Joliet Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers

Joliet nursing home abuse lawyers at Curcio & Casciato are dedicated to fighting against elder abuse and nursing home abuse or neglect. Our experienced attorneys have a deep understanding of the complex legal issues surrounding the lack of adequate care and abuse cases in nursing homes. If a loved one has suffered from nursing facility abuse or neglect, our Joliet nursing home abuse lawyer team offers a free consultation to discuss nursing home abuse cases and nursing home negligence cases to outline your options for pursuing justice. Our Joliet nursing home abuse lawyer are dedicated to helping you seek justice and obtain fair compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages. Whether you’re in DuPage County, Kendall County, or Cook County, our experienced attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t pay unless we win your nursing home negligence lawsuit. We aim to hold the responsible party accountable and bring accountability to the legal system by pursuing neglect claims against those who fail to provide adequate care or meet Medicaid services standards. Trust Curcio & Casciato to be your advocates in the fight against nursing home abuse and neglect. If you believe that your loved one suffered harm and is a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, call our nursing home abuse lawyers at (312) 321-1111 to schedule a free consultation with a Joliet nursing home abuse lawyer.
Joliet nursing home abuse lawyer

Nursing home negligence can take on many forms but essentially occurs when a nursing home or assisted living facility fails to provide the standard of care that facility residents require, resulting in harm or injury. This can involve a range of issues, such as inadequate medical care, poor hygiene, failure to prevent falls, staffing shortages, financial exploitation, or neglect of basic needs like food, water, or medication.

Nursing Home Abuse Statistics

Nursing home abuse and neglect happen too frequently. The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) reports that one in ten nursing or assisted living residents suffer some form of elder abuse. While nursing home abuse can take many forms, the most common type is emotional abuse.

According to the Nursing Home Abuse Center, 81% of nursing home employees have witnessed a coworker emotionally abuse a resident. 

The statistics surrounding nursing facility abuse are staggering. Many nursing home residents are extremely vulnerable to elder abuse, so the warning signs may not be as apparent. Both family members and staff must look for signs of abuse and negligence since residents may be unable to speak up for themselves. 

At Curcio & Casciato, our Joliet nursing home negligence lawyer team has represented countless nursing home abuse and personal injury cases for residents throughout the Joliet area. Our Chicago personal injury attorneys handle nursing home abuse cases with compassion and understanding. 

Common Types of Nursing Home Abuse in Joliet, IL

Nursing home abuse can occur in different ways, each with its devastating impact on the health, well-being, and dignity of residents. The most common types of nursing home abuse include mental, sexual, physical, and emotional abuse. By understanding these types, family members can better equip themselves to detect warning signs.

Chicago nursing home abuse can take on many forms. Some types of abuse in nursing homes involve intentionally malicious behavior, while other forms of nursing home abuse may just stem as a consequence of the nursing home’s condition.

Concerning elder abuse, every type of abuse should be taken seriously and immediately addressed.

Types of Chicago nursing home abuse include:

Mental abuse and emotional abuse include actions that cause psychological pain or distress, including verbal assaults, threats, intimidation, humiliation, and isolation from friends or activities. Residents subjected to emotional abuse may exhibit signs such as withdrawal, anxiety, depression, or unexplained changes in behavior. 

Unlike physical abuse, there are no bruises or scars to serve as clear indicators, and the impact of such psychological abuse can deeply affect a resident’s quality of life, leading to a decline in both physical and mental health in nursing homes

Physical abuse in nursing homes is deeply concerning and involves any form of non-accidental harm or injury to residents. This form of elder abuse can range from hitting, pushing, and shoving to inappropriate use of restraints or force-feeding. Signs of physical abuse are often more observable and may include unexplained bruises, cuts, fractures, or a sudden change in the resident’s behavior, such as flinching from physical contact. 

Physical abuse not only causes immediate pain and injury but can also lead to long-term psychological trauma and a profound sense of fear and helplessness.

Sexual abuse in assisted living facilities is a particularly heinous offense. This form of abuse includes unwanted touching, sexual assault, coerced nudity, and even the exploitation of residents for pornographic purposes. The victims may show signs of trauma, such as bruises around private areas, unexplained sexually transmitted infections, sudden changes in behavior, or signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) like depression, anxiety, or withdrawal. 

Residents with cognitive impairments like dementia are especially vulnerable, as they may be unable to consent or communicate sexual abuse.

Financial abuse involves the unauthorized or improper use of a resident’s funds, assets, or personal possessions. Perpetrators of financial exploitation range from staff members to visitors or even family members. 

Indicators of financial exploitation include sudden changes in bank account balances, unexplained withdrawals, alterations in wills or power of attorney, and missing personal belongings or funds.

Common Types of Nursing Home Neglect in Joliet, IL

In Joliet, nursing home neglect remains a troubling issue, often hidden yet impactful on the lives of elderly residents. From the failure to provide proper medical care to insufficient attention to basic hygiene, nutrition, or social needs, each form of neglect can significantly lower the quality of life and overall well-being of residents.

Poor hygiene is a clear indicator of neglect, reflecting a failure to assist residents with basic personal care tasks. Such conditions not only affect the dignity and self-esteem of the elderly but can also lead to serious health complications like skin infections, dental issues, and an overall decline in quality of life. 

Dehydration and malnutrition in nursing homes are serious forms of neglect, signaling a lack of proper attention to the dietary and fluid intake needs of residents. These issues can result from inadequate staffing, lack of individualized care plans, or neglectful oversight of residents’ eating and drinking habits. 

The consequences of these conditions are severe, often exacerbated by inadequate care plans for diabetic patients

Monitoring the nutritional intake and hydration levels of nursing home residents is crucial for maintaining their health, well-being, and quality of life. 

Bed sores, also known as pressure ulcers, are a frequent but avoidable problem in nursing homes, typically caused by extended immobility. The Chicago bed sore lawyers at Curcio & Casciato recognize the serious consequences of immobility in nursing homes, especially when it leads to stage four bedsores. The pressure ulcer staging system categorizes these injuries based on severity, and stage 4 bedsores significantly reduce life expectancy. If not managed correctly, they can indicate medical malpractice or even wrongful death.

Frequent falls among residents in nursing homes can be a disturbing sign of neglect and abuse, pointing to inadequate supervision, poor safety practices, or even inappropriate handling by staff. Falls in nursing homes can lead to severe injuries like fractures or head traumas, significantly impacting the health and mobility of the residents.

These incidents might indicate a lack of proper fall risk assessment, insufficient staff training in fall prevention, or neglect in providing necessary mobility aids and safe environments. When falls become a recurring issue, it raises a serious concern about the overall care and safety protocols within the facility. Chicago nursing home fall lawyers can represent elderly residents and protect their legal rights.

A high rate of nursing home infections among residents could suggest poor sanitary practices, inadequate staff hygiene, or failure to provide prompt medical treatment. UTI in nursing homes, respiratory infections, and skin infections are commonly seen in nursing homes and can be particularly dangerous for the elderly, often worsening existing health conditions. Recurrent infections not only speak to a compromised living environment but also to potential understaffing or lack of proper training in infection control protocols. Monitoring and promptly addressing these health concerns are critical responsibilities of nursing home staff. 

Common Causes of Nursing Home Negligence in Joliet, IL

Nursing home negligence can result from several underlying causes that compromise the safety and well-being of residents. When assisted living facilities are understaffed, overworked, or don’t properly train their employees, it can lead to nursing home negligence. 

Staffing Shortages : In many facilities, there are not enough staff members to adequately meet the needs of all residents. This shortfall can lead to delayed or missed care.

Poor Training: Staff who are inadequately trained may lack the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively care for the elderly. This can lead to medication mistakes, incorrect handling, or failure to recognize and appropriately respond to other signs of emergency health situations. 

Overworked and Underpaid Staff Members: Overworked and underpaid staff members in nursing homes are a profound concern, often leading a decline in the quality of nursing home resident care. In many nursing homes, staff members face long hours and demanding workloads yet receive financial compensation that may not reflect the intensity and importance of their work. 

How to Report Elder Abuse in Illinois

If you suspect that your family member is being neglected or abused in a Joliet nursing facility, you can report abuse to the Illinois Department of Public Health at 1-800-252-4343 to make a report. 

At Curcio & Casciato, our Joliet nursing home abuse attorneys have handled numerous nursing home negligence cases and can provide insight on submitting a report. During your free consultation, a Joliet personal injury lawyer can also discuss your legal options if you wish to pursue a lawsuit against the nursing home owners.

How to Prove Nursing Home Negligence in Joliet, IL

Proving nursing home abuse and negligence requires a strategic approach. Our Chicago elder abuse attorneys outline steps to take if you suspect your loved one is being abused or neglected. 

  • Document Signs of Abuse/Neglect

  • Gather Medical Records

  • Witness Statements

  • Seek Expert Opinions

  • Legal Consultation

Can You Sue for Wrongful Death in a Nursing Home?

If your loved one suffered from wrongful death in a nursing home due to substandard care or negligent actions, you could be entitled to damages from a wrongful death lawsuit.

Our Chicago wrongful death lawyers understand that pursuing a lawsuit against the responsible parties is the last thing on your mind following the loss of a loved one. That’s why when you choose our law firm to represent you in your wrongful death lawsuit, you can trust that your legal team will handle everything. 

joliet nursing home wrongful death lawyer

Nursing Home Abuse Compensation

Successful nursing home negligence lawsuits can result in financial compensation for several damages. Your Joliet nursing home abuse lawyer will work towards seeking compensation for the following:

  • Medical bills, past and future

  • Costs related to moving your family member to another facility

  • Reimbursement for stolen money or property

  • Emotional pain

  • Physical pain and suffering

  • Loss of enjoyment of life

  • Wrongful death 

Joliet Nursing Home Negligence Lawyer

Choosing the right Will County personal injury lawyer is crucial in sensitive and complex matters like nursing home abuse cases. Curcio & Casciato stand out in their commitment and expertise in personal injury law, offering compassionate yet aggressive advocacy for nursing home abuse victims. 

Whether you’re navigating the challenging path of a nursing home abuse case, medical malpractice case, or any area of personal injury law, our Joliet nursing home abuse lawyer team offers the support, expertise, and results-driven approach you need.

To schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced Joliet nursing home abuse lawyer, call (312) 321-1111.

If you need to pursue a nursing home abuse lawsuit in another area, our law firm has the following: Chicago nursing home abuse lawyer, Rockford nursing home abuse lawyer, Naperville nursing home abuse lawyer, and Aurora nursing home abuse lawyer.