Rockford, IL Nursing Home Physical Abuse Injury Attorneys

Nursing Home Verbal Abuse Lawyers in Winnebago County

Nursing home abuse is a widespread and largely underreported epidemic. According to an ABC News report, abuse occurs in one out of every three nursing homes throughout the country. There is no excuse for the physical and verbal abuse of the most vulnerable in our society. If you or a loved one has been a victim, it is important to speak with an experienced nursing home neglect and abuse attorney, so you understand your legal rights and options.

At Mannarino & Brasfield, A Division of Schwartz Injury Law, we understand the outrage family members feel when they learn that their elderly loved one has suffered physical and/or verbal abuse in a facility they entrusted to look after their needs. Our lawyers have over 20 years of experience representing clients who have experienced nursing home abuse, and we have the skills, resources, and dedication to ensure that those responsible for this egregious conduct are held fully accountable.

Physical and Verbal Abuse in Illinois Nursing Homes

Abuse in nursing homes is becoming worse with each passing year. Aging demographics have led to higher resident populations at most nursing facilities. At the same time, there has been consolidation in the industry, as well as a trend toward "for-profit" nursing homes. This has created staffing shortages and in many cases, inadequate vetting of prospective employees.

According to a study by the National Center on Elder Abuse, 17% of nursing home employees actually admitted to having physically abused their patients. There is no doubt that this percentage is much higher, as most abusive employees would likely not admit to it. Many cases of physical and verbal abuse also go unreported because victims fear reprisal if no action is taken to stop the abuse.

There are several signs and symptoms that may indicate physical and/or verbal abuse in a nursing home. Some of the most common include:

• Cuts, scratches, bruises, burns, and sprains
• Unexplained falls
• Pressure and bed sores
• Infections
• Malnutrition and dehydration (due to loss of appetite)
• Torn clothing
• Poor hygiene
• Anxiety and stress
• Emotional withdrawal
• Depression
• Unusual negative behaviors (e.g., hitting other residents)

Contact a Boone County Physical and Verbal Abuse Lawyer

Physical and verbal abuse cases can be complicated and challenging to pursue. Most often, the facility will deny all wrongdoing and make excuses for the deterioration of your loved one's condition. At Mannarino & Brasfield, A Division of Schwartz Injury Law, we have handled numerous nursing home abuse cases over the years, and we are able to review facility records and identify important and often overlooked factors that may point to abusive behavior on the part of nursing home staff.

If you or someone close to you has been the victim of physical or verbal abuse, contact our Rockford nursing home abuse lawyer today at 815-215-7561 for a free consultation. We serve clients in Rockford, Winnebago County, Freeport, Belvidere, Winnebago, Loves Park, Byron, Rochelle, Oregon, Boone County, Stephenson County, Ogle County, and throughout Illinois.