Chicago Nursing Home Elopement Attorney

Compensation for Nursing Home Victims of Wandering & Elopement in Chicago

Chicago nursing home elopement attorney support is available for families whose loved ones have wandered from a care facility due to inadequate supervision. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we’ve spent over 25 years helping clients hold nursing homes accountable, with more than $450 million recovered on behalf of victims and their families.

Our team is here to investigate what went wrong and help your family pursue the compensation and accountability you deserve. Book a free consultation with a nursing home abuse and neglect lawyer in Chicago today!

Settlements Recovered by Our Chicago Law Firm

Below are just a few examples of our nursing home abuse case values:

• $3,000,000 – Secured for the widow of a man who developed fatal pressure sores while recovering from hip replacement surgery at a skilled nursing facility.
• $2,333,000 – Settlement on behalf of two female residents who were sexually assaulted by a certified nursing assistant.
• $2,150,000 – Recovery for the family of a resident who died after developing bedsores and sepsis due to prolonged neglect.
• $1,700,000 – Compensation in a nursing home fall case where a resident suffered a subdural hematoma and broken hip.
• $1,500,000 – Settlement for the family of a dementia patient who fatally ingested toxic chemicals left unsecured in an accessible storage closet.

What is Elopement?

In the context of nursing homes, elopement occurs when a wandering resident leaves a facility without authorization or supervision, putting themselves in serious danger. This is especially common among nursing home residents with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or other cognitive disorders, who may become disoriented and unknowingly place themselves at risk.

The Dangers of Elopement

When a nursing home resident wanders away unsupervised, they face serious and potentially fatal risks. Many who elope suffer from dementia, Alzheimer’s, or other cognitive impairments that leave them confused and unaware of their surroundings.

Falls are among the most common dangers. Disoriented residents can trip on sidewalks, curbs, or debris, leading to fractures or head injuries. If they fall in a secluded area, the lack of immediate help can worsen their condition.

Chicago’s extreme weather also poses a threat. Freezing winters can cause hypothermia or frostbite, while hot summers increase the risk of dehydration or heatstroke, especially if the resident is missing for hours or longer.

Wandering nursing home residents are also at risk of traffic accidents, often stepping onto streets without recognizing the danger. Drowning is another concern, with some residents found near bodies of water like lakes, ponds, or pools.

Without access to food, water, or medication, a missing resident may suffer from dehydration, malnutrition, or a medical emergency, especially if they rely on insulin, oxygen, or heart medication.

Why Elopement Occurs

Elopement occurs when a facility fails to provide the necessary safeguards to keep nursing home residents safe. Several important factors contribute to these incidents, including:

• Inadequate Security Measures – Lack of door alarms, secured exits, or surveillance.
• Insufficient Staffing – Understaffed nursing homes may struggle to supervise residents properly.
• Failure to Assess Elopement Risk – Residents with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or cognitive disorders require specialized care plans to prevent wandering and elopement.
• Lack of Proper Supervision – Nursing home staff must monitor residents closely, especially those with a history of wandering.
• Unmet Physical or Emotional Needs – Some elderly individuals attempt to leave the premises unsupervised due to confusion, distress, or discomfort.

Nursing Home’s Duty of Care

Under the Illinois Nursing Home Care Act (210 ILCS 45), Chicago nursing homes have a legal obligation to provide a safe and secure environment for residents, especially those with cognitive disorders who are at risk of wandering.

The law requires facilities to implement adequate supervision and security measures to prevent nursing home residents from leaving the premises unsupervised. To comply with these standards, nursing homes and long-term care facilities must:

• Conduct elopement risk assessments for new residents and update them regularly.
• Implement security measures such as door alarms, secure exits, and monitoring systems.
• Ensure adequate staffing levels to properly supervise residents and respond to emergencies.
• Provide individualized care plans to address the needs of residents.

Negligence and Liability

When a nursing home fails to prevent wandering, it may be considered nursing home negligence under Illinois law. Facilities have a legal obligation to supervise nursing home residents, implement safety measures, and prevent elopement.

If a wandering resident suffers serious injuries or even death due to the nursing home’s failure to provide adequate care, the nursing home can be held liable for the resulting harm.

Negligence may include:

• Failure to assess elopement risk
• Lack of security measures
• Inadequate staffing
• Allowing residents to roam the premises unsupervised

If a nursing home fails to meet its duty of care, families might have a legal case to hold the facility accountable. A nursing home wandering and elopement lawyer from our team can help investigate the case, establish negligence, and seek financial compensation for medical expenses, emotional distress, and other damages.

The Role of a Chicago Nursing Home Wandering and Elopement Lawyer

If an elderly loved one has suffered harm due to wandering and elopement, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can help investigate the case, hold the facility accountable, and pursue financial compensation for the damages caused. Negligent nursing homes must be held responsible when their failure to supervise residents leads to serious injuries or even death.

Advocating for Residents and Families

We represent elderly family members and their loved ones, ensuring that their legal rights are protected. By filing a claim, families can seek justice and push for compensation to prevent future wandering and elopement incidents.

Investigating Elopement Incidents

We will conduct a thorough investigation of the nursing home facility to determine how the elopement occurred and whether negligence played a role. This includes reviewing medical records to assess whether the resident was properly evaluated for elopement risk. We will also examine staffing reports to identify whether understaffing contributed to the incident.

Additionally, we will analyze security measures, such as door alarms, surveillance systems, and protocols for monitoring residents, to determine if the facility took appropriate precautions. Witness statements from nursing home staff, other residents, and family members will also be gathered to build a comprehensive case.

Building a Strong Case for Negligence

To prove that the nursing home failed to meet its legal obligation to protect residents, we will gather key evidence demonstrating negligence.

This may include showing that the facility failed to supervise a resident with known wandering tendencies, did not implement adequate security measures to prevent unauthorized exits, or failed to respond in a timely manner to prevent serious injuries or wrongful death.

By building a strong case, we can help families hold negligent nursing homes and long-term care facilities accountable for their failure to protect residents.

Seeking Compensation for Damages

When nursing home negligence leads to elopement, families may be entitled to financial compensation for the harm suffered. An experienced attorney can help victims and their family members pursue damages, including:

• Medical Expenses – Costs related to hospitalization, emergency care, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment for injuries sustained during wandering and elopement.
• Pain and Suffering – Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life caused by the nursing home’s failure to provide proper supervision.
• Emotional Distress – Residents and their family members may experience anxiety, fear, or trauma after an elopement incident.
• Wrongful Death Damages – If elopement results in a fatal injury, families may file a wrongful death claim to recover funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and emotional suffering.

Preventing Future Elopements of Nursing Home Residents

Preventing wandering and elopement takes more than basic security—it requires a proactive, resident-focused approach. Nursing homes must have clear safety protocols tailored to each individual’s needs.

Staff training is key. Caregivers should be able to identify signs of wandering and respond quickly. Regular check-ins and engaging activities can also help reduce restlessness and confusion.

For high-risk residents, personalized plans should address known triggers like discomfort or distress. Some facilities also use technology such as GPS trackers or motion sensors to monitor movement and prevent elopement.

When nursing homes fail to take these precautions, they may be held responsible for injuries or fatalities that result. Families should ensure their loved one’s facility has strong safeguards in place.

Consult a Chicago Nursing Home Elopement Lawyer Near You!

If a loved one has suffered harm due to nursing home elopement, you may have legal options to hold the facility accountable. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we have extensive experience representing victims of nursing home negligence, securing compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and wrongful death damages in tragic cases.

Our legal team will investigate the incident, gather evidence, and fight to ensure negligent nursing homes take responsibility for their failure to supervise residents. We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win. Call (888) 424-5757 or fill out our contact form to book a free consultation with a personal injury attorney in Chicago.

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Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers

225 W Wacker Dr #1660
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: (847) 835-8895
Toll Free: (888) 424-5757

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.