Serious injuries, physical pain, and lost quality of life are just a few of the consequences Chicago residents can face after a nursing home elopement. For over 40 years, our Chicago nursing home wandering and elopement lawyer has earned clients’ trust thanks to our fervent dedication to each case. That trust is earned through diligent representation and close communication with each client.
Call now to learn how a Chicago nursing home abuse lawyer can fight for the compensation your family needs. The Rooth Law Firm can assess your case at no cost or obligation to you.
Call An Illinois Nursing Home Abuse & Personal Injury Lawyer Today
We have been advocating for the injured since 1984. Let us fight to hold wrongdoers accountable and recover the financial damages your family needs.
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What Our Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Can Do for You
No family should have to go through the fear and pain of wondering where their loved one is or of knowing their loved one was injured because the nursing home you trusted to look after them failed in their responsibility.
The Rooth Law Firm understands your distress. We want to serve as your voice and guide you through the legal system as you seek the compensation you deserve. Our legal team is prepared to:
- Investigate the nursing home and collect evidence that can help prove they were negligent
- Identify all of the damages you are eligible for
- Negotiate for a settlement that covers all of your past, present, and future needs
- Manage day-to-day legal tasks, such as filling out paperwork or fielding phone calls
- Take your case to trial if necessary—Robert J. Rooth has extensive trial experience and is not afraid to confront large corporations or insurers
All the while, we are there for our clients 24/7. Whenever you call with questions or updates, a member of our staff will be there to assist you.
What You Can Do if Your Loved One Wanders or Elopes
If your loved one may be in danger, even if they have not actually eloped yet, you can take action to protect them:
- Call 911 or directly contact the Chicago Police Department if the danger is imminent
- Call Adult Protective Services (APS)
- Remove your loved one from the negligent facility as soon as you can
- File a complaint with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)
Once your loved one is safe, you can contact our personal injury attorney to consider your options for taking legal action against the long-term care facility.
A Negligent Nursing Home May Owe You Damages
Wandering is a common occurrence in nursing homes. Individuals with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or depression may be at the highest risk for wandering and elopement.
If your loved one suffers from one of these conditions, do not be afraid to ask the nursing home staff what the plan is to prevent elopement and any injuries that may occur because of it. If the staff has no plan in place, this is likely a sign of understaffing or lack of training, both of which cause a large percentage of nursing home abuse lawsuits.
If the long-term care facility failed to prevent your loved one from wandering, they could be liable for your losses, including:
- Your loved one’s pain and suffering
- New or worsened disabilities
- Reduced independence or quality of life
- Costs associated with relocating your loved one
- Medical bills for treating neglect- or abuse-related injuries
For more information about how our Chicago lawyer can champion your rights and fight for justice, call The Rooth Law Firm today.
Call An Illinois Nursing Home Abuse & Personal Injury Lawyer Today
We have been advocating for the injured since 1984. Let us fight to hold wrongdoers accountable and recover the financial damages your family needs.
CALL US NOW
FAQs Regarding Wandering and Elopement
You may have a lot of questions about how your loved one could have wandered off and what your rights are in this situation. The Rooth Law Firm is eager to address all of your concerns. We can make sure you understand everything about your case, including the following issues, before you take action:
What Is Considered Wandering? What Counts as Elopement?
Elopement occurs when a resident exits a nursing home facility without approval or leave. Wandering is a culmination of behaviors that appear like aimless movement.
Wandering, however, is anything but aimless. Often, elderly individuals who wander feel a pull to go to a specific place or find a specific object. They will usually go to that place or search for that object on a persistent basis.
Why Are Wandering and Elopement Dangerous?
Elopement and wandering can lead to significant injuries from falls, including fractures and broken bones. They can also lead to missed medication or the use of unnecessary medication on the part of impatient or undertrained staff.
How Do You Prevent Wandering and Elopement?
The best way to avoid the consequences of wandering and elopement is to take steps to prevent it. Nursing homes should conduct a series of assessments to determine which residents may be at risk of wandering.
What Are the Signs of Imminent Elopement?
Elopement may be imminent if the resident is:
- Unhappy about being in the nursing home
- Restless or agitated for an unknown reason
- Walking to the same place repeatedly
- Searching for a missing item or person
It is the nursing home’s job to identify and deal with such warning signs before elopement occurs. The Rooth Law Firm can hold them responsible for any injuries your loved one suffered because of the home’s negligence.
Do Not Let Your Loved One’s Nursing Home Get Away With Negligence
Nursing home elopement cases are often the result of the home’s failure to act with reasonable care. The Rooth Law Firm is here to provide Chicago-area clients with proper advocacy for their cases.
Our personal injury lawyer treats each case with the care and attention it deserves. We know you and your family have just had the worst experience of your lives. Call now so we can help set things right by holding the liable party accountable and recovering fair compensation for your losses. We charge no attorneys’ fees up front.
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