Was your loved one the victim of abuse at one of Bria Health Services’s nursing homes? Did they sustain injuries from that abuse? The nursing home abuse attorneys from Karlin, Fleisher & Falkenberg, LLC can help you recover financial compensation.
Every year, families around the country have to make the tough decision to place their loved ones in a nursing home, such as the Bria Health Services facilities. We would like to believe we could trust those responsible for providing assistance and quality healthcare to their residents. Sadly, many nurses and staff members abuse and neglect the elderly individuals in their care.
At Karlin, Fleisher & Falkenberg, LLC, it’s important to us that your loved one is treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. We will work hard to investigate your concerns and hold wrongdoers and responsible parties accountable for their actions. Don’t hesitate to contact us for the legal advice you need. Call us today at 312-346-8620 for a free consultation.
Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
Nursing home abuse occurs when a staff member harms their patient in some way. Bria Health Services nursing facilities are supposed to protect the residents and ensure safe living conditions at all times. They could face criminal charges and financial punishment if they fail to follow federal and state regulations. Despite the various laws dictating how nursing home staff should treat their patients, abuse still occurs. Nursing home abuse generally falls under three categories: physical, emotional, and neglect.
If you suspect your loved one suffered any physical abuse, the signs to look out for include:
- Fractured or broken bones
- Traumatic brain injury
- Untreated infections
- Skin burns
- Bedsores or ulcers
- Cuts, bruises, or lacerations on the skin
- Medication errors
Common signs that your loved one endured emotional or mental abuse include:
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Depression
- Fear when you’re leaving the facility
- Withdrawal
- Inhibited speech
Signs of neglect include the following:
- Dehydration
- Dirty clothes
- Malnutrition
- Unwashed bedding
- Messy appearance
It’s essential to pay attention to your loved one’s behavior and take note of any changes when interacting with specific nurses or other residents. If you believe they’re exhibiting symptoms of abuse or neglect, you should hire a Chicago nursing home abuse attorney from Karlin, Fleisher & Falkenberg, LLC immediately.
Steps to Take if Bria Health Services Nursing Home Abuse Occurred
If you notice any signs of abuse, notify the nursing home staff immediately. Make sure your complaint gets documented, and a copy goes into your loved one’s file. You could also go to the police to file a report as extra protection and evidence.
You’ll want to remove your loved one from the dangerous situation as soon as possible as well. You should have them transferred to another facility or hospital to treat their injuries. You have the right to do so as long as you’re their next of kin.
It’s also a good idea to hire an attorney to help you. A lot of people believe they can handle their case alone. However, once they get started, they realize they bit off more than they can chew. It’s challenging to prepare for obstacles or build a strong case if you’re not familiar with the legal process.
When you hire one of our Chicago nursing home abuse attorneys, we’ll review the details of your loved one’s situation and start with a complete investigation into your allegations. Evidence is crucial in proving abuse occurred to justify your request for compensation. The sufficient evidence we’ll work on obtaining includes:
- The nursing home’s liability insurance policy
- Charts and records from staff that came in direct contact with your loved one
- Statements of individuals who witnessed the abuse happen
- Pictures of all physical injuries resulting from the abuse
- Video surveillance showing the mistreatment
- Medical records from the facility and any providers who treated the injury
While the investigation is ongoing, you should make sure your loved one continues treatment until it is no longer needed. Save every medical bill, prescription, and receipt for additional expenses to add to the evidence we’re collecting.
We will also file an insurance claim on your loved one’s behalf and negotiate a full and fair settlement with the adjuster. If we can’t negotiate compensation we believe the facility owes, we’re fully prepared to file a lawsuit.
Compensation Available in an Insurance Claim
When you file a claim with a nursing facility’s liability insurance company, you can pursue compensation for damages. Damages are losses resulting from another party’s negligence. If we find substantial proof that abuse occurred, we can claim certain damages.
In Illinois, you’re allowed to pursue compensation for economic and non-economic losses your loved one incurred. If you believe you deserve a financial award for your expenses, you might be entitled to claim your own damages.
- Medical costs for treatment of injuries
- Loss of income while caring for your loved one
- Emotional distress suffered by your loved one and you
- Physical pain caused by the injuries
If your loved one died as a result of the abuse or neglect, you could pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. The damages you might be eligible for are medical bills, funeral costs, burial expenses, and loss of the victim’s financial support.
Schedule Your Free Consultation with Karlin, Fleisher & Falkenberg, LLC
The Chicago nursing home abuse lawyers from Karlin, Fleisher & Falkenberg, LLC care about every client we work with. When you hire us, you will be a top priority for us. Finding out that someone you trusted hurt your loved one is infuriating. We will help you fight for justice.
We understand the burden you face every day. You’re trying to protect your loved one, while also caring for your children or spouse. You have to balance working, pursuing a legal case, and looking for quality treatment. It’s stressful and overwhelming for anyone to handle. Karlin, Fleisher & Falkenberg, LLC takes care of every legal aspect of the cases we take on so you can focus on helping your loved one recover.
Our dedicated Chicago nursing home abuse attorneys are available 24/7 to speak with you. To discuss the legal options available for your loved one who suffered injuries from nursing home abuse, call us at 312-346-8620 today.