Facebook Pixel
Collins Law Logo

Illinois Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Contact Us For A Free Consultation

$1.47 Billion in
Verdicts &
Settlements

Total reviews: 126 | Average rating: 4.9

5

If ever needed. I will gladly go to the Collins law firm again. They were always quick to respond any questions. Happy to say case is closed and all went well .

5

I’ve had the opportunity to co-counsel with John Risvold and he is a great attorney. He brings a high level of experience, strategic insight, and tenacity to every case. Truly an asset to the personal injury field. Rest assured, your case is in good hands with this firm

5

Chris Gauther was our attorney and he was very communicative and thorough! We highly recommend the firm! Patty the paralegal was awesome as well! Overall we had a great experience!

5

I had an outstanding experience with Collins Law Firm following my car accident in McHenry County, IL. From start to finish, the team was responsive, knowledgeable and truly had my best interests at heart. A special thank you to Chris Gauthier, who handled my case with professionalism and care. His guidance made a stressful situation much more manageable. I highly recommend Collins Law Firm to anyone in need of strong, compassionate legal representation.

5

My brother suffered horrific injuries in a hit and run accident that involved a drunk driver. I called a couple of other law firms before I VERY fortunately found Collins Law Firm. Our attorney, Ed Manzke, worked diligently and expeditiously to get my brother the highest compensation available in our personal injury case. Ed surpassed our family’s expectations not only in his knowledge and work ethic, but in his genuine compassion for my brother’s situation. He made accommodations that facilitated meeting with us in person WHILE my brother was still in the hospital undergoing surgeries and procedures. Frankly, Ed was the only attorney that offered to do this and it helped speed our case along at a point when we felt that time was of the essence. Additionally, Ed’s assistant, Amber Blevins, deserves acknowledgment for all of her hard work as well. She always offered to answer any questions we had throughout the process and would often reach out to check on my brother’s condition on her own, or at Ed’s request. It means so much when you’re going through a devastating event, that you feel heard, seen and supported. If you want professionals that truly fight for you and treat you as if you’re their only client, then I HIGHLY recommend you contact Collins Law Firm!

5

I cannot speak highly enough of attorney Ed Manzke and his assistant, Amber Blevins, at The Collins Law Firm. Ed worked diligently and with great integrity to help me receive compensation for a lead paint disaster at my residence. From start to finish, Ed, Amber, and the entire team were professional, responsive, and compassionate.

Ed’s thorough guidance and legal expertise gave me tremendous confidence throughout the process. He was always available to answer questions, explain next steps, and provide reassurance when needed. Amber’s attention to detail and communication were equally impressive—she was organized, proactive, and supportive at every turn.

Their combined professionalism, empathy, and commitment truly set them apart. I am deeply grateful to Ed, Amber, and the Collins Law Firm for their outstanding work. I highly recommend them to anyone in need of trusted and skilled legal representation. Thank you, Ed!

5

Fantastic law firm! Christopher Gauthier kept me up to date every step of the way, and helped me figure out a game plan. Im very satisfied with my service here!

5

John Risvold was recommended by a friend and he was a great fit!
Professional and pleasant from the first conversation we had!
He was always available and kept me informed of progress! Patty and Chris worked and made sure I was comfortable and getting all the information needed.
I would highly recommend John and his team.

5

My lawyer was Chris Gotti. He is the best lawyer I could have ever asked for hands down. He was always on top of things and whenever he had news, he would always communicate with me right away! He is very understanding and friendly to talk to and will make you feel comfortable right away! Pick Chris Gotti as your lawyer! He won’t let you down I promise you!

5

Ed and Amber were wonderful to work with. Very professional and achieved a fair settlement for a dog bite/attack. Definitely recommend choosing Collins Law Firm.

5

The staff at Collins Law Firm was very professional and cooperative. From Patty the Legal Assistant to Chris Gauthier, the Attorney who handled my case. Chris G was even polite to refer me to another lawyer in a different field for something else I needed help in. Things were handled quickly and firmly and I knew all the steps along the way because Chris G kept in contact with me at all times. The result of my case was very pleasing, and I will always deal with Collins Law Firm if I ever need legal assistance, which I don't hope I will but they are my choice if I do.

5

My decision to go with Ed Manske and Amber Blevins to handle my mom’s injury case was one of the best decisions I’ve made! From the beginning Ed took the time to listen and put me and my mom at ease. When we made a decision to open a case it came at a time when I was overwhelmed with my mom’s medical situation including countless hospital visits, therapy, bills, doctor appointments etc so throwing a dart and picking a lawyer added to my plate. Both of them were beyond outstanding! They were both extremely professional, communicated expectations, we never seemed rushed to get off the phone quite the contrary they made sure we didn’t have any additional questions. Ed is genuine and truly makes you feel like you are his only case. Thank you so much!

5

I found myself in a car accident situation where I didn’t know who to turn to or what to do. Chris was easy to talk to and I’m glad that the Collins Law firm handled my case all the way through. I’m blessed to have had them, and definitely recommend to anyone who needs fair and compassionate council. Thank you, Collins Law!

5

This is by for the best experience I have had with a law firm, Collins Law Firm. From the onset of the car accident away from our home town, I did not know whom to call but with a search on the internet, I found this firm online. I was so pleased with initial call and conversation. The agents I have dealt with are professional, knowledgeable, very helpful, great tone on the phone and very patient. They took the time to explain what needs to be done and the expectation. My recent agent Chris G. is so awesome. He always showed empathy besides being patient knowledgeable and understanding. He never beat around the bush with my questions, just gave me straight answers. For real!! I will definitely recommend Collins Law Firm to friends and relatives. Their agents exceeds 100% and gives satisfactory RESULTS.

5

Every business dreams to have a lawyer like Rob Dawidiuk! Through acquisitions, Rob and his team helped me grow to become the largest Massage Envy franchisee in the country. He handled every transaction, every negotiation, and every touch point to a better outcome than planned. Purely flawless. Pure diplomacy. Rob and his team lead the negotiation and sale of my business to the private equity firm tax-efficiently for the best possible exit. Rob then helped me to acquire a second national franchise (FedEx Ground) in two different states over a period of four years totaling 16 separate transactions and did them all to his standard of excellence. I've been very fortunate to have Rob in my corner for the last eleven years not only for his M&A expertise, but also for his day-to-day business counsel and support. - Peter Bray

5

What John and especially Chris did to help me reach the settlement I wanted was truly awesome. Chris had great communication and kept me in the loop with my case the whole time, answering questions and going back and forth with the at fault party’s insurance. On top of being a diligent advocate they were genuinely nice and caring people. I’ve never worked with lawyers before but these guys were great and although I don’t live in the state they practice I’d highly recommend them to anyone who’s been in an accident and needs representation.
Go with The Collins Law Firm.
You won’t regret it.

5

Rob Dawidiuk does a great job as your general counsel and handling transactions and litigation. He makes himself available to answer any questions or concerns and helps you work through them. I highly recommend Rob as your attorney.

5

I have worked with Rob Dawidiuk of Collins Law Firm on several matter pertaining to my company. He was always responsive, knowledgeable, and professional. On some complicated matters, including a commercial property sale, his expertise was key in getting deals done and representing my interests. I've recommended Rob to other business associates and will continue to do so.

5

I have had the pleasure of working with Rob Dawidiuk for virtually all of our corporate legal needs. He's brilliant, works very hard, and always in our best interest.

5

I have worked with Robert Dawiduk for over 10 years, Rob has helped me not only to successfully negotiate tough business contracts but also with the sale of multiple businesses.

I highly recommend Rob for your business; he is fair, highly responsive, provides direct feedback, and offers the best solutions for successful outcomes.

5

Rob Dawidiuk is an outstanding attorney and really great to deal with. We have worked on many many transactions together!

5

I have been working with Rob Dawidiuk on a foreclosure file for the last two years. Rob is a conscientious and thoughtful attorney that looks at the whole picture in the case. He is available when I call. Rob has been a long-term attorney associated with this bank and will be in the future.

5

My wife and I recently closed on our first home and Rob Dawidiuk was incredible in helping us through the entire process. He was quick in responding to any questions we had at any point and guided us each step of the way! Throughout the entire process, Rob went explained the process in a way that was easy for us to understand and made us feel confident that we knew what we were signing up for. Thank you so much for all of your help!

5

My husband and I worked with Rob Dawidiuk for our real estate closing. Rob is kind, honest, and responsive. I would highly recommend working with Collins Law.

5

My family has worked with Collin's and Rob Dawidiuk for almost 20 years. We met Rob when they were representing our insurance carrier for an Asbestos brake shoe claim, for which we had no liability. Rob immediately filed for a dismissal, and the plaintiff's attorney was shocked that Rob wouldn't put more time into the case because he could bill the insurance company for more time.

As a business owner, this show of high ethics is why we have been with Collins since then through thick and thin.

They have handled every aspect of legal work for our business (employment law, contract, real estate, product liability, etc).

5

Excellent business to partner with. Rob Dawidiuk has helped our business with all general counsel needs throughout the United States. Not only are they outstanding legal counsel, but also great people. I strongly recommend to anyone.

5

As in-house counsel for a nonprofit corporation, I worked with Rob Dawidiuk as our trial attorney on a complex case. After years of motions, discovery, and partial summary judgments, Rob defended us in a four-day trial and Rob was successful in winning on all issues in the case. It is a pleasure to work with Rob who is a very competent and skilled attorney.

5

Working with Ed Manzke and Amber was an absolute blessing. From the moment I reached out, they treated me with kindness, understanding, and a level of professionalism that immediately put me at ease. They didn’t just handle my case—they truly cared about my well-being and fought hard to get the best possible outcome. They explained everything clearly, kept me informed at every step, and never made me feel like just another client. Their dedication, expertise, and compassion made all the difference, and I can’t recommend them highly enough. If you need lawyers who are not only skilled but also genuinely care, Ed and Amber are the ones to call.

5

Chris did a great job! I highly recommend him for any case.

5

Really good people John is very patient and responsive with handling you personal request

5

John Risvold exceeded our expectations! I was involved in a car crash which resulted in needing several neck and back surgeries, as well as numerous other medical procedures. When the medical bills started piling up and I wasn't feeling better, I sought legal help. My husband and I met with John Risvold, who explained the legal process and stood by us every step of the way, exhibiting patience and professionalism. It was a great relief to offload our anxiety and legal work to him and we always felt that John had our back. The case went to trial and John (and Chris Gauthier) gave a master class on how to litigate a civil claim. We won the case and are extremely happy with how we were treated. We strongly recommend John Risvold and The Collins Law Firm!

5

John at Collins Law has been wonderful help. I'm forever grateful he tackled this case, handled it with care, was efficient, and compassionate. He responded to any questions I had at incredible speed & in great detail. He cares for his clients, and has been wonderful during this trying time. You cannot ask for a better experience, highest respects for John. Highly reccomend.

5

I cannot say enough great things about Chris Gauthier!. He has demonstrated outstanding negotiation skills, resolving my case efficiently and effectively. Chris ability to analyze the situation, provide sound advice, and keep me informed at every step was both reassuring and impressive. What stood out the most was his dedication to achieving the best possible outcome from me. Chris treated my case with care, making me feel valued and supported throughout the entire process.

If you're looking for a lawyer who is knowledgeable, communicative, and truly cares about your best interests, I highly recommend Christopher Gauthier!

5

Working with Ed J. Manzke and THE COLLINS LAW FIRM has been great. Communication, follow-up, advice, and experience were all excellent. Before I met Ed, I was at a low point, as a drunk driver had dramatically changed my life. I was seriously wondering what I could do, and he provided us with a light at the end of the long tunnel. Thank you to everyone at the firm for all their help; we are lucky to have had your support.

5

Ed and his team worked tirelessly to help me with a personal injury situation. They are friendly and kind and want to help you achieve the highest level of settlement resolution. Definitely recommend them as a legal team!

5

I had an outstanding experience with Ed from the Collins Law Firm as my injury lawyer. I was involved in a car accident and was connected with Ed from this firm. Ed was incredibly empathetic, always taking the time to listen and prioritize my needs throughout the entire process. His communicative and transparent approach ensured that I was informed and comfortable with every decision made. Ed’s dedication and support were instrumental in navigating my case, and I highly recommend him to anyone seeking a compassionate and effective injury lawyer.

5

I received the best over the phone consultation, he was very helpful and informative, thank you so much

5

John has helped me out on a couple of times. He really cares about people and helping them . That is a rare thing with most people and very refreshing to see!!

5

I called Collins law firm when I was hit by an SUV. Edward Manzke was my attorney. I couldn't be more then happy with him. He didn't treat me as a client, he treated me as a human being, that was important to me. Thank you . Ed.

5

I had a very positive experience with the Collins Law Firm. Ed Manzke was easy to communicate with and very informative. I appreciate all the time they put into my case and making sure I knew what was going on every step of the way.

5

Shawn & his team are not only very professional, they are so caring & patient! The Collins Law firm will be the first I’ll call with any future questions or concerns.

5

I would highly recommend the Collins Law Firm. I deeply appreciate their professionalism, their expertise in environmental law, their attention to detail, and their consistent communication. Shawn was meticulous in his explanations of the process and our choices, and was always available to answer follow up questions with patience and care (including a phone meeting with me the weekend of his daughter's wedding). I am grateful for the representation provided by the whole team at Collins--thank you!

5

Outstanding
The Collins Law team is outstanding. You will find that each lawyer is passionate and focused to achieve the best outcome for their clients. In a recent case in which I was involved in, was related to the emission of toxic fumes. Although legal team members specialized in environmental law, Shawn brought in scientists as well as physicians as resources. to support my case. Communication between the team and I was excellent. They explained the case and proceedings and updated me throughout with personal phone calls and meetings. At any time when I had questions related to my case, immediate answers were provided .
Throughout complex litigation they made me feel involved and explained and they also made me feel that my case and my input was valued.

5

My experience with the Collins Law Firm was top notch! In a world where concern for others seems to be lacking, Shawn Collins and his team were professional, compassionate, and always clear when explaining tedious information.
I thank everyone for your hard work and diligence to win my case…it is sincerely appreciated!

5

The Collins Law Firm team helped me with cases for my parents and I am very satisfied with the settlement. The team did great job with communication throughout the process. They were very good at explaining details of what needed to be done. All of them really care about my family and worked really hard to get justice for them. I am very happy I choose the Collins Law Firm over any other to handle our cases. Thank you Collins team!

5

I hired Shawn Collins from the Collins Law Firm in Naperville. He represented me and others who contracted cancer because of a corporation that was responsible for releasing toxins into the environment. Shawn and his team of attorneys and scientists worked with diligence to prove their case. Shawn is an excellent communicator and is empathetic to his client's frustration and pain. He and his team can be trusted to fight for you as if you were part of their own family. Thank-you Shawn and team from Collins Law Firm.

5

I had a fantastic experience with The Collins Law firm. Their team of attorneys are truly exceptional. They are accommodating, kind, responsive and provide expert legal guidance and support to achieve the best possible outcome. I always feel they have my best interest at heart and are always willing to spend extra time if you have questions. I highly recommend the Collins Law Firm to anyone in need of legal assistance! Thank you Shawn Collins for outstanding service, I appreciate you and everyone on your staff.

5

“The Collins Law Firm is excellent!! This was my first experience with a law firm, and I have nothing but high praise for Shawn Collins, and his entire law office. Every time there was a need for getting me information, a meeting was held that was detailed, concise, and complete. Their communication was excellent, and kept me informed of every step of my lawsuit. If I ever had a question, it was quickly and completely answered. Every staff member at Collins Law Firm was the utmost professional, yet very kind and caring. I felt they really were concerned about me and what was best for me. I am so happy I was represented by Collins Law Firm. Shawn Collins is the best! I wholeheartedly recommend the firm to anyone looking for superb, knowledgeable representation! Thank you so much Collins Law Firm for what you did for me!"

5

Shawn Collins and his AMAZ8NG team achieved what I had no idea was possible. My goal.was to get a company that had been illegally releasing cancerous gas into the air by my home and school for almost 40 years SHUT DOWN to protect the residents and their children. Not only is that company shut down in our area but the other locations are being stopped as we speak. The Collins Law Firm has saved thousands of lives by fighting for me and others affected by cancer. It is heartbreaking to know that many have lost their lives and are still suffering because of this company. No amount of money from a settlement will ever give us our health back again but at least the future residents will be safe and this will force other similar companies to THINK about the safety of the people that live near their locations and follow the guidelines THOUGHTFULLY put in place by the EPA.
Thank you Shawn Collins and the Collins Law Firm

5

We hired Shawn Collins and The Collins Law Firm about 5 years ago to handle a very complicated personal injury case involving our daughter with special needs. He took the time to meet with us on multiple occasions to get to know our family, especially our daughter. Due to the complexities of our case and various other factors, our case took many years to finally get resolved. Although the case took a while, Shawn Collins and The Collins Law Firm always kept us updated and informed. They were always very accommodating and made sure to answer any questions we had along the way. The Collins Law Firm was always responsive and informative, and provided thorough and detailed information when necessary. Additionally, Shawn Collins is not your stereotypical attorney. He had and continues to have a genuine and caring interest in our family, and in the best interest of our daughter. We have been more than pleased with the services we received, and we highly recommend Shawn Collins and The Collins Law Firm. Our family is truly and eternally grateful!

Ivan and Judy H

Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Attorneys

Placing a loved one in a nursing home is never an easy decision, but we often do it so mom or dad can get the care they need. One thing you should never have to fear is a nursing home and its employees treating your loved one poorly. It is devastating for a family to hear that their loved one has been injured or killed in a place that they trusted. If that happens, you need attorneys in your corner who know how to hold negligent nursing home operators accountable for their actions.

At The Collins Law Firm, our attorneys spend every day fighting for the most vulnerable among us, who have been injured or killed by someone else's carelessness. Our lawyers have decades of experience representing the victims of neglect and abuse. We fight for you, so that your family can take the time to heal. Call us at (630) 527-1595 or fill out our contact form to arrange a FREE CONSULTATION today. There is no obligation and the call is confidential. We will discuss your potential case, explain your legal options, and help you and your loved one feel safe again.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How Serious a Problem is Elder Abuse in Nursing Homes?

What are the Causes of Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect?

What are the Different Types of Elder Abuse and Neglect?

What Signs of Elder Abuse/Neglect Should You Look for?

What Kinds of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Cases Do We Handle?

How Can You Prevent Your Loved One From Becoming a Victim of Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect?

What Should You Do if You Suspect or See Your Loved One Being Abused?

How Does the Law Protect Nursing Home Residents From Abuse?

What are Your Rights under the Illinois Nursing Home Care Act?

What are the Standards of Care Required by Law of Nursing Homes?

Why Don’t the Elderly Report Abuse, and What Can You Do About It?

When is It Appropriate to Sue a Nursing Home?

Who Can Bring a Lawsuit for Elder Abuse or Neglect?

What Can the Attorneys at The Collins Law Firm Do for You?

How to Report Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect?

How Serious a Problem is Elder Abuse in Nursing Homes?

Elder abuse is a large and growing problem in the United States. According to recent research, about 10% of seniors experience elder abuse, with more than 2 million cases of elder abuse reported every year. The problem is even more prevalent among the elderly who live in nursing homes. Nursing home abuse occurs at every type of facility, and the statistics are shocking. Moreover, the problem continues to increase as more elderly citizens enter the system. In addition, when you consider that the elderly are the least likely demographic to report abuse, the prevalence of abuse is very likely even greater than we know. The following are some recent statistics on elder abuse at nursing homes:

  • In one year alone, 25% of nursing homes were cited for causing serious injury or death.
  • More than 30% of nursing homes experience some type of elder abuse.
  • Only about 20% of abuse cases are reported.
  • Abusers are known to the victim in 90% of cases.
  • Abusers are usually staff members, fellow patients or even frequent visitors.
  • It is estimated that 5,000 deaths may occur each year due to negligence or injuries suffered at nursing homes.
  • Nursing home residents fall twice as much as the general senior population.
  • 10% of nursing home patients suffer from bedsores.
  • Almost a third of nursing homes were cited for violating federal regulations meant to protect the elderly.
  • 44% of nursing home residents report some type of abuse.
  • 95% of nursing home patients report neglect of themselves or other residents.
  • A study reported that more than 50% of nursing home employees admitted mistreating residents within the past year.
  • Almost half of all nursing home residents report being in pain over the course of a normal week, with 14% reporting moderate to severe pain.
  • More than 50% of certified Nursing Assistants at nursing homes admitted yelling at, verbally abusing or using foul language with, elderly patients.
  • Nearly 10% of nursing homes had violations that posed a serious risk of injury or death, or that actually did cause the death of residents.

In addition, statistics show that the size of the resident population in a long term care facility is a risk factor for elder abuse. The greater the number of residents, the greater the risk. Shockingly, nursing homes in Illinois with more than 100 patients are 39% more likely to jeopardize residents’ safety than facilities with 50-100 patients, and 127% more likely to do so than homes with less than 50 residents.

What Signs of Elder Abuse/Neglect Should You Look for?

It is very important to be able to spot abuse in nursing homes in order to protect your loved one, but what should you be on the lookout for? Here are some common signs of elder abuse.

  1. Unexplained bruising, black eyes or other injuries
  2. Falls, especially if they are frequent
  3. The development of bedsores
  4. Rapid weight loss
  5. Lack of interest in activities the patient used to enjoy
  6. A change in demeanor such as aggression or unusual depression
  7. Emotional agitation or extreme withdrawal
  8. Unusual behavior changes such as sucking, biting, or rocking
  9. Fear of being touched
  10. Patients overmedicated or sedated
  11. Signs of overmedication like drowsiness, dry and cracked lips, slumping in wheelchairs, drooling, unresponsive behavior, vacant stares and slurred speech
  12. Caretakers unable to give a reasonable explanation of a patient’s condition or injury
  13. Signs of neglect, like poor personal hygiene, urine smell, unsanitary conditions
  14. Patients left in bed for long periods of time
  15. Residents unattended for long periods of time
  16. Missing personal items, especially items of value
  17. Scratches, welts, cuts or bite marks on the face or other parts of the body, especially if they are symmetrical on both sides of the body
  18. Marks on wrists or other areas of the body left by restraints
  19. Dehydration or malnutrition
  20. Fractures, sprains, dislocations or head injuries
  21. A dramatic decrease in physical or emotional health
  22. Lack or delay of medical treatment
  23. Increase in elder hospitalization or emergency treatment for injuries
  24. Fear or hesitation by the patient when he or she receives care or assistance from staff or around another resident
  25. Incomplete health reports
  26. Being unable to talk to seniors on the phone for extended periods of time
  27. Broken eye glasses or frames
  28. Hair pulls or sudden bald spots
  29. Instances of wandering or running away
  30. A residence's reluctance to speak in staff member’s presence
  31. Caregiver refusing to allow relatives to see the resident alone
  32. Frequent arguments or tension between the resident and a caregiver
  33. Patient wanting to be isolated from others
  34. Resident is frequently ill, and illness is not promptly reported to family and physician
  35. Reports of a drug overdose or failure to take medication regularly
  36. Unexplained or unexpected death of a resident

What Kinds of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Cases Do We Handle?

At The Collins Law Firm, we represent nursing home clients who have been the victims of all types of financial, physical or mental abuse as well as those who have suffered as a result of neglect. Some of the more common types of abuse cases we encounter are:

Wrongful Death Sadly, in the United States, it is estimated that 5,000 nursing home residents die each year as a result of abuse or neglect. Serious falls, physical abuse, improper medication, lack of timely and proper medical treatment, malnutrition and dehydration, infection and even bedsores can result in an untimely death. Oftentimes a minor or initially innocuous problem becomes a deadly condition due to failure to detect, manage and treat the problem. No patient at a nursing home and no family should ever have to go through this.

Pressure Sores These sores, also called decubitus ulcers or bedsores, result from inadequate care and are receiving growing attention because of their prevalence. In Illinois, almost 20% of nursing home residents have pressure sores of stage 2 or higher on a scale of 4. Bedsores occur when staff fail to move and reposition patients with limited mobility on a regular basis. As a result, the blood supply to tissue is interrupted and the flesh dies. This causes pain and disability and can even lead to an open wound. When this happens, even more serious complications such as sepsis, gangrene, amputation, and even death can result. It is critical that you insist that the nursing home begin treatment of your loved one’s pressure sores immediately.

Infections It is estimated that as many as one to three million nursing home residents in the United States suffer from infections each year and as many as 380,000 residents die due to infection. This is often due to nursing homes failing to follow proper infection control procedures or providing substandard care to vulnerable elderly residents. Common infections include pneumonia, influenza, urinary tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and gastrointestinal infections. There are many steps that nursing homes can take to prevent infection, but, sadly, the staff at many facilities do not consistently follow infection prevention practices, even simple ones such as handwashing or wearing gowns and masks around infectious patients.

Preventable Falls at nursing homes occur regularly and repeatedly. In fact, the rate of falls in nursing homes is double that for the same age group living outside of long-term care facilities. The issue is a very serious one according to the following statistics from the Centers for Disease Control:

  • Each year a typical nursing home with 100 beds reports 100-200 falls.
  • About 1800 nursing home residents die from fall-related injuries every year.
  • Between half and three-quarters of nursing home residents fall each year.
  • Residents who do fall, often do so more than once, on average 2.6 times a year.
  • 10%-20% of nursing home falls cause serious injuries such as bone fractures.

Falls in nursing homes can result in death, injury, disability, functional decline, depression and reduced quality of life for your loved one. It is extremely important to be vigilant for conditions that might increase the chances of a serious fall.

Negligent Care Inadequate care can result in all sorts of injuries to a resident. Neglect can cause incontinence, malnutrition and weight loss, choking, clogged breathing tubes, dehydration, and a decline in the patient’s quality of life. Neglect can also be responsible for bedsores, infection, illness and a deterioration in a patient’s condition due to lack of treatment or proper medication and a failure to coordinate care. Inadequate supervision can lead to burns, falls, and the patient wandering off. In addition, negligent care can also result in patients being over or under medicated, or being improperly treated with antipsychotics or sedatives to make them "easier to handle". Many of these conditions dramatically impact a patient’s everyday quality of life, and if left untreated, can lead to serious injury, disability or even death.

Overmedication Sadly, there are nursing homes who overmedicate their residents on a regular basis because it makes them easier to handle, or because of inadequate staffing. Sometimes the overmedication is an unintentional mistake made by an overstressed, overworked employee. Other times the patient is overmedicated intentionally because they are aggressive, emotional or uncooperative. Keeping a patient sedated for long periods of time for any reason is called "chemical restraint" and can be very dangerous. Here are some facts about overmedicating:

  • Fewer than 20% of nursing home residents require antipsychotic medication.
  • However, more than 300,000 nursing home residents are on antipsychotics.
  • More than 50% of residents taking antipsychotics have no reason for taking them.
  • 17% of patients receive greater than the recommended daily dosage of antipsychotics.
  • 15,000 nursing home residents die every year because of un-prescribed antipsychotics.

If you observe that a large percentage of patients at a nursing home appear to be on antipsychotic drugs, this may be cause for alarm. It may be a sign that the facility does not take precautions against overmedicating or has a regular practice of overmedicating. If your loved one seems to be acting differently, ask to see a log of his/her medications. Ask about any medications you are not familiar with; ask if they are sedatives or antipsychotics; and if so, why they are being administered, for how long and when the treatment will be over.

If the facility can give no credible, medical reason for your loved one to be medicated, speak to a doctor and insist that he or she be taken off any unnecessary sedatives or antipsychotics.

At The Collins Law Firm we help you through a difficult situation by navigating the legal issues involved, providing your loved ones with the care and safety they deserve, and fighting for justice for your family.

What Can the Attorneys at The Collins Law Firm Do for You?

Nursing homes are supposed to help our loved ones to live their lives in comfort and safety. All too often this is not the case and our loved ones suffer at the hands of people who are there to care for them. When this happens, the seasoned lawyers and legal team at The Collins Law Firm will work closely with you and your loved one to uncover the facts surrounding how an injury occurred and work toward a favorable settlement or lawsuit against the facility. More specifically, our lawyers can hold the nursing home accountable by:

  • Putting together the strongest case possible to maximize your chance of winning your case in court or obtaining a fair settlement.
  • Obtaining all medical records and bills from your physicians and hospital.
  • Obtaining death certificates and coroner’s reports.
  • Obtaining charts and records from the nursing home.
  • Making a photographic record of conditions at the facility.
  • Taking photos of any and all injuries.
  • Taking a detailed statement from your loved one.
  • Getting reports from nurses and physicians that indicate any failure to provide an adequate standard of care or that include any evidence to support your claim of abuse or neglect.
  • Checking state inspection reports on the nursing home.
  • Acting as a liaison between you, the nursing home and the appropriate agencies.
  • Conducting a separate investigation into the suspected abuse or neglect.
  • Giving your loved one forceful, experienced representation in court.
  • Recovering damages for injuries, medical expenses and pain and suffering.
  • Negotiating the maximum settlement possible for your loved one.

We invest the time and resources necessary to assemble every critical piece of your case so that we can secure the most favorable outcome for you. Our experienced lawyers take care of everything so that you and your loved one can concentrate on recovery while we fight to get you justice.

Call The Collins Law Firm Today for a Free Evaluation of Your Nursing Home Abuse Case

If your loved one is being mistreated at a nursing home, we invite you to call us today. With more than 20 years of experience in personal injury cases, including many nursing home neglect and abuse cases, our attorneys know how to prove the wrongful conduct that caused your loved one's injuries and recover full compensation for those injuries.

Contact The Collins Law Firm at (630) 527-1595 (dial extension 221 for Shawn Collins, 226 for Edward Manzke or 236 for John Risvold) for a free evaluation of your case, if you suspect that your loved one is the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect. We will not only help you pursue the maximum compensation, but we will ensure your loved one gets the care he or she deserves.

"*" indicates required fields

Name
Required Fields *
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
The Collins Law Firm IL Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse Attorneys
nbc logocbs news logoabc logofox news channel logomsnbc logocnn logostarTribune logochicago daily law bulletin logodaily herald logostate journal logo
Why Choose Collins Law
Environmental & Personal 
Injury Lawyers
the legal team at collins law firm

No Fee Unless We Win

Collins Law operates on a contingency fee basis for personal injury and environmental cases, meaning clients only pay legal fees if we win your case.

175+ Years of Combined Experience

Our attorneys have years of experience representing clients with personal injury, environmental contamination, and business claims. Understanding the intricacies of these cases allows us to achieve better outcomes.

Proven Track Record

With a history of successful cases, Collins Law proves their ability to get results for their clients.

Flexible Consultations

Understanding the challenges clients may face following an injury, Collins Law offers flexible consultation options, including home and hospital visits. We will come to you.

Client-Centered Approach

At Collins Law, clients always come first. We prioritize individual needs and concerns, recognizing that each case is unique and deserves personalized attention.

Free Consultation - Available 24/7

Collins Law offers free consultations anytime, making legal advice accessible when it's needed.
chevron-downarrow-left-circlearrow-right-circle