Martin J. Healy Medical Malpractice Law Blog on Lawyers.com

In 2003, the U.S. Administration on Aging reported state investigations of more than 20,000 complaints of abuse, gross neglect, and exploitation on behalf of nursing home and board and care residents.

A National Research Council Panel to Review Risk and Prevalence of Elder Abuse and Neglect reported for the same year that between one and two million Americans age 65 or older were injured, exploited, or otherwise mistreated by someone on whom they depended for care or protection.

While sources and even the definition of “elder” may vary, one fact remains constant: nursing home abuse happens all too frequently. The federal Older Americans Act and the Illinois Act on Aging have put in place laws and programs to expressly protect elders against abuse, including nursing home neglect in Chicago.

However, an older study by the National Center on Elder Abuse estimated that for every case reported, about five went unreported.

If you suspect your loved one is the subject of nursing home abuse in Chicago, you owe your family the benefit of reporting the abuse and seeking help from a nursing home negligence attorney in Chicago. A Chicago elder abuse lawyer can assist you with investigations of your claim involving nursing home staff and administration.

The Jury Verdict Reporter concluded that in Cook County between the years of 2002-2007, 525 medical malpractice trials occurred throughout the county. In roughly one-third of the cases from year to year, the verdict favored the plaintiff. Cook County juries awarded at least $5 million 32 times, representing about six percent of the reported trials, over this five-year period.

Medical malpractice suits can be lengthy and expensive. If you believe you or a loved has suffered damages due to a health care professional’s negligence in performing to the appropriate standard of care, contact a medical malpractice lawyer in Chicago to determine whether you have a case worth pursuing.

The Healy Law Firm has successfully represented many individuals and families injured as a result of mistakes or substandard treatment by doctors, nurses, drug companies, pharmacists, hospitals, nursing homes, health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and medical laboratories. Our attorneys have obtained numerous substantial recoveries through jury trials and settlements for our clients and the families of those injured by medical malpractice.

To talk to an experienced elder abuse attorney in Chicago or a skilled medical malpractice lawyer in Chicago, call The Healy Law Firm toll free at 877-767-4591 or contact us online to schedule your free initial consultation.

Healy Law Firm
111 West Washington St. #1425
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 977-0100