Nearly 30 percent of all abuse and neglect claims in the U.S. are for physical abuse. With more than 3 million elderly and dependent adults in nursing homes, that means approximately 1 million people are victims of elder abuse at the hands of their care providers each year. That number is unacceptable. Nursing home abuse must stop, and you must take steps to hold the perpetrators of such violence accountable for their actions. You can do this with the help of an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer.
Defining Physical Abuse
In Illinois, elder physical abuse means inflicting pain or injury upon an elderly individual. Examples of this abuse include:
- Hitting/beating
- Slapping
- Pushing
- Shaking
- Burning
- Biting
- Force-feeding
The improper or excessive use of restraints, along with the failure to treat pain, can also count as physical abuse.
While any single act may not seem severe, ongoing abuse can lead the victim to serious physical harm such as internal bleeding. Ongoing abuse can also lead to severe depression. These results can lead to a worsened health condition and eventually death. Do not let abuse get this far. Encourage your loved one to talk about what is happening in the nursing home on a daily basis and take steps to get to know all of the care providers that assist your loved one.
Connect with The Rooth Law Firm at (847) 869-9100 or through our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case.
Abuse Is Sometimes Unclear
Physical abuse can go on for weeks, months and even years without anyone noticing and without the victim saying anything. Victim silence is especially prevalent among the elderly, as they are often unclear about what is happening to them and worry they may face worsened violence if they speak up.
For these reasons, you must ensure you keep a close watch on your loved one. Look for indicators of abuse such as bruises, cuts, burn marks and other physical signs. Listen closely to explanations about where the injuries came from, as your loved one can confuse his or her cover stories. You can also watch the nurses and other care providers and listen to how they explain away the injuries. If you suspect abuse, report directly to the authorities and then reach out to our elder abuse law firm.
Report or Be Held Responsible
The Illinois Nursing Home Care Act and the Abused and Neglected Long Term Care Facility Residents Reporting Act require any nursing home employee or agent to immediately report suspected abuse to the Department of Public Health of the State of Illinois. If an employee or agent was aware of the abuse and did nothing about it, he or she may also be held liable for the violence and resulting injuries or death.
Contact us at (847) 869-9100 to make arrangements to discuss your case with our attorney today.