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Gage Park Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
Many families often face the difficult decision of leaving an older loved one in the care of a nursing home. It may be the only way to ensure their loved one’s medication is administered on schedule and ensure their safety.
Unfortunately, sometimes, the very people you trust to protect older relatives are the same ones who harm them. Even one report of nursing home abuse can disrupt the sense of community that characterizes Gage Park.
It is essential to report abuse. Informing authorities of abuse cases helps you fight for justice and is the first step in holding perpetrators accountable for the damages they cause. Remember that abuse is not only violent physical harm. More subtle forms of abuse, such as neglect, can worsen a resident’s health and cause serious complications.
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers has been helping Gage Park residents stand up for themselves and their loved ones against abusive nursing home institutions and staff. As the next section demonstrates, our Gage Park personal injury lawyers have helped many victims recover compensation for their losses.
Recent Settlements by Our Nursing Home Abuse Law Firm Serving Gage Park
The Gage Park nursing home abuse lawyers at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers have worked to ensure victims receive compensation from at-fault parties. Here are a few of our recent victories.
- A $3,000,000 award for a woman whose husband suffered pressure sores and eventually died. The husband had been admitted to a skilled nursing facility following hip replacement surgery.
- Victims got a $1,500,000 settlement for a group lawsuit against a negligent nursing home. The residents had suffered physical abuse by other residents.
- A family got a $1,250,000 settlement for a choking incident leading to wrongful death.
It takes an experienced lawyer to maneuver complex claims to pinpoint the defendant and fight for justice. The following section reviews some of the Gage Park nursing homes.
Gage Park’s Senior Care Landscape
Every neighborhood needs access to nursing homes for older adults. Here are some facilities near Gage Park.
- The Pavilion of Bridgeview: This establishment provides skilled nursing, speech and physical therapy, and memory support, among other services. It has an above-average 4-star overall rating. However, many may hesitate to check in a loved one because staffing has two stars. Adequate staffing is crucial because, as stated, lack of supervision can cause falls and other injuries that can lead to serious complications and death. At Pavilion of Bridgeview, the nursing staff spends less than the national average time with each resident daily. A registered nurse spends 39 minutes with an individual.
- Alden Lakeland Rehabilitation and Health Care Center: This facility provides skilled nursing, therapy, and memory care. It has an abuse warning sign, which means there have been potential citations of abuse issues. It has a one-star rating in every category except quality measures, which has three stars. Staffing scores were so poor because there were many days when no registered nurse was on site.
- Warren Bar Oak Lawn: The facility is only six miles from Gage Park. You should always consider proximity to family and friends because it is crucial for the well-being of nursing home residents. It offers wound care, orthopedic rehabilitation, and memory care. The Medicare ratings are as follows: Overall, three stars; health inspections, three stars; staffing, two stars; quality measures, three stars. Warren Barr Oak Lawn had 13 health citations in the most recent inspection, compared to the 9.6 national average.
We recommend researching a facility you are considering before you commit. Visit the establishment in person. While there, pay attention to hygiene issues, how much time staff spend with residents, and the available services and amenities. Ask questions to alleviate your concerns.
Gage Park Nursing Home Residents’ Legal Rights
Nursing home residents have moral and legal rights under existing laws. If someone you know suffers abuse at a facility, find a Gage Park nursing home abuse attorney to help you fight for their rights. Here are some of those rights.
- Right to dignity: Residents deserve respectful and considerate treatment. Caregivers should respect their individuality. If their quality of life cannot be improved, it should at least be maintained.
- Quality care: Every resident should access quality care, regardless of diagnosis, severity of the condition, or payment source.
- Freedom from abuse: They should never experience physical, mental, or verbal abuse.
- Ability to manage their affairs: They should be allowed space to decide personal matters and manage their own life as much as possible.
- Right to participate in decision-making about their care: The staff should consult with residents when developing a care plan. Overriding their decision without sufficient reasons can amount to abuse.
The following laws protect these rights:
Your nursing home abuse lawyer can best interpret these laws to determine which rights have been violated. Let us discuss the steps you should take if you suspect abuse at a nursing home.
What to Do If You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse in a Gage Park Facility
You can spot nursing home abuse if you know what to look for. Even if you do not spend much time with your loved one, spare a few minutes to pay attention to their surroundings and well-being. Below are some signs of nursing home abuse:
- You may notice rope marks, or the resident may complain about the use of force to contain them.
- Dental and facial injuries may indicate physical abuse.
- Uncharacteristic withdrawal, agitation, or refusal to communicate with friends and family can be signs of emotional or psychological abuse.
- Unexplained weight loss and sunken eyes can signal malnutrition or dehydration.
- Suspicious changes in financial documents, such as wills, can signify financial abuse.
Of course, no one wants to be overly suspicious of nursing home staff. Still, you should not overlook these signs because they can be physically, emotionally, and mentally detrimental to your loved one. Ensure you keep all evidence of abuse by taking pictures, videographing proof of abuse and neglect, and speaking to witnesses.
If you confirm your suspicions, you should first report to the authorities. Use the following contact information:
- Illinois Adult Protective Services: 866-800-1409
- Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Nursing Home Hotline: 800-252-4343.
After filing a report, consult an attorney to seek legal advice about claiming compensation for the injuries the victim has sustained.
Compensation Awarded in Nursing Home Abuse Cases in Gage Park
Gage Park nursing home abuse attorneys can help you win compensation for the following:
- Medical bills you incur due to the nursing home’s negligence or other abuse
- Wrongful death compensation
- The victim’s pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship compensation to a relative who has lost a loved one
- Emotional distress
- Punitive damages to punish the offender if they were violent or extremely negligent
Seeking legal help as soon as you can increases your chances of compensation.
Consult a Gage Park Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
Nursing home abuse lawyers understand the risks of neglect and abuse to older adults. They are experienced at gathering evidence and putting together a foolproof claim. They understand complex cases and can break down your options in a way you can comprehend.
Reach out to our nursing home abuse attorneys in Chicago. We can help you decide the way forward while remembering that this is a tough time for your family. Contact us today.
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.