Warning Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
Our Chicago lawyers know what to look for in such cases
Do you suspect that your family member is a victim of nursing home abuse? If you do, you need to act fast to protect their health and their rights. That’s why it’s critical that you know what to look for in such situations.
Our Chicago nursing home abuse lawyers at Ferrell Young, LLC can help you every step of the way. We don’t just know what nursing home abuse looks like. We know how to find evidence to build strong legal cases. That’s why we have a strong track record of success. We know how to fight effectively for the rights of nursing home abuse victims in Illinois.
There’s no time to waste when someone is being abused in a nursing home. You need to respond right away. Contact our law firm and get your legal process started. You can reach us online or call us to schedule a free case evaluation with a member of our legal team. Se habla Español.
Common warning signs of nursing home abuse
Depending on what type of nursing home abuse is taking place, there are many different warning signs. Some of the general warning signs of nursing home abuse include:
- Unexplained injuries
- Sudden mood changes
- Visits curtailed or prohibited
- Unexplained weight loss
However, there are also specific warning signs for specific types of nursing home abuse. This is why it’s so important to know exactly what to look for in each case.
Physical abuse
If physical abuse is taking place in a nursing home (including residents being hit, pushed, or physically restrained), warning signs can include:
- Unexplained bruises
- Broken bones
- Difficulty walking
- Other, sudden physical changes
Physical abuse is a crime. Contact the police right away and ask them to investigate. Then contact our Chicago law firm.
Sexual abuse
If you suspect that sexual abuse has taken place in a nursing home, call the police immediately. Sexual abuse of any kind is a serious crime. Warning signs of sexual abuse often include:
- Unexplained injuries
- Unexplained bleeding
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Unexplained mood changes
Psychological abuse
This form of nursing home abuse often involves intimidating or isolating nursing home residents, resulting in serious mental health problems. Warning signs can include:
- Fear of being touched
- Unexplained crying
- Sudden mood changes, including depression
Verbal abuse
Whether it’s nursing home staff members yelling or threatening residents, some of the warning signs of verbal abuse include:
- Fear of other people
- Yelling heard in nursing home
- Insomnia
- Low self esteem
What to do in response to warning signs
If you suspect any form of nursing home abuse, take action right away, including:
- Call the police if a crime is being committed, such as physical abuse or sexual abuse. If you’re not sure which number to call, simply call 911.
- Contact the Illinois Department of Public Health. They investigate allegations of nursing home abuse throughout Illinois.
- Call our Chicago law firm as soon as possible. Whatever type of nursing home abuse you suspect is taking place, we can investigate what’s happening and explain your available legal options.
Discover what we can do for you. Contact us
You know your loved one best. If something doesn’t seem right, trust your instincts. Contact our law firm and schedule a free consultation. One of our Chicago nursing home abuse lawyers can answer your questions and explain how we can help.