Chicago Illinois Nursing Home Negligence Lawyers

Each year there are over one million reports of elder abuse by nursing home staff. And as the number of elderly continues to grow, this national statistic is going to grow as well. According to the National Center for Elder Abuse the most common type of abuse is the general neglect of basic needs, followed by intentional abuse, which includes physical, mental and sexual abuse.

General neglect occurs when the nursing home staff lacks interest in the well being of the elderly and does not provide such basic necessities as food, water, shelter or hygiene. This form of neglect can lead to serious illnesses and infections, including bed sores, weight loss and dehydration. Pre-existing illnesses may also worsen if prescription medication is not given in a consistent and timely manner.

Physical abuse is one of the easiest signs of nursing home negligence to detect. Symptoms of physical abuse may include:
• Unexplained bruises
• Broken bones
• Unexplained cuts

Emotional or mental abuse is hard for family members to suspect because it does not leave physical symptoms. But the abuse is just as frightening and traumatic for its victims as physical abuse. Mental abuse includes verbal harassment or assault, intentional neglect, threats, and isolation from friends and family.

Sexual abuse in nursing homes ranges from inappropriate photography and nudity to forced sexual intercourse by either nursing home staff or other residents.

At Adler & Adler, we have more than 40 years of combined experience aggressively representing clients in nursing home abuse and medical malpractice and negligence claims. We have the experience needed to help you determine whether your situation is cause for a malpractice claim—and the expertise required to pursue the maximum compensation from the medical malpractice insurance companies involved in that claim. If, as is sometimes the case, the insurance companies representing the involved medical professionals choose to deny doing what is necessary to help the victim or the victim’s family recover and be compensated for their losses, as highly experienced trial attorneys, Adler & Adler will fight to win your through the trial process.

Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Home Negligence & Abuse

1. What are some of the signs of general nursing home negligence?

• Depression or withdrawal, disorientation or confusion
• Sudden changes in behavior or personality
• Unwillingness to communicate
• Bed sores, malnutrition or dehydration
• Unkempt appearance or poor personal hygiene
• Bad odors, in urinal and fecal smells
• Untreated medical conditions
• Missing personal property
• Specific resident complaints

2. What are some of the signs of emotional abuse?

• Fear, agitation, hesitance
• Depression or withdrawal
• Sudden behavior changes
• Unusual behavior patterns
• Unwillingness to communicate
• Disorientation or confusion
• Unjustified isolation or staff not allowing resident to be alone with a visitor
• Rude, humiliating and/or derogatory comments by staff
• Specific complaints by residents

3. What are some of the signs of physical abuse?

• Wounds, cuts, abrasions or burns
• Bruises, welts or swelling
• Broken bones
• Sudden, inexplicable weight loss
• Any unexplained and/or hidden injuries
• Unwarranted restraints
• Staff refusing to allow visitors to see resident
• Delays in allowing visitors to see resident
• Staff not allowing resident to be alone with visitor
• Resident being kept in an over-medicated state
• Specific complaints by residents • Fear or agitation
• Depression or withdrawal
• Sudden behavior changes
• Disorientation or confusion
• Unjustified isolation
• Rude, humiliating and/or derogatory comments by staff


4. What are are the warning signs of sexual abuse of the elderly?

• Unexplained venereal disease or genital infections
• Vaginal or anal bleeding
• Torn, stained or bloody underclothing or bed linens
• Sudden changes in behavior or personality
• Delays in allowing visitors to see resident
• Resident is not allowed to be alone with visitors
• Resident is kept in an over-medicated state
• Specific complaints by residents
• Fear or agitation
• Depression or withdrawal

5. What Other Signs Should We Be Aware of?

• Any sudden changes in behavior or personality
• Staff refusing to allow visitors to see resident
• Delays in allowing visitors to see resident
• Staff not allowing resident to be alone with visitor
• Resident being kept in an over-medicated state
• Loss of resident's possessions
• Sudden large withdrawals from bank accounts or changes in banking practices
• Abrupt changes in a will or other financial documents

Why Choose Adler & Adler?

When you hire Adler & Adler, P.C., you can rest assured that you have hired an aggressive, seasoned professional—a lawyer who is highly experienced in the art of negotiation but not afraid to take cases to trial. Senior partners Valerie Harris Adler and Mark Adler know that successful results come from strategy, knowledge, and hard work. They also understand that in addition to coping with the anxiety of legal action, you and your family must handle the lasting effects of an injury—or even death—and deal with the uncertain future. To this end, we treat each of our clients with the respect and dignity that they deserve.

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