Can Nursing Home Neglect Occur Outside of the Care Facility?

 Posted on July 21, 2021 in Neglect

Neglect of nursing home residents is a common and serious problem in Illinois. Most of the incidents occur in the facilities where the residents live, perhaps because of issues like overcrowding or insufficient staffing or training. However, nursing home staff may also be responsible for the care and safety of residents while they are outside of the facility. If you or a loved one suffers an injury at any time while under the care of a nursing home, you may be entitled to compensation.

Nursing Home Employees Charged After Recent Illinois Incident

An ongoing case in Illinois illustrates a possible example of how neglect can occur when a nursing home resident is away from the facility. In February of this year, a woman died in a transport van after receiving off-site medical treatment at a hospital. Upon returning to her residential facility, the woman was left in the van overnight in below-freezing temperatures. Now, the driver and the residential care manager at the facility are both facing felony neglect charges.

Risks of Off-Site Injuries for Care Facility Residents

There are a number of situations in which a nursing home resident could be at risk of injury while outside of their care facility. Some examples include:

• Transportation for treatment - As in the aforementioned case, nursing home residents often require medical treatment from doctors and specialists outside of their home facilities. Nursing home staff may be responsible for a resident’s safety during transportation to and from treatment.

• Excursions and outings - Some nursing home and assisted living residents are healthy enough to leave the facility to go on excursions organized by facility staff. However, staff must ensure that the excursions are safe for all residents, and that the residents are sufficiently supervised.

• Wandering and elopement - Sometimes, unsupervised residents may leave the facility on their own. Residents with dementia may be especially prone to wandering, and they could make their way far from the facility if no one is around to stop them.

When neglect is a factor in off-site injuries, nursing home staff may not only face criminal charges, they may also be civilly liable for damages suffered by the resident. An attorney can help injury victims and their families recover compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and wrongful death in the case of a fatal accident.

Contact a Chicago Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer

If you or a family member has suffered an injury that you believe is the result of neglect on the part of nursing home staff, the attorneys at Schwartz Injury Law can help you understand your options and pursue a claim for compensation to hold the negligent parties accountable. Call us at 312-535-4625 to schedule a free consultation with one of our Cook County nursing home injury attorneys.

Sources:

https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/employees-face-charges-in-death-of-nursing-home-resident-left-on-freezing-bus-overnight/2545822/

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ILCS/ilcs3.asp?ActID=1222&ChapterID=21