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You want your older family members to live their golden years in peace and comfort, not suffering from nursing home abuse. Many Danville nursing homes and assisted living facilities advertise compassionate service and quality medical care. Unfortunately, it is a promise that not all facilities can deliver. In the most tragic cases, abuse can lead to the wrongful death of a resident, causing immense grief and loss for their families. You may need the services of a Danville nursing home abuse lawyer for your case.

At Spiros Law, P.C., our Danville personal injury attorneys understand how abuse, neglect, and mistreatment by nursing homes, long-term care facilities, and caregivers can impact the physical and mental health of older adults. We offer families compassionate support, advocacy, and aggressive legal representation to help your loved one get out of a bad situation and recover the compensation they deserve.

If you suspect your loved one is the victim of abuse or neglect occurring at a Danville nursing home or long-term care facility, get help now. Call our Danville, Illinois, area law firm today at (217) 443-4343 or contact us online. We can help you by reviewing your situation and advising you of your options for pursuing the compensation your loved one deserves. We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case.

What is Nursing Home Abuse?

Nursing home abuse refers to the intentional or unintentional harm inflicted on nursing home residents, resulting in physical, emotional, or financial suffering. This type of abuse can occur in various forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse. Nursing home abuse can be perpetrated by caregivers, staff members, or other residents, and can have severe consequences for the victim.

Nursing home residents are often vulnerable due to age, illness, or disability, making them easy targets for abuse. The impact of such abuse can be devastating, leading to physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial loss. It is crucial for family members and friends to be vigilant and proactive in identifying and addressing any signs of abuse to protect their loved ones.

Types of Abuse

There are several types of abuse that can occur in nursing homes, including:

Physical abuse: This type of abuse involves the use of physical force or violence against a nursing home resident, resulting in physical harm or injury. Examples of physical abuse include hitting, slapping, pushing, or restraining a resident.
Emotional or psychological abuse: This type of abuse involves the use of verbal or non-verbal behavior to intimidate, humiliate, or degrade a nursing home resident. Examples of emotional or psychological abuse include yelling, name-calling, or isolating a resident.
Sexual abuse: This type of abuse involves any form of non-consensual sexual contact or behavior, including unwanted touching, sexual assault, or rape.
Financial abuse: This type of abuse involves the unauthorized use of a nursing home resident’s financial resources, including theft, embezzlement, or coercion.

Each type of abuse can have a profound impact on the well-being of nursing home residents. It is essential to recognize the signs and take immediate action to protect and support the victims.

Understanding Nursing Home Abuse in Danville

Nursing home abuse can take many forms. In addition to physical abuse, vulnerable nursing home residents can suffer physical, emotional, financial, and sexual abuse at the hands of caregivers, staff, and other residents. Additionally, neglect is also a form of abuse and can significantly affect the physical and mental well-being of patients and residents.

Unfortunately, the signs of abuse are not always clear. Elderly residents may also be fearful of coming forward with allegations of abuse to family, friends, and law enforcement due to bullying, threats, intimidation, and fear of retribution by the abuser. Some caregivers carefully choose their victims, searching for individuals with cognitive or physical impairments that render them unable to communicate about the abusive behavior. As a result, it may be up to close family and friends to identify the signs of abuse and advocate for their loved ones.

Signs of Nursing Home Abuse

Some of the most common signs of nursing home abuse in Danville can include:

Refusal to cooperate with specific caregivers
Aggressive or timid behavior around certain caregivers
Unexplained bruises, lacerations, abrasions, or burns
Unexplained or numerous falls or broken bones
Frequent illnesses and infections
Frequent trips to the ER or other medical facilities
Dehydration
Malnutrition
Anxiety
Depression
Suicidal thoughts or actions
Changes in mood or behavior
Changes in sleeping patterns
Changes in eating patterns
Sudden weight loss
Sudden onset of a sexually transmitted infection
Blood on bedsheets or in underwear
Inappropriate sexual behavior toward others
Bedsores
Poor hygiene
Unchanged bed linens or clothing
Withdrawing from family or friends
Withdrawing from favorite activities
Items of value going missing
Sudden change in financial situation

If you notice any unexplainable injuries or sudden and uncharacteristic changes in a loved one’s mood or behavior, it’s time to get help from your family member.

How to Choose the Right Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer in Danville

The World Health Organization estimates that at least one in six people 60 years and older experience some form of abuse in community settings like nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Nursing home abuse can be an issue, even in Danville, where nursing home facilities have faced numerous safety violations. Consequently, as recently as 2023, one Danville nursing home was fined over $100,000 because of numerous safety violations, one of which caused a resident’s death. The Illinois Department of Public Health report included other nursing homes detailing hundreds of violations statewide.

With your loved one’s health, safety, and life on the line, choosing the right nursing home abuse lawyer in Danville may be the most significant decision you make. Find an attorney with ample experience handling complicated nursing home abuse cases. Schedule an initial consultation and come prepared with questions. A nursing home abuse attorney in Danville should be willing to take the time to get to know you and listen to the unique aspects of your situation. After they’ve heard your situation, they can outline your options for recovering compensation and moving forward with a nursing home abuse claim or lawsuit.

Read client reviews and testimonials, ask friends and family for recommendations, and do your homework. Ensure that you feel comfortable with the attorney’s communication style and willingness to offer transparent and honest legal advice.

What to Do if You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse in Danville

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What can you do to help a vulnerable adult or older family member when you suspect nursing home abuse or neglect? First, if you believe your loved one faces an imminent threat of danger or violence, remove them from the facility. Second, engage a Danville nursing home abuse attorney.

Third, you should also contact local law enforcement. Contact the Illinois Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program if you see signs of abuse or neglect. The LTCOP is an advocacy program. This program puts vulnerable adults in contact with an ombudsman who can help advocate for them, improve their quality of life, and address issues of abuse and neglect. Trained community ombudsmen tirelessly speak for nursing home residents and empower them to take control of their situation.

You can find information on how to contact local Illinois Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program chapters online. Additionally, you may also find help and reporting resources via:

A knowledgeable Danville personal injury attorney also has the experience and resources to help you demand justice. They know how to collect and preserve vital evidence to build and strengthen your claim. At the same time, they can get your loved one the support they need and protecting their legal rights.

Get in Touch with a Danville Personal Injury Attorney Today

Abuse and neglect can negatively impact every aspect of a person’s life. Do not wait to get your loved one the help and protection they need. When you engage a nursing home abuse lawyer from Spiros Law, P.C., you’ll get a skilled legal team that is prepared to recover meaningful compensation for your loved one’s financial losses and suffering.