If you have a loved one in a nursing home, you expect them to receive the highest standard of care. Unfortunately, bedsores, or pressure ulcers, are a common problem in nursing homes across Illinois. These painful wounds can cause serious complications, including infection and even death. If your loved one has developed bedsores while under the care of a nursing home, you may be able to hold the facility accountable and seek compensation for their injuries.

How Do Bedsores Develop?

When a person remains in one position for an extended period, pressure builds up and restricts blood flow to the skin and underlying tissue. This leads to tissue damage known as bedsores, most commonly found in areas where the skin is in constant contact with a surface, like the hips, back, elbows, and heels.

Bedsores in nursing homes are commonly caused by neglect. Residents who cannot move or shift positions independently are most vulnerable to bedsores. The nursing home staff must guarantee that residents are rotated and repositioned regularly to ease pressure and prevent bedsores. Failure to take such steps could result in nursing home staff being held responsible for any injuries caused.

If you believe that your loved one is experiencing malnutrition because of neglect in an Illinois nursing home, it can be a frustrating and overwhelming experience. You may feel angry, confused, and unsure of what steps to take next.

Below are some steps you can take if you suspect malnutrition in your family member.

Observe Your Loved One’s Health and Eating Habits

The first step in addressing malnutrition in a nursing home is to monitor your loved one’s health and eating habits. Keep track of any changes you notice in their weight, appearance, or overall health. Take pictures of any signs of malnutrition, such as dry skin, hair loss, or visible bones. Record the dates and times when you notice these changes. Also, ask your loved one if they are receiving enough food and water.

Nursing home injury claims can be complex and require a thorough understanding of the legal process. In Illinois, nursing homes have a legal responsibility to provide safe and appropriate care for their residents, and when they fail to do so, they can be held liable for injuries that occur as a result.

Proving Negligence in Nursing Home Injury Claim

When it comes to proving negligence, it is important to identify the specific actions or inactions that led to the injury. This requires gathering evidence such as medical records, eyewitness statements, and expert testimony. In some cases, it may be necessary to hire a medical expert.

A medical expert can also assess the extent of the resident’s injuries and provide an opinion on whether the nursing home was negligent in providing the proper care. Additionally, a medical expert can help evaluate any long-term effects that may be associated with the injury, such as pain and suffering or financial losses.

If you or a loved one is injured in a nursing home, it is essential to know your rights. Nursing home injury cases can be complex and involve multiple parties, so it is essential to understand the legal process and how to protect yourself. 

In this article, we will look at what your rights are with a nursing home injury, or even wrongful death, and what constitutes as a nursing home injury, and what you may expect if you move forward with your case. 

What Constitutes as a Nursing Home Injury? 

The first step to understanding nursing home injury law is to familiarize yourself with what constitutes a nursing home injury. This includes any physical or mental injuries caused by the neglect or abuse of staff members, residents, and visitors. Injuries can range from broken bones or head trauma to psychological harm such as depression or PTSD. Another scenario is if a nurse gives the wrong medication, which may fall under medical malpractice, especially if it causes injury or wrongful death. If you or a loved on endure an incident not stated here, still ask a lawyer if you have a case.

The Illinois Nursing Home Care Act defines nursing home neglect as "failure to provide or intentionally withholding “adequate medical care, mental health treatment, psychiatric rehabilitation, personal care, or assistance with activities of daily living."

Nursing home neglect is a serious problem that can result in physical and psychological injuries or even death. Everyone with an elderly loved one living in a nursing home should be vigilant for signs of nursing home neglect. 

Red Flags of Neglect in an Illinois Nursing Home

Nursing homes are legally obligated to provide a reasonable level of care to residents. However, not every nursing home meets this standard. Signs of nursing home neglect can include: