Chicago Elder Abuse in Nursing Home Lawyer

Nursing Home Attorneys Protecting Those Facing Elder Abuse in Chicago, IL

As the U.S. population ages, a growing number of seniors are becoming vulnerable to those who would do them harm. The Illinois Department on Aging estimates that more than 76,000 state residents who are over the age of 60 are victims of abuse each year, yet sadly, only about 10,000 of these cases are ever reported. Elder abuse is especially prevalent at nursing homes and assisted living facilities, where residents are vulnerable and dependent on caregivers to provide for their basic needs.

At Schwartz Injury Law, we are outraged by the widespread mistreatment of our honored elders, and our mission is to hold those responsible for this type of behavior fully accountable, so this practice will not continue. We have extensive experience in this area of the law, and we have a strong track record of success securing large verdicts and settlements for victims of nursing home neglect and abuse and other forms of elder abuse. When abuse occurs, we go to work immediately to thoroughly investigate the case and gather all the important facts and pieces of evidence. This puts our clients in the best possible position to obtain a favorable outcome.

Elder Abuse in Illinois

Elder abuse and neglect can come in many forms, such as:

• Physical Abuse: Pushing, shoving, pulling, and other actions intended to cause physical harm. Some potential signs of physical abuse include cuts, scratches, bruises, burns, falls, and fractures.
• Sexual Abuse: Inappropriate touching, fondling, forced nudity, sexual assault, or any other form of sexual activity with an older adult who is not willing to consent, not able to understand, physically threatened, or forced.
• Unreasonable Restraint: Excessive use of physical or chemical restraints on an older adult for non-medical reasons.
• Elder Neglect: Failure of a caregiver to provide for the basic necessities of an elderly individual under their care. Examples include failure to provide adequate food, drink, clothing, and medical care.
• Willful Deprivation: Willfully denying an elderly person their basic necessities, thereby knowingly exposing the individual to a greater risk of physical, mental, or emotional harm.

There are many possible signs that elder abuse may be occurring. Some examples include unexplained injuries or illnesses (e.g., bed sores, infections, sepsis, and other life-threatening injuries), sudden mood changes, and withdrawal from social activities. If you suspect elder abuse is occurring inside a nursing home or any other setting, you can report it to the Illinois Department on Aging by calling their Adult Protective Services Hotline at 866-800-1409. Once you have taken steps to remove the elderly individual from danger, get in touch with our office to discuss your legal options.

Speak with a Skilled Cook County Elder Abuse Lawyer

At Schwartz Injury Law, we understand the pain and suffering elder abuse victims go through, and we work hard to make the legal process smooth and stress-free. We offer free consultations, and we work closely with victims and their families throughout the process, providing ongoing updates and responding quickly to any questions or concerns you may have. Contact us today at 312-535-4625. We serve clients in Chicago, Cook County, DuPage County, Kane County, Lake County, Will County, Winnebago County, and throughout Illinois.