As our nation's elderly have grown in number, so has the demand for nursing homes and other forms of elder care. Unfortunately, the number of properly trained and qualified nursing home staff has not necessarily kept pace with demand.

When you suspect that the care provided to your loved one does not meet your expectations, you may only know half of the story. Nursing homes can abuse your trust in a variety of ways, such as abuse, neglect, fraud, and the failure to comply with the Illinois Nursing Home Care Act.

For example, we have represented nursing home residents and their families when nursing homes and their staff members allowed the following problems to arise: the development of bed sores (decubitas ulcers), muscle contractures of the extremities, malnutrition, falls, medication errors, and sexual and physical assault. These problems occur because a nursing home's staff is inattentive, poorly trained, or overworked. Illinois nursing homes have a duty under the Illinois Nursing Home Care Act to prevent these occurrences. The facilities can be sued for injuries that occur as a result of violations of the Act.

If you suspect negligence at your loved one's nursing home, you should immediately contact a lawyer. Hurley McKenna & Mertz, P.C. has protected the rights of nursing home patients and their families in numerous cases. In a free consultation with our lawyers, you can take the first step toward learning your rights and standing up for the care that you and your loved ones deserve.

For a free consultation, contact Hurley McKenna & Mertz, P.C. at 312-553-4900 or fill out our on-line form to have a lawyer contact you.