Will County, IL Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Lawyers

Experienced Nursing Home Resident Neglect Attorneys Serving Will County, Illinois

At John J. Malm & Associates, we are committed to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community – our seniors. When families entrust the care of a loved one to a nursing home in Will County, they expect safety, compassion, and dignity. Unfortunately, far too often, residents suffer abuse or neglect at the hands of caregivers or institutions more focused on profit than people. If you believe your loved one has experienced poor treatment in a Will County nursing home facility, our experienced nursing home abuse lawyers are here to help. We fight for accountability and justice, and we’re ready to stand by your family every step of the way.

What Is Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect?

Nursing home abuse and neglect refer to the mistreatment of elderly or dependent adults living in long-term care facilities. Abuse may be intentional, such as physical violence or emotional harm, or the result of negligence, such as failing to provide adequate care, food, or medical attention. Both types of mistreatment can lead to devastating physical, emotional, and financial harm.

Common forms of nursing home abuse and neglect include:

• Physical abuse (e.g., hitting, improper restraints)
• Emotional or psychological abuse (e.g., humiliation, verbal attacks)
• Sexual abuse
• Financial exploitation
• Neglect of basic needs (e.g., food, hygiene, medication)

These incidents are not isolated. Nationally, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 1 in 6 adults aged 60 or older experienced some form of abuse in a community setting within the past year, and the numbers are likely higher in institutional settings like nursing homes.

The State of Nursing Home Care in Illinois

Illinois has one of the largest populations of nursing home residents in the country, but also one of the highest rates of serious violations in long-term care facilities.

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH):

• In 2023 alone, there were 959 serious violations involving Illinois nursing homes.
• In the first half of 2024, over 500 more violations were documented.
• Nearly 38% of nursing homes in Illinois have been cited for serious deficiencies over the last three years.

These numbers are alarming and they only represent reported incidents. It is well-documented that elder abuse is vastly underreported, with studies estimating that only 1 in 24 cases ever comes to light.

Illinois nursing homes are frequently cited for poor staffing levels, failure to prevent infections, medication errors, and failure to protect residents from harm.

The Crisis in Will County Nursing Homes

Will County reflects the same troubling trends seen statewide. According to data from ProPublica’s Nursing Home Inspect tool, as of mid-2024:

• 16 licensed nursing homes operate in Will County.
• 6 of those facilities (about 38%) have been cited for serious deficiencies.
• Will County facilities have accumulated over $1.1 million in federal fines and have had multiple payment suspensions due to substandard care.

Some of the most common problems found in Will County facilities include:

• Falls resulting in serious injuries
• Untreated infections or bedsores
• Residents left in soiled clothing or bedding
• Failure to provide necessary medical care
• Emotional and verbal abuse by staff

These issues are not just paperwork violations, they often result in preventable injuries or death.

Why Abuse and Neglect Happen in Will County Nursing Homes

Several contributing factors make nursing homes, especially underfunded or for-profit facilities, prone to abuse and neglect.

1. Chronic Understaffing

Many facilities simply do not have enough staff to care for residents properly. According to data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS):

• 60% of Illinois nursing homes fail to meet federal nurse staffing levels.
• 81% fall short on certified nursing assistant (CNA) staffing.

When overworked staff are forced to care for too many residents, mistakes happen, and abuse may go unnoticed.

2. Inadequate Training and Supervision

Undertrained staff may not know how to properly lift residents, administer medications, or manage dementia-related behaviors. Poor supervision allows abusive behavior to continue unchecked.

3. Financial Pressures and Profit Motives

Many nursing homes, especially large, corporate-owned chains, prioritize profit over patient care. This often leads to cost-cutting measures like:

• Reducing staff hours
• Hiring less qualified workers
• Failing to invest in safety or infection control

Common Signs of Abuse and Neglect in Will County Nursing Facilities

Family members should stay alert for warning signs. Abuse and neglect can take many forms, and not all are immediately obvious.

Watch for:

• Unexplained bruises, cuts, or fractures
• Sudden weight loss or signs of malnutrition
• Dehydration
• Bedsores (pressure ulcers)
• Unusual fearfulness or withdrawal
• Poor hygiene or dirty living conditions
• Overmedication or under-medication
• Hesitation to speak in front of staff

If something feels off, trust your instincts. Many families uncover abuse only after seeing repeated injuries or major health declines.

Legal Protections for Will County Nursing Home Residents

Nursing home residents in Illinois nursing homes are protected by both federal and state laws:

Federal: The Nursing Home Reform Act (OBRA ’87)

This law ensures that all residents have the right to:

• Be free from abuse and neglect
• Participate in their own care planning
• Receive adequate medical care
• Maintain their dignity and privacy

Illinois Nursing Home Care Act (210 ILCS 45)

Illinois law gives additional rights and allows victims to pursue civil claims for damages, including:

• Medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Wrongful death damages

Importantly, Illinois does not cap non-economic damages in nursing home abuse cases, making it possible for families to recover full compensation.

How to Report Suspected Nursing Home Abuse in Will County

If you believe a loved one has been abused or neglected in a Will County nursing home, take action immediately. You can report the incident to:

• IDPH Central Complaint Registry:
  Phone: 1-800-252-4343
  Online: IDPH Nursing Home Complaint Form
• Illinois Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program: Offers advocacy and help resolving complaints locally.
• Illinois State Police Medicaid Fraud Control Unit: Investigates financial exploitation and serious misconduct.

Prompt reporting is essential, not only to protect your loved one, but to help prevent future abuse of other residents.

What to Expect from a Nursing Home Neglect Lawsuit

Pursuing a nursing home abuse lawsuit in Illinois can help hold facilities accountable and recover compensation for your family’s losses. At John J. Malm & Associates, we thoroughly investigate Will County nursing home abuse and neglect claims by:

• Reviewing medical records
• Interviewing staff and witnesses
• Consulting with healthcare experts
• Evaluating regulatory and inspection history

In addition to compensatory damages, we may seek punitive damages if the abuse was especially reckless or malicious. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.

How the Experienced Will County Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Attorneys at John J. Malm & Associates Can Help

At John J. Malm & Associates, we understand how emotionally devastating it can be to discover that a loved one has been mistreated in a care facility. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling nursing home abuse and neglect cases throughout Will County and Illinois. We offer:

• Free, confidential consultations
• Aggressive investigation of abuse claims
• Compassionate support for families
• Proven results in injury and wrongful death cases

Contact the Dedicated Will County Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates

If you suspect that a loved one has been neglected or abused in a Will County nursing home, don’t wait. The sooner you take legal action, the sooner you can protect their rights and hold the facility accountable. Abuse thrives in silence, but with the right team on your side, you can make your voice heard.

Contact John J. Malm & Associates today for a free consultation. Let us help you seek justice and ensure that your loved one receives the respect and care they deserve.