Best Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys in Springfield

Frequently Asked Questions

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

  To report non-emergency concerns to the Springfield Police Department, dial (217) 788-8311 or (217) 789-2186 (TTD).

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

  To get a copy of a traffic accident report, call the Springfield Police at (217) 788-8337 to make a request. You will be asked to mail a return envelope along with the $5 copy fee to the Springfield Police Department, 800 E. Monroe St., Springfield, IL 62701. For other types of reports, you can submit an online FOIA request at http://www.springfieldcityclerk.com/FOIA/OnlineRequest.aspx.

• Where should you report suspected nursing home abuse in Springfield?

  You can report the suspected abuse through the Adult Protective Services Springfield hotline 1-800-609-4000 or the statewide hotline 1-866-800-1409. If the senior resident is in immediate danger, call 911. Please provide specific information about the abuse to help with APS' investigation, including the names of the alleged victim and abuser, and details that made you suspect abuse.

• What are some early indications that your senior loved one is being abused or neglected in a Springfield nursing home?

  It's not always immediately apparent that a senior is being abused in a Springfield nursing home. Some early signs to look out for are the following:

  • Poor hygiene - Manifests as body odor, dirty clothing, overgrown nails, and urine and fecal odor.
  • Malnutrition or dehydration – Check for weight loss, swollen tongue, cracked lips, and dry mouth.
  • Reduced mobility – This may indicate negligence in providing regular exercise for the senior.
  • Increased confusion or drowsiness – The elder may be unnecessarily sedated or receiving incorrect medication.

• Which nursing home abuse situations result in criminal charges, and which ones lead to civil charges in Springfield?

  Nursing home abuse cases that involve criminal violations, like physical assault and theft of the resident’s money, get referred to the Springfield Police for processing. Meanwhile, a lot of cases are based on negligence and are processed as civil violations. These include leaving the resident unsupervised or immobile for long periods, not attending to the resident’s personal hygiene, and denying food and water.

• How long do you have to file a nursing home abuse case in Springfield?

  Nursing home abuse cases generally have a two-year statute of limitations under 735 ILCS 5/13-202. The deadline starts counting from the date the resident was injured or the injury was discovered, and this includes cases involving medical malpractice like medication error and misdiagnosis. If a resident passes away due to abuse or neglect in a Springfield nursing home, the surviving family has two years from the date of passing to file a wrongful death case.

• Is the use of physical or chemical restraints considered nursing home abuse in Springfield?

  Yes, the use of physical or chemical restraints is considered physical abuse in Springfield and a violation of the Nursing Home Care Act, specifically Sections 45/2-106 (b) and (c). No restraints should be used on a nursing home resident unless medically necessary. Restraints cannot be used to punish the resident or to make the facility staff’s jobs easier. Also, the resident’s informed consent or that of their authorized representative must be obtained before using restraints.