Experienced Attorney Serving Families Throughout Cook County
Do you have a loved one living in an Illinois nursing home? Does it seem like every time you see them, they have new and unexplained injuries? Are you worried about their deteriorating condition? If so, your loved one may be experiencing abuse or neglect as a result of understaffing in their nursing home. At Fotopoulos Law Office, we proudly represent nursing home residents and their families, helping them pursue compensation from negligent facilities. We can help you recognize the signs of nursing home abuse and neglect and determine what options you may have to hold the parties responsible for your loved one’s condition accountable for their actions.
The Link Between Understaffing in Nursing Homes and the Abuse and Neglect of Residents
The mistreatment of nursing home residents is not a new problem. However, in recent years, instances of nursing home neglect and nursing home abuse have skyrocketed. This is due in large part to industry-wide staffing shortages that were initially brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, even though several years have passed since the onset of the pandemic, many nursing homes still lack the staff necessary to care for their residents. By some estimates, nearly 90 percent of nursing homes have experienced understaffing problems.
While understaffing is not the only cause of nursing home neglect and abuse, it is one of the major issues that can affect the health and safety of residents. When a facility is understaffed, the remaining nurses and employees have to pick up the slack as much as they can. Inevitably, this means less time spent with patients, an increased likelihood of mistakes, and a greater chance that staff members will fail to notice pressing health concerns that may affect residents. Of course, nursing homes could stop accepting new residents until staffing ratios improve; however, that would have a negative impact on a facility’s bottom line. As a result, many nursing homes continue to accept new residents despite not having enough staff to care for the residents they already have.
Not only is nursing home understaffing a problem because it means there are fewer workers to care for residents, but those workers who remain are tasked with an incredibly difficult job. The truth is, the vast majority of nursing home workers are caring people who accepted a job at a nursing home because they enjoy caring for others. However, when the duties of the job become impossible to perform given the decisions of a facility’s management, staff members can face increased levels of stress and frustration. Sadly, this frustration is often taken out on nursing home residents.
Simply put, nursing home staff members are often spread too thin. Because of this, they are not able to provide the care residents need, and they are more likely to engage in abusive conduct.
Is a Nursing Home Liable for Abuse or Neglect Due to Understaffing?
The fact that a nursing home is experiencing a staffing shortage is not an excuse to provide inadequate care and supervision of residents. Thus, if a resident suffers serious injury or death because there were not enough staff members, the nursing home may be held liable through a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. However, these claims are not necessarily as straightforward as they may appear to be, as nursing homes have teams of lawyers ready to jump to their defense. Families who are considering a nursing home abuse or neglect lawsuit should consult with a Cook County nursing home lawyer for assistance.
Contact Our Orland Park Nursing Home Negligence Lawyer for Understaffing
Understaffing in nursing homes is rampant, and the harm this issue can cause to residents is very real. If your loved one is living in a Cook County or Will County nursing home, and you have noticed signs of abuse or neglect, you may be able to pursue financial compensation. At Fotopoulos Law Office, we have more than 20 years of experience in personal injury cases, and we can investigate, negotiate, and litigate claims against nursing homes across Illinois. To learn more and to schedule a free consultation with an Illinois nursing home neglect and abuse lawyer, reach out to us at 708-942-8400.
