Articles Posted in Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect

Nursing home abuse is a pervasive and troubling issue in the United States, with alarming statistics shedding light on the magnitude of the problem. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 in 10 adults over the age of 60 experiences some form of elder abuse annually. This abuse can take many forms, including physical harm, neglect, emotional mistreatment, financial exploitation, and even sexual abuse. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), which oversees nursing home care in the state, investigates thousands of complaints each year, many involving abuse or neglect. Medicare’s Nursing Home Compare tool further reveals deficiencies in staffing and care at facilities across Illinois, highlighting the urgent need for accountability and reform.

Families place their trust in nursing homes to provide safe and compassionate care for their loved ones. Unfortunately, this trust is often violated. Abuse and neglect in nursing homes can lead to devastating consequences, from severe injuries and emotional trauma to wrongful death. At John J. Malm & Associates, we understand the complexities of nursing home abuse cases and are committed to seeking justice for victims and their families. In this blog, we’ll explore the five most common types of nursing home abuse claims, providing detailed examples and guidance on how to recognize and address these injustices. Continue reading

In most civil cases in the United States, each party is responsible for paying their own attorneys’ fees. This principle is known as the American Rule. However, Illinois law provides exceptions to this rule in certain types of cases, including those involving nursing home abuse and neglect. These exceptions often apply in cases where statutory protections have been violated or where the nursing home’s conduct is deemed particularly egregious.

In nursing home abuse cases, attorneys’ fees may be awarded to plaintiffs under specific Illinois statutes that prioritize the rights of nursing home residents and penalize facilities for negligence or abuse. For families, an award of attorneys’ fees can be an essential part of the recovery, allowing them to fully pursue justice without the burden of paying legal costs. Continue reading

Falls are a leading cause of injury and death among elderly individuals, particularly in nursing homes where vulnerable residents are already at higher risk due to physical frailty, chronic illnesses, and environmental hazards. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 83% of hip fracture deaths are caused by falls each year, and countless other elderly people experience severe injuries that diminish their quality of life or hasten their decline.

In this blog, our top-rated Naperville elder abuse and neglect attorneys explore why falls in nursing homes often result in serious injury or death, what factors contribute to these outcomes, and how nursing homes can take proactive steps to reduce risks. We’ll also offer guidance for families navigating the aftermath of a fall and seeking accountability for neglect.

Why Are Falls So Devastating for Nursing Home Residents?