Nursing Home Neglect FAQ
Answers you can trust from experienced Chicago lawyers
Nursing home neglect can be confusing for many people. Knowing what it is or what to do might not be clear. And finding accurate information can often be a challenge. That’s why it’s important to know where to find information you can trust about this important subject.
Our experienced Chicago nursing home neglect attorneys at Ferrell Young, LLC can answer your questions. That’s because we have handled many complex legal cases involving nursing home neglect in Illinois. As a result, we know how the legal system works when it comes to these types of cases.
Don’t underestimate the complexity of your injury claim or lawsuit. If you suspect nursing home neglect has occurred, get the facts. Contact our law firm and schedule a free case evaluation at our Chicago law firm. We can answer your questions and explain your options.
Top 10 nursing home neglect questions
Don’t see your specific question listed below? Don’t worry. Our Chicago attorneys can answer any legal question you might have about your specific nursing home neglect claim or lawsuit. Simply call us or contact us online to schedule an appointment, free of charge, with one of our Chicago lawyers. We can help. Se habla Español.
- What is nursing home neglect?
- What are warning signs of nursing home neglect?
- What should I do if I suspect nursing home neglect?
- Who investigates nursing home neglect in Illinois?
- Should I tell the nursing home if I suspect neglect?
- What should I do if the nursing home ignores my complaint?
- Should I accept a settlement offer for nursing home neglect?
- How much is my nursing home neglect case worth?
- Should I file a nursing home neglect lawsuit?
- Why should I hire a Chicago nursing home neglect lawyer?
What is nursing home neglect?
Nursing home neglect means the nursing home is not taking care of its residents or the facility itself, resulting in serious injuries or illnesses. Nursing home neglect cases can cover a wide range – from bedsores to infections, as well as malnutrition and medication errors. Whatever type of nursing home case you’re dealing with, our Chicago legal team can help you hold the nursing home accountable.
What are warning signs of nursing home neglect?
Pay close attention to the warning signs of nursing home neglect, which can include poor hygiene to unexplained injuries or illnesses, to sudden weight loss or depression. You know your loved one best. If something doesn’t seem right, trust your instincts. Take action and contact our law firm. We can help.
What should I do if I suspect nursing home neglect?
If you believe a loved one is being neglected in a nursing home, you need to take action right away for the sake of your loved one’s health and their rights:
- Notify the nursing home – Tell them your loved one is being neglected. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to the nursing home, our Chicago legal team can help. We’ve been doing this work for years.
- Notify the state – Another place to start is to contact the Illinois Department of Public Health. They’re the state agency that investigates nursing home neglect allegations in Illinois.
- Gather evidence – If possible, collect evidence that shows the nursing home is not properly caring for your loved one. Such evidence can include photographs of unsanitary conditions to recorded statements from anyone who saw what happened.
- Contact us – The sooner you talk to a Chicago nursing home neglect attorney at our law firm, the sooner we can start investigating your case. Your best interests come first here.
Who investigates nursing home neglect in Illinois?
The Illinois Department of Public Health investigates most nursing home neglect allegations in the state. In addition, state or local law enforcement officials might also conduct an investigation if a crime took place.
However, it’s important to understand why they’re investigating such allegations. Generally, their goal is to determine if the nursing home violated any state or federal laws. Our job is to represent your family’s interests. That’s why we want to independently investigate your case on your behalf.
Should I tell the nursing home if I suspect neglect?
Yes. If you feel comfortable doing so, you should tell the nursing home right away that you believe your loved one is being neglected. However, if you are not comfortable talking with the nursing home, we understand and we want to help. Our Chicago law firm knows how to deal with nursing home neglect cases. We can make sure the nursing home knows what’s happening to your loved one. We can be your voice for justice.
What should I do if the nursing home ignores my complaint?
It’s very common for nursing homes to deny doing anything wrong, especially if someone’s being neglected and ignored. If they have been doing a bad job caring for your loved one, it’s no surprise that they’re ignoring your complaint.
When this happens, the best thing to do is contact the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and our law firm. The IDPH investigates allegations of nursing home neglect for the sole purpose of determining if any laws were broken. Our investigation focuses on holding nursing homes accountable for their actions, including making them pay for any expenses due to their neglect.
Should I accept a settlement offer for nursing home neglect?
Always talk to an attorney first. Remember, once you accept a settlement, that’s it – your case is settled. This is why you should carefully consider any settlement offer for a nursing home neglect claim or lawsuit before you agree to accept it. Our Chicago legal team can review any settlement offer you receive and help you better understand whether it’s a good or bad offer.
How much is my nursing home neglect case worth?
There’s no set dollar amount when it comes to different types of nursing home neglect cases. Some are worth are few thousand dollars. Similar cases can be worth significantly more. The bottom line is you should be financially compensated for all your expenses.
The biggest expense is often the cost of medical care to treat nursing home neglect injuries or illnesses. If a loved one required emergency medical care, had to stay overnight in a hospital or needed surgery, medical bills can add up fast.
Whatever expenses you have due to nursing home neglect, you should be paid for all of them. Nursing homes that neglect residents and cause suffering must be held accountable for their actions. And it’s our job as your lawyer to demand the money you deserve.
Should I file a nursing home neglect lawsuit?
Sometimes, filing a lawsuit is the best way to get the compensation and accountability your family deserves. But you only have a limited amount of time to do so, and only an attorney can tell you whether it’s in your interest. That’s why you should get legal advice as soon as possible.
Why should I hire a Chicago nursing home neglect lawyer?
The stakes are high in many nursing home neglect cases. Injury victims and family members only have one opportunity to obtain justice. Nursing homes and their insurance companies know this. That’s why they often do everything they can to reduce injury claims or deny them altogether. They don’t intimidate us. We know how to deal with nursing homes, insurance companies and their attorneys. That’s why we have a strong track record of success.
When you have an experienced Chicago nursing home abuse lawyer handling your case, you can make sure your voice is heard loud and clear. Your actions can also send a strong message – that such behavior will not be tolerated.
Your case is about more than just money. It’s about holding nursing homes accountable for their actions. It’s about justice. And knowledgeable attorneys who handle these types of cases work tirelessly on behalf of injury victims and their families.