Finding out a loved one has been abused or neglected in a nursing home is painful and disheartening. Our Chicago nursing home neglect lawyer can ensure that pursuing justice for these claims is not. If your claim is successful, you will no longer need to worry about medical bills and other expenses going unpaid.
Call us for a free evaluation today. The Rooth Law Firm’s Chicago nursing home abuse lawyer gives each client undivided attention throughout the duration of their case. We know you have been wronged. Now let us fight for the justice your family deserves.
Standing Up for Your Family’s Right to Damages After Neglect
Families like yours trust long-term care facilities to provide their loved ones with the specialized attention they need. When the home fails in that responsibility, you have the legal right to hold them accountable and pursue financial compensation for your losses, including:
- Immediate medical expenses for any treatment your loved one needed to recover from the neglect
- Long-term medical costs if the neglect resulted in a permanent disability that requires lifelong care
- Relocation costs, if you decided to move your loved one into a different facility or even bring them home to live with you
- Pain and suffering for the physical and emotional distress your loved one endured
- Reduced quality of life, if your loved one lost the ability to perform certain activities or to take care of themselves in the ways they could before the neglect
The Rooth Law Firm has the skill and experience to handle even the toughest cases. We have helped many neglect victims by listening closely to their stories and coming up with creative ways to pursue their legal actions.
Proving Your Right to Damages
It is very likely that the nursing home will fight back against your claim. This is why strengthening your case with as much evidence as possible is vitally important. Our personal injury attorney often collects evidence like:
- Testimony from anyone who may have witnessed the neglect, including nursing home staff members or residents
- Your loved one’s medical records, which show what injuries they were diagnosed with and how they likely happened
- The nursing home’s internal records and any prior complaints that were filed against them (and how those complaints were resolved)
- Photos of any visible injuries your loved one suffered
As a small but aggressive firm, we never hesitate to start collecting as much evidence as possible, even when that involves directly asking the negligent nursing home for information.
Why Choose the Chicago Neglect Attorney at The Rooth Law Firm
For over 40 years, Robert J. Rooth has been advocating for people like you. In that time, we have accumulated a variety of skills, resources, and experiences that allow us to provide the kind of legal care you deserve:
- We are available 24/7 to answer your questions.
- We have handled cases involving every type of injury imaginable, so we understand the differences between various injury types and how to pursue each kind of case.
- Rooth has extensive trial experience, so if your case ends up before the Cook County Law Division or any other court, rest assured that we know how to present cases in a persuasive way.
The Rooth Law Firm’s personal injury lawyer is guided by a strong sense of fairness and always prioritizes getting justice for the people we represent. There is nothing more important to us than protecting your family’s future. Call today and pay nothing until we win.
Deciding if Your Personal Injury Case Will Go to Trial
As previously mentioned, we are not afraid of the courtroom, and we are always prepared to present a case before a judge and jury. But you should know that not all nursing home abuse cases go to trial. In fact, we are able to settle many claims out of court by:
- Negotiating with the liable party’s insurance company
- Pushing back if the insurer tries to place blame elsewhere or reduce your payout
- Working out a settlement agreement that meets your past, present, and future needs
We understand that the last thing you want to do is spend long days in a courtroom when your loved one needs your care and attention. If you hire our nursing home neglect attorney, The Rooth Law Firm can look for all possible ways of resolving your case out of court so your case does not go to trial.
Even if we do end up at trial, we can do all of the work. You do not have to worry about representing yourself, questioning witnesses, or submitting paperwork or evidence. We handle every task necessary for seeking justice after a nursing facility’s neglect.
What Is Nursing Home Neglect?
Neglect is one of the most common forms of elder abuse. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines “neglect” as “the failure to meet the older adult’s basic needs.” Older adults without close friends or relatives and those who suffer from dementia or similar conditions may be especially vulnerable to neglect.
Neglect may include:
- Failing to prevent falls or accidents
- Failure to address or prevent bed sores or pressure ulcers
- Not providing adequate food and water, or failing to help the resident eat and drink
- Denying necessary medical care, including medications or consultations with doctors
- Not allowing the resident to socialize and fulfill their emotional needs
Neglect Is Preventable
Nursing facilities have a legal and moral responsibility to ensure their residents are not neglected. This duty includes:
- Hiring enough staff members to attend to all residents’ needs
- Training staff in how to care for residents and to recognize signs of problems
- Acting quickly if a patient exhibits troubling symptoms or expresses concern
- Checking in with residents and their families to ensure everyone’s needs are being met
Recognizing the Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
Signs of neglect, according to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), vary depending on the type of neglect your loved one was subjected to. Symptoms to watch out for include but are not limited to:
- Unexplained changes in weight
- Unexplained marks or injuries
- An unkempt or dirty appearance
- Changes in mood, such as becoming withdrawn or irritable
- An unclean or dangerous environment
- A lack of essential items, such as assistive devices
The Rooth Law Firm’s nursing home abuse attorney has a reputation for providing personal attention and care to each individual client. If you notice any of these signs in your loved one or have another reason to believe they are being neglected, know that Rooth Gets Results. We are ready to start fighting for your family.
If Your Loved One Was Neglected, Take Action Now
Nursing home neglect can turn your life upside down. A consultation with The Rooth Law Firm’s neglect lawyer in Chicago can help make things right. If your loved one’s long-term care facility neglected them, our legal team can step in to confront the home on your behalf and fight for the compensation you need. Call to receive a free consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Find the Right Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer in Chicago?
It is important to do your due diligence before hiring an attorney. Research local law firms online, and ask friends and family if they know of reliable firms. When you meet with our team for the first time, feel free to ask plenty of questions about our services and the legal process, including:
- How much do you charge?
- How much experience do you have with neglect cases?
- Can you discuss past results?
- How might you handle my case?
Where Do I File a Nursing Home Neglect Complaint?
You can file a complaint with the Illinois Department of Public Health (DPH). If you feel your loved one is in imminent danger, you should also contact the Chicago Police Department for immediate assistance.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Nursing Home Neglect Cases?
In most instances, you have two years to file a lawsuit in response to nursing home neglect, though this can vary depending upon the circumstances. This deadline often starts counting down from the day the neglect occurred or the day when you discovered the neglect.
Figuring out the statute of limitations in your case can be complex, especially if the neglect went on for some time or if it took you a while to find out what was happening. We recommend reaching out to us as soon as possible so we have a better chance of meeting the deadline.
Can You Sue a Nursing Home for Neglect?
If we can prove that the nursing home (as opposed to another party, such as an organization the home contracts with) is responsible for your loved one’s injuries, then yes, you can sue the nursing home. However, these facilities are often owned by large, powerful corporations, so it can be helpful to have The Rooth Law Firm on hand to represent your interests and deal with these companies.