hold an Illinois nursing home liable for abuse committed by an employee using the doctrine of vicarious liability or a breach of contract case. You could also hold the facility liable if it was noncompliant with federal and state standards or was negligent, thus enabling the abuse by its staff to occur.
Physical neglect, emotional neglect, and medical neglect are the three main types of neglect in a nursing home. Nursing home neglect causes physical injuries, emotional distress, and, in some cases, death. In one study, 95% of nursing home residents said they were victims of neglect or witnessed another resident being neglected. Statistically, neglect incidents are grossly underreported. It’s crucial to understand the types of neglect that commonly occur in nursing homes, their warning signs, and what you can do to address instances of neglect in Chicago.
Can a patient with dementia refuse care? Nursing home staff should provide quality care while also respecting the dementia patient’s right to refuse treatment if the patient has adequate mental capacity.
When caring for patients with dementia, caregivers must be patient, empathetic, and ready to form trusting relationships to provide necessary care. That calls for nursing home staff to be well-qualified and trained in managing the needs of such patients.
The legal guardian of the victim of abuse or the authorized representative of the victim’s estate can file a nursing home abuse lawsuit in Illinois if the victim is unable to bring the case on his or her own. It’s crucial to know whether you have a right to sue a nursing home for a loved one’s abuse because your case could be dismissed if you file a lawsuit but lack the legal standing to sue. Below, you’ll learn more about eligibility to file a nursing home lawsuit in Chicago and how to proceed with the process.
“How long does a nursing home lawsuit take?” is a common question among people considering taking legal action against a nursing home due to the harm suffered by a loved one. On average, nursing home lawsuits take 18 to 24 months to reach a settlement or verdict. Several factors can make the timeline for nursing home lawsuits vary. The personal injury lawyers at DePaolo & Zadeikis can help you address these issues in Chicago. Call us at 312-263-7560 to discuss your case.
Residents in long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes, are granted rights under Illinois law. If you have a relative, friend, or loved one in a nursing home, it’s critical to understand residents’ rights in nursing homes so you can ensure his or her rights are protected.
In December 2023, an Illinois nurse was indicted on federal charges in Chicago for tampering with a nursing home resident’s medication. The incident occurred in 2021, during which the nurse, Nickole Butler, removed liquid morphine from a patient’s medication and diluted it with another liquid, with full knowledge that the diluted liquid would be administered to the patient.
Having a loved one in an Illinois nursing home can be anxiety-racking. Not knowing if your loved one is safe can leave you filled with worry. It’s important to be able to differentiate between normal signs of aging and the signs of nursing home neglect so you can take action if abuse is occurring.
