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Recognizing the Signs of Nursing Home Negligence

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were approximately 1.4 million people living in nursing homes in 2013. People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities generally require significant medical care and assistance with everyday activities. It follows, then, that when nursing home staff are negligent in the performance of their duties, residents can suffer. Nursing home neglect is a serious issue and affects thousands of people each year, sometimes with devastating consequences. These incidents continue to occur in spite of significant federal and state regulation of the industry, and often give victims the right to file a legal claim. As a result, anyone who has been the victim of nursing home abuse should contact a Freeport nursing home neglect attorney as soon as possible.

Loved ones should be on the lookout for signs of abuse

Many studies indicate that the vast majority of nursing home abuse cases go unreported. In many cases, individuals who have been the victim of nursing home neglect are embarrassed to admit that any neglect took place or may even be unaware of the existence of a problem. As a result, it is often up to loved ones to notice abuse and report it to the proper authorities. Some of the common signs of nursing home neglect include the following:

• Unexplained weight loss

• Unsanitary conditions

• The unnecessary use of restraints

• Infections

• Bed sores

• Overmedication

• Undermedication

• Broken bones

• Depression

• Emotional withdrawal

It is important for family members of nursing home residents to recognize that nursing home negligence can take many forms, including physical and emotional neglect. People who suspect that their loved one is being subjected to nursing home neglect should report their concerns to the management of the facility as well as to the Illinois Department of Human Services. The agency takes reports of neglect very seriously and will thoroughly investigate claims of neglect or abuse. If you believe that your loved one is facing imminent harm, you should contact your local law enforcement authorities. Finally, you should be certain to contact an attorney who is familiar with handling cases of nursing home neglect. It is important for victims to retain legal counsel immediately, as personal injury claims are subject to a strict statute of limitations. As a result, any delay may jeopardize your legal right to recovery.

Contact a Rochelle nursing home negligence attorney today to schedule a free consultation

Anyone who believes that their loved one has been injured by nursing home negligence should contact an experienced nursing home negligence attorney as soon as possible. In many cases, the assistance of an attorney can result in significant financial recovery and an improved quality of life for victims. The Rochelle nursing home negligence attorneys of Fisk & Monteleone LTD. are committed to helping individuals who have been victimized by the negligence of others. To schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys, please contact our office today at 815-516-0818. If you would prefer to send us an email, please do so through our online contact form available here.