A previous post here discussed malnutrition and how damaging it can be for nursing home residents. This issue, along with many other types of neglect, is among many very real problems facing Illinois residents. And, the resulting harm can be quite extensive. Malnutrition, dehydration, failure to monitor, improper medication administration and abuse can all lead to a worsened medical condition, the need for extensive medical care and pain and suffering. They might, in fact, even lead to death.
One Cook County nursing home resident knows just how harmful nursing home neglect can be. After suffering from bedsores and malnutrition the woman needed medical treatment, including surgery. The neglect and subsequent care caused her pain and suffering and disfigurement, and she incurred medical expenses that should have never arisen. The victim is now suing the nursing home, seeking tens of thousands of dollars in damages.
Those who have suffered harm at the hands of negligent nursing home staff may be able to take similar action. To succeed on a claim, a negligence victim must show that the defendant owed the victim a duty of care, that the duty was breached and the breach resulted in compensable harm. Proving each element requires knowledge of the law, application of the law to the facts at hand and persuasive legal argument.
A successful nursing home neglect lawsuit may lead to the recovery of compensation. Medical expenses, pain and suffering and damages for disfigurement may all be recovered. It is hoped that this money will help victims reclaim their financial stability, ease their pain and suffering and give them a sense of justice and closure. In addition, those who file a lawsuit against negligent individuals and parties may send them a strong message that such acts or omissions will not be tolerated.
Source: The Cook County Record, “Dehydration, neglect alleged in lawsuit,” Robert Hadley, Jan. 29, 2016