Americans are living longer now than ever before. The main reason their life expectancy is increasing annually is the major advances and improvements in the treatment of cardiovascular disease and strokes.
While this is great news in many respects, it does mean we are seeing an ever-increasing number of elderly people living in nursing homes or assisted living communities. This puts greater strain on an already overburdened system, with the inevitable result that the very people these facilities were created to help are now becoming the victims of Hoffman Estates Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers and neglect.
30% of Nursing Home Residents are Abused
Nursing home abuse is prevalent in every U.S. state. Of the almost two million Americans currently in these facilities, nearly one-third experience some form of abuse during their stay.
It is never an easy decision to place an elderly parent or relative into a nursing home, but it is one made ultimately with the belief that they will be well looked after with their medical and personal needs taken care of by a competent and caring staff.
It is therefore with a huge sense of shock and betrayal that many children and grandchildren of nursing home residents learn that their loved one has been the victim of abuse at the hands of the very people entrusted to care for them. They understandably want the people responsible brought to justice, as well as compensation for the pain and suffering their loved one has had to endure.
Hire the Right Lawyer
How do you go about finding the right lawyer? The process does vary depending on which state the nursing home is in, but there are a few common guidelines provided by the Federal Government. The bottom line is basically this: As soon as you suspect that your elderly loved one is being abused at their nursing home, you should contact a reputable law firm with experienced nursing home abuse lawyers, to discuss your legal rights and options.
The laws concerning nursing homes vary from state to state. It is therefore very important to engage a firm of nursing home abuse lawyers with experience in the laws of the state in which your elderly loved one lives.
Experience and knowledge are crucial – make sure your lawyer understands the critical social, financial, & medical issues that affect our senior citizens and their families.
Nursing home abuse lawyers should also have access to expert witnesses – nutritionists, physical therapists, physicians, etc. – who can look over the facts of your case and testify on your behalf.
Sometimes, the state will pursue a criminal case against the nursing home, but regardless of whether they do or not, you have the right to file civil charges, which actually often have a greater chance of being upheld as the burden of proof is less.
Help is at Hand
Don’t let nursing home abuse go unchallenged. Contact SJ Injury Law and find out how we can help you help your loved one.
