According to the National Institute on Aging, long-term care facilities and nursing homes are designed to provide around-the-clock supervision, medical care, and daily support for older adults who can no longer live independently. Yet despite this vital role, many facilities fail to meet even the most basic standards of care.
In fact, research shows that 1 in 10 nursing home residents in the United States experience some form of abuse or neglect — often at the hands of the very people entrusted with their safety (Nursing Home Abuse Center, 2025).
At IllinoisLawyers.com, we help families hold negligent facilities accountable and fight for the justice their loved ones deserve. Contact Illinois Lawyers today to speak with a Chicago nursing home abuse lawyer for a free, no-obligation consultation and learn how we can help protect your family’s rights.
Shocking Nursing Home Abuse Statistics
Nursing home abuse is far more common — and more disturbing — than most families realize. The numbers below, published by the Nursing Home Abuse Center (2025), reveal just how widespread and underreported the problem is — and why it’s so critical to stay vigilant when a loved one is in long-term care.
Did you know:
- 5 million older Americans experience abuse every year (National Council on Aging).
- 64% of elder abuse victims are women, and those with dementia or disabilities are most at risk.
- Only 1 in 24 elder abuse cases are ever reported — meaning the real number is likely much higher.
- 81% of nursing home staff have witnessed emotional abuse, and 40% admitted to committing it themselves.
- 24.3% of family members reported at least one incident of physical abuse.
- 12% of residents say they’ve experienced neglect, and 66% of staff have admitted to committing some form of abuse or neglect.
If your loved one has been abused, a Chicago nursing home abuse and neglect lawyer can help your family pursue compensation and accountability.
Chicago Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
At IllinoisLawyers.com, we believe families deserve peace of mind knowing their loved ones are treated with dignity, respect, and proper care. Sadly, too many nursing homes and long-term care facilities in Chicago and throughout Illinois fail to meet that standard — leading to serious harm, neglect, and abuse. Our mission is to hold those facilities fully accountable and fight for the justice your family deserves.
When clients come to us, we listen to their story, provide legal guidance, and/or refer them to trusted Illinois nursing home abuse lawyers who have decades of experience handling these sensitive cases. The lawyers we recommend build strong legal strategies backed by medical records, facility documentation, and testimony from qualified healthcare experts. And they only get paid when you do, so no need to worry about upfront costs.
Our goal is simple: to protect your loved one’s rights, expose neglectful practices, and pursue maximum compensation for the harm they’ve suffered.
Learn more about what we do today!
Proven Experience in Nursing Home Abuse Cases
Nursing home abuse often stems from chronic issues like understaffing, inadequate training, or poor facility management — but the results are devastating. The nursing home abuse attorneys we work with have successfully represented families in some of the most complex elder neglect cases, including those involving:
- Bedsores and pressure ulcers
- Sepsis and life-threatening infections
- Falls and preventable fractures
- Malnutrition and dehydration
- Medication errors
- Physical and sexual abuse
- Choking incidents and breathing tube injuries
- Wandering, elopement, and lack of supervision
These nursing home abuse injuries rarely occur in isolation. In many cases, they develop over time due to repeated neglect and systemic failures within the facility. The nursing home neglect attorneys we connect you with know how to uncover those patterns, identify critical evidence, and build a compelling case to hold negligent facilities responsible.
What Does Nursing Home Abuse Look Like?
Recognizing the warning signs of nursing home abuse early can make the difference between safety and continued harm for your loved one. If you notice any of the following red flags, it’s important to act quickly and contact nursing home abuse attorneys to protect your loved one’s rights.
Here are some major signs of abuse in nursing homes:
Physical Signs
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, burns, or scars — especially around wrists and ankles, which may indicate restraint
- Broken bones or fractures that staff cannot adequately explain
- Untreated bedsores, pressure ulcers, or open wounds
- Poor hygiene, including unwashed hair, soiled clothing, or foul body odor
- Sudden and unexplained weight loss or signs of malnutrition
- Missing or broken medical devices like glasses, hearing aids, or dentures
Psychological and Behavioral Signs
A Chicago nursing home emotional abuse lawyer can help investigate sudden changes in mood that are caused by mistreatment, including:
- Rapid changes in mood or personality, such as withdrawal, agitation, or aggression
- Signs of emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, or fear around certain staff members.
- Becoming unusually fearful, jumpy, or easily startled
- Social isolation or refusal to participate in activities they previously enjoyed
- Repetitive or unusual behaviors such as rocking, mumbling, sucking, or biting
Sexual Abuse Signs
Contact a Chicago nursing home sexual abuse lawyer if you see any of these signs:
- Bruising, cuts, or unexplained bleeding in the genital or anal area
- Sudden development of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Torn, blood-stained, or missing undergarments
- Signs of trauma, such as withdrawal, fear, anxiety, or depression
At IllinoisLawyers.com, our team can connect you with the best Chicago nursing home sexual abuse lawyer for your case so you don’t have to look for one yourself.
Neglect and Abandonment Signs
If you notice these conditions, contact a nursing home neglect lawyer immediately:
- Severe dehydration or malnutrition from lack of proper care
- Untreated medical conditions, recurring infections, or bedsores
- Unsanitary or unsafe living environments (e.g., soiled bedding, pests, clutter)
- Lack of access to hygiene products, clean clothing, or bathing assistance
- Being left unattended for long periods or abandoned without a care plan
A nursing home neglect lawyer can help secure justice and protect future residents.
What to Do If You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse
If something feels wrong, trust your instincts — quick action can protect your loved one from further harm. Here’s what to do:
1. Get Help Fast
If your loved one is in immediate danger, call 911. You can also move them to a hospital or another care facility for safety.
2. Gather Evidence
Write down what you see — dates, times, names, and details. Take photos of injuries, unsafe conditions, or anything suspicious.
3. Report It
Contact the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) at 1-800-252-4343 or file an online report. You can also reach out to Adult Protective Services for seniors or individuals with disabilities.
4. Talk to a Chicago Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Lawyer
Nursing home neglect attorneys and/or abuse lawyers can investigate, build a strong case, and fight for compensation for medical bills, pain, and suffering.
Speak With a Chicago Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Today for Free
Abused residents are 3× more likely to be hospitalized and 300% more likely to die than those not abused (Nursing Home Abuse Center, 2025). No family should have to fight abuse or neglect alone. At IllinoisLawyers.com, we’ll connect you with an experienced Chicago nursing home abuse attorney who can review your case, explain your options, and help you take action — all at no cost to you.
Your consultation is 100% free and confidential, and there’s no obligation to move forward. We treat every family the way we’d treat our own — with honesty, compassion, and relentless advocacy.
Call Illinois Lawyers today at (312) 346-5320 or (800) 517-1614, no appointment needed, just call. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can help protect your loved one and hold negligent facilities accountable.
FAQs
- Why are Illinois Nursing Homes among the Worst in the Nation?
Illinois ranks near the bottom for nursing home quality because of:
- Chronic understaffing – not enough caregivers for residents’ needs
- Poor training and oversight – staff often lack proper skills and supervision
- Corporate cost-cutting – for-profit chains put profits before care
- Frequent violations – state inspections regularly find safety and care failures
These issues lead to high rates of neglect, preventable injuries, and abuse across many facilities.
- Why is Nursing Home Abuse Underreported?
Most cases go unreported because:
- Fear of retaliation – residents worry about losing care or facing punishment
- Cognitive impairments – conditions like dementia make communication difficult
- Lack of awareness – families may miss warning signs or assume they’re normal aging
Regular visits, open conversations, and close observation can help uncover abuse early.
- Where Do I File a Complaint Against Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect?
You have several options for reporting:
- Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH): Call 1-800-252-4343 or submit a complaint online
- Adult Protective Services: Call 1-866-800-1409 for seniors or adults with disabilities
- Local Police: Call 911 if the situation is urgent or life-threatening
After reporting, speak with a nursing home abuse attorney at IllinoisLawyers.com to help protect your loved one’s rights and explore legal action.
