When families place a loved one in a nursing home, they expect them to be safe, cared for, and treated with respect. Sadly, nursing home abuse injuries happen more often than most people realize. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) reports that up to 5 million older Americans are abused each year, with many of these cases happening in nursing homes and care facilities.
IllinoisLawyers.com has been connecting families with the best nursing home abuse lawyers across Illinois since 2001. We provide you with free, confidential advice and direct you to the right attorney for your specific situation. Contact Illinois Lawyers today and get connected to experienced nursing home abuse lawyers.
Why Nursing Home Abuse Injuries Happen in Illinois
Nursing home abuse injury cases usually come down to one thing: neglect or intentional mistreatment. Facilities may be understaffed, employees may not be adequately trained, or caregivers may fail to provide the necessary attention to residents.
When staff cut corners, residents pay the price. From nursing home bed sores to severe infections in care homes, neglect can quickly spiral into dangerous health issues. That’s why it’s so important to understand the warning signs and act fast.
8 Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
Here are the most common signs that could point to a nursing home abuse injury. If you notice any of these, it’s time to ask questions and possibly get legal help.
1. Bedsores in Nursing Homes
One of the most common red flags is bedsores in nursing homes. These painful sores, also called pressure ulcers, develop when a resident isn’t moved often enough. Left untreated, they can lead to infections, tissue damage, or even sepsis.
2. Unexplained Broken Bones or Fractures
Falls and broken bones happen, but in a supervised care setting, they shouldn’t be frequent. If your loved one has fractures without a clear explanation, it may point to neglect or unsafe conditions.
3. Nursing Home Infections
Infections are another serious warning sign. From pneumonia to urinary tract infections, poor hygiene and lack of proper medical care put residents at constant risk. Sadly, infections in care homes can turn deadly if ignored.
4. Bruises, Cuts, and Welts
Unexplained bruises, skin tears, or welts may indicate rough handling or even outright abuse. Sometimes staff members brush these off as “accidents,” but repeated injuries should never be overlooked.
5. Malnutrition and Dehydration
Many residents suffer from nursing home injuries tied to malnutrition or dehydration. If you notice sudden weight loss, confusion, or dry skin, your loved one may not be getting proper meals or fluids.
6. Head Injuries and Concussions
Falls, being dropped during transfers, or even intentional harm can cause head injuries. A concussion or brain injury in an older adult is life-threatening and demands immediate attention.
7. Spinal Injuries
Improper lifting, pushing, or falls can result in spinal cord damage. These injuries can cause paralysis, breathing problems, or long-term disability.
8. Emotional or Behavioral Changes
Not all signs of abuse are physical—emotional changes can be just as serious. Fear of certain staff, withdrawal from activities, or sudden mood swings can be signs of psychological abuse or neglect. Don’t ignore changes in your loved one’s personality.
What to Do If You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse
If you notice any of these signs, start by documenting them. Take photos, write down dates, and talk with your loved one if possible. Then, reach out to an injury lawyer for nursing home abuse to discuss your options.
At IllinoisLawyers.com, we can connect you with a personal injury attorney with experience in nursing home abuse who will investigate the facility, collect evidence, and help you fight for justice.
Compensation for Nursing Home Abuse
Money won’t erase the pain, but it can help pay for medical treatment and hold negligent facilities accountable. Compensation not only supports recovery but also sends a clear message that abuse and neglect will not be tolerated in Illinois nursing homes. In cases of nursing home abuse, victims may be able to recover:
- Medical bills (past and future care)
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
An injury lawyer for nursing home abuse will make sure your family understands all possible legal options.
How Illinois Lawyers Can Help You
At IllinoisLawyers.com, we make it simple for families to get the legal help they need. If your loved one has suffered nursing home abuse, we connect you directly with a personal injury attorney with experience in nursing home abuse.
Here’s how we support you:
- Free Legal Guidance: Our team answers your questions so you know what steps to take next.
- Attorney Referrals You Can Trust: We refer you only to an experienced nursing home abuse attorney who has handled cases like these before.
- No Cost to You: Our advice is free, and there’s no obligation when you contact us.
- Focused on Results: We make sure you’re matched with an attorney who will fight for compensation and justice for your loved one.
When a nursing home fails to provide safe, respectful care, your family deserves answers. IllinoisLawyers.com is here to help you take action with confidence.
Contact IllinoisLawyers.com Today
Abuse and neglect in nursing homes are unacceptable. If your loved one has suffered nursing home bed sores, repeated falls, infections, or other signs of neglect and abuse, don’t wait for things to get worse.
Reach out to Illinois Lawyers today for free legal guidance. We’ll connect you with a trusted attorney who can help protect your family’s rights and hold the nursing home responsible.
