Overview of Cases Handled by Cook County Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers

Cook County nursing home lawsuits get filed at the Daley Center which is at 50 W. Washington St. in Chicago across from City Hall. So what is nursing home abuse?

Nursing home abuse occurs when a staff member or another resident causes physical, mental, or sexual injury or exploits a resident’s financial resources. Examples of nursing home abuse include unexplained physical injuries like bruises, cuts, burns, broken bones or sprains.

Negligence occurs when a staff member or another resident fails to provide or withholds the necessities of life, including food, clothing, shelter or health care. Examples of neglect include bedsores, frozen joints, malnutrition, dehydration, hypothermia, heat stroke, or improper medications resulting in illness.

Illinois law defines a resident of a nursing home as a person 60 or older who is either a current, prospective, or former resident. Residents have the right to proper care, proper treatment, and to compensation if abuse or neglect occurs.

The Elder Abuse and Neglect Program responds to reports of abuse, neglect or financial exploitation of persons 60 and older. The Elder Abuse Program has 45 locations throughout the state that conduct investigations, work to resolve abusive situations, and provide services to victims.

Specifically for elder abuse and neglect allegations, Illinois has a program called the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program to assist residents and family members. An ombudsman is an appointed official who investigates complaints of elder abuse or neglect. They inform residents and families of their rights, resolve complaints, and advocate for proper care.

In Cook County, The Chicago Department of Senior Services assists with claims of abuse and neglect against the elderly. It is located at 30 N. LaSalle, Suite 2320, Chicago, Illinois 60602-2586.

Malpractice lawsuits provide compensation for victims and act as a safeguard to ensure that proper standards are followed in the industry. If you or a loved one has suffered abuse or neglect, you should contact an experienced attorney to assist with your claim. All claims handled by abuse attorneys are investigated and pursued without any upfront cost to the client. Claims are pursued on a contingency basis which means that there is no fee unless the client wins. If the client wins, the attorney will recover a portion of the awarded damages. Through contingency fees, everyone can receive the best representation, regardless of his/her economic status.