Chicago Nursing Home Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Recovering Compensation for Victims of Sexual Abuse in Chicago Nursing Homes

A Chicago nursing home sexual abuse lawyer understands the deep betrayal of trust that occurs when a vulnerable resident is harmed.

Sexual abuse in nursing homes leaves victims and their families grappling with emotional trauma and many unanswered questions. If you or a loved one has been affected by this kind of abuse, you are not alone. Speaking with one of our attorneys can help you take the first step toward seeking justice.

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers has decades of experience handling these sensitive cases, recovering hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a nursing home abuse attorney in Chicago.

Settlements Recovered by Our Chicago Law Firm

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we have recovered significant compensation for victims of sexual abuse and assault in nursing homes and care facilities.

• $2,333,000 settlement for two nursing home residents who were sexually assaulted by a certified nursing assistant (CNA).
• $810,000 settlement for the family of a dementia patient sexually assaulted by a maintenance worker at a long-term care facility.
• Confidential eight-figure settlement for a physically disabled woman who was sexually assaulted by a nursing home maintenance worker.

Recognizing the Signs of Nursing Home Sexual Abuse

Recognizing the emotional and physical signs of nursing home sexual abuse is an important step for family members who suspect something is wrong with their loved one’s care. Common signs can include:

• Unexplained bruising around the genital or breast area
• Vaginal or anal bleeding or irritation
• Torn or stained undergarments
• Difficulty walking or sitting without a clear explanation
• Presence of unexplained sexually transmitted diseases
• Sudden withdrawal or fear and agitation
• Panic attacks or symptoms resembling post-traumatic stress disorder
• Changes in interactions with certain staff members or other residents, signaling possible discomfort or distress

Why This Type of Chicago Nursing Home Abuse Occurs

The reasons behind nursing home sexual abuse in Chicago often stem from systemic failures within the nursing home itself. Common ones include:

• Background Check Failures: Inadequate staff background checks can result in hiring individuals with histories of misconduct.
• Not Enough Training: Poor training means that staff members may not know how to recognize, prevent, or report sexual abuse effectively.
• Lack of Supervision: Insufficient supervision leaves room for abusive behavior from problematic employees or other residents.
• Inadequate Security: Lax security measures allow unauthorized visitors onto the premises, increasing the risk of abuse.
• No Clear Policies: A lack of clear policies or failure to enforce existing rules creates an environment where violations can occur unchecked.
• Cover-ups: In some cases, management may even cover up incidents, further undermining resident safety.

Steps Family Members of Nursing Home Residents Should Take If Abuse is Suspected

When abuse is suspected in a nursing facility, family members must act promptly to protect their loved ones and address the situation. While the process may feel overwhelming, taking clear steps can make a significant difference. Here’s what they can do:

Ensure the Resident’s Immediate Safety

If you suspect abuse, focus first on the resident’s safety. If possible, remove them from the abusive environment temporarily or stay with them to provide comfort and support. Your presence can help them feel reassured during a distressing time.

Report Suspicious Behavior to the Nursing Home Administration

Notify the nursing home’s administration about your concerns. Clearly document the incident or pattern of behavior, including dates, times, and specific details. Reporting to nursing home leadership can often prompt immediate action and internal investigations.

Alert Law Enforcement if Necessary

For situations involving sexual assault or other serious harm, contact local law enforcement immediately. They are trained to handle these cases and can ensure an investigation takes place. Filing a police report also creates an official record of the nursing home sexual abuse.

Contact the Illinois Department of Public Health

File a report with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). This can be done online or by calling their abuse hotline. This step ensures the appropriate state agency is involved and aware of potential regulatory violations within the nursing home.

Document Physical Evidence and Observations

If safe to do so, gather evidence without disturbing it. Take clear photos of visible injuries, torn clothing, or other signs of neglect within the nursing home. Write down your observations, including anything the resident says about the abuse or individuals involved. These records can support legal or investigative efforts later.

Consult with a Nursing Home Lawyer

Speak with an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer to understand your legal options. They can guide you through the process, explain your loved one’s rights, and help you and your family seek accountability from those responsible for the harm.

Taking these steps allows family members to advocate for their loved ones and push for measures to address and prevent sexual abuse in nursing homes.

Legal Options for Victims of Sexual Abuse in Nursing Homes

Victims of sexual abuse in nursing homes have legal options and ways to fight back against their abuse. They or their representatives can file a civil lawsuit against the nursing home for negligence if the facility failed to provide proper safety measures and oversight that allowed the abuse to occur.

While the individual abuser might also face criminal charges in a separate proceeding, a civil case focuses on holding the facility responsible and seeking compensation for the victim’s physical, emotional, and financial losses.

This helps support victims and improve standards of care within these nursing facilities.

Seeking Compensation for Sexual Abuse Trauma

Seeking compensation for sexual abuse trauma helps victims recover financial support for both physical treatment and to improve emotional well-being. Your nursing home lawyer can help you obtain the following:

• Medical/Therapy Costs: You may be awarded funds to cover expenses for hospital bills, ongoing medical treatments, and therapy sessions needed to address physical injuries and conditions like PTSD.
• Pain and Suffering: This can include compensation for the physical pain, mental anguish, and emotional distress you have endured since the abuse occurred.
• Relocation Costs: If the experience forces you or your family to change your living situation to ensure better safety or care, relocation expenses can be recovered as part of your claim.
• Loss of Quality of Life: Compensation may also cover cases where abuse has significantly diminished the victim’s ability to enjoy life, engage in activities, or maintain relationships as they once did.
• Punitive Damages: In situations where the nursing home behavior was particularly egregious, the court may award punitive damages to penalize the responsible parties and deter future misconduct.

Obtaining the right compensation can provide the support needed to help rebuild your life after such a traumatic experience.

Contact Our Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Team Today

If you believe your loved one has experienced sexual abuse in a Chicago nursing home, we are here to help. Our experienced nursing home sexual abuse attorneys offer a compassionate and confidential space to discuss your concerns.

We understand how overwhelming and heartbreaking this situation can be, and we are committed to standing by your family’s side. Contact us today for a free consultation by calling (888) 424-5757 or completing our online contact form.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.