Chicago Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

September 28, 2023 | Attorney, Matthew Dolman
Matt Dolman, Personal Injury Lawyer in Illinois
Chicago Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer, Matthew Dolman

An older person's time in a nursing home should involve receiving care, respect, and comfort. There are, unfortunately, many alarming instances of elderly abuse in institutions across Chicago. Nursing home abuse cases include physical, emotional, and financial harm to helpless older adults, causing them severe physical and psychological distress.

If you or your loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse in Chicago, you may recover significant compensation for the harm you suffered. You can hold the responsible parties, including the nursing home administrators and staff, accountable under the law for their actions.

Navigating such a complex legal landscape requires the background and experience of a seasoned legal firm. Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, provides precisely this. Our vast experience as Chicago nursing home abuse lawyers and our commitment to justice make us the most reliable choice for legal representation in such matters.

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Why Choose Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA

Hiring the right law firm can make a significant difference in the outcome of your nursing home abuse case. At Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, we work to bring wrongdoers to justice and pursue maximum compensation for the abused.

Our Experience and Successful Track Record

Our wealth of experience in taking on nursing home abuse cases enables us to develop a keen understanding of the complexities of these situations. We are proud of our successful track record, having won numerous cases and secured significant compensation for victims of nursing home abuse. Our victories testify to our relentless and aggressive approach to fighting for justice for our clients.

We understand that accessibility can be a crucial factor during such difficult times, so we have made it easy for you to reach us. We provide flexible appointments to accommodate your needs, making us available when you need us most. 

Your fight against nursing home abuse is not one you have to navigate alone. With Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, by your side, you can have an experienced and compassionate team ready to champion your cause.

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Available Compensation for Nursing Home Abuse Victims

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Nursing home abuse victims and their families may seek compensation for their pain, suffering, and losses. The funds you may receive as compensation can help cover medical expenses, psychological therapy, and lost income. They can also, most importantly, be a recognition of the wrongdoing you have experienced.

Depending on the specifics of a case, nursing home abuse victims could potentially receive substantial compensation. This can come in various forms, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and—in some severe cases—punitive damages.

The amount of compensation will depend on the extent of the abuse, the harm the abuser has caused, and the effect it has had on the victim's quality of life.

Maximizing Compensation Through Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA

At Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, we strive to maximize the compensation that victims receive following a case of nursing home abuse. We achieve this by conducting an extensive investigation into the abuse, gathering strong evidence to prove the claim, and employing our exceptional negotiation and litigation skills.

Our seasoned attorneys know how to assess the true worth of a claim, considering all potential areas of compensation, such as past and future medical expenses, emotional suffering, loss of income, and any other losses directly resulting from the abuse. With our wealth of experience, our Chicago nursing home abuse lawyers can fight staunchly against the attempts of insurance companies to minimize or deny your claim.

Remember, you and your loved ones deserve justice. With Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, you can have confidence that we will do everything possible in our quest to ensure we pursue the maximum compensation to which the law entitles you.

Nursing Home Abuse in Chicago: A Local Perspective

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Chicago, with its large and diverse population, is home to numerous nursing homes. An unfortunate reality, though, is that nursing home abuse is not uncommon in the city. The older population residing in these facilities expects to receive stellar care and consideration. A staff member, provider, or other party may neglect or abuse a patient.

Statistics on Nursing Home Abuse Cases in Chicago

There are hundreds of nursing homes in the Chicagoland area, and thousands of older persons reside in them. Chicago, like many other cities across the country, struggles with cases of nursing home abuse. According to statistics, as many as one in 10 seniors experiences some form of elder abuse, but the authorities receive very few reports of these instances. This points to a concerning pattern of underreporting, which means many victims suffer in silence and may not get the help necessary to stop the abuse and seek compensation for the damage and suffering they endure.

Common Locations Where Nursing Home Abuse Occurs in the City

Nursing home abuse occurs across the city, whether in high-end facilities or budget-conscious homes. It is a misconception that abuse or neglect in nursing homes only occurs in less reputable or lower-cost institutions. Irrespective of the reputation or cost of the nursing home facility, abuse can and does occur.

Reports of nursing home abuse can happen in various nursing homes in neighborhoods across Chicago, from the North Side to the South Side and the West Side. It is a citywide issue that requires vigilant attention, immediate reporting, and swift action.

Remember, geography does not determine the safety and well-being of your loved ones in a nursing home. It is the nursing home's responsibility to ensure there are protocols and protections from abuse in place for residents. If they have failed in this duty, Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, stands ready to pursue justice on your behalf.

Understanding Nursing Home Abuse

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Nursing home abuse is an umbrella term covering a range of harmful actions and negligence toward older persons. Recognizing the different forms of abuse is the first step in taking action against it. Whether it is your loved one or someone else who has been a victim, understanding and spotting the signs of abuse can greatly help to put an end to such heinous acts.

Different Types of Nursing Home Abuse

Nursing home abuse comes in different forms, each equally distressing and harmful to the victim. The most common types of abuse include physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse. These can manifest in a variety of ways.

Physical abuse involves intentional harm the abuser inflicts on the older person's body, such as hitting, pushing, or using restraints improperly. Emotional abuse, on the other hand, can include isolating the older person, giving constant criticism, humiliating them, or causing fear through threats or intimidation.

Sexual abuse in nursing homes, while particularly difficult to discuss, does occur and involves any non-consensual sexual act an abuser perpetrates against an older person. Financial abuse encompasses issues such as misappropriation of a resident's funds or assets, fraudulent schemes, and manipulation or coercion into changing wills, policies, or contracts.  

Common Injuries and Trauma Resulting From Nursing Home Abuse

The effects of nursing home abuse concern not only the immediate injury an abuser causes but also potential long-term trauma and emotional distress. Because of the fragile state of many nursing home residents, abuse can also heighten their risk of suffering complications or dying prematurely.

Physical abuse often leads to visible injuries, such as fractures, burns, bruises, or scratches. Emotional and sexual abuse, while not leaving physical signs, can cause severe psychological trauma resulting in depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and an overall drastic reduction in a victim's quality of life.

Financial abuse can leave an older person facing economic hardship, potentially struggling to afford necessary care or living conditions. This could lead to a worsened physical and emotional state, making the recovery process even more difficult.

Nursing home abuse can, in severe instances, cause a greatly reduced life expectancy and, in the worst-case scenario, result in death. Regardless of the type of abuse, contacting Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, immediately can ensure the proper path toward pursuing justice and compensation for victims.

Dealing With Insurance Companies in Nursing Home Abuse Cases

Nursing home corporations and their insurance companies strive to pay as little as possible in compensation and might even deny claims altogether. Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, however, can advocate for your rights and ensure fair treatment during your claim.

Insurance companies are in the business of making profits; paying out less in settlements helps their bottom line. They may, therefore, employ various strategies to limit payouts or dismiss claims altogether. Tactics can include arguing the injury was not a result of abuse, disputing the severity of the harm the abuser inflicted, asserting that the resident had pre-existing conditions, or disputing liability altogether.

Navigating these challenges on your own can be incredibly difficult, especially in the aftermath of discovering that your loved one fell victim to abuse. You need a team of experienced nursing home abuse attorneys on your side who understand the tactics insurance companies may use and how to counteract these maneuvers effectively.

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Steps to Take After Discovering Nursing Home Abuse

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If you believe or suspect your loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse, how you maneuver the process of reporting the abuse and taking legal action can influence the outcome of your case. As you prepare to initiate a legal claim and proceedings, taking the following steps can help ensure you protect your loved one's rights.

Documenting Evidence of Abuse

Document evidence of nursing home abuse as soon as you suspect or discover it. Collecting evidence can involve taking photographs of visible injuries, keeping a record of suspicious financial transactions, saving abusive letters or emails, and noting changes in a victim's behavior or emotional state. Medical reports proving that the victim's injuries are consistent with abuse can also provide vital evidence in a nursing home abuse case.

Reporting the Abuse to Relevant Authorities

If you suspect or discover abuse, it is crucial to report it to the relevant authorities quickly. You should notify the police and older adult protection agencies as soon as possible. Document and provide detailed accounts of the alleged abuse, ensuring you keep a record of any correspondence. Be wary of reporting the abuse within the facility itself until you have spoken to a Chicago nursing home abuse lawyer. Speaking to the wrong person could further endanger your loved one or lead to the destruction of critical evidence against the culprit.

Hiring a Nursing Home Abuse Attorney

Competent legal representation from Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA’s experienced Chicago nursing home abuse attorneys can guide you through the complex legal process. Our legal representation can help protect your rights, build a solid case against the perpetrator, and seek maximum compensation for the harm they caused.

To Fight Back Against Nursing Home Abuse, Contact Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA

Attorney Matt Dolman

At Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, our skilled and experienced Chicago nursing home abuse lawyers deal with insurance companies every day. We know how to negotiate effectively to ensure a fair valuation of your case and fight aggressively to counter any attempts to diminish or deny your claim.

We begin by building a strong case, gathering indisputable evidence, and enlisting the help of experts when necessary. Through meticulous case preparation, strategic negotiation, and robust advocacy, we aim to secure the maximum compensation you are eligible for under the law.

Our goal is not just to win your case but to ensure you have the resources necessary to support your loved one in the aftermath of such a traumatic experience. The battle against insurance companies in nursing home abuse cases is not one you have to face alone.

With Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, by your side, you have the support you need every step of the way. As a victim of nursing home abuse or a family member of an older loved one who has suffered harm, call us at (312) 500-2901 for your free case evaluation with Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA.

Our seasoned attorneys can discuss the specifics of your case, guide you through potential compensation, and answer any questions you may have. There is no obligation, and all discussions are confidential.

Glad I chose Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA. Hiring Matt Dolman is the best decision you could make if you are injured in an accident. He resolved my case quickly (it only took about 4 1/2 months) and it was a pleasure to deal with the staff. The communication was great as I always knew what to expect with each stage of the process.

Anne

Refreshing. It was very refreshing to work with an attorney that took such a professional and personal approach to helping me with my legal needs. I was kept informed on everything Mr. Dolman was doing so I never felt “in the dark”. Another positive was Mr. Dolman’s knowledge in the trial procedures. I never felt misled through the whole process and recieved the services and results that I was promised upon our initial consultation. There were no unexpected issues or occurrences.

Anonymous

 

Matthew Dolman

Personal Injury Lawyer

This article was written and reviewed by Matthew Dolman. Matt has been a practicing civil trial, personal injury, products liability, and mass tort lawyer since 2004. He has successfully fought for more than 11,000 injured clients and acted as lead counsel in more than 1,000 lawsuits. Always on the cutting edge of personal injury law, Matt is actively engaged in complex legal matters, including Suboxone, AFFF, and Ozempic lawsuits.  Matt is a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum for resolving individual cases in excess of $1 million and $2 million, respectively. He has also been selected by his colleagues as a Florida Superlawyer and as a member of Florida’s Legal Elite on multiple occasions. Further, Matt has been quoted in the media numerous times and is a sought-after speaker on a variety of legal issues and topics.

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