Lawndale Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Do you suspect your loved one is undergoing nursing home abuse or neglect? Do they look depressed or on edge? Has their overall well-being deteriorated? Or maybe it’s something more visible, like unexplained injuries? 

Then, you may have a genuine cause to worry. It’s not uncommon for nursing home abuse or neglect to occur in Lawndale, Chicago. Many families have filed claims against diverse nursing homes and eldercare facilities.

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers has handled some of these nursing home abuse cases, and we can tell a valid case when we see one. For instance, distinct patterns of negligence, rights violations, and preventable harm demand urgent action. 

Our Lawndale personal injury lawyers can help build your case and determine the worth of your nursing home abuse claim. We will advocate for you and your loved one’s rights until justice is served and the nursing home is held liable. 

Recent Settlements by Our Nursing Home Abuse Law Firm Serving Lawndale, Chicago

Seeing our clients receive the maximum compensation available for medical bills and expenses, pain and suffering, and wrongful death reinforces our relentless pursuit of accountability. Here are examples of nursing home abuse settlements we have helped our clients receive: 

• A $815,000 award was awarded to a family after a wrongful death nursing home choking accident when a staff member neglected to monitor a patient who struggled with chewing and swallowing.
• A 76-year-old man who was wheelchair bound fell down the front stairs of a nursing home when staff forgot to engage the wheel locks. The victim and family recovered $750,000 after the fall resulted in facial fractures and a subdural hematoma.
• A staff member with a criminal history allegedly molested an elderly nursing home patient. The family received $710,200 after our attorneys alleged that the facility was negligent in hiring this person, who was then allowed to care for patients with Alzheimer’s. 

Working with a skilled Lawndale nursing home abuse lawyer will ensure your case receives the attention it deserves. They will gather the evidence required and take advantage of the state and federal laws that support your claim. 

Lawndale Senior Care Landscape

Lawndale, Chicago, residents have several nursing homes and eldercare facilities to choose from. Each family’s preference depends on their financial capabilities and the type of care required. Examples of senior care facilities available include: 

• Mercy Circle is a nonprofit facility offering assisted and independent living, memory care, and skilled nursing. It mainly emphasizes spiritual support and rehabilitation programs. Past state inspection reports cited occasional staffing shortages impacting personalized care timelines.
• Aliya of Crestwood: The services provided include assisted living, memory care, and short-term rehabilitation, focusing on small-group activities and therapy services. They have recently received a 2-star Medicare rating (out of 5) for inconsistent documentation of care plans. 
• Smith Village: Offers independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing with amenities like fitness classes and cultural outings. They were cited in 2022 for delayed maintenance repairs in resident apartments, though issues were resolved post-inspection.

As a law firm, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers gathers information about various nursing homes and eldercare facilities to give our clients adequate information before settling for one.   

Lawndale Nursing Home Residents’ Legal Rights

You have a solid case if you can prove the nursing home where your loved one experienced abuse or neglect violated the law. A Lawndale nursing home abuse lawyer can use local, state, and federal laws to argue your case. The following are examples of how the law protects nursing home residents: 

• Illinois Nursing Home Care Act: This state law makes sure nursing homes treat residents with respect, keep them safe, and follow the rules. Facilities must adhere to staffing ratios, training protocols, and care quality needs. The state health department (IDPH) intervenes if a facility violates these rules.
• Federal Nursing Home Reform Act (OBRA 1987): A U.S. law that sets basic care standards for Medicare-certified nursing homes. It gives residents the right to get personalized care plans and avoid being restrained unless absolutely necessary.
• Chicago Municipal Code 4-6-100: This local ordinance outlines operational requirements for healthcare facilities in Chicago, including nursing homes. Key provisions include maintaining valid licenses, upholding safety and sanitation protocols, and banning discrimination.

Internalizing these laws to build your case can be stressful. Let a nursing home abuse lawyer in Lawndale, Chicago, work on the case and increase your chances of a favorable settlement. 

What to Do If You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse in a Lawndale Facility

You are probably right if you suspect that nursing home abuse is taking place. Consider the following steps to ensure you take the proper legal action: 

1. Call 911 for emergencies or 311 (Chicago non-emergency) if the resident faces urgent harm.
2. Document the dates, injuries, or unsafe conditions and take photos if possible.
3. Contact the Illinois Department of Public Health (1-800-252-4343) or the Chicago Department of Public Health (312-746-6000).
4. Call the Illinois Long-Term Care Ombudsman (1-800-252-8966) for free support.
5. Contact a Lawndale nursing home abuse lawyer to explore legal options under Illinois law.
6. Submit a written complaint to the facility’s management for internal review.
7. Avoid confrontation, and do not argue with staff; focus on gathering evidence and reporting.  

Compensation Awarded in Nursing Home Abuse Cases in Lawndale, Chicago

Many Lawndale, Chicago, families have gotten the bare minimum in compensation because they are unaware of which areas they qualify for remuneration. The following is a list of the categories and examples of compensation you can receive: 

• Economic Damages: Reimbursement for medical bills, therapy, and relocation costs.
• Non-Economic Damages: Compensation for pain, suffering, or emotional distress.
• Punitive Damages: Fines against the facility for gross negligence or intentional harm.
• Wrongful Death Compensation: Funeral expenses, pre-death suffering, and loss of companionship.
• Legal and court fees

Consult a Lawndale Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

If you suspect nursing home abuse or neglect in a Lawndale, Chicago facility, consulting a skilled Chicago nursing home abuse lawyer is vital to protect your loved one’s rights and hold the facility accountable. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can investigate violations, gather evidence, and pursue compensation from all categories. 

Call us today at  (888) 424-5757 for a free consultation and secure justice for your family.

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.