Nursing Home Abuse LawyerVandalia, IL

Fighting Negligence and Abuse in Nursing Homes

You should be able to trust the Nursing Home or Senior Care Facility that your loved one relies on. Your family's trust and your loved one's health have been violated by the very institution you chose. You need a Personal Injury Lawyer in Vandalia that has experience fighting Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuits. Our Personal Injury Law Firm in Vandalia holds nursing homes and assisted living facilities accountable for the abuse and neglect that they put their residents through, and we always hold these businesses accountable to the fullest letter of the law. We have the experience that your family needs to fight this Nursing Home Abuse lawsuit, and we'll make sure that the nursing home or assisted living facility is held fully liable for the harm they've caused your family. Our meetings are free of charge, and we don't charge any lawyers fee's unless we win your family's nursing home abuse claim. Call or contact our Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in Vandalia now.

How can I tell if my loved one is being abused in a nursing home?

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If your loved one is being abused, or is being neglected in their care, there are signs that will point to this neglect. Does your loved one's skin look thin, or stay pinched if you scrunch it? Their caregivers may not be feeding them regularly. Have they develop sores on their underside, or have agitated red skin? Your loved one, if they are immobile, may not be getting the attention that they need, or having their position. Is your family member nervous or unusually quiet around staff members? The staff may be abusing them. Here are several prominent signs that your loved one isn't receiving care or is being harmed.

1. Nursing Home Abuse Malnourishment

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This is one of the more visibly apparent forms of nursing home abuse. If their skin is sunken, and they look tired and lethargic, or they appear emaciated, they may not be getting the food or nutrition they need. This isn't right, and it's not ok. Your family member needs and deserves their food, and they should get it. Negligence and abuse are never ok, and you can sue the nursing home in court. What are other clear signs of possible malnourishment? Our Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in Vandalia have identified these conditions as possible signs of malnourishment:

• Skin Issues - The skin will take on a yellow hue, and in darker complexions, the skin may appear dull and heavily wrinkled. Another sign is that the skin beneath fingernails will appear white.
• Mouth Sores or Discoloration - If the mouth appears bright red, or if cankers sores are present, your loved one may be malnourished. Thrush or Yeast infections may also be present and can cause white patches to develop on the cheeks and tongue.
• Eye Issues - Worsening vision is a clear sign of malnourishment, as well as overly red eyes, glassy eyes, or swollen corneas.
• Muscular Problems - If your loved one is weak after completing simple every day tasks, or their muscles appear flaccid, the may be suffering from malnourishment.

Here is a short video detailing Nursing Home Abuse Malnourishment, and how our Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers can help.

2. Nursing Home Abuse Bed Sores

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Bed sores are an ailment that arises from individuals who are immobile, causing wounds that can eat down to the bone. They develop as ulcers and sores and can quickly become serious infections that if not dealt with, can lead to death or loss of limbs. If your loved one developed bed sores while in an assisted living facility, they were most likely not moved regularly, and were given neglectful or no attention. Bed Sores are even common in intensive care units. Bed Sores are easily avoidable if nursing homes give each resident their due diligence. Here are the different stages of bed sores our nursing home abuse lawyers in Vandalia have identified that can show your loved one may have bed sores:

• Stage 1. Bed Sore - The skin is red, warm to the touch, and your loved one may find it itchy or is already itching it.
• Stage 2. Bed Sore - Sores or blisters are now appearing on the skin.
• Stage 3. Bed Sore - The sore or blister is now at a more dangerous stage, and is causing a wide cavity to open in the flesh.
• Stage 4. Bed Sore - Infection is common at this stage, and the wounds are quite severe.

Remember, bed sores, or the other name they are known by, pressure sores, are preventable. Negligence caused the sores, and negligence can be sued. You can sue for bed sores, and you absolutely should. Negligence is never ok, and should never be accepted regardless of what excuse the nursing home or long-term care facility gives you. Call our Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in Vandalia now. We'll take care of your family and your loved one.

Here is a short video about Bed Sores and what you can do about them.

3. Nursing Home Abuse or Mistreatment

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Abuser know how to hide their actions, and even if they don't, your family member might not be willing to admit or not able to admit that they are being abused. Abuse does happen in nursing homes, and unfortunately, its happing to your family member in an assisted living facility that you trusted. Abuse is wrong, neglectful, and possibly criminal. Here are several signs to look for when you suspect your loved one is being abused or neglected:

• Financial Exploitation - This type of abuse can be hard to catch. This type of abuse leads to malnourishment, possible bed sores, dirty living conditions, and often serious infections. Neglect from a caregiver can also lead to self neglect.
• Physical Abuse - This type of abuse typically results in scratches, cuts, bruises, broken bones, and in some cases sexual abuse. If your loved one is suffering from any of these types of abuse, the police can be involved in the abuse. You absolutely should sue the nursing home that abuses your loved one. Our Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in Vandalia will fight for the recovery and rights of your loved one.
• Psychological Abuse - If your loved one is nervous around a caregiver, or is hesitant to talk when they are around, they could be the victim of psychological abuse. Psychological abuse is as terrible as any physical abuse.

Here is a short video our Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in Vandalia have prepared:

Are there any laws governing nursing home care?

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The Nursing Home Reform Act is clear on the laws and rights guaranteed to nursing home residents. These laws have to be followed, and can be used to prove that your loved one is not getting the care and attention they deserve, or that their rights are being taken away. According to the Nursing Home Reform Act, here is a quick breakdown of the rights your loved one can expect:

• Freedom from Abuse
• Freedom from Restraints
• The Right to Privacy
• The Right to Accommodation of social needs, psychological needs, physical needs, and medical needs
• The Right to Participate in Resident and Family Groups
• The Right to be treated with dignity
• The Right to exercise self-determination
• The Right to communicate freely
• The Right to review and participate in any aspect of the care they are receiving and any changes to it
• The Right to voice grievances

Your loved one has rights, by law, and if they've been violated you can pursue legal action against the Nursing Home or Assisted Living Facility that was entrusted with their care. Our Personal Injury Lawyers in Vandalia are well versed in the laws the govern nursing homes and the levels of care that residents are entitled to. We can help you and your family if you decide to pursue a claim against the assisted living facility. You have options, and those who harmed your family can be held accountable. Call or Contact Our Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in Vandalia now to protect your family.