Attorneys for Neglect in Illinois Nursing Facilities

When you place an elderly loved one under the care of a nursing home or a skilled nursing facility, you have every right to presume that he or she will be treated with compassion, professionalism, and, above all, dignity. Unfortunately, the state of healthcare around the country is not what it should be, and reports of nursing home neglect and abuse are frighteningly common.

At Walsh, Knippen & Cetina, Chartered, we understand that falls are one of the most common causes of injury for seniors and that they can happen virtually anywhere. Falls that occur in a nursing home, however, are often the result of negligence, and the facility and its staff could be held liable.

Causes of Falls in Illinois Nursing Homes

As we age, we generally become more susceptible to falling. Unfortunately, our bodies also become less able to withstand such falls without serious injury. Nursing home patients are usually even more prone to falls than the average person, and it is up to the facility’s staff to take precautions and to prevent falls as much as possible. A nursing home resident may fall due to:

• Inadequate monitoring and supervision;
• Failure to timely respond to call lights and alarms;
• Inadequate assistance by staff members during ambulation and transfers;
• Objects or equipment left on floors;
• Side effects caused by prescription medication;
• Poorly maintained walkers, canes, or other walking aids;
• Unsupervised bathing or showering; and
• Overexertion.

Falls are also common when patients are left by themselves for too long. For example, a patient who requires assistance using the bathroom may get tired of waiting for a staff member. When the patient tries to get out of bed, he or she may fall and become seriously injured. In some cases, it may be many hours before the facility staff discovers the fall—during which time the injuries could become worse or even fatal. The Nursing Home Care Act 210 ILCS 45/1-101 et seq. prohibits neglect and abuse of the patients by the nursing home and its staff. Too often the corporate ownership puts profit over safety and violates their responsibilities to your loved one.

Protecting the Rights of Seniors in Will County

The skilled injury lawyers at Walsh, Knippen & Cetina, Chartered have helped many victims of nursing home neglect resulting in fall injuries. We understand the circumstances under which many residents fall, and we know how to build the strongest case possible in pursuit of compensation. When you choose our firm to help you and your family, we will go right to work in investigating the conditions of the facility in question so that we can identify any and all evidence that could be used to support your claim. We also promise to keep you abreast of our progress so that you are never left feeling alone in your fight.

If your elderly loved one has suffered an injury-causing fall in a nursing home, contact our office right away. Call 630-462-1980for a risk-free consultation today. We will review your case and help you explore your available options for taking action. Our firm serves clients in DuPage County, Cook County, Kane County, Will County, and throughout Illinois.