Maywood Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Maywood is a diverse neighborhood with a rapidly growing number of senior citizens. These older adults often need specialized care in independent living facilities, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers. 

The Chicago area has numerous nursing homes, but finding the right one can be daunting. Unfortunately, nursing home abuse and neglect are genuine problems that can have devastating results that impact both residents and families. 

Our Maywood personal injury lawyers can help you recover compensation if your loved one was a victim of abuse or neglect in a nursing facility. 

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

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers works hard to ensure that families and residents who have suffered abuse or neglect in a Maywood facility receive the compensation they deserve. Examples of settlements reached include:

• In a notable case of nursing home negligence, staff members failed to adhere to prescribed dietary restrictions by serving a hot dog to a stroke patient who had difficulty chewing and swallowing. The patient struggled for over 30 minutes before staff intervened, and paramedics were not contacted until three hours after the incident. Tragically, the patient was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital. Following this event, two staff members were terminated, and a settlement of $815,000 was reached.
• A staff member transferred a wheelchair-bound patient with improper use of a Hoyer Lift, which requires a two-person lift. Instead, the staff member decided to move the patient without assistance. The patient fell and sustained a fracture to her hip and femur, which required extensive orthopedic surgery. A settlement for $600,000 was reached. 

Our team has the experience to work with opposing counsel, insurance companies, and other parties to ensure they get the compensation your family deserves when the worst happens. 

Maywood’s Senior Care Landscape

While numerous facilities offer senior care near Maywood, many rate poorly on Medicare’s five-star rating.

Maywood area nursing homes and long-term care centers include:

1. Aperion Care offers short and long-term care. However, Medicare has issued a warning that the facility has been cited for abuse. 
2. Oak Park Oasis is a rehabilitation and skilled nursing facility that also comes with a below-average score and a warning that it has been cited for abuse. 
3. Berkeley Nursing and Rehab Center comes with a slightly higher overall score and no Medicare warnings about abuse citations. It is a small 72-bed facility offering nursing home care and short-term rehabilitation.
4. Gottlieb Memorial Hospital is a hospital in the area that offers services for senior care. It has a five-star review from Medicare. 

Finding the right facility for your loved one in Maywood can be a complicated journey. An attorney specializing in nursing home abuse cases can help you evaluate your options and choose the best possible facility for your family member. 

Maywood Nursing Home Residents’ Legal Rights

State, local, and federal laws legally protect nursing home residents. These safeguards include:

• The Illinois Nursing Home Care Act requires that your loved one be treated with dignity, offered privacy, and quality care. Violations are investigated by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). 
• The Chicago Municipal Code 4-6-100 is a local ordinance designed to regulate healthcare facilities, including nursing homes, in the greater Chicago area. These ordinances regulate safety and sanitation standards and prohibit discrimination. 
• The Federal Nursing Home Reform Act gives residents access to customized care plans based on their needs and freedom to make life choices. 

To learn about the legal rights of nursing home residents, contact a Maywood nursing home abuse lawyer. 

What to Do If You Suspect Abuse in a Maywood Facility

It’s natural to feel overwhelmed if you suspect a loved one is being abused or neglected in a facility paid to provide them with an acceptable standard of care. However, it is crucial that you take quick action to protect the resident. 

The first step is to recognize the signs of abuse, which may include:

• Poor grooming or lack of personal hygiene
• Physical injuries without a clear explanation of how they happened
• Changes in the behavior of your loved one. For example, if they suddenly seem withdrawn or afraid of staff, it should raise a red flag. 
• Medication errors can result in your loved one being over- or under-medicated, either of which can be dangerous for someone in a vulnerable physical state. 
• Poor sanitation at the facility 
• Pressure sores 
• Untreated medical conditions

If you notice any signs of abuse, the next step is to document it. Take notes stating the date, time, what you saw, and who was present. Photographic evidence is crucial, so obtain that if possible.  

Finally, the abuse should be reported immediately to the Illinois Department of Public Health Hotline at 1-800-252-4343. You can also contact the National Elder Abuse Hotline at 1-800-677-1116. 

Consult a Maywood nursing home abuse lawyer to discuss how to ensure the safety of your loved one and what legal options you have. 

Compensation Awarded in Nursing Home Abuse Cases in Maywood

In Maywood, Illinois, victims of nursing home abuse and their families may be entitled to various forms of compensation, depending on the specifics of the case. The primary categories of damages include:​

1. Economic Damages:

These are tangible losses with specific monetary values, such as:​

Medical Expenses

• Hospital costs
• Medications
• Rehabilitation 
• Medical equipment 
• And other expenses related to the abuse or neglect

Funeral and Burial Costs: In wrongful death cases, families can recover expenses related to funeral services and interment. ​

2. Non-Economic Damages:

These address intangible losses, including:​

Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress endured by the victim due to abuse or neglect. ​

Loss of Companionship: In wrongful death scenarios, families may receive damages for the loss of the deceased’s companionship and support. ​

3. Punitive Damages:

In instances of egregious misconduct or gross negligence by a nursing home, courts may award punitive damages. These are intended to punish the offending facility and deter similar behavior in the future. ​

4. Attorneys’ Fees:

Under specific Illinois statutes, plaintiffs may be awarded attorneys’ fees in nursing home abuse cases, alleviating the financial burden of legal representation. ​

It’s essential to consult with an experienced nursing home abuse attorney familiar with Illinois laws to assess and pursue the appropriate compensation for your situation accurately.​

Consult a Maywood Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer!

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers handles nursing home abuse cases in the Chicago area and has the expertise to investigate, collect evidence, and fight for fair compensation if your loved one was a victim of abuse or neglect in a nursing home. Contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer in Chicago. 

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.