What Steps Should I Take if My Loved One is Abused or Neglected in a Nursing Home?
Discovering that a loved one has experienced abuse or neglect in a nursing home can be extremely distressing for the family members. If you find yourself in this situation, taking prompt and appropriate action is vital. Here are the steps you should consider:
Ensure Immediate Safety
If there’s an immediate threat to your loved one’s safety as a nursing home resident, contact local law enforcement to intervene and ensure their immediate protection.
Seek Medical Attention
If your loved one has sustained injuries or is in poor health due to neglect, seek medical attention promptly. Document injuries and gather medical records, as this documentation may be crucial for legal proceedings.
Contact Authorities
Report the elder abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities, such as a state or national center against nursing home neglect, health and human services offices, or even the World Health Organization representatives. In Illinois, you can contact the Illinois Department on Aging’s Elder Abuse Hotline (Adult Protective Services Hotline) at 1-866-800-1409. Additionally, notify the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Document Everything
Keep detailed records of any signs of emotional or physical abuse and neglect, including photographs of injuries, a timeline of incidents, and any relevant conversations at the nursing homes. Documentation can be valuable evidence if legal action becomes necessary in a case of nursing home neglect.
Speak with Facility Staff
Engage with the nursing home facilities staff, management, and administrators about your concerns of physical harm or other types of abuse and neglect. Request a meeting with the relevant nursing home employees to discuss the issues you have observed and seek clarification on the steps they will take to address the problem.
Remove Your Loved One if Necessary
If the nursing home abuse or neglect is ongoing, and the nursing home is not taking appropriate action, consider relocating your loved one to a safer environment. Their well-being is the top priority.
Preserve Evidence
Preserve any evidence of the assisted living facilities or nursing home abuse or neglect, including sexual abuse or financial abuse. This includes keeping any written communication, photos, medical records, and other relevant documents. These can be vital in building a case.
Monitor Your Loved One’s Well-Being
Stay vigilant about your loved one’s well-being even after taking these steps against nursing home abuse or elder abuse. Regularly check in, monitor their physical and emotional state, and ensure they receive appropriate care.
Consult with an Attorney
Contact an experienced nursing home abuse attorney to discuss your case. They can provide guidance on your legal options, help you understand your loved one’s rights, and advise on the best course of action, such as filing a lawsuit against nursing homes for compensation or reporting nursing home abuse to relevant licensing boards.
Types of Evidence Your Attorney will Collect to Prove Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect
When building a case to prove nursing home abuse or neglect, your attorney will gather various types of evidence to strengthen your claim. Here are key types of evidence that may be collected:
- Documentation of Injuries or Decline in Health: This includes records of injuries, physical abuse, changes in medication, and any decline in overall health.
- Images of Injuries or Poor Conditions: Your attorney may collect pictures of any injuries your loved one has sustained, the condition of their living quarters, or any signs of neglect, such as malnutrition or bedsores.
- Testimony from Residents, Staff, or Other Witnesses: Signed statements from individuals who witnessed the abuse or neglect at the nursing homes, including fellow residents, staff members, or visitors, can provide vital firsthand accounts.
- Records of Staffing Levels and Qualifications: Inadequate staffing can contribute to neglect. Your attorney may review records detailing staffing levels, staff qualifications, and schedules to determine if the facility had appropriate resources to care for residents.
- Video Footage from Security Cameras: If the nursing home has surveillance cameras, your attorney may request access to footage that could capture incidents of abuse or neglect.
- Personnel Files and Employment History: Reviewing nursing home employee records can provide insights into the background of staff members involved in the alleged abuse or neglect, including any history of disciplinary actions or complaints.
Empower Your Loved Ones with the Dedicated Advocacy they Deserve
At Hipskind & McAninch, LLC, our commitment to justice in nursing home abuse and neglect cases is backed by a high success rate, recognition as Super Lawyers® Rising Stars, and a legacy of standing up for the rights of nursing home residents. Reach out to our top legal team, where compassion meets tenacity of purpose. Call us at 618-617-6320 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation today.
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