Illinois Nursing Home Lookup

Nursing homes are a vital part of the healthcare system, but unfortunately, not all provide quality care. Patients in long-term care facilities are often vulnerable to abuse, neglect, and mistreatment.

It can be challenging to know which nursing home is the best fit for your loved one.

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyer, LLC, our personal injury attorneys can help you find the best nursing facility for your loved ones and ensure they receive the proper care. We have extensive experience investigating and prosecuting abuse, neglect, and mistreatment cases in nursing homes.

Your confidential or sensitive information is kept private through an attorney-client relationship with our nursing home abuse lawyer. Use the contact form to get prompt legal advice and arrange a free consultation.

Contact our Chicago nursing home abuse lawyer at (888) 424-5757 (toll-free phone number) for a free legal consultation.

Government List for Ongoing Poor Quality Ratings and Care Citations

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and state inspectors who publish online reports about ongoing nursing care quality provide several great resources for Illinois skilled nursing home patients, their families, and concerned citizens.

According to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services officials, the “Special Focus Facility” (SFF) program has been effective since 2008. Under SFF, CMS has targeted hundreds of facilities for more frequent inspections. In addition, CMS provides a detailed timeline and explains how the process works.

Illinois Special Focus Facility Program

In addition to CMS’s SFF program, Illinois has a “Focus Facility” system licensed and created in 2012 by state officials in response to a federal mandate. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and Health Care Financing Administration have continued to support the Special Focus Facility program, considered one of many quality initiatives.

Medicare & Medicaid monitors facilities with continuing issues with the overall quality and resident care and reports findings.

Nursing home surveys cover various quality issues, both good and bad. When a facility is identified for SFF monitoring, CMS officials assign a survey agency to conduct a comprehensive on-site review.

The agency sends a letter to the facility notifying them that they have been designated as an SFF. Even before the on-site survey, CMS already knows about some of the problems.

Illinois Skilled Nursing Home Violation Reports

According to Medicare, there are nearly 900 nursing homes in Illinois. These facilities house a total of over 90,000 residents. In the past three years, more than three dozen statewide nursing homes have been cited for health violations that caused injury or harm to residents living there.

These violations included infections, diseases, quality of care, and bedsores. These violations have been cited in federal and state agencies, with a specific number of citations for each agency noted.

In addition, these reports include the date of occurrence, violation category, a short description of the issue, any payments withheld for services, and the total penalties the nursing health care center has received.

Illinois Department of Public Health Star Rating System

Many Illinois residents are concerned about nursing home care. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Nursing Home Reporting Tool, April 2022 data reveals 1482 citations for nursing homes in Illinois.

The IDPH contains relevant information about every licensed nursing care home in Illinois. There are three categories in which facilities can be rated: health inspection, staffing, and quality indicators (QIs). The IDPH assigns a star ranking for each type.

Noted Violations

In addition to the nursing home’s overall rating, there is a list of severe deficiencies cited at each facility and a link to view actual reports.

According to the IDPH and Health Care Financing Administration, these violations “can be critical health, safety, or right-to-care issues identified during regular nursing home inspections.”

The list of deficiency categories considered the quality of care violations include:

• Resident rights
• Environmental issues
• Quality of care
• Nutrition and dietary issues
• Infection quality measures
• Rehabilitation services & procedures
• Pharmaceutical services
• Medication management practices
• Specialty rehabilitation
• Physical restraints

The following are a few examples of the hundreds of violations levied against nursing home administrators and long-term care facilities in Illinois:

Failure to Protect Residents From All Forms of Abuse

According to a state survey, some nursing homes “failed to immediately tell the administrator, physician or nurse in charge of the alleged abuse or neglect that maltreatment had occurred.”

While this particular center resolved its violation quickly after receiving points for failing to notify the proper authorities within one hour, you should always contact your local health department if you suspect that patient abuse has occurred.

Failure to Provide Adequate Staffing

One of the most common violations against nursing homes in Illinois is a failure to provide adequate staffing levels. This can lead to many problems, including:

• Residents not receiving the care they need promptly
• Residents are not being monitored as closely as they should be
• An increase in the number of falls and other accidents
• Bedsores and other health issues
• Residents feeling isolated and lonely

If you feel that your loved one is not receiving the care they need, or if you notice an increase in falls or accidents, you should contact the nursing care home immediately.

These are just a few examples of violations levied against long-term care facilities harming residents. If you have a loved one in a nursing home, it is vital to stay up-to-date on inspections and violations from Illinois and your local health department.

The Importance of Documentation in Nursing Home Care

When entrusting the care of a loved one to a nursing care home, you expect that they will receive the best possible care. The nursing home must keep proper records documenting their care to ensure this happens.

Maintaining records protects your loved ones and provides peace of mind knowing that their needs are correctly documented and met.

Why Documentation is Crucial for Nursing Home Residents

Unfortunately, some nursing homes fail to properly document the elder home care they provide. In fact, according to a state survey, “some nursing homes failed to document assessment data on all new residents.”

An initial assessment of your loved one’s health should already be in their treatment records. Furthermore, without this documentation, holding the nursing home accountable can be difficult if something goes wrong.

How to Ensure Proper Documentation is Kept

To ensure that proper documentation is being kept, you should regularly request copies of your loved one’s records and review them for accuracy. Discuss any discrepancies or missing information with the nursing care home caregivers if you notice any discrepancies or missing data.

Having a family member or friend visit your loved one regularly is also an excellent idea to keep you updated on their condition and any changes in their elder home care.

Inferior Nursing Care and Failure to Meet Every Resident’s Essential Needs

According to a state survey, some nursing homes failed to ensure that each resident received adequate pain medication. Unfortunately, it is just an example of how failure to meet your loved one’s needs can impact their health.

Indications of inferior nursing care might involve:

• Pressure sores
• Weight loss
• Emotional withdrawal
• Unexplained bruises or fractures
• Medication errors
• Repeated hospitalization
• Physical or chemical abuse
• Sudden death
• Residents who have wandered from the facility

In addition to strong regulations on a federal level, Illinois skilled nursing home patients are protected by the state’s Nursing Home Care Act, which was specifically created to empower nursing residents and their families with the power to prosecute instances of abuse, neglect, and inferior care.

The Life-Threatening Problems Of Developing Facility-Acquired Pressure Sores While Living in a Nursing Home

Developing pressure sores is one of the most severe risks for nursing home residents. Pressure sores (bedsores, decubitus ulcers, pressure ulcers, pressure wounds) are excruciating and form when unruly pressure cuts blood flow circulation to any body area.

If you or a loved one has suffered from any stage of pressure sore while living in a nursing facility, you may have grounds for a lawsuit.

Pressure Sores are Preventable When the Skilled Nursing Care Staff Follows Skin Care Protocols

According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), facility-acquired pressure sores are entirely preventable, so long as the nursing staff members follow established healthcare protocols. Failing in their duties can increase the risk of developing a pressure wound.

Once pressure sores form, they progress quickly through four stages of deterioration. The nursing home staff must identify and treat sores in the initial stages (stage I or II) before they become infected, causing permanent damage.

Stage 1 Pressure Sores Look Like a Reddened Area of Skin

During stage 1, the skin’s redness over a bony area without an open sore. The area feels warmer or cooler compared to the surrounding tissue.

Stage 2 Pressure Sores Look Like an Open Wound or Blister

During stage 2, the reddened area breaks open, revealing a shallow open wound or blister. The base of the sore may look like yellowish or tan tissue.

Stage 3 Pressure Sores Look Like a Deep Crater

During stage 3, the sore deepens and extends into the fatty tissue under the skin; it may look like a small crater. The crater may contain dead tissue (eschar) that appears blackened or brown. Tunneling may also occur under unbroken skin near the edges of the sore.

Stage 4 Pressure Sores Look Like Extreme Tissue Damage

Stage 4 has severe tissue damage as the sore extends to bone, tendons, and muscles. The sore may exhibit dead tissue (eschar), tunneling, and undermining of nearby skin on all sides of the wound. The bone may be visible in some deep sores.

Other Stages include:

Unstageable

The wound care specialist or dermatologist working in a long-term care facility may not accurately diagnose the damage in a pressure wound when it’s filled with necrotic (dead) tissue or debris.

At this stage, staff members may recommend debriding (cutting away) the wound to remove dead tissue, skin, and dried blood to promote healing.

Deep Tissue Injury

A deep tissue injury is a type of wound that affects the deepest layers of skin and tissue. They often develop in nursing homes when residents are not adequately monitored and caregivers are not attentive to the needs of their residents.

Deep tissue injuries can cause long-term damage or disability if not treated properly.

How Substandard Care in Long-Term Care Facilities Can Lead to Preventable Falls Causing Irreparable Harm

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in three adults over 65 will experience a fall annually. Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries in this age group. While some falls may be unavoidable, many are caused by substandard care in long-term care facilities.

In far too many cases, injured victims and their families are left feeling helpless and alone, forced to bear the financial burden of medical bills and other expenses related to the fall, on top of the emotional trauma of seeing a loved one suffer.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a fall at a long-term care facility, you need to know that you have options.

Preventable Falls Are All Too Common In Long-Term Care Facilities

Falls among seniors living in long-term care centers are all too common. In fact, according to the CDC, falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries in this age group.

Many falls are preventable with proper safety measures in place, but far too often, these measures are neglected by caregivers.

Falls can occur for various reasons, but some of the most common causes include:

• Medication side effects
• Poor lighting
• Wet floors
• Loose carpeting or floor mats
• Unsafe or improperly fitted footwear
• Lack of grab bars or handrails
• Cluttered rooms or walkways
• Lack of supervision
• Nurses not answering call lights promptly

The Consequences of a Fall Can Be Severe

Falls can cause severe injuries, including fractures, head injuries, and internal bleeding. These injuries can be debilitating and may require extensive and expensive medical treatment.

In some cases, they may even lead to death. If you or someone you love has been injured in a fall at a long-term care facility, it is vital to seek legal counsel as soon as possible.

An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights and options under the law.

You May Be Entitled To Compensation If Negligence Led To Your Fall

If negligence on the part of a long-term care facility led to your fall, you might be entitled to compensation for your injuries. This compensation can include coverage for your medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more.

An experienced attorney can help you determine what type of compensation you may be entitled to and will fight to get you the total amount you deserve.

The Illinois Nursing Home Care Act – What You Need to Know

The Illinois Nursing Home Care Act is a state law that protects the rights of nursing residents and sets standards for care.

The Illinois Act (210 ILCS 45) is a state law that governs all nursing facilities statewide. The Act sets standards for care and establishes rules that nursing homes must follow to operate legally in the state. The Act also includes investigating and punishing nursing homes that violate its provisions.

The goals of the Act are to improve the quality of care in nursing centers and to protect the rights of residents. The Act requires nursing facilities to provide adequate staffing, safe and clean living conditions, and necessary medical care and services.

The Act also gives residents the right to complain to proper authorities about their treatment, participate in their own care decisions, and receive visitors freely.

How Can the Illinois Nursing Home Care Act Help Me?

If you or a loved one have been injured due to the negligence of a long-term care facility, the Act can help you in several ways.

• The Act provides a legal basis for filing a lawsuit against a negligent senior care home.
• The penalties provided under the Act can act as a powerful incentive for nursing facilities to improve their quality of care.
• The money awarded in a successful lawsuit can help cover your medical expenses and other damages caused by neglect or abuse.

The Dangers of a Nursing Home’s Failure to Investigate Abuse and Neglect

A new state survey has revealed that some nursing facilities fail to properly investigate abuse and neglect reports. This alarming trend has potentially devastating consequences. You and your loved one in a senior care home must be aware of their potential dangers.

Nursing homes must provide their residents with a safe and healthy environment. Unfortunately, not all nursing homes live up to this responsibility.

A recent state survey found that some nursing facilities fail to properly investigate abuse and neglect reports. This failure could have dangerous consequences, especially for residents who cannot communicate.

Some Signs of Physical Abuse and Neglect

No one deserves to be a victim of abuse or neglect. Unfortunately, it happens more often than we think. If you suspect someone you know is being abused or neglected, it is essential to be aware of the signs so you can help them get the help they need.

• Unexplained bruises, cuts, or welts in various stages of healing: These may be on the face, neck, chest, back, buttocks, legs, or anywhere else on the body.
• Burns from cigarettes, scalding water, appliances, or other sources: These may be first-, second-, or third-degree burns on the face, hands, feet, buttocks, legs, or anywhere else on the body.
• Broken bones, sprains, or dislocations: These may have been caused by pulling, twisting, jerking, shaking, slapping, punching, kicking, biting, strangling, or hitting a hand or object.
• Head injuries. These may include bumps, bruises, swelling, cuts, or lumps on the head; loss of hair; bruises; indentations in the skull;
• Broken Bones and Sprains
• Evidence of being shaken; behavior changes; vomiting; seizures; sleepiness; difficulty feeding (for infants); apperception problems such as blurred vision.
• Ingrown toenails or untreated foot problems such as arch, heel, ankle, meta causalgia, and Morton’s neuroma
• Extreme hunger or weight loss
• Lack of personal hygiene and grooming such as not bathing, not changing clothes, wearing dirty clothes, extreme body odor, bad breath
• Untreated medical problems such as sexually transmitted diseases, vision problems, dental problems
• Being left alone for long periods without adequate supervision
• Signs of fearfulness, anxiety, withdrawn behaviors, and depression.

The Telltale Signs of Sexual Abuse in Nursing Homes

According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, as many as one in ten older adults living in nursing facilities will experience some form of sexual abuse. This is a horrifying statistic and one that we must do everything in our power to prevent.

What are the signs of sexual abuse in nursing facilities?

Several signs may indicate that your loved one is sexually abused in their nursing center. These can include:

• Unwanted touching: Any inappropriate non-consensual touching of the genital area, breasts, buttocks, or other body parts.
• Lewd comments or gestures: Making sexual comments or gestures toward a nursing resident is considered sexual abuse.
• Exposing oneself: Showing one’s genitals to a resident is sexual abuse.
• Touching oneself sexually in front of a nursing home resident: Touching oneself sexually in front of a resident is considered sexual abuse.
• Rape or Sexual Assault: Forcing a resident to have sex against their will is considered rape or sexual assault and is the most severe form of sexual abuse.
• Distributing Pornography to nursing home residents without their consent is considered sexual abuse.
• Voyeurism: Peeking at residents while undressed, using the bathroom, etc., without their consent is considered voyeurism and sexual abuse.
• Sex trafficking: Buying, selling, or transporting a resident for sexual exploitation is sex trafficking and is considered one of the most heinous forms of sexual abuse.
• Masturbating in front of a nursing home resident without consent is considered sexual abuse.

Additionally, your loved one may start having difficulty sleeping or express concerns about specific caregivers. If you notice these signs, you must immediately speak with your loved one’s doctor or nurse.

What should you do if you suspect sexual abuse?

If you suspect your loved one is being sexually abused in their nursing center, the first step is to speak with their doctor or nurse. It’s also vital to contact the police and make a report.

You should also consider contacting an attorney who specializes in elder abuse cases; they will be able to advise you on your legal options and help you take action to ensure your loved one’s safety and protect their rights.

How Infection Control Protocols Can Protect Residents in Nursing Homes

According to a state survey, some nursing facilities fail to properly implement and maintain infection-protection guidelines to protect the skilled nursing care resident from:

• Unusual infections
• Blood and body fluid precautions
• Invasive procedures
• Prevention of environmental hazards

An astonishing array of potential health complications could result from this violation, involving nursing home administrators, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, certified nurse’s aides, and other staff members.

Infection control protocols based on federal regulations are designed to protect residents in nursing facilities from various infections. When these protocols are not followed, residents are at an increased risk of developing potentially life-threatening infections.

Common Infections Risking A Nursing Home Resident

According to the Illinois Department of Health and Human Services, some of the most common infections residents are exposed to while receiving skilled nursing care, compromising their safety and well-being, include:

• Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA): This staph infection is challenging to treat due to its high resistance to many antibiotics. The nursing staff must take special precautions to avoid spreading the infection to other residents or staff.
• Clostridium difficile (C. diff): This bacteria can cause severe diarrhea and is often spread through contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. Nursing residents risk developing C. diff if they take antibiotics or have a weakened immune system.
• Norovirus: This virus causes vomiting and diarrhea and can be spread through contact with vomit or stool. It is highly contagious and can quickly spread in close quarters, such as in nursing facilities.
• Influenza: The flu is a highly contagious virus that can cause fever, cough, and body aches. It spreads through the air and can quickly infect large groups of people, including nursing residents.
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa: This bacteria can cause severe respiratory infections in nursing residents, especially those with weakened immune systems. It is often spread through contact with contaminated surfaces or objects.
• Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE): This family of bacteria is resistant to most antibiotics and can cause severe infections in nursing residents. CRE infections are challenging to treat and can often lead to death.
• Candida Auris: This yeast infection is resistant to many antifungal medications and can be challenging to treat. It often affects the ear, nose, and throat and can be deadly in immunocompromised residents.
• Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE): This bacteria is resistant to many antibiotics and can cause severe infections in nursing residents, especially those with weakened immune systems. VRE infections are challenging to treat and can often lead to death.
• Acinetobacter baumannii: This bacteria is highly resistant to antibiotics and can cause severe respiratory infections in nursing residents, especially those with weakened immune systems.

Registered and licensed practical nurses failing to follow established infection control protocols and properly implementing and maintaining infection-protection guidelines violates Medicare regulations and increases the risks of residents developing severe infections.

These guidelines protect residents from infections, including bloodborne pathogens, respiratory viruses, and bacteria.

Another common infection control protocol violation is failing to properly disinfect equipment and surfaces, leading to the spreading of harmful bacteria and viruses from one resident to another. In addition, poorly disinfected equipment and surfaces can also put staff members at risk of developing infections.

Finally, failing to properly monitor residents for signs and symptoms of infection is another common violation. When residents do not receive prompt infection treatment, they are at an increased risk of severe complications.

In addition, delayed treatment can also lead to the spread of infection to other residents in the facility.

How to Select a Nursing Home in Illinois for Your Loved Ones

Choosing a nursing facility for your loved one can be a daunting task. You want your family members to receive the best care available when they need skilled nursing care.

Here are helpful tips to guide you in making an informed decision about which facility would be the best fit.

• The first step is to decide what type of facility would be best and provides quality resident care. For example, if the person you care for needs short-term care, finding a nursing facility with assisted living or other skilled nursing care may be beneficial.
• Take your time when choosing a facility. Visit the nursing health care center to look at the building, staff, physicians, activities offered, and other residents in your potential candidate’s condition.
• You should also check the state inspections of facilities in your area and any filed complaints against the nursing or rehab center. In addition, the Illinois Department of Public Health offers searchable data on facilities and physicians cited for violations.

When considering costs, ensure you get an estimate of the total cost of care in writing from each facility you visit. Payment options may vary between Illinois facilities, as might the cost of skilled nursing care.

In addition to these costs, you should also factor in future medical expenses and long-term care insurance for a long-term resident close to your loved one’s age.

About the Illinois Nursing Home Rating System

The federal government has mandated that all states implement a rating system to rank nursing homes in every county.

The current rating surveys completed by nursing facilities and submitted to state governments are insufficient. As a result, they do not provide a complete view of the skilled nursing care and safety delivered in these facilities.

For this reason, some states have implemented new ratings designed to provide a more comprehensive view of resident care and filed complaints and safety concerns.

The Nursing Home Rating system was developed as a tool to bring transparency and concerns to the quality of care delivered at every nursing and rehab center with more than nine beds throughout the country.

The current ratings are based on data from secure survey resources conducted between January 2022 and December 2022.

Nursing Home Costs in Illinois

The cost of nursing home care in Illinois is among the highest in the nation and continues to rise. A recent study found that the average annual cost of nursing home care in the state is $102,258. This figure is more than double the national average of $48,612.

These costs can be a tremendous burden for families, especially if they are already struggling to make ends meet. Are you struggling to maintain your health and contemplating whether or not to move into a nursing home? It is crucial to understand the financial implications of such a decision.

Some studies show that there are not enough nursing facilities in Illinois. The nursing home shortage creates a high demand and competition for securing beds for skilled nursing care.

Unfortunately, many families are forced to pay these high prices because they have no other option.

How You Can Pay for Nursing Home Care

If you or a loved one is considering moving into a nursing home, there are several ways you can pay for the high cost of care.

• Long-term care insurance involves an insurance policy that covers some or all of the costs associated with nursing home care.
• Medicaid is a government-funded program that helps low-income families pay for medical and long-term care expenses. To qualify for Medicaid, you must have a limited income and assets.
• Savings or take out a loan. While draining a bank account is not ideal, it may be necessary if you do not qualify for long-term care insurance or Medicaid benefits.

Some disabled or elderly people relocate to assisted living facilities rather than nursing facilities. These facilities provide some medical and personal care but typically cost less than skilled nursing care facilities.

How to Determine if You Are Eligible for Medicaid in Illinois

Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that, together with the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), provides health coverage to over 72.5 million low-income and disabled Americans. In Illinois, the Medicaid program is administered by the Department of Human Services (DHS).

To be eligible for Medicaid in Illinois, you must meet specific financial and non-financial criteria. In terms of finances, your household income must be at or below 133% of the federal poverty level (FPL). This equates to an annual income of $33,475 or less for a family of four.

Additionally, you must be either a US citizen or a legal permanent resident of at least five years. If you are not a US citizen or legal permanent resident, you may still be eligible for emergency Medicaid services.

To meet non-financial eligibility criteria, you must also be one of the following:

• A pregnant woman
• A child under the age of 19
• An adult aged 65 or older
• A parent or caretaker relative of a dependent child under the age of 19
• A blind or disabled individual

If you do not fall into one of the categories above, you may still be eligible for Medicaid if you meet specific criteria. These include being a domestic violence victim, HIV positive, or being diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer. You can find more information on these categories on the DHS website.

You can use the Benefit Matrix tool on the DHS website to determine your eligibility for Medicaid services. This tool will help you calculate your annual income and compare it to the FPL.

Once determined that you are eligible for Medicaid, you can apply for benefits online through the ABE system or in person at your local DHS office. You will need to provide proof of citizenship or legal residency, as well as proof of income and identity.

How to Apply for Medicaid in Illinois

Being injured or ill can be a daunting and overwhelming experience. If you cannot work, you may be worried about how you will pay your medical bills and support yourself and your family.

In Illinois, a Medicaid program can help low-income residents with medical bills. Here is some information on how to apply for Medicaid in Illinois.

Basic Requirements

To qualify for Medicaid in Illinois, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must be a resident of Illinois
• Your income must be at or below the federal poverty level
• You must be a US citizen or legal permanent resident
• You must meet other specific requirements set forth by the state of Illinois

If you meet these requirements, you can begin the application process by gathering the following information:

• Your Social Security number (or your spouse’s Social Security number if you are married)
• The names, birthdates, and Social Security numbers of any children who need coverage under Medicaid
• Proof of citizenship or legal residency (such as a passport or green card)
• Proof of income (W-2 forms from your employer or pay stubs)

Once you have gathered this information, you can begin the application process. There are three ways to apply for Medicaid in Illinois:

• Online: You can fill out an online application at https://abe.illinois.gov/abe/access/. This website also provides interpreters for people with limited English proficiency.
• You can call the Customer Service Call Center at 1-800-843-6154 (TTY:1-888-447-6404). The call center is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST. You will need to provide the same information as listed above.
• In-person: You can apply in person at your local HHS office. To find your local office, visit their website. Once again, you will need to provide the same information listed above when applying in person.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Wrongful Death Case at a Long-Term Care Facility?

The loss of a loved one is always challenging. When that loss results from another party’s negligence, it can be even more devastating. You may wonder who can be held liable if you have lost a loved one due to wrongful death in a long-term care facility.

According to the Illinois Department of Health and Human Services, many factors can contribute to wrongful death in a long-term care facility. In some cases, it may be the result of neglect or abuse. In other cases, it may be due to substandard care or a lack of staff members.

Whatever the cause, if your loved one has died as a result of someone else’s negligence, you may be able to seek compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit. Wrongful death lawsuits are complex, and it can be challenging to know where to start. Below are some of the steps you will need to follow:

• Identify the parties who may be liable for your loved one’s death. Potential defendants can include the facility itself, the staff members, or the facility’s owners.
• Once you have identified the liable parties, you must gather evidence to support your claim. Evidence can include medical records, police reports, eyewitness testimony, and more.
• Consider speaking to a personal injury attorney specializing in wrongful death cases. A lawyer working on your behalf can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected.

No amount of compensation can replace your loved one, but filing a wrongful death lawsuit can provide some measure of justice. Contact our office for a free consultation if you have lost a loved one through someone else’s negligence.

Speak Up Against Any Form of Abuse and Violation in Illinois Nursing Homes

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC, our attorneys have more than thirty years of combined experience in holding Illinois nursing facilities accountable when they violate the rights of their residents.

Our legal team is committed to protecting this vulnerable population by holding these facilities responsible for any mistreatment or neglect that may occur.

Our Chicago, Illinois law firm offers residents free nursing home abuse consultations. We completely understand Illinois state statutes and the nursing home care act to ensure that we are up-to-date with all neglect laws that may affect your claim.

We work on a contingency fee basis. Contact us today at (888) 424-5757 (toll-free phone call) to consult with an attorney to ensure you secure the money you deserve.

Resources:

• NCBI – Nursing Home Inspection Ratings
• NYT – Nursing Home Rating Can Be Misleading