Nursing Home Abuse LawyerWaterloo, IL

Fighting Negligence and Abuse in Nursing Homes

Nursing Homes and Long-Term Care facilities stake their reputations on trust and dependability, and that's why you choose the facility that you did. Your loved one was abused by the nursing home that your family trusted to care for their health, and they need to be held accountable for their horrible act. You need a Personal Injury Lawyer in Waterloo that has experience fighting Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuits. Our Personal Injury Law Firm in Waterloo is dedicated to protecting and fighting for the rights of those who have been injured and don't have the recourse or capability of fighting for their rights by themselves. We have the experience that your family needs to fight this Nursing Home Abuse lawsuit, and we won't stop until the business or individual who harmed your loved one is held fully responsible for their actions. We never charge to discuss your case, and you won't owe our lawyers any fees unless we win your nursing home abuse claim. Call or contact our Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in Waterloo now.

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

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There are always signs that will show if your loved one is being abused or neglected by their care providers. Does your loved one look like they've lost an unhealthy amount of weight? They may not be receiving the nutrition or meals they are allowed. Does your loved one have red areas on their body or what appear to be sores forming on their skin? They need to be moved to prevent these sores, and their caregiver isn't giving them the attention they need. Does your family member appear nervous or refuse to cooperate with nursing home staff? Your loved one may, unfortunately, be suffering from either abuse or harassment by the staff. Here are several signs that can indicate your loved one isn't receiving the care they are owed.

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. You're paying for your loved one to be taken care of, not abused and punished. This is not ok. You can and should sue a nursing home that neglects your loved one, and causes them to become malnourished or emaciated. What are other clear signs of possible malnourishment? Our Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in Waterloo 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. An additional warning is that the skin under the fingernails will take on a pale hue.
• 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 their muscles appear flaccid, or they are abnormally weak in stamina or strength, these are clear signs of 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 common in people who are bedridden or spend most of their time in a wheel chair. These wounds develop from pressure and lack of blood flow, and can cause the loss of limbs and life. If your loved one developed bed sores while at a nursing home, they were neglected and not given the care they deserve. 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 Waterloo 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 surrounded by discolored skin are now developing.
• 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 - Bones, muscles and ligaments are visible at this stage, and infection is nearly guaranteed.

Remember, bed sores, or the other name they are known by, pressure sores, are preventable. Proper care and attention is a direct combatant to bed sores, and if your loved one was being taken care of, they wouldn't have the sores. You can sue for bed sores, and you absolutely should. Their negligence caused your loved one to suffer, and if you let them continue to treat your loved one, it will happen again. Call our Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in Waterloo 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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Abuse isn't always apparent, and your loved one may either not be willing to admit or not able to admit that they are being abused. The thought that the nursing home or assisted living facility you've placed your loved one in is abusing them is a horrible thought, but it does happen. This is not an acceptable act, and its possibly criminal. Here are several signs to look for when you suspect your loved one is being abused or neglected:

• Financial Exploitation - If you aren't checking their finances daily, it can be easy to miss. {Higher than normal credit card bills, missing checks, or Wills that have been recently altered could be clear signs of financial exploitation of your loved one|If their credit cards are maxed out, if they are missing checks, or their will has been altered and you weren't alerted, this is a clear sign of exploitation|If their checks have gone missing, if their credit cards are being declined, and if any of their other finances appear to out of order, these can be signs of exploitation|The signs for this type of abuse will be altered wills, mysterious power of attorney forms, maxed out credit cards, and missing checks.
• Neglect - 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 - You can see this abuse by the physical marks that are left on your family member, such as cuts, bruises, scratches, lost hair, etc. For physical abuse, you can call the cops. You can also, and should also sue. Our Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in Waterloo 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. This type of abuse can be as violent and detrimental as actual physical abuse.

Here is a short video our Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in Waterloo 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 Waterloo 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 Waterloo now to protect your family.