Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys Serving Chicago & Beyond

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Protecting Seniors and Families From Abuse and Neglect

Nursing home abuse and neglect can take many forms—physical harm, emotional abuse, sexual misconduct, financial exploitation, or simply failing to provide basic care. Families trust facilities to keep their loved ones safe, so discovering signs of mistreatment is devastating. At Thomas Law, we act quickly and compassionately to protect vulnerable seniors, ensure their safety, and hold negligent facilities accountable for every violation.

Signs and Types of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

Man in wheelchair with two people, indoors near a wooden railing.

Physical Abuse

Look for unexplained bruises, cuts, fractures, or repeated injuries. Sudden fearfulness or withdrawal may also be signs of physical mistreatment.

Woman in wheelchair looking out a window, blanket on lap, in a room with a hospital bed.

Neglect and Basic Care Failures

Bedsores, dehydration, malnutrition, poor hygiene, and unwashed clothing or bedding are indicators of neglect. These conditions often signal inadequate staffing or attention.

Older person's hand with watch clasps arm of another person, brown patterned sleeve, in a seated position.

Emotional or Psychological Abuse

Residents may become withdrawn, depressed, anxious, or fearful of certain staff members. Emotional abuse can be subtle but just as damaging.

People comforting a person in a wheelchair, hands on his back; he is slumped over, appearing distressed.

Sexual Abuse or Misconduct

Any unexplained injuries to private areas, sexually transmitted infections, or sudden behavioral changes should be reported and investigated immediately.

Nurse shows a laptop to a group of seated people at a table, one in a wheelchair, in a bright room.

Financial Exploitation

Watch for unusual banking activity, missing belongings, or pressure to change legal documents—these may indicate theft or manipulation by staff or others.

Person in a wheelchair at the doorway of a brick building with a decorative iron railing.

Unsafe or Unsanitary Conditions

Dirty facilities, bad odors, pests, or persistent infections are warning signs that a home is not meeting basic safety and cleanliness standards.

Legal Rights and Protections for Nursing Home Residents in Illinois

Illinois and federal laws—including the Illinois Nursing Home Care Act—set strict standards for resident safety, dignity, and well-being. Nursing homes must meet staffing requirements, conduct background checks, and ensure proper training. When these standards are violated, families can file complaints with state agencies and take legal action for damages. Thomas Law guides families through reporting abuse to authorities, moving a loved one to safety, and pursuing civil claims against facilities and corporate owners.

  • State and federal regulations protect seniors

  • Facilities can be liable for systemic failures and neglect

  • Civil claims can recover funds for better care and future needs

  • Swift legal action may prevent further harm to other residents

Common Questions About Nursing Home Abuse Cases

  • How can I tell if a nursing home is neglecting my parent?

    Look for changes in physical appearance, mood, or social activity. Unexplained injuries, weight loss, or poor hygiene may signal neglect or abuse.

  • Can you sue a nursing home for bedsores or falls in Illinois?

    Yes. Facilities are responsible for preventing bedsores, falls, and other foreseeable injuries. Legal claims can recover damages for harm and suffering.

  • What to do if I suspect nursing home abuse in Chicago?

    Remove your loved one from immediate danger, report concerns to state authorities, and contact an attorney for guidance. We offer free, confidential consultations.

  • Who is liable in nursing home abuse cases?

    Both individual caregivers and the facility itself may be held responsible for abuse, neglect, or inadequate policies and supervision.

  • What compensation can families recover?

    Compensation can include medical expenses, pain and suffering, funds for better care, and, in some cases, punitive damages against the facility.

Other Ways We Can Help

Leg with bandage and a medical cross icon.

Medical Malpractice

Black tombstone with a cross on a white background.

Wrongful Death

Person slipping on a wet surface.

Slip and Fall

Take Action to Protect Your Loved One

If you suspect nursing home abuse or neglect in Chicago, call Thomas Law for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll help you take the right steps to ensure your loved one’s safety and pursue justice for any harm done.