A nursing home is a facility that provides skilled nursing care and related services for residents who require medical or nursing care; rehabilitation services for injured, disabled, or sick persons; and health-related care and services, above the level of room and board, that can be made available only through institutional facilities. The Federal Nursing Home Reform Amendments of 1987, and corresponding state laws, protect residents in nearly all nursing facilities. Federal law requires that nursing homes meet strong basic standards for the quality of life of each resident and for the provision of services and activities. In addition, the Illinois Nursing Home Care Act provides a basis for the prosecution of cases against nursing homes that abuse or neglect residents. It also provides for the award of attorney fees against nursing homes who violate the law, making it economically feasible to prosecute such claims even when the injuries sustainedare not catastrophic.

We have successfully prosecuted cases involving decubitus ulcers (bedsores, pressure sores and infections), malnutrition, physical, emotional and psychological abuse and neglect (including assault and battery), falls, dislocations, fractures, inadequate or negligent training and supervision, medical errors, and inappropriate physical or chemical restraints.