Chicago Nursing Home Abuse Attorney

If you suspect your loved one is being abused or neglected in a Cook County nursing home or assisted living facility, don’t wait to take action. The experienced Chicago personal injury lawyers at Taxman, Pollock & Bekkerman, LLC can help protect your family’s rights and pursue the justice your loved ones deserve.

Call a dedicated nursing home abuse attorney today at (312) 586-1700 or fill out our online contact form for a free case review.

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• Why Choose Taxman, Pollock & Bekkerman?
• Meet Our Founding Chicago Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys
• Client Reviews
• Case Results
• What Is Nursing Home Abuse?
• Types of Nursing Home Abuse
• Warning Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect in Chicago
• What to Do If You Suspect Abuse in a Chicago Nursing Home
• Who Can Be Held Liable for Nursing Home Abuse in Chicago?
• How Illinois Nursing Home Laws Protect Your Loved Ones
• What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Nursing Home Abuse Claim?
• How Our Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys in Chicago Can Help You
• Contact Our Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in Chicago Today

Why Choose Taxman, Pollock & Bekkerman, LLC?

Choosing the right nursing home abuse attorney can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. At Taxman, Pollock & Bekkerman, LLC, our Chicago nursing home abuse lawyers bring a blend of experience, dedication, and results-driven advocacy to every client we represent.

Here’s why families in Chicago trust us to fight for justice:

• Decades of experience. Our law firm has spent years representing victims of nursing home neglect and abuse, building a reputation for thorough, aggressive advocacy.
• Proven track record. We’ve recovered more than $750 million in verdicts and settlements for injured clients, including significant results in nursing home negligence cases.
• Client-focused approach. We understand how emotional and overwhelming these cases can be. Our nursing home abuse attorneys provide personalized attention, guiding families with compassion and care.
• Trial-ready representation. While many cases settle, we prepare every case for court. If the care facility refuses to take responsibility, we are ready to pursue justice at trial.
• Commitment to accountability. Our nursing home abuse lawyers fight not only for compensation, but also to help prevent future harm to other vulnerable residents by holding facilities fully accountable.

With the help of our seasoned Chicago nursing home abuse attorney, you can have peace of mind knowing our legal team is here to guide you. This should not have happened. We cannot erase that, but we can fight for your loved one to receive justice.

Meet Our Founding Chicago Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers

Our founding attorneys, Marc Taxman, Bradley Pollock, and Gerald Bekkerman, bring decades of experience and a shared commitment to justice. Together, they’ve secured numerous record-setting recoveries. Their collective work has shaped legal precedent, earned statewide and national recognition, and established their law firm as a trusted advocate for the seriously injured.

Known for taking on complex, high-stakes cases, they combine legal skill, courtroom strength, and a deep dedication to client results. Together, they’ve built a practice rooted in excellence, compassion, and relentless advocacy for the injured.

Client Reviews

Case Results

What Is Nursing Home Abuse?

Nursing home abuse is any intentional or negligent act that causes harm to a resident in a nrusing home or other long-term care facilities, such as an assisted living facility, residential (live-in) facility, or continuing care retirement community. In Illinois, this abuse can take many forms, including physical violence, emotional mistreatment, sexual abuse, financial exploitation, and neglect.

Some nursing home staff members may lash out in frustration or act out of malice, while others fail to meet the basic needs of residents due to understaffing or lack of training. No matter the cause, any harm done to a resident can be grounds for a civil lawsuit.

If your loved one has been harmed in a nursing home, they may have a right to compensation under Illinois law.

Types of Nursing Home Abuse

Nursing home abuse can happen in various ways. If your loved one is showing physical, emotional, or mental health issues or complications, we strongly encourage you to seek legal guidance from a Chicago nursing home abuse lawyer when determining if abuse occurred.

Some of the most common types of abuse suffered include:

• Physical abuse, often with signs like bruises or unexplained injuries
• Sexual assault or abuse, often with indications such as unexplained STDs or fear of being left alone
• Emotional trauma and abuse, including from verbal statements you hear, but also from statements your loved one tells you
• Financial abuse, including theft and awarding of nursing home staff benefits
• Neglect, often expressed through missed medication or medication errors, missing meals, or being left without support for toileting

It can be hard to see your loved ones in these situations. Our nursing home abuse attorneys in Chicago can help you determine if something is happening and hold those responsible accountable.

Warning Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect in Chicago

Recognizing the warning signs of elder and nursing abuse is the first step to protecting your loved one. Family members should trust their instincts and take action if something seems wrong. Here are some of the most common red flags to watch for:

• Frequent Falls or Unexplained Injuries: Nursing homes are legally required to prevent avoidable falls through proper supervision and assistance. If a resident suffers repeated falls or unexplained bruises and fractures, it may indicate neglect or a lack of staff member oversight.
• Bed sores or Pressure Ulcers: Bed sores develop when immobile residents are not regularly repositioned. These painful injuries are often preventable with attentive care, and their presence may be a clear sign of neglect.
• Sudden Weight Loss or Dehydration: A drastic drop in weight may suggest poor nutrition, improper medication management, or inadequate staffing. Neglected residents may not receive the food, water, or assistance they need to stay healthy.
• Emotional Withdrawal or Fear of Staff: If your loved one seems fearful around certain staff members or avoids eye contact, it could point to emotional, verbal, or even physical abuse. Isolation, silence, or sudden mood changes are also signs that something may be wrong.
• Changes in Mental Status: A sudden shift in alertness or awareness may be linked to overmedication or the use of chemical restraints. If your loved one appears confused, disoriented, or sedated without explanation, ask questions.
• New Diagnosis of a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD): A diagnosis of an STD such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis in a nursing home resident may be a red flag for elder sexual abuse or a serious lapse in supervision.

What to Do If You Suspect Abuse in Chicago Nursing Homes

In situations where you suspect that nursing home abuse is taking place, act immediately. Your first goal should be to seek medical support for your loved one and get them out of a bad situation. You can call 911 if you feel they are facing a medical emergency or if you need to file a police report.

Report the situation to the nursing home administration, the Director of Nursing, or the patient manager. Also report the situation to the Illinois Department of Public Health, which investigates complaints and operates a 24-hour hotline at (800) 252-4343.

Be sure to document everything, including injuries, conditions, and conversations. Take photographs, record statements, and preserve medical records.

Then, hire a Chicago nursing home abuse lawyer. No amount of reporting can get you the answers we can. When you hire our legal team, we will help you get the data necessary to build a strong case against those at fault.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Nursing Home Abuse in Chicago?

More than one party can be legally responsible for abuse or neglect. Individual caregivers, the nursing home facility, supervisors, or even third-party contractors may share liability. Common scenarios include failure to maintain safe conditions, improper hiring or supervision, and neglecting to provide adequate medical care. A qualified nursing home abuse attorney can help identify each liable party and pursue a claim.

How Illinois Nursing Home Laws Protect Your Loved Ones

Both state and federal laws protect nursing home residents in Illinois. The Illinois Nursing Home Care Act sets rigorous standards for quality care and allows harmed residents to take legal action.

Federally, the Nursing Home Reform Act guarantees basic rights, including freedom from abuse, dignity, and access to appropriate medical treatment. These laws form the legal foundation for holding negligent facilities accountable.

What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Chicago Nursing Home Abuse Claim?

Victims of abuse and their families may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, ongoing treatment, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and more. If the mistreatment results in death, a wrongful death claim may be filed by surviving family members. In some cases, punitive damages are awarded to punish egregious conduct. Our nursing home abuse lawyers will seek the maximum compensation allowed under the law.

How Our Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys in Chicago Can Help You

There are various reasons to contact a lawyer, but the most important is to facilitate change. We understand the law, including Illinois nursing home laws that govern the type and level of care your loved one is entitled to expect. Our legal team will help you and your family member in several ways:

• Gather evidence and investigate your claims and risks. We will review medical records, consult nursing logs, and obtain documentation of what occurred, when, and how. Our aggressive strategy will mean preserving sensitive evidence quickly before it can be destroyed.
• Seek to file a claim against all parties at fault. This could include the nursing home facility, as well as the individuals in charge of it. We will help you determine who is at fault.
• Document all of your losses to pursue fair compensation. This includes medical expenses, pain and suffering, chronic injuries, and emotional trauma.
• Fight on your loved one’s behalf. You cannot trust that the insurance company or the nursing home is going to treat you well. Expect us to fight for you.
• Guide you in implementing change. This may mean moving your family member to another treatment center. It could be fighting for fair treatment under Medicare laws.

We know just how challenging this legal matter is because our Chicago nursing home abuse attorney has helped many families get answers. We do not leave you to this process on your own. Instead, we fight for you and for fair and full compensation of all losses owed to you under the law. That starts with a free consultation to discuss your case.

Contact Our Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in Chicago Today

If your loved one has experienced abuse in nursing homes, you are not alone—and you have legal options. Our team of nursing home abuse attorneys at Taxman, Pollock & Bekkerman, LLC is ready to help. We offer free case reviews and take cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win.

Reach out today to protect your loved one and start the path toward justice. Call our Chicago law firm at (312) 586-1700 or fill out our online contact form to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why should I hire a nursing home injury lawyer in Chicago?

Nursing home facilities, which are operated by large companies, usually won’t bother with small, individual complaints. A skilled Chicago nursing home abuse attorney can cut through the bureaucracy that stops you from helping your loved one.

How much is my lawsuit worth?

The answer depends on a variety of factors, including:

• Related present and future medical costs
• Types of injuries sustained
• Type and duration of abuse

What are the odds of winning a lawsuit against a nursing home?

The likelihood of success in a Chicago nursing home abuse or neglect case depends on the evidence of negligence, the severity of the harm, and whether liability can be clearly established. A skilled Chicago nursing home abuse attorney can evaluate your situation, gather documentation, and advise on your chances of obtaining compensation.

Is it possible to settle an abuse case outside of court?

Yes. Many nursing home providers are open to settling abuse and neglect cases without taking the case to court.

What if the nursing home provider does not agree to a settlement?

Our aggressive Chicago nursing home abuse lawyers will not hesitate to bring your case to a jury. You can count on us to fight for the compensation and justice you deserve.

Who investigates nursing homes in Illinois?

Nursing homes in Illinois are investigated by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), which oversees facility compliance with state health and safety regulations. Families can also report concerns directly to IDPH’s 24-hour hotline at (800) 252-4343.

How do I remove a loved one from an abusive Chicago nursing home facility?

You should make alternative care arrangements before taking your family member out of a nursing home. A few options you can consider are hiring a live-in nurse, finding a home-health service, or transferring the resident to a more caring nursing facility.