Best Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys in Chicago

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Chicago, Illinois?

  For non-emergency calls, contact the Chicago Police Department at (312) 746-6000.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Chicago, Illinois?

  To obtain a police report copy for your case in Chicago, you have two options. You can mail your request to the Chicago Police Department, Records Inquiry and Customer Service Section, Unit 163, 3510 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60653. Alternatively, you can acquire the report in person by visiting the Records Customer Services Section located at 3510 S. Michigan Avenue, 1st Floor, Room 1043, at the Central Police Headquarters.

• What are the indicative behaviors of elder abuse in Chicago nursing homes?

  In Chicago nursing homes, signs of elder abuse can be subtle. Elders may become withdrawn, exhibit fear, or communicate less. Often, they display symptoms similar to depression, anxiety, or PTSD. Other indicators include aversion to touch, rocking motions, or a decline in their mental state. Monitoring these behaviors is vital for the safety and well-being of residents.

• Is medication mismanagement in Chicago nursing homes considered abuse?

  Yes, any mishandling of medications for elderly facility residents is identified as abuse. If seniors show sudden behavioral shifts, confusion, or other unanticipated symptoms, it might be a red flag. A tragic instance in Chicago where an 85-year-old woman was denied her essential anti-stroke drug, which led to a stroke, highlights the gravity of such carelessness.

• In Chicago, when can one file a lawsuit against a nursing home?

  In Chicago, legal action can be pursued if a resident's rights are infringed or they're harmed by nursing home staff or their agents. This could stem from breaching the Illinois Nursing Home Care Act, careless actions, deliberate harm, or not honoring a contract. Actions solely under the Act don't demand a certificate of merit or an affidavit. But if there are claims of medical wrongdoing apart from Act violations, these documents become vital.

• What recent laws have been implemented in Chicago to strengthen elder protection in nursing homes?

  This year, two new laws have been introduced to enhance elder safety in nursing homes in Chicago and the rest of the state. One law fortifies resident rights, clearly forbidding non-therapeutic labor and making grievance procedures compulsory. The second law instructs the Illinois Department of Public Health to establish training rules, ensuring staff receive at least 10 hours yearly and broadening the department's annual evaluations. Experts stress the significance of these protective measures given the rampant underreporting of elder abuse.

• What factors contribute to the underreporting of nursing home abuse in Chicago?

  Within Chicago's elder care facilities, multiple reasons contribute to the silence on abuse. Often, residents grapple with feelings of humiliation or fear, inhibiting them from reporting. Some might not even discern the mistreatment or lack the mental clarity to act. A government report indicates that nearly one-fifth of ER visits originating from such homes are abuse-related. Additionally, many establishments in the city hesitate to relay such concerns to authorities or the Center for Medicare Services.