Posted On: May 18, 2007 by Steven J. Malman

Chicago Nursing Home Resident Wins Big Settlement After Falling Out Of Bed

We recently forced a Chicago nursing home to settle a case for severely neglecting an elderly resident. The case involved a nursing home resident who was placed in a bed with out siderails. Our client fell out of the bed and came to rest on an iron block heater. As a result, he sustained a severe leg burn causing ulcers to develop. Eventually, the residents legs were amputated.

All nursing home residents have the right to be free from abuse and neglect. At Malman Law , we concentrate in protecting those rights. Today there are over 65 million peple in the United States over the age of 65. According to best estimates, between 1 and 2 million of these elders have been abused or neglected.

Unfortunately, most residents are never informed that they may have rights concerning falls, fractures and bed sores. It is important to exercise those rights since a nursing home will not inform you, or your family, of the right to pursue a claim against them.

There is no requirement that a nursing home inform a resident of neglect. We believe that when a nursing home becomes aware of neglect, the staff should have the obligation to inform the resident and family of their rights. Moreover, the State should be informed of the neglect and allowed to investigate any allegations by the resident or family.

In this case, we forced the nurses and staff to step forward and admit their neglect. If you or a loved one are in a nursing home you have an obligation to protect and pursue your rights. The protection of the elderly is of paramount importance at Malman Law and we will continue to fight for their rights.