Physical Assault

Nursing homes are filling up at record rates. More nursing homes are being built to accommodate the aging population. However, nursing home assault and abuse cases are more frequent than should be tolerated. Nursing home assault and abuse cases can take the form of physical abuse, sexual abuse or even mental abuse. Each form of assault can lead to very serious and varying injuries to nursing residents. These kinds of assaults can be initiated by other residents, by personnel and even by family members or friends of residents where nursing home personnel either ignore or turn a blind eye to such abuse.

The elderly are vulnerable to many abuses. As a result, if a nursing home resident is the victim of some form of abuse, they can lose their self-respect and their health. Many of the facts surrounding an assault or abuse of a nursing home resident are hard to discover. Residents will not often discuss assault or abuse with staff or even family members because their fear of reprisal by the staff or other personnel. They may even feel ashamed of what had happened.

For the loved ones of nursing home residents, it is imperative that visits be as frequent as possible. The reason for that is to discovery any wrongdoing that may have occurred to the resident as a result of assault or abuse of any kind. It is important to recognize the signs of nursing home abuse. Some of the signs that may trigger a warning of such an abuse such as assault might include:

  • Sudden or unexplained hair loss
  • A broken bone
  • Bruises and cuts
  • Changes in behavior
  • Loss of appetite or weight
  • Unwillingness to discuss or talk about these changes

Nursing home abuse, as mentioned, can take on the form of sexual abuse. Sexual abuse would include any kind of inappropriate touching or sexual activity. Some nursing home residents because of their infirmity are prone to sexual abuse. This would be especially true for the younger nursing home residents. Because nursing home residents can often times are unable to communicate because of illness or immobile because of injury or illness, they are more likely to be the victim of sexual abuse.

Nursing home sexual abuse cases arise out of the inappropriate conduct of a staff person, another nursing home resident or even a stranger or visitor to the nursing home facility. Assault of any kind is a criminal act. Sexual assault is likewise a criminal activity that should be investigated, not only by the nursing home facility, but resident’s attorneys, the local police and authorities. Nursing homes would be and should be held accountable for these criminal acts. The nursing home would be responsible even if it acted negligently in allowing such activities to exist on its premises. Some of these types of nursing home negligence could include some of the following:

  • Inadequate background
  • Review of nursing home personnel
  • Inadequate supervision of nursing home personnel
  • Choosing not regularly supervise to limit the possibility of sexual abuse by another resident
  • Choosing not to appropriately monitor visitors or allowing them to be in a position to have contact with a resident that could be a set up for sexual abuse

If you or someone else you know has been injured because of physical abuse at an Illinois nursing home, assisted living facility or long-term care facility, you may be entitled to legal recourse.

Please call us for an immediate consultation. Robert Kreisman of Kreisman Law Offices has been handling Chicago and Illinois nursing home inadequate supervision cases for more than 40 years. Kreisman Law Offices has prevailed in trials and settlements in Chicago, Illinois and surrounding communities and has successfully resolved cases for those injured or abused in nursing homes for these many years.

With our years of experience in trying and settling nursing home abuse cases, Kreisman Law Offices provides the best possible services to our clients and have achieved unsurpassed results. Our service is unmatched. Please call us 24 hours a day at 312.346.0045 or toll free 800.583.8002 for a free and immediate consultation, or complete a contact form online.

Client Reviews
★★★★★
“We were devastated when our 31 year-old son was killed by a negligent driver. Kreisman Law Offices did everything to help us through this very difficult time, including coming out to the house several times which was a comfort. My wife and I were extremely pleased with Mr. Kreisman’s compassion and care for this very tragic and troubling time.” C.B.
★★★★★
“Bob Kreisman did everything possible in handling the trial of this case. It was devastating that I traumatically lost my leg above the knee in this truck accident. However, it was not an easy case to win. His staff was so prepared for the trial that it was not surprising that the settlement offers continued to rise until we finally accepted the multi-million settlement while the jury was still deciding the case. My wife and I were delighted that we could secure our future with this settlement. We thank Mr. Kreisman and his incredible staff for working so hard for our benefit.” T.P.
★★★★★
“My mother died because doctors dropped the ball. I called Robert Kreisman and he immediately set up an appointment for my entire family. We met at his offices and I was very comfortable that he would do the best for my dad and my brothers. He spent hours with all of us in preparing for depositions and he hired top notch experts, all of which contributed to an incredible settlement before trial. I know that he is dedicated to his cases and particularly to the people he works for and the people who work with him. He continues to be generous in contributing annually to my mother’s memory and to make known to the public the signs and symptoms of brain tumors.” V.S.
★★★★★
“My dad was ignored and mistreated at the nursing home that we placed him in. It didn’t take long for us to realize that we made a big mistake, particularly after my dad developed these terrible bedsores. We transferred him as we were contacting Mr. Kreisman. He was referred to us by a lawyer we have known for a long time and respect his opinion. Mr. Kreisman and his staff worked tirelessly to resolve this case. We were fortunate to have his services and will recommend him to anyone.” T.J.
Submit a Law Firm Client Review