A Chicago nursing home that has previously faced almost 50 neglect lawsuits is once again facing legal action after the death of a resident.

Anonymous Nursing Home Staff Member Alleges Substandard Care

In 2017, a resident at Chicago’s Mayfield Care Center developed a serious bedsore and subsequently developed a serious infection that ultimately ended their life. Her family is seeking answers as to why the preventable sore occurred in the first place. They aren’t alone.

The Mayfield facility has faced dozens of allegations. One family, who also lost a loved one to a bedsore developed while in Mayfield, has made some shocking and disturbing allegations. They state that despite writing several letters and approaching Mayfield management, they frequently saw human waste on the floors, that their loved one spoke about sleeping on the floor because she fell and no one picked her up, and that they had found her wandering naked through the hallways.

A former employee who wishes to remain anonymous has stated that the facility is so understaffed that sometimes one nurse is supposed to take care of up to 70 residents. As a result, patients go without proper care including medications, turning, and baths.

Attorneys Struggle To Get Records From Nursing Home

In one active lawsuit, the attorneys involved have indicated that they have been fighting for copies of the care charts for more than a year. But employees of the nursing home indicate that they will likely never get them, simply because they probably don’t exist.

The same anonymous employee who spoke about severe understaffing has also indicated that they believe the facility prevents full charting to avoid having evidence of neglect and abuse. They went to the Illinois Department of Professional Regulations with their concerns but not much has been done.

As for the previous lawsuits, the majority settled outside of court.

What Can Be Gained From Filing A Nursing Home Neglect Lawsuit?

A nursing home lawsuit is a civil lawsuit that if filed by either the resident who was neglected or abuse or their loved ones. Compensation can be obtained through either a settlement or court verdict, that could cover the loss of companionship, medical bills, physical pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and funeral and burial expenses.

The total amount does vary from case to case since no two plaintiffs suffer the exact same losses.

Steps You Can Take If You Suspect Elder Abuse Or Neglect

Do you suspect that your loved one is suffering from abuse or neglect in a nursing home? There are steps you can take to protect them.

1. Know the signs of abuse and neglect in nursing homes.
2. Speak with your loved one – they could provide you with the information that you need but could be too scared to say something.
3. Speak with the management at the nursing home. Let them know about your concerns and see what they have to say. Be sure to take notes on what was said during the meeting.
4. File a complaint with your appropriate state agency.
5. Contact an attorney.

Throughout the process, document anything that may be relevant to the case. This may include dates and times of phone calls, what was discussed, insurance paperwork, medical records, and photographs.

PA Nursing Home Lawyers: Protecting The Most Vulnerable

At PA Nursing Home Lawyers, our legal team has dedicated their careers to making sure that the vulnerable are properly taken care of. We believe that everyone, regardless of age, sex, skin color, or health condition should be treated with respect.

We can help you fight back against nursing home abuse or negligence. You can rest easy knowing that we will work tirelessly on your case. We will guide you step by step through the legal process and fight for you or your loved one.

Call us now to learn more.