Bloomington Nursing Home Lawyer

We Fight For You – Bloomington, IL Nursing Home Lawyer

A reputable nursing home lawyer Bloomington, IL depends on understands that not all nursing homes provide an adequate level of care for their residents. Nursing homes are places that provide care, amenities, and other services to elderly individuals. Finding a great nursing home is a top priority for many senior citizens and their families. When family members are unable to provide the care they need to their elderly loved ones, they may decide that a nursing home is the best option for them. While the majority of nursing homes provide the highest level of care to senior citizens, some have been flagged for how they treat their senior residents. Some nursing homes have a record of violations and instances of abuse that have occurred. If you or a loved one have been a victim of abuse or neglect at a nursing home, it is important to seek the help of an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. You have access to legal services that can give you the support you deserve after your experience. Victims have the right to take critical action against a nursing home if they have suffered an injury while under the care of a nursing home employee. Learn about your legal rights and contact a top nursing home lawyer like one from Pioletti Pioletti & Nichols to discuss the specific details of your case. 

Nursing Home Lawyer In Bloomington, IL

When it’s time to find a long-term or permanent living facility for their elderly loved one, families often look to nursing homes as an appropriate solution. The many services and resources offered by nursing homes are appealing for many families, and most provide a high quality of care. Unfortunately, that is not always the case for every nursing home. Cases of abuse that result in senior residents suffering serious injuries have been reported. Illinois is a state that has one of the highest reported cases of nursing home abuse in the country. Such incidents should not be ignored and every case should be thoroughly investigated with the help of an experienced lawyer. 

The attorneys at Pioletti Pioletti & Nichols have years of experience handling nursing home claims. Providing clients with quality legal services is a top priority, and they are committed to using their full resources to obtain the best outcome. They have successfully represented families whose loved ones have suffered an injury or passed away as a result of abuse that occurred in a nursing home. As a skilled legal team, they have handled a diverse pool of cases with varying levels of complexity. They believe in fiercely advocating for all impacted families and have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for many families. No family should have to endure the trauma that comes with a case of abuse, and they will use their full legal resources to make sure that victims and their families get justice. 

Common Signs of Elder Abuse You Shouldn’t Ignore

If you have a loved one who is currently living in a nursing home facility, then you may feel some concern for how well they are being cared for from time to time. If you want to be assured that your loved one is getting proper care, then it can be important for you to keep your eye out for signs of abuse. If you are unsure what elder abuse in a nursing home would look like, here are a few things to keep in mind. 

1. Changes In Behavior

One giveaway that you may need to contact a nursing home lawyer in Bloomington, IL is that there is a noticeable change in behavior coming from your loved one. A resident that is being abused may go through bouts of moodiness. They may seem more angry than usual, or possibly more withdrawn and secretive. Additionally, if you notice that their body language changes and becomes significantly more closed off around certain caregivers, it can be a hint that you might need to contact a law firm like Pioletti Pioletti & Nichols. 

2. Physical Signs of Neglect

Along with changes in behavior, another hint that you might need to contact a nursing home lawyer in Bloomington, IL is that there are clear signs of physical neglect. These signs can take different forms. In some cases, you might notice bruising or bed sores. In other cases, you might see things like unkempt hair and clothes. Either way, these can all be signs that it could be beneficial to get someone like Pioletti Pioletti & Nichols involved. 

3. An Understaffed Facility

Something else that you might want to talk to a nursing home lawyer in Bloomington, IL about is a facility that is noticeably understaffed. Even if the workers in that facility are doing a great job and staying on top of their tasks, the reality is that if they are understaffed it is highly unlikely that the residents there will be getting proper treatment. A lack of proper staffing can quickly lead to neglect, and other unsafe conditions for nursing home residents. 

If you have a loved one who is residing in a nursing home, then you may sometimes wonder if they are getting the proper care. By educating yourself about what nursing home neglect looks like, you can help ensure that your loved one is being properly cared for, or be ready to contact the right lawyer if need be.

Nursing Home Infographic

3 Common Elder Abuse Myths

1. There Are Always Visible Signs of Elder Abuse

You might believe that it would be completely unmistakable if your loved one was experiencing abuse in their nursing home. You would be so quick to contact a nursing home lawyer in Bloomington, IL if you saw any type of physical trauma on your parent’s face, arms, or legs. However, the truth of the matter remains that there are plenty of ways that elders are being abused that don’t result in any visible harm to their bodies.

Pioletti Pioletti & Nichols has represented many victims that were abused verbally and mentally that had no noticeable outward signs of abuse. Sometimes elder abuse happens through a general lack of care or severe understaffing at a nursing home facility. Don’t just rely on what your eyes can see and remember to trust your instincts if you feel something isn’t right with the care of your loved one.

2. Nursing Homes Are the Only Place Elder Abuse Happens

While many people hire a nursing home lawyer in Bloomington, IL because of abuse that takes place in a specific facility, there are other places where elder abuse can take place. You may have an in-home caretaker that is not treating your loved one well, so it can take place in your home or the home of your elder. Piolette Pioletti & Nicholas recognize that elder abuse is not limited to a type of caregiver or type of facility. There are even some situations that a different family member or trusted family friend who is caring for your loved one could be guilty of elder abuse.

3. The Elder Has to Report Being Abused

You might think that if your older loved one can’t talk about their abuse and confirm it that there is nothing a nursing home lawyer in Bloomington, IL can do to help your case. There are many instances where people who are being abused are too afraid or too much in denial to openly admit that they are being abused. For elders, sometimes dementia or other memory loss issues can prevent them from coming forward. Experienced attorneys like Pioletti Pioletti & Nicholas can help you move your elder abuse case forward, no matter if your loved one is able to talk about the abuse they have experienced. It is in the best interest of your loved one to make the right judgment call and obtain legal representation if you think something is wrong. 

Signs Of Nursing Home Abuse And Neglect

If you suspect that your senior loved one may be experiencing abuse, there are several warning signs you can look out for. Abuse and neglect within nursing homes are a growing problem. Nursing home abuse can be hard to detect. They often occur behind closed doors, so it can be difficult to notice a pattern of behavior. Many nursing home abuse and neglect victims are reluctant to share their experiences or are not able to. Some signs may be more subtle than others, but it’s important to make careful observations and look for anything suspicious or out of the ordinary for your loved one. Your loved one may not know how to communicate what they are going through. Here are some common signs of nursing home abuse: 

• Unexplained injuries
• Weight loss
• Frequent illness
• Infection
• Malnutrition
• Dehydration
• Pressure ulcers (bed sores)
• Fear or anxiety
• Unusual changes in behavior
• Understaffing
• Unsanitary conditions

Not all of these signs are present in each nursing home abuse incident. However, if you notice your loved one acting out of the ordinary, it may warrant an investigation. If you suspect that abuse and neglect are going on in a nursing home, request a private and confidential consultation with a trusted lawyer and they will assess your case carefully. You do not need to have concrete evidence available if you believe that abuse is going on. An experienced lawyer can give you the legal support you need if you or a loved one is experiencing nursing home abuse or neglect. 

Seek Urgent Help From A Skilled Lawyer 

It is critical to take action sooner than later if you believe your loved one may be experiencing abuse in a nursing home. There is limited time to file a claim for nursing home abuse. In Illinois, the statute of limitations to file a nursing home abuse claim is two years from the date of injury. A lawyer will need some time to collect evidence and work on the case. Even if you are not sure if you have a valid case, contact a lawyer and they will be able to give you guidance for the next steps that you should take. Contact a trusted nursing home lawyer in the Bloomington, IL community for a confidential appointment and discuss ways you can take legal action. Call Pioletti Pioletti & Nichols today.

Here are 4 signs that could lead you to contact a nursing home lawyer in Bloomington, Illinois at Pioletti Pioletti & Nichols.

PHYSICAL ABUSE

If you notice any indications of injury, you are required to ask your loved one about it. Physical abuse is one of the most common signs of abuse. However, it can be a challenge to spot, especially if the signs of abuse are located on less visible parts of the body. You have a right to inquire about suspicions of abuse with nursing home workers or management. You ought to also require an explanation from the retirement home. If they cannot give you an adequate or consistent explanation, you should go to a lawyer for help. If you feel something is being hidden from you, it’s up to you to act.

Physical abuse takes many forms and might arise from limiting the patient or applying other unneeded force. Sometimes nursing home staff will have a difficult time with patients because they are not being cooperative. Despite the factor, it’s inexcusable.

Some physical signs of abuse include:

• Bruises or scrapes
• Damaged bones
• Burns
• Indications of restraint on ankles and wrists

Numerous retirement home clients are mentally disabled and unable to effectively communicate. These people are in greater danger. If you observe any of the indications above and can’t get a straight response, it’s time to get in touch with a nursing home legal representative.

SEXUAL ABUSE

It’s tough to picture sexual assault taking place at a nursing home, but it does. In these cases, sexual contact is forced upon the elderly patient versus their will.

Sexual assault is more common with patients who are mentally disabled and can not verbalize the abuse or resist.

Some of the indications that your enjoyed one is a victim of sexual abuse include contusions or injuries in the vicinity of personal areas or an unexpected problem when trying to stand or walk. Another indication is the contraction of a sexually sent disease.

If a client unexpectedly begins acting frightened or tense around a specific staff member, sexual assault might have occurred.

If you need to learn more about how a nursing home lawyer in Bloomington, IL can assist you please contact Pioletti Pioletti & Nichols.

MENTAL ABUSE

Mental abuse is more difficult to identify and is likewise one of the most common types of nursing house abuse. It can take the kind of harassment, intimidation, spoken risks, intentional humiliation, or frightening a client on purpose.

The warnings signs of psychological abuse are behavioral and include:

• Depression
• Stress and anxiety
• Seclusion
• Worry of a team member
• Relationship concerns with other citizens

If several of these behavioral changes appear rapidly and without reason, abuse might be happening. If your loved one provides any indicator of this, it’s time to work with retirement home legal representation.

SIGNS OF NEGLECT

When disregard happens in a retirement home, it can lead to serious injury or even death. The problem with cases of overlook is that it might be difficult to recognize a single, guilty team member.

Sometimes overlook is unintentional or committed by a variety of team members. This could be the outcome of an understaffed assisted living home or a lack of correctly competent staff members. This does not mean it’s excusable.

The results of disregard can be devastating to a patient. Some of the significant indications that overlook has happened include:

• Dehydration
• Bedsores
• Personal health concerns
• Medical issues left neglected
• Sudden weight-loss

Any kind of abuse or neglect that occurs in nursing homes should not be tolerated. Elderly individuals rely on staff to take care of them and ensure they are properly cared for. When healthcare workers and staff members in nursing homes break that, the responsible parties should be pursued to the fullest extent. Nursing home victims deserve rightful treatment and resources to recover from their experience. If you notice any of these symptoms, your loved one may not be getting the appropriate care they need. If left alone, these issues could cause serious health threats.

If your loved one is experiencing malnutrition while staying at a nursing home, a lawyer in Bloomington, Illinois can help.

It’s no secret that as we get older, our appetite fades. Sometimes we just aren’t as interested in eating as we used to be, and our taste buds change over time. In other cases, our elderly relatives may be prescribed medication that makes certain foods taste bad, and if your loved one has suffered a stroke they might have problems eating, too.

All of these changes are natural and largely unavoidable, but they can result in malnutrition in our older relatives. Knowing the causes behind poor nutrition is important, but it’s even more important to know what sort of signs to be looking for if you’re worried that your loved one isn’t eating as healthily (or as much) as they should.

What are the signs of malnutrition?

When you visit your loved one in the nursing home, it pays to look for certain behaviors that might show that they’re being malnourished. Before you contact a nursing home lawyer in Bloomington, IL, you should take steps to understand the extent of any abuse your relatives might be suffering through. There are a few major warning signs to recognize:

• Bad mood or depression: Settling into a new nursing home might cause some stress and frustration, but if it continues it could be a sign of something more serious. When we aren’t fed enough, we get moody and temperamental – and the same applies for your loved ones living in nursing homes.
• Loose-fitting clothing: If your relative isn’t openly communicating their nutrition problems, you might need to resort to a little detective work. If their clothing is suddenly very loose, it could indicate they aren’t being fed enough, and are loosing weight as a result. This can be especially dangerous for our older relatives.
• Low energy: We all slow down as we get older, but have you noticed that your loved one has been a little too slow lately? Be on the lookout for sudden drops in energy level, as well as a general disinterest in activities you know your loved one typically enjoys.

There are many other signs of malnutrition to be aware of if you’re hoping to keep your loved one healthy. If they have experienced injuries that don’t seem to heal, or they have expired food in their refrigerator, for example, it may indicate malnutrition.

It’s important to stay vigilant about how much your loved one has been eating: Aside from the obvious health problems that can arise from malnutrition, there could be something much more sinister at play.

The Do’s and Don’ts: Tips for Placing Your Loved One Into a Nursing Home

Do Start the Conversation Early

It’s never too early to prepare. Moving into a nursing home is a huge life change that can bring with it intense emotions such as fear, anger, or confusion. It’s important to consider loved ones’ feelings in this situation and to incorporate their feedback into the transition as much as possible. Your loved one may need time to adjust and process the new information. 

Do Think Through the Details

The unknown makes many people feel anxious. Planning ahead will give your loved one time to understand what life in a nursing home could be like. For example, taking pictures of the amenities offered by the facilities you tour can help you and your loved one identify specific activities to enjoy there. It is also crucial to review all admission documents carefully with a nursing home lawyer in Bloomington, IL before signing to protect your rights should something go wrong. This can certainly be a tricky task, especially during such an emotional time, which is why the experienced attorneys at Pioletti Pioletti & Nichols are dedicated to assisting you through it.

Do Focus On the Positives

There are many benefits that come along with placing your loved one into a nursing home, including more socialization and activities, increased safety and a better level of care among others. If you discuss these positives with elderly loved ones, it may help to reduce any resistance they may be feeling.

Don’t Blame Yourself

It’s normal to feel some guilt when placing your loved one into a nursing home. Still, you should try to remember that you are not the cause of your loved one’s physical or mental limitations. You will continue to be a caregiver in a new way that will allow your loved one to receive consistent care while also allowing you to live the life you deserve outside of caregiving. In the unfortunate case that something should go wrong while your loved one is a resident, a nursing home lawyer in Bloomington, IL can help you determine your options for holding the responsible party accountable.

Don’t Do It Alone

Enlist the support of relatives, friends, and other community members to help your family through this transition. United support may help convince your loved one about the move. Additionally, a nursing home lawyer in Bloomington, IL should review the necessary documents before you move forward and sign an admission agreement. The attorneys at Pioletti Pioletti & Nichols are committed to navigating the admission requirements with you and protecting your family’s rights.

Arbitration Agreements

Tucked in between the pages of that stack of admission papers you are being required to sign to admit your loved one into an Illinois nursing home just maybe a mandatory arbitration agreement. Signing means you are signing away your right to sue the facility if something happens to your loved one. Many people have no idea that as they are signing the dozens of admission documents when placing a loved one in a nursing home is that nestled in between those dozens of documents may be a mandatory arbitration agreement, which many nursing homes are now requiring.

By signing the arbitration agreement, families are signing away their right to file a lawsuit if something should go wrong, and instead of a Bloomington, IL nursing home lawyer filing a lawsuit on their behalf, they must go before a professional mediator. According to many elder care advocates, arbitration is usually not in the best interest of the family, who not only has to hire an attorney, but also has to pay its share of the arbitrator fees, which may run into an hourly rate of hundreds of dollars.

In one case that shone the spotlight on this issue and hit the national media, a few weeks after a family had admitted their elderly father into a nursing home, staff members dropped their father while they were using a lift device. An ambulance was called to the facility; however, staff canceled the ambulance before it arrived because the victim’s vital signs had stabilized. Later that night, an ambulance was called again, and he was rushed to the hospital because he had become unresponsive. Doctors discovered that the fall had caused extensive bleeding in his brain. He died a few days later.

The family had no idea they had signed the arbitration agreement until they spoke with an attorney in their effort to find out what legal recourse they had against the nursing home for their father’s death.

Why You Should Contact a Bloomington, IL Nursing Home Lawyer

Admitting a loved one into a nursing home can be a very upsetting and emotional time for a family. With all the documentation required to be signed, it’s easy to see how many families don’t always realize what they’re actually signing. When they learn what they have signed their right to file a lawsuit away, many families complain that the nursing home is being deceptive in the way the arbitration form is presented.

Besides the financial strains, arbitration can have on a family, settlements are also much less than lawsuits awards. Another benefit to the nursing home is that all information disclosed during arbitration is confidential, unlike a courtroom, where everything a detailed public record is kept.

Before signing any documents with a nursing home, contact Pioletti Pioletti & Nichols to speak with a Bloomington, IL nursing home lawyer.

Nursing Home Lawyer Bloomington, IL

If you suspect your loved one to have suffered abuse in a nursing home then it is in your best interest to contact a nursing home lawyer in Bloomington, IL. You most likely did your homework in ensuring that the facility you were putting your loved one in was going to give them the utmost care. However, despite that things can go wrong and you are left with dealing with what happens after. 

When Is a Nursing Home Liable for Elder Abuse and Neglect? 

It has to be demonstrated that the nursing home or the employees have acted negligently, and then they can be held liable for any resulting damages. Some of these damages may be medical bills, pain and suffering, disfigurement, or disability from an injury at the nursing home. All of this can happen for a few reasons and some of those are: 

• Negligent Hiring: When a nursing home hires people they have an obligation to their residents to hire qualified individuals. This means that they have the requisite academic degrees for the position they are hired at and have no record of abuse or violence. If a nursing home hires its employees without conducting a proper background check it is putting the residents at risk. In this case, the nursing home would be held responsible for the case of abuse. 

• Understaffing: According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) the average staff to resident ratio is one staff member to every 1.64 residents. This is roughly one staff member to every 2 residents. When a nursing home fails to employ a reasonable amount of staff members, residents have a chance to be neglected because there is no one to look after them properly. 

• Inadequate Training: In some cases, nursing home employees are not provided with proper training to handle disabled or disobedient residents. This can lead to the injury of patients and that is when the nursing home can be held accountable.  

• Third-Party Responsibility Claim: Nursing homes can be held responsible for any abuse caused by a third party within the residence. This is because the nursing home has a duty to provide a safe environment for the residents. For example, if a resident is injured by another resident or a guest of another resident then the nursing home can be found liable. 

• Medication Errors: Medications are a part of old age and nursing home residents can suffer if they aren’t provided the right dosage of medication at the right time. If the resident is injured by a prescription drug error then the physician, pharmacy, or pharmacist can be held accountable. 

• Breach of Statutory or Regulatory Rights: Residents in a nursing home are entitled to autonomy, dignity, and privacy. A nursing home can be held liable if one of its employees violates these rights. 

If you suspect that your elderly family member has been abused then it is in your best interest to contact a nursing home lawyer in Bloomington, IL for more information. 

Nursing home abuse? Contact Pioletti Pioletti & Nichols today.

Most nursing homes are reputable establishments. They provide care for our aging relatives, and they are attentive to their needs. But unfortunately, there are some that don’t provide the care that our loved ones deserve. Malnutrition in a nursing home could indicate a deeper problem, and although your relative may be hesitant to talk about their problems, nursing home abuse can be hiding in plain sight.

If you suspect your loved one has been experiencing malnutrition, neglect, and even physical abuse in a nursing home, contact Pioletti Pioletti & Nichols today, and see how a nursing home lawyer in Bloomington, IL, can help you both get the compensation and justice you deserve.