DuPage County has many nursing homes and residential care facilities. If you have a loved one in one of these places and you suspect abuse or neglect, look into it right away. The process can be overwhelming. Here's where you can start.
1
Signs of abuse or neglect
Even if you properly research a care facility before putting a loved one there, it's important to follow up and keep an eye out for any signs of abuse or neglect. Visit the home often and at different/off hours. Specific signs of abuse or neglect include bed sores, severe dehydration, emotional distress, unexplained injuries or overmedication.
2
Medical attention
If you suspect your loved one is being neglected or abused, your first step should be to make sure they are safe. Get them medical attention if necessary. For example, if bed sores are left untreated they can cause a serious life-threatening infection. If you notice these sores, let a medical professional know right away and ask what they are going to do to treat the condition.
3
Finding a lawyer
Once you are sure your family member or loved one is getting the medical attention they need, find a good attorney. You want to look for someone with experience in nursing home abuse and neglect cases, preferably in DuPage County. A local attorney will have established a relationship with colleagues at the courthouse there. Most attorneys who take these cases charge on a contingency basis, meaning that you only pay if your case is successful. Your initial consultation is almost always free.
4
Filling a lawsuit
In DuPage County, a lawsuit against a nursing home will most likely be filed at the courthouse in Wheaton at 505 N. County Farm Rd. Your attorney will evaluate your case and advise you on whether a lawsuit is warranted. It can be hard to win a nursing home case, or any personal injury case, without a clear injury.
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